Hey folks! I do business in the region and I've decided to try making my home base in Kunming. I've been here for months scoping out the area and attending language school. Now, I'm starting to work on the details of actually setting up an office.

I haven't made a final decision on the type of place to rent. I'm going to be spending a lot of time working each day, so home and office need to be close to each other. In fact, many people here have told me that its not unusual to have a live-in office. (I'm assuming there's no issue with having a home office, either.) It will depend a lot upon what's out there.

I don't need a lot of space for my business. Just a couple of rooms (or, one very large room) with a private bathroom (with a Western toilet). I'd prefer a large building with suite-type offices.

I am totally new to the commercial real estate situation in Kunming. I have no idea what anything costs, or by what terms they operate.

Folks, I'd appreciate any guidance you have.

Thanks! - S

The response depends on what kind of business you intend to setup - language school or some other professional market. Most people setup new business ventures with inadequate analysis of the market - aka they don't have pre-sales - so you'll definitely want to "fly under the radar" unofficially until you can gain sales traction - but again - that depends on what kind of business you intend to setup. Once you gain sales traction - THEN invest in formalizing your business venture.

Finally - I'd highly recommend looking for an office or soho share, if that's possible. Sharing resources, networking - multiple benefits while lowering your initial operating costs.

Thanks Laotou. I appreciate the sound business advice, but my situation is a bit different than that which you described.

I've had my business for 12 years, outside China and I already have existing business. So, revenue isn't an issue. Nor, do I have the need have a large public visibility, large size, or retail capability.

My business needs are rather modest, in terms of office space. I do consulting and engineering design. I essentially need a place to set up my computers, lay out my work, meet with an occasional customer, and securely lock-up my property. I will be the only employee there.

A small office, in a quiet corner of an existing building would be fine, but I'm not opposed to sharing an office. The only limit there is security and privacy. I would need to be able to secure my area and have private communications. (A lockable office would work fine for this.)

Thanks Laotou. I appreciate the sound business advice, but my situation is a bit different than that which you described.

I've had my business for 12 years, outside China and I already have existing business. So, revenue isn't an issue. Nor, do I have the need have a large public visibility, large size, or retail capability.

My business needs are rather modest, in terms of office space. I do consulting and engineering design. I essentially need a place to set up my computers, lay out my work, meet with an occasional customer, and securely lock-up my property. I will be the only employee there.

A small office, in a quiet corner of an existing building would be fine, but I'm not opposed to sharing an office. The only limit there is security and privacy. I would need to be able to secure my area and have private communications. (A lockable office would work fine for this.)

Please see my GOKM ad for office space to share. I have been here for 10 years. We can help you in Kunming with experience. I am also hiring staff to help me.

If you are just working you can fly below the radar. It does not matter where you live.
If you want to set up a company you should think about SOHO (small office home office). SOHO is a special designation and is considered as commercial property, but also allows you live there.

There are regulations in China that aim stop NEW companies registering at residential addresses. SOHO will allow you to register a company at that address. Most SOHO units are smaller, some as small as 30sqm. For this you get two rooms and a bathroom, but rents can be very cheap. SOHO are usually already wired for internet and phone. SOHO are recently built, modern, and in accessible locations. You also have the advantage that you are effectivley working from home, but still have an office to meet clients.
The downside of SOHO is that you are paying commercial rates for utilities, and these are slightly higher than domestic rates.

If you have a phsical presence in an office, that is more professional when meeting clients. However, there is a pressure to go into the office with the commuting that goes with it.