Decision guide
DIY or hire help? Shanghai subsidy applications compared
Most foreign-invested SMEs in Shanghai can research subsidies themselves. The question is whether the time and the risk of missing a window are worth more than a fixed-price memo.
What DIY actually involves
- Checking nine government sites in Chinese, daily
- Reading the annual notice and translating the requirements
- Mapping requirements to your entity, IP and financials
- Assembling documents that reconcile with the audit
- Re-checking deadlines, supplements and district top-ups
Realistically: 2–5 working days for a first programme, more if documents are messy.
What a memo gives you
- Programmes ranked by fit and deadline
- Eligibility gaps stated plainly
- Document checklist mapped to the notice
- Links to the official Chinese source for every claim
- A 90-day action plan
Cost and time
| DIY | Eligibility memo | |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | Free (your team's time) | $50–$300 |
| Time | 2–5 days per programme | 2–7 business days, done for you |
| Risk | Missed windows, misread requirements | Gaps flagged before you apply |
| Best for | Teams with Chinese-speaking staff and spare capacity | Lean teams, tight deadlines, first-time applicants |
A sensible middle path
Start with the free checklist and 30-second self-check. If one or two programmes look relevant and the deadline is close, buy the Basic memo for that single programme. Escalate only if you decide to apply.
Free 2026 checklist Eligibility memo from $50
Information only; not legal, tax or investment advice. We do not submit applications or guarantee outcomes.