Published by ChinaMNC · Jinjiang

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Jinjiang, Sichuan, covering the key documents, registration steps and typical timeline for foreign-invested enterprises.

Why Jinjiang, Sichuan?

Jinjiang District in Chengdu, Sichuan, is a commercial and cultural hub with a growing startup ecosystem. For foreign founders, setting up a company here means navigating China's foreign investment framework. This article outlines the documents, steps and timeline for registering a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) in Jinjiang, based on current public regulations and common practice. It is not legal advice.

Key Documents You Will Need

The exact requirements can vary depending on business scope and entity type, but the following are typically required for a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE) or joint venture in Jinjiang.

1. Investor Documents

• Certificate of incorporation of the foreign parent company, notarized and legalized (or apostilled under the Hague Convention, if applicable).
• Articles of association of the foreign parent.
• Passport copies of legal representatives and directors.
• Bank reference letter for the foreign investor (sometimes requested).
• Audited financial statements of the foreign parent for the past year (for certain industries).

2. Company Formation Documents

• Company name in Chinese (and English, if desired) – must be checked for availability.
• Registered address proof in Jinjiang – typically a lease agreement and property certificate.
• Articles of association for the new China entity.
• Business scope – must be clearly defined and comply with the Negative List for foreign investment.
• Registered capital and capital contribution schedule.
• Appointment documents for legal representative, supervisors and managers.

3. Additional Documents

• Foreign investment information report (filed online after registration).
• Commitment letter on compliance with China's laws (varies by local authority).
• Power of attorney if a local agent handles the process.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

The process involves several government departments. While some steps can be done in parallel, the sequence below reflects a typical workflow.

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit proposed company names to the Jinjiang District Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) for pre-approval. This can often be done online via the Sichuan Provincial Government Service Platform. Choose a name that is unique and complies with naming rules. This step usually takes 1–3 business days.

Step 2: Prepare and Notarize Documents

While the name is being approved, prepare the investor documents. Notarization and legalization (or apostille) of the parent company's certificate of incorporation and articles can take several weeks, depending on your home country. Start this early.

Step 3: File for Business License

Submit the application package to the Jinjiang AMR. This includes the name approval notice, articles of association, address proof, investor documents, and appointment documents. If the business scope includes restricted sectors, additional approval from the Commerce Bureau may be needed. The statutory processing time is typically 5–10 business days, but it can be longer if documents need correction.

Step 4: Obtain the Business License

Once approved, you receive the business license (formerly known as the "five-in-one" license). This is the key document that allows the company to operate.

Step 5: Make the Company Seal

Order the official company seals (chop) from a designated seal-making shop. This typically includes the company seal, legal representative seal, finance seal, and invoice seal. Allow 1–3 business days.

Step 6: Open a Bank Account

Open a RMB basic account and a foreign currency capital account at a bank in Jinjiang. The bank will require the business license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes proof of address. Processing time varies by bank, often 1–2 weeks.

Step 7: Tax Registration and Invoicing

Register with the tax authority (now often integrated with the business license) and apply for invoice issuance. You may need to visit the local tax office for initial setup. This can take 3–5 business days.

Step 8: Foreign Investment Information Report

File the foreign investment information report through the Ministry of Commerce's online system. This is usually done within 30 days of obtaining the business license.

Step 9: Social Security and Housing Fund Registration

If you plan to hire employees, register with the social security and housing fund authorities. This is typically done after the company is operational.

Typical Timeline

The overall timeline depends on how quickly you can prepare and legalize documents, and on government processing times. Below is a realistic estimate.

• Name pre-approval: 1–3 business days.
• Document notarization and legalization: 2–6 weeks (varies by country).
• Business license application: 5–10 business days (if documents are complete).
• Seal making: 1–3 business days.
• Bank account opening: 1–2 weeks.
• Tax registration: 3–5 business days.

In total, from the moment you start preparing documents to having a fully operational company, plan for 6–10 weeks. If you need sector-specific approvals, add more time.

Practical Tips for Jinjiang

• Engage a local agent: A reputable local agency can help navigate paperwork and save time.
• Check the Negative List: Ensure your business scope is not restricted for foreign investment.
• Registered address: Jinjiang requires a real office address for registration; virtual addresses may not be accepted for certain business scopes.
• Language: All documents submitted to authorities must be in Chinese; translations may need to be notarized.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulations and procedures may change. Consult a qualified professional or the relevant Chinese authorities for advice specific to your situation. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.