Published by ChinaMNC · Jingyang

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Jingyang, Sichuan, covering required documents, the registration process, and typical timelines.

Why Jingyang, Sichuan?

Jingyang is a district in Deyang City, Sichuan Province. It offers a lower-cost environment compared to first-tier cities while still providing access to Chengdu's economic zone. For founders considering China incorporation, understanding the local registration requirements is essential. This guide outlines the documents, steps, and timeline for registering a company in Jingyang, based on general Chinese company law and local administrative practices.

Key Documents Required

Before starting the registration process, prepare the following documents. Requirements may vary slightly depending on business scope and company type, so always confirm with local authorities.

• Company name pre-approval: Submit 3-5 proposed Chinese names (with English translations if needed) to the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR). Names must follow Chinese naming conventions and not conflict with existing businesses.
• Articles of Association: A legal document outlining the company's structure, governance, and operations. It must be signed by all shareholders.
• Shareholder identification: For foreign investors, a notarized and apostilled copy of the passport or corporate documents. For Chinese shareholders, ID cards.
• Legal representative appointment: A resolution appointing the legal representative, along with their ID and contact details.
• Registered address proof: A lease agreement or property ownership certificate for the office in Jingyang. Virtual addresses may be accepted in some cases but check local rules.
• Business scope description: A clear statement of intended business activities, written in Chinese. Some activities require pre-approval.
• Capital contribution plan: Details of registered capital, shareholder contributions, and timeline. China follows a subscribed capital system, but some industries have minimum requirements.
• Supervisor and executive appointments: Names and IDs of the supervisor (cannot be the legal representative) and other key personnel.

For foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), additional documents may include: proof of foreign investor's existence (notarized), credit report, and if applicable, approval from the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) for negative list industries. Since 2020, most FIEs only need to file an information report through the Enterprise Registration System.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-approval

Submit proposed names to the Jingyang AMR. This can be done online via the Sichuan Provincial Government Service Platform. Approval typically takes 1-3 working days. Once approved, the name is reserved for a limited period (usually 6 months).

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Registration Materials

Compile all required documents. For FIEs, ensure foreign documents are notarized and apostilled (or legalized if not under the Apostille Convention). Submit the application package to the Jingyang AMR. This can be done in person or via an authorized agent. Online submission is increasingly common.

Step 3: Obtain Business License

After review, the AMR issues the business license. This is the key document confirming the company's legal existence. Processing time is typically 3-5 working days if materials are complete.

Step 4: Post-Registration Filings

Within 30 days of obtaining the license, complete the following:

• Tax registration: Register with the local tax authority and obtain a unified social credit code (now included on the business license).
• Bank account opening: Open a RMB basic account and, if needed, a foreign currency account. Banks require the business license, seals, and legal representative ID.
• Customs registration: If engaging in import/export, register with customs.
• Social insurance and housing fund registration: Required for hiring employees.
• Foreign exchange registration: For FIEs, register with SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) for capital account transactions.

Step 5: Carve Seals and Begin Operations

Company seals (official seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal) must be carved at authorized shops and registered with the police. After that, the company can start operations, hire staff, and issue invoices.

Typical Timeline

The entire process, from name pre-approval to business license, usually takes 2-4 weeks for a straightforward domestic company. For FIEs, allow 4-8 weeks due to notarization and additional reviews. Post-registration filings (bank account, tax) may add another 1-2 weeks. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or require translation and notarization.

Note that timelines are indicative and depend on government processing times, completeness of documents, and business scope. Local policies in Jingyang may offer streamlined procedures for certain industries.

Practical Tips for Founders

• Engage a local agent: A registered agent or law firm in Sichuan can help navigate language and procedural hurdles.
• Verify address requirements: Confirm whether your chosen address in Jingyang meets zoning and fire safety rules for your business.
• Understand capital rules: Although minimum capital is generally abolished, some sectors (e.g., logistics, education) have specific requirements. Check the Negative List for FIEs.
• Plan for translations: All foreign documents must be translated into Chinese by a certified translator.
• Keep digital copies: Maintain scanned copies of all submissions for future reference.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulations and procedures can change. Always consult with qualified professionals and local authorities in Jingyang, Sichuan, before proceeding with company registration. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.