Published by ChinaMNC · He

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in He, Anhui, China, covering required documents, registration steps, and estimated timeline.

Why He, Anhui?

He County (He) is located in Anhui Province, within the Yangtze River Delta economic zone. It offers a lower cost base than first-tier cities while benefiting from improving infrastructure and access to nearby markets like Nanjing and Hefei. For founders considering manufacturing, logistics, or consumer services, He can be an attractive entry point. However, company registration in China follows a standardized national process, with local variations in execution. This article outlines the documents, steps, and timeline for registering a company in He, Anhui, based on general practice. Always verify current requirements with local authorities or a qualified professional.

Types of Business Entities

Foreign founders typically choose between a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) and a Joint Venture (JV). A WFOE is a limited liability company owned entirely by foreign investors, offering full control. A JV involves a Chinese partner and may be required in restricted industries. For most service and trading businesses, a WFOE is the preferred structure. The registration process below assumes a WFOE, but many steps apply to JVs as well.

Required Documents

The exact document list can vary by industry and local authority, but the following are commonly required for a WFOE in He, Anhui:

• Investor documents: For corporate investors, notarized and apostilled (or consular legalized) certificate of incorporation, articles of association, and board resolution. For individual investors, notarized passport copy.
• Legal representative documents: Passport copy, resume, and a photograph.
• Company name: At least three proposed names in Chinese, following the format: Hezhou (or Anhui) + Brand + Industry + Company Limited.
• Registered address proof: Lease agreement and property ownership certificate for the office in He. Virtual offices may not be accepted for certain industries.
• Articles of association: Signed by all investors.
• Business scope: A clear description of planned activities, using standard wording from the Negative List.
• Capital contribution plan: Details of registered capital, contribution schedule, and method.
• Foreign investment information report: Filed through the online system after obtaining the business license.

All foreign-language documents must be translated into Chinese and notarized. The notarization and legalization process can take several weeks, so start early.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Name Pre-approval

Submit proposed company names to the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) in He. This can be done online through the Anhui Provincial Government Service Network or in person. Name approval typically takes 1-3 business days. If rejected, you can submit alternatives.

2. Prepare and Notarize Documents

While waiting for name approval, gather and notarize investor documents. For foreign investors, this involves notarization in the home country and legalization by the Chinese embassy or consulate, or apostille if applicable under the Hague Convention. This step can take 2-4 weeks.

3. Submit Registration Application

Once the name is approved and documents are ready, submit the complete application package to the He AMR. This includes the application form, articles of association, investor documents, legal representative information, and address proof. The AMR reviews the application for completeness and compliance. This stage typically takes 5-10 business days.

4. Obtain Business License

Upon approval, you receive the business license (营业执照), which is the official proof of company establishment. The license contains the company name, registration number, legal representative, registered capital, and business scope.

5. Carve Seals

After getting the business license, have the official company seals carved at a designated seal-making shop. Required seals include the company seal, legal representative seal, financial seal, and invoice seal. This usually takes 1-2 business days.

6. Bank Account Opening

Open a corporate bank account with a bank in He. You will need the business license, seals, legal representative ID, and address proof. Bank account opening can take 1-2 weeks, depending on the bank's due diligence. Note that foreign exchange capital account opening may require additional approvals.

7. Tax Registration

Register with the local tax authority within 30 days of obtaining the business license. This involves submitting the business license, legal representative ID, and bank account information. You will also need to determine the taxpayer status (small-scale or general VAT taxpayer).

8. Foreign Investment Information Report

File the foreign investment information report through the Ministry of Commerce's online system. This is required for all foreign-invested enterprises and must be completed after obtaining the business license.

9. Post-Registration Filings

Depending on the industry, additional filings may be required, such as with the Customs for import/export, or with the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau for social insurance registration. These should be completed within 30 days of establishment.

Estimated Timeline

The entire process, from document preparation to full operation, typically takes 2 to 3 months. Here is a breakdown:

• Name pre-approval: 1-3 business days
• Document notarization and legalization: 2-4 weeks
• Registration application review: 5-10 business days
• Business license issuance: 1-2 business days after approval
• Seal carving: 1-2 business days
• Bank account opening: 1-2 weeks
• Tax registration: 1 week
• Foreign investment report: 1 week

These timelines are indicative and can vary based on document readiness, local authority workload, and industry-specific requirements. Delays are common if documents are incomplete or require re-submission.

Key Considerations

• Registered capital: While China has moved to a subscription system, some industries have minimum capital requirements. Ensure your capital plan aligns with business needs and local rules.
• Business scope: Be precise; some activities require pre-approval (e.g., food, education). Check the Negative List for restricted industries.
• Address requirements: The registered address must be a commercial property. Residential addresses are generally not allowed for company registration.
• Ongoing compliance: After registration, maintain proper accounting, file annual reports, and comply with tax and labor laws.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. The requirements and procedures for company registration in China can change and may vary by locality and industry. Founders should consult with qualified professionals and verify current requirements with the He County Administration for Market Regulation and other relevant authorities before proceeding. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information presented.