Published by ChinaMNC · Jianyang

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Jianyang, Sichuan, covering required documents, registration steps, and typical timelines under China's Foreign Investment Law.

Why Jianyang, Sichuan?

Jianyang is a county-level city administered by Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It sits within the Chengdu metropolitan area and is connected by highway and rail links to Chengdu's urban core. For foreign founders, Jianyang offers access to a large regional market and local industrial parks, though the registration process follows national and provincial rules rather than a separate local regime. This guide outlines the documents, steps, and timeline for setting up a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) in Jianyang, based on China's Foreign Investment Law and standard market entity registration procedures.

Legal Framework and Entity Types

Foreign investment in China is governed by the Foreign Investment Law (effective January 1, 2020) and the Implementing Regulations. The negative list determines whether a sector is prohibited, restricted, or encouraged for foreign investment. Most manufacturing, trading, and service activities outside the negative list allow 100% foreign ownership.

Common entity types for founders include:

• Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) – a limited liability company wholly owned by foreign investors, suitable for most business activities.
• Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Venture (EJV) – a limited liability company with both foreign and Chinese shareholders.
• Branch of a foreign company – not a separate legal entity; less common for new market entry.

Most founders choose a WFOE for control and flexibility. The registered capital should be realistic and sufficient for planned operations; there is no universal minimum for most sectors, but specific industries may have capital requirements.

Key Documents Required

The exact list can vary by district and business scope, but the following are typically required for a WFOE in Jianyang:

Investor and Legal Representative Documents

• Notarized and apostilled (or consular legalized) certificate of incorporation of the foreign parent company, with a Chinese translation.
• Passport copies of the legal representative and directors, supervisors, and managers.
• Proof of address for the foreign investor (e.g., utility bill or bank statement).
• If the investor is an individual, notarized passport copy and proof of address.

Corporate Formation Documents

• Articles of Association (AoA) signed by the investor.
• Name pre-approval application (company name in Chinese, with English translation).
• Registered address lease agreement and property ownership certificate for the Jianyang office.
• Appointment documents for legal representative, directors, supervisors, and general manager.
• Capital contribution plan and business scope description.

Post-Establishment Registrations

• Bank account opening documents (basic deposit account).
• Tax registration and invoice application.
• Foreign exchange registration.
• Social insurance and housing fund registration if hiring employees.

Documents executed outside China generally require notarization and apostille (for Hague Apostille Convention members) or consular legalization. Chinese translations must be prepared by a qualified translation agency and may need to be stamped.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit proposed Chinese company names to the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) in Jianyang. Names must follow Chinese naming rules and avoid restricted words. This can often be done online through the Sichuan provincial government service portal. Timeline: 1–3 business days.

Step 2: Prepare and Notarize Documents

Gather investor documents, arrange notarization and apostille/legalization in the home country, and prepare Chinese translations. This step is often the longest due to overseas processing. Timeline: 2–6 weeks depending on jurisdiction.

Step 3: File with the AMR

Submit the complete application package to the Jianyang AMR. Since 2020, foreign investment information reporting is integrated into the AMR registration process for most entities; a separate filing with the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) system may still be required within 30 days of establishment. Required materials include the AoA, investor documents, address proof, and appointment documents. Timeline: 3–10 business days if documents are complete.

Step 4: Obtain Business License

Upon approval, the AMR issues the business license (unified social credit code). This is the legal birth of the company. The license includes the company name, legal representative, registered capital, business scope, and address.

Step 5: Carve Seals

Order the company seal, legal representative seal, financial seal, invoice seal, and contract seal from a licensed seal maker. Seals are required for bank and tax procedures. Timeline: 1–3 business days.

Step 6: Open Bank Account

Open a basic deposit account at a Chinese bank. The bank will verify the business license, seals, and legal representative's identity. A foreign exchange account may also be opened for capital contributions. Timeline: 3–10 business days.

Step 7: Tax and Customs Registration

Register with the tax authority, sign a tripartite agreement for tax withholding, and apply for invoices. If importing/exporting, register with customs and obtain an e-port card. Timeline: 3–7 business days.

Step 8: Foreign Exchange and Capital Contribution

Register the foreign exchange account with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) system (often handled by the bank). Inject registered capital according to the AoA and complete capital verification if required. Timeline: depends on capital transfer.

Step 9: Social Insurance and Housing Fund

If hiring employees, register with the local social insurance and housing fund authorities. Timeline: 1–3 business days.

Typical Timeline Overview

• Name pre-approval: 1–3 business days
• Document notarization and apostille: 2–6 weeks (overseas)
• AMR filing and business license: 3–10 business days
• Seals, bank account, tax registration: 1–3 weeks
• Total estimated time: 4–10 weeks from start to operational status, assuming documents are prepared correctly and no additional sector approvals are required.

If the business scope involves restricted sectors under the negative list, additional approvals from the relevant regulator (e.g., education, healthcare, logistics) may extend the timeline significantly.

Practical Considerations for Jianyang

Local government service centers in Jianyang and Chengdu have streamlined many registration steps, and online submission is increasingly common. However, foreign investment registration still requires careful document preparation. Founders should confirm the registered address meets local requirements for their business scope; virtual addresses may be acceptable for some service activities but not for manufacturing or food-related businesses. Engaging a local registered agent or law firm can help navigate district-level practices and translation requirements.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Requirements, timelines, and procedures may change and vary by district and business activity. Founders should consult qualified professionals and verify current requirements with the Jianyang Administration for Market Regulation and other relevant authorities before proceeding.