Published by ChinaMNC · She

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in She County, Anhui, covering required documents, registration steps, and expected timelines under China's Foreign Investment Law and company regulations.

Why She County, Anhui?

She County (歙县) in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, is known for its cultural heritage and growing industrial parks. While not a tier-1 city, it offers lower operating costs and local government support for certain industries. However, foreign founders must follow the same national registration framework as elsewhere in China. This article outlines the documents, steps, and timeline for registering a company in She County, based on current regulations. Always verify details with local authorities or a qualified advisor before proceeding.

Key Legal Framework

Company registration in China is governed by the Foreign Investment Law (FIL) effective 2020, the Company Law (revised 2023, effective July 2024), and the Market Entity Registration Regulation. Foreign investors typically establish a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or a Joint Venture (JV). For most founders, a WFOE is the preferred structure for full control. The registration authority is the She County Market Supervision Administration (MSA), with additional approvals depending on business scope.

Documents Required

The following documents are generally required for a WFOE in She County. Requirements may vary by business scope and investor nationality.

1. Investor Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation for corporate investors, notarized and legalized (or apostilled under the Hague Convention if applicable).
• Passport copy for individual investors, notarized.
• Bank reference letter or proof of funds (often requested, though not always mandatory).
• Board resolution authorizing the investment (for corporate investors).

2. Company Formation Documents

• Articles of Association (draft in Chinese, aligned with Company Law).
• Name pre-approval application (can be submitted online via the MSA system).
• Legal representative appointment letter and ID copy.
• Registered address proof — lease agreement or property ownership certificate for premises in She County. Virtual addresses may be acceptable in some parks, but confirm with local authorities.
• Business scope description (must comply with the Negative List for foreign investment; most manufacturing and service sectors are permitted).

3. Post-Establishment Filings

• Foreign Investment Information Report (via the Ministry of Commerce system).
• Tax registration and bank account opening documents.
• Customs registration if engaging in import/export.

All foreign-language documents must be translated into Chinese and notarized/legalized. The consular legalization process can take several weeks.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit 3–5 proposed company names to the She County MSA online. Approval typically takes 1–3 business days. Names must follow format: City + Trade Name + Industry + Company Type (e.g., Huangshan [Trade Name] Technology Co., Ltd.).

Step 2: Prepare and Notarize Documents

Investor documents must be notarized in the home country and legalized by the Chinese embassy/consulate (or apostilled if the home country is a Hague Convention member). This step can take 2–6 weeks depending on jurisdiction.

Step 3: Submit Registration Application

File the complete package with the She County MSA. The application includes articles of association, investor documents, address proof, and legal representative details. Online submission is available via the Anhui Provincial Government Service Platform.

Step 4: Obtain Business License

Upon approval, the MSA issues the Business License (营业执照), typically within 3–7 business days after a complete submission. The license includes the unified social credit code.

Step 5: Carve Seals and Open Bank Account

Company seals (official seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal) must be carved at a licensed seal-making shop. Then open a RMB basic account at a bank in She County. Bank due diligence may take 1–2 weeks.

Step 6: Tax and Social Insurance Registration

Register with the tax authority within 30 days of license issuance. Also register for social insurance and housing fund if hiring employees. The tax bureau will determine taxpayer status (general or small-scale).

Step 7: Foreign Investment Information Report

File the initial report through the Ministry of Commerce's Foreign Investment Information Management system. This is required within 30 days of establishment.

Step 8: Post-Registration Filings (if applicable)

For sectors like food, education, or logistics, additional permits may be needed. Customs registration is required for import/export activities.

Timeline Overview

The total timeline depends heavily on document preparation and investor location. A realistic estimate for She County:

• Document notarization and legalization: 2–6 weeks (outside China).
• Name pre-approval: 1–3 business days.
• MSA registration: 3–7 business days after complete submission.
• Seal carving and bank account: 1–2 weeks.
• Tax and social insurance registration: 1 week.
• Total: Typically 6–10 weeks from start to operational, assuming no delays in document legalization.

Note: The timeline excludes sector-specific licenses, which can add weeks or months.

Practical Considerations for She County

• Registered address: Industrial parks in She County may offer address registration services. Confirm with the park management or local MSA.
• Language: All filings are in Chinese. Engage a local translator or advisor.
• Capital contribution: Under the revised Company Law, shareholders must contribute capital within 5 years of establishment (specific rules apply). Plan your capital injection accordingly.
• Local incentives: She County may offer incentives for certain industries, but verify directly with the She County Investment Promotion Bureau. No guarantees are implied.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulations and procedures change frequently. The author makes no representations as to accuracy or completeness. Founders should consult a qualified professional and verify all requirements with the She County Market Supervision Administration and other relevant authorities before taking action.