Published by ChinaMNC · Wuyi

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Wuyi, Zhejiang, covering required documents, registration steps, and a realistic timeline.

Why Wuyi, Zhejiang?

Wuyi County, located in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, is known for its manufacturing base, particularly in hardware, power tools, and outdoor leisure products. For foreign founders, Wuyi offers a lower-cost alternative to first-tier cities while still providing access to Zhejiang’s strong supply chain and logistics networks. This guide outlines the documents, steps, and timeline for registering a company in Wuyi, based on standard Chinese company law and common practice.

Choosing the Right Entity Type

Most foreign founders choose a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or a Joint Venture (JV). A WFOE is a limited liability company owned entirely by foreign investors, which allows for full control and is suitable for manufacturing, trading, or consulting. A JV involves a Chinese partner and may be required in restricted sectors. For Wuyi’s manufacturing focus, a WFOE is common. Note that some industries are on the Negative List and require special approval. Always confirm your business scope against the latest Catalogue of Industries for Foreign Investment.

Key Documents Required

Before starting, prepare the following documents. All foreign documents typically need notarization and legalization (or apostille under the Hague Convention) and Chinese translation.

• Investor documents: For a company investor, include certificate of incorporation, articles of association, and board resolution. For an individual investor, a passport copy. These must be notarized and legalized.
• Legal representative documents: Passport copy, resume, and a recent photo. The legal representative can be a foreigner or Chinese national.
• Registered address proof: A lease agreement and property ownership certificate for your Wuyi office or factory. If you don’t have a physical address, some industrial parks offer virtual registration addresses, but confirm suitability for your business scope.
• Articles of Association (AoA): Drafted according to Chinese company law, specifying capital, governance, and profit distribution.
• Project proposal and feasibility study: Often required for manufacturing projects, outlining investment amount, products, and environmental impact.
• Name pre-approval application: Proposed company name in Chinese, with alternatives.
• Business scope description: Clearly define activities; some require pre-approval (e.g., food, logistics).

Additional documents may be requested by the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) or Commerce Bureau, especially for manufacturing. Keep digital and physical copies ready.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit a proposed company name to the Wuyi AMR. Names must be unique and follow Chinese naming rules. This can be done online via the Zhejiang Government Service Network. Timeline: 1–3 business days. Once approved, the name is reserved for a limited period (typically 6 months).

Step 2: Draft and Submit Registration Documents

Prepare the AoA, investor documents, and address proof. For foreign investors, the notarized and legalized documents must be submitted. The AMR reviews for completeness. This stage may take 5–10 business days if documents are in order. Common delays occur due to translation errors or missing legalization.

Step 3: Obtain Business License

After approval, the AMR issues the business license (now often a single “five-in-one” license). This is the legal birth of your company. You can collect it in person or receive it by mail. Timeline: 1–3 business days after approval.

Step 4: Company Seal Carving

Order official seals: company seal, legal representative seal, financial seal, invoice seal, and contract seal. These are required for bank accounts and contracts. Use a licensed seal-making shop. Timeline: 1–2 business days.

Step 5: Bank Account Opening

Open a basic RMB account and a foreign currency capital account. Banks require the business license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes a physical office inspection. Choose a bank with good foreign exchange services. Timeline: 5–15 business days, depending on bank due diligence.

Step 6: Tax Registration and Invoicing

Register with the tax authority, obtain a taxpayer identification number, and apply for invoice issuance. You may need to choose between small-scale and general taxpayer status. Timeline: 3–5 business days.

Step 7: Foreign Exchange and Capital Injection

If you have foreign capital, register the foreign investment with the local Commerce Bureau and SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) via the bank. Then inject capital into the foreign currency account. This step is critical for later profit repatriation. Timeline: varies; allow 1–2 weeks for registration and transfer.

Step 8: Post-Registration Filings

Complete social insurance and housing fund registration, and customs registration if applicable. Also, if manufacturing, obtain environmental assessment and fire safety approvals. Timeline: 1–4 weeks depending on sector.

Realistic Timeline Overview

Assuming all documents are prepared and legalized in advance, the core registration (steps 1–4) can take 2–4 weeks. Bank account opening and tax registration add another 2–3 weeks. Capital injection and special approvals can extend the total to 6–10 weeks. For manufacturing projects requiring environmental permits, add 1–3 months. Delays often stem from document legalization, address verification, or sector-specific approvals.

Key Considerations for Wuyi

• Local incentives: Wuyi offers various industrial policies, but eligibility depends on investment scale and sector. Consult the local investment promotion bureau for details.
• Registered address: Ensure your lease is properly stamped and registered with the housing authority. Some parks provide one-stop services.
• Language: All official documents must be in Chinese. Use a certified translator.
• Compliance: After registration, maintain proper accounting and annual reporting to avoid penalties.

This guide provides a general framework. Requirements can change, and local practices vary. Always verify with the Wuyi Administration for Market Regulation, Commerce Bureau, and a qualified local advisor before proceeding.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Company registration procedures and document requirements are subject to change. You should consult with qualified professionals and local authorities for advice specific to your situation.