Published by ChinaMNC · Guanghan

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Guanghan, Sichuan, covering the required documents, registration steps, and expected timeline under China's current company law framework.

Why Guanghan, Sichuan?

Guanghan is a county-level city in Sichuan Province, located in the Chengdu Plain and part of the Chengdu metropolitan area. It offers lower operating costs than central Chengdu while remaining connected by road and rail. For founders considering a manufacturing, logistics, or consumer-facing business, Guanghan can be an attractive base. However, company registration procedures are largely standardized across China, so the process described here applies broadly, with local specifics noted where relevant.

Key Documents You Will Need

The exact document list depends on your business scope and entity type, but the following are commonly required for a limited liability company (LLC), the most common vehicle for foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs).

1. Investor and Legal Representative Documents

• Passport copies of all foreign investors and the proposed legal representative (notarized and, where required, apostilled or legalized).
• Proof of address for the legal representative (e.g., utility bill or bank statement).
• Board resolution or shareholder resolution appointing directors, supervisor, and legal representative.
• Power of attorney if a local agent handles the filing.

2. Company Information

• Proposed company names (3–5 alternatives in Chinese, following naming conventions).
• Registered address in Guanghan (lease contract and property ownership certificate).
• Business scope (written in Chinese, aligned with the Negative List for foreign investment).
• Registered capital and shareholder contribution schedule.
• Articles of association (can be based on a standard template).

3. Foreign Investment Specifics

• Foreign Investment Information Report filed through the enterprise registration system (not a separate approval for most sectors).
• Ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) disclosure as part of the registration.
• Notarization and legalization of foreign investor documents: usually notarized in the home country, then apostilled (for Hague Apostille members) or legalized by the Chinese embassy/consulate.

Note: If your business falls under the Negative List, additional approvals may be required. Most manufacturing and service sectors in Guanghan are outside the restricted categories.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Reservation

Submit 3–5 proposed Chinese names to the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) in Guanghan. This is typically done online via the Sichuan provincial enterprise registration portal. Approval usually takes 1–3 working days.

Step 2: Prepare and Notarize Documents

While the name is being reserved, prepare the investor documents. Notarization and apostille/legalization can take 1–3 weeks depending on your home country. This is often the longest lead-time item.

Step 3: Submit Registration Application

File the company establishment application with the Guanghan AMR. The package includes the name approval, articles of association, investor documents, address proof, and legal representative information. The AMR will review and, if complete, issue the business license. Statutory review time is typically 3–5 working days, but in practice it may take 1–2 weeks if supplementary documents are requested.

Step 4: Post-License Filings

After receiving the business license, complete the following:

• Company seal carving (official seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal) at a licensed seal-making shop. Same day to 1 working day.
• Bank account opening (basic RMB account and, if needed, foreign currency account). Banks require the license, seals, and legal representative ID. Processing time varies by bank, typically 1–2 weeks.
• Tax registration and invoice system with the local tax authority. Often completed online; 1–3 working days.
• Foreign exchange registration (if applicable) with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) or via the bank.
• Social insurance and housing fund registration for employees.

Step 5: Sector-Specific Licenses

If your business requires special permits (e.g., food, logistics, manufacturing), apply for those after the business license. Timelines vary widely by sector.

Typical Timeline

Assuming documents are prepared in advance, a standard LLC registration in Guanghan can be completed in 4–8 weeks. The breakdown:

• Name reservation: 1–3 working days
• Document notarization/apostille: 1–3 weeks (parallel with name reservation)
• AMR review and business license: 1–2 weeks
• Seals, bank account, tax registration: 1–3 weeks

If the investor documents are already notarized and apostilled, the process can be faster. Delays typically occur due to incomplete documents or address verification issues.

Practical Considerations for Guanghan

• Registered address: Guanghan offers various industrial parks and office spaces. Ensure the lease contract is registered with the local housing authority if required.
• Local service providers: Engaging a local registered agent or consulting firm can help navigate Chinese-language filings and reduce back-and-forth.
• Banking: Opening a bank account as an FIE may require additional due diligence. Choose a bank with experience in foreign investment.
• Tax: Understand the applicable VAT and corporate income tax rates for your industry. Guanghan may offer local incentives, but verify directly with the local government.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulations and procedures change, and local requirements may differ. Always consult a qualified professional and verify current requirements with the Guanghan Administration for Market Regulation and other relevant authorities before proceeding.