Published by ChinaMNC · Shicheng

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up in Shicheng, Jiangxi, covering the documents, steps and timeline for company registration in China, with local considerations and compliance notes.

Why Shicheng, Jiangxi?

Shicheng County is located in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province. For founders considering a China entity, Shicheng offers a lower-cost base compared to tier-1 cities, while still being part of China’s unified company registration framework. The process described below applies nationwide, with local variations at the county-level AMR (Administration for Market Regulation) and tax authorities. This article outlines the typical documents, steps and timeline for registering a limited liability company (LLC) in Shicheng.

Key documents you will need

Before starting, prepare the following. Requirements can change, so confirm with the Shicheng AMR or a local professional.

1. Company name and address

• Company name: Provide 3–5 alternatives in the format:行政区划 + 字号 + 行业 + 组织形式 (e.g., Shicheng + [Your Brand] + Technology + Co., Ltd.). Name approval is done via the provincial or national enterprise registration system.
• Registered address: A physical address in Shicheng is required. This can be an office lease or a virtual address provided by an approved incubator or industrial park. Submit the lease contract and property ownership certificate.

2. Shareholder and legal representative documents

• For domestic shareholders: ID cards (front and back).
• For foreign shareholders: passport copies; if a foreign company is a shareholder, notarized and apostilled (or consular-legalized) certificate of incorporation, articles, and board resolution.
• Legal representative, supervisor, and executive director (or board) appointment documents and ID copies.

3. Articles of association

You can use the standard template provided by the AMR or draft custom articles. Custom articles must comply with the Company Law and be signed by all shareholders.

4. Capital and business scope

• Registered capital: State the amount and contribution schedule. Since 2024, the Company Law requires shareholders to pay in capital within five years. Choose an amount appropriate to your operations.
• Business scope: List planned activities using standard wording from the AMR’s catalog. If your activities require pre-approval (e.g., food, education), obtain the license first.

5. Other documents

• Shareholder resolution and power of attorney if someone else files on your behalf.
• For foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs): filing through the Foreign Investment Information Reporting system and, if applicable, negative list review.

Step-by-step registration process

Step 1: Name pre-approval

Submit your proposed names online via the Jiangxi Provincial Enterprise Registration Service Platform or at the Shicheng AMR window. This usually takes 1–3 working days. Once approved, the name is reserved for a limited period.

Step 2: Prepare and submit the registration package

Compile the documents listed above. Submit online through the same platform or in person at the Shicheng AMR. For FIEs, additional filing with the local Commerce Bureau (or equivalent) may be needed. Ensure all signatures match the ID documents.

Step 3: Obtain the business license

After review, the AMR issues the business license (电子或纸质). This is the legal existence document. Typical review time is 3–5 working days if materials are complete. If corrections are needed, the clock restarts.

Step 4: Seal carving

With the business license, carve the company seals: official seal, financial seal, contract seal, legal representative seal, and invoice seal. Use a licensed seal-making shop and register the seals with the public security bureau. Allow 1–2 working days.

Step 5: Bank account opening

Open a basic corporate bank account. Banks require the business license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes proof of address. For FIEs, additional documents may be requested. The process can take 3–10 working days depending on the bank and KYC checks.

Step 6: Tax registration and invoicing

Register with the Shicheng tax authority within 30 days of obtaining the business license. This includes tax classification, invoice type approval, and digital tax device setup. You will also need to sign a tripartite agreement with your bank for tax payments. Allow 2–5 working days.

Step 7: Social security and housing fund registration

If you hire employees, register with the local social insurance and housing fund centers. This is typically done online or at the county service center. Required documents include the business license and employee information.

Typical timeline

The overall timeline from name approval to tax registration can range from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on document readiness, FIE status, and local processing. A realistic breakdown:

• Name pre-approval: 1–3 working days
• Business license review: 3–5 working days
• Seal carving: 1–2 working days
• Bank account: 3–10 working days
• Tax registration: 2–5 working days

Foreign-invested enterprises should add 1–3 weeks for notarization/apostille and foreign investment filing. If you use a virtual address, confirm it is accepted by the AMR and bank.

Local considerations for Shicheng

Shicheng is a county-level area, so some services may be centralized at the Ganzhou municipal level. Expect Chinese-language interfaces and in-person visits for certain steps. It is advisable to engage a local registered agent or consultant who knows the Shicheng AMR and tax office. Also verify whether your industry is on the encouraged list for Jiangxi or Ganzhou, as local incentives may exist but are not guaranteed.

Compliance reminders

• File annual reports and tax returns on time, even if inactive.
• Keep accounting records and invoices in compliance with Chinese law.
• Foreign shareholders must ensure documents are properly notarized and apostilled/legalized.
• Changes to company details (address, capital, scope) require amendment registration.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Requirements and procedures can change. Consult a qualified professional and the relevant Chinese authorities before making decisions.