Published by ChinaMNC · Yanjiang

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Yanjiang, Sichuan, covering required documents, registration steps, and expected timelines without invented statistics or guarantees.

Why Yanjiang, Sichuan?

Yanjiang is a district in Ziyang City, Sichuan Province, located in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. For founders considering China incorporation, Yanjiang offers a lower-cost alternative to major metropolitan areas while remaining connected to regional infrastructure. This article outlines the general process for registering a company in China with specific notes for Yanjiang. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice.

Documents You Will Need

The exact document list can vary by business scope, industry, and local authority practice. The following are commonly required for a limited liability company (LLC) in China.

1. Company Name and Registration Details

Company name: Provide 3–5 alternative names in Chinese, following the format: administrative region + brand name + industry + company type (e.g., 资阳市雁江区XX科技有限公司). A name pre-approval check is part of the process.
Registered address: A commercial address in Yanjiang. A lease contract and property ownership certificate are typically required. Virtual or incubator addresses may be acceptable if permitted by local regulations.
Business scope: A standardized description of activities. Some activities require pre- or post-approval licenses.
Registered capital: State the amount and contribution schedule. China generally uses a subscribed capital system, but specific rules apply.

2. Shareholder and Legal Representative Documents

For domestic shareholders: ID cards or business licenses of corporate shareholders.
For foreign shareholders: Passport copies (individuals) or notarized and apostilled/legalized incorporation documents (companies). Chinese translations may be required.
Legal representative: ID or passport copy, contact details, and a photo.
Directors, supervisors, and manager: ID copies and appointment documents.

3. Constitutional and Authorization Documents

Articles of association: The company charter, signed by all shareholders.
Shareholder resolution: Appointing directors, supervisor, legal representative, and manager.
Power of attorney: If a agent handles the registration.

4. Address and Lease Documents

Lease agreement (original and copy).
Property ownership certificate copy.
Landlord's ID or business license copy.

5. Foreign Investment Specifics (if applicable)

If the company is foreign-invested, additional filings may be required through the foreign investment information reporting system. Certain industries appear on the negative list and may restrict or prohibit foreign investment. Verify your business scope against the current negative list.

Registration Steps in Yanjiang

The process is increasingly digital but often requires in-person visits or notarized documents for foreign investors.

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit proposed names via the local SAMR (State Administration for Market Regulation) online system or at the Yanjiang district administrative service center. Avoid restricted words and ensure the name does not conflict with existing registrations.

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Application

Compile the documents listed above. For foreign shareholders, documents must be notarized and legalized (or apostilled under the Hague Convention) and translated into Chinese. Submit the application online or at the Yanjiang administrative service center. Authorities may request supplementary materials.

Step 3: Obtain Business License

Once approved, the business license (营业执照) is issued. It contains the unified social credit code, company name, legal representative, registered capital, and business scope.

Step 4: Carve Seals

Company seals (official seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal, contract seal) must be carved at a qualified seal-making shop and registered with the public security bureau.

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 foreign-invested companies, additional foreign exchange registration may be needed.

Step 6: Tax Registration and Invoicing

Register with the tax authority, determine taxpayer status (small-scale or general), and apply for invoice issuance. Digital tax platforms are commonly used.

Step 7: Social Insurance and Housing Fund (if hiring)

Step 8: Post-Registration Filings

Depending on the industry, additional licenses (e.g., food, education, logistics) may be required. Foreign-invested enterprises must complete foreign investment information reporting.

Timeline Expectations

Timelines vary based on document readiness, authority workload, and whether foreign investment approval is involved. The following are typical ranges, not guarantees.

Name pre-approval: 1–3 working days.
Business license: 3–10 working days after complete submission.
Seals: 1–2 working days.
Bank account: 1–2 weeks, depending on bank due diligence.
Tax registration: 1–3 working days.
Total for a straightforward domestic LLC: 2–4 weeks.
Foreign-invested company: 4–8 weeks or more, due to notarization, legalization, translation, and foreign exchange steps.

Delays can occur if documents are incomplete, translations are inaccurate, or additional licenses are required.

Practical Considerations for Yanjiang

Local incentives: Yanjiang may offer investment incentives, but terms vary and should be confirmed directly with local authorities. Do not rely on verbal promises.
Language: All registration documents must be in Chinese. Use certified translators for foreign documents.
Registered address: Ensure the address is approved for commercial use. Residential addresses are generally not acceptable for company registration.
Compliance: Maintain proper accounting and tax filings from day one. China's tax and regulatory environment is dynamic.
Professional help: Engaging a local registered agent or law firm can reduce errors and save time.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Requirements and procedures for company registration in China can change and may vary by district and industry. Founders should consult qualified local professionals and verify all information with the Yanjiang district administrative service center or relevant authorities before proceeding. No statistics, guarantees, or endorsements are implied.