Published by ChinaMNC · Yangshan

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Yangshan, Guangdong, covering required documents, the registration process, and typical timelines. Includes a disclaimer.

Why Yangshan, Guangdong?

Yangshan is a county in northern Guangdong, within Qingyuan municipality. It offers lower operating costs than the Pearl River Delta core and is connected by expressways and rail. For founders considering Yangshan, the company registration process follows China's national framework, with local variations in processing times and office practices.

Key documents you will need

Before starting, prepare the following documents. Requirements can vary by district and business scope, so confirm with the local market supervision bureau (MSB) or your agent.

• Company name (3–5 alternatives) for pre-approval.
• Registered address proof: lease contract and property ownership certificate, or a virtual address arrangement if permitted.
• Articles of association (can be standard or customized).
• Shareholder information: passports for foreign individuals; notarized and apostilled/legalized incorporation documents for foreign companies.
• Legal representative ID and contact details.
• Directors, supervisors, and manager appointments if not the same as shareholders.
• Business scope description (standardized wording used by the MSB).
• Registered capital amount and contribution schedule (subscription system; some industries require paid-in capital).
• Power of attorney if an agent handles the filing.

Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) may also need to file through the foreign investment information reporting system after establishment. Check the current Negative List to confirm whether your industry has restrictions.

Step-by-step registration process

1. Name pre-approval

Submit proposed names via the local MSB online system or in person. Approval usually takes 1–3 working days. Names must be unique and follow naming rules.

2. Prepare and submit registration materials

File the application with the Yangshan MSB (or Qingyuan municipal platform if online). Core materials include the application form, articles of association, shareholder IDs, address proof, and legal representative appointment. If all documents are in order, the business license is typically issued within 3–7 working days. Some districts offer same-day processing for simple cases.

3. Obtain the business license

Collect the license (paper or electronic). This is the formal establishment date of the company.

4. Carve company seals

Order the official seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal, and contract seal from a licensed seal maker. This usually takes 1–2 working days. Seals must be registered with the public security bureau.

5. Bank account opening

Open a basic RMB account and, if needed, a foreign currency account. Banks require the license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes proof of address. Processing time varies: 3–10 working days is common, and some banks require an in-person visit by the legal representative.

6. Tax registration and invoicing setup

Register with the tax authority, choose a taxpayer status (small-scale or general), and apply for invoice issuance. This can be done online or at the local tax office, often within 1–3 working days after bank account setup.

7. Social insurance and housing fund registration

If hiring employees, register with the social insurance and housing fund authorities. This is typically completed within 5 working days.

8. Foreign investment reporting (for FIEs)

File the initial report through the Ministry of Commerce's foreign investment information reporting system. This is usually done within 30 days of establishment.

9. Post-registration filings

Depending on your business scope, additional permits may be required (e.g., food, logistics, education). Apply for these before commencing regulated activities.

Typical timeline

Assuming complete and correct documents, the core process from name approval to business license can take about 1–2 weeks. Adding seals, bank account, and tax setup, plan for 3–6 weeks in total. Delays can occur due to document issues, bank compliance checks, or local processing queues.

Practical tips for Yangshan

• Address verification: Confirm with the local MSB that your intended address is zoned for commercial use and acceptable for registration.
• Language: All filings are in Chinese. Use a certified translator for foreign documents.
• Local agent: A licensed local agent can help navigate district-specific requirements and save time.
• Registered capital: Choose a realistic amount; while subscription is allowed, shareholders are liable up to the subscribed amount.
• Compliance: Maintain proper accounting and tax filings from day one to avoid penalties.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Requirements, procedures, and timelines can change and may vary by district and business type. Always consult the Yangshan Market Supervision Administration, tax authorities, or a qualified local advisor before making decisions. No guarantees are made regarding processing times or outcomes.