Published by ChinaMNC · Qujiang

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Qujiang, Guangdong, covering required documents, registration steps, and typical timelines. Includes key considerations and a disclaimer.

Why Qujiang, Guangdong?

Qujiang is a district in Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. While not a tier-1 city, it offers lower operating costs and access to provincial incentives for businesses. This guide outlines the general process for registering a company in Qujiang, based on China's national company law and local administrative practices. Always verify current requirements with local authorities or a qualified professional.

Key Documents Required

Before starting, prepare the following documents. Requirements may vary depending on business scope and company type (e.g., limited liability company, wholly foreign-owned enterprise).

• Company name: Provide 3-5 alternatives in Chinese. Names must follow format: City + Trade Name + Industry + Company Type (e.g., Shaoguan Qujiang [Trade Name] Technology Co., Ltd.).
• Registered address proof: Lease agreement and property ownership certificate. For virtual offices, ensure the provider is authorized.
• Articles of Association: Signed by all shareholders.
• Shareholders' identification: For individuals, passport copies (foreign) or ID cards (Chinese). For corporate shareholders, notarized and apostilled/legalized registration documents.
• Legal representative appointment: ID and contact details.
• Directors, supervisors, and manager information: IDs and appointment letters.
• Business scope: Written in Chinese, following standard industry categories.
• Capital contribution plan: Amount, currency, and timeline (subscription system applies for most companies).
• Foreign investment negative list check: If foreign-invested, confirm the business scope is not on the restricted or prohibited list.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit proposed names to the Qujiang District Market Supervision Administration (MSA) via the Guangdong Enterprise Registration online platform. Approval typically takes 1-3 working days. Names are reserved for 30 days.

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Application

Compile all documents and submit online through the Guangdong Government Service Network. For foreign-invested enterprises, additional filing with the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) system may be required. Ensure all foreign documents are notarized and legalized (or apostilled under the Hague Convention).

Step 3: Obtain Business License

After review (typically 3-7 working days), the MSA issues the business license. You can collect it at the Qujiang MSA office or receive it by mail. The license contains the unified social credit code.

Step 4: Carve Seals

Order official seals (company seal, legal representative seal, financial seal, invoice seal, contract seal) from a licensed seal-making shop. This takes 1-2 working days. Seals must be 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. Processing time varies (3-10 working days). Foreign shareholders may need to provide additional documentation.

Step 6: Tax Registration

Register with the tax authority within 30 days of obtaining the business license. This includes signing a tripartite agreement for tax payments and obtaining invoice issuance rights. Online registration is available through the Guangdong Electronic Tax Bureau.

Step 7: Social Security and Housing Fund Registration

If hiring employees, register with the local social security and housing fund centers. This is typically done online or at the Qujiang administrative service center.

Step 8: Post-Registration Filings

Depending on business scope, additional licenses or filings may be required (e.g., food service, import/export). Consult the local administration for sector-specific requirements.

Typical Timeline

The entire process can take 2-6 weeks, depending on document readiness, business type, and administrative processing. Here is a general breakdown:

• Name pre-approval: 1-3 working days
• Application review and business license: 3-7 working days
• Seal carving: 1-2 working days
• Bank account opening: 3-10 working days
• Tax registration: 1-3 working days (can be done in parallel)
• Social security registration: 1-2 working days

Foreign-invested enterprises may require additional time for MOFCOM filing and document legalization. Start-to-finish, many founders complete the core registration (license, seals, bank account) within 3-4 weeks.

Key Considerations for Founders

• Registered capital: Under the subscription system, no immediate capital injection is required, but the subscribed amount must be paid within the period stated in the Articles of Association (typically 10-20 years). Some sectors have minimum capital requirements.
• Legal representative: This person bears legal responsibilities and must be a real individual. Choose carefully.
• Address verification: Qujiang authorities may conduct on-site checks. Ensure your registered address is valid and operational.
• Foreign exchange: If foreign capital is involved, register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) for capital account opening.
• Annual compliance: After registration, file annual reports and tax returns on time to avoid penalties.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Company registration requirements and procedures in China can change. The timeline and document lists are indicative and not guaranteed. Founders should consult with a qualified local advisor or the Qujiang District Market Supervision Administration for the most current and accurate information. No statistics, guarantees, or endorsements are implied.