Published by ChinaMNC · Kecheng

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Kecheng, Zhejiang, covering required documents, the registration process, and typical timelines. Includes key considerations for foreign-invested enterprises and a disclaimer.

Why Kecheng, Zhejiang?

Kecheng District is located in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, a region known for its business-friendly environment and growing industrial base. For foreign founders, Kecheng offers access to local government services and a developing ecosystem, but the registration process follows China's national framework for foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs). This article outlines the documents, steps, and timeline to help you plan your setup in Kecheng.

Documents You Will Need

Before starting, prepare the following documents. Requirements may vary slightly depending on your business scope and legal form (e.g., wholly foreign-owned enterprise or joint venture).

1. Investor Documents

• Passport copies of all foreign investors (individuals) or certificate of incorporation for corporate investors, notarized and authenticated (or apostilled where applicable).
• Proof of address for the foreign investor (e.g., utility bill or bank statement).
• Bank reference letter (sometimes requested, though not always mandatory).

2. Company Formation Documents

• Company name (provide 3–5 alternatives in Chinese for pre-approval).
• Articles of Association (can be based on a standard template).
• Registered address proof in Kecheng (lease agreement or property ownership certificate). A virtual office may be acceptable if permitted by local regulations.
• Business scope (must be phrased according to China's industry classification; negative list restrictions apply).
• Legal representative appointment letter and ID copy.
• Shareholder resolution (if corporate investor).

3. Additional Documents for Specific Cases

• If your business falls under the negative list for foreign investment, additional approvals may be required.
• For special industries (e.g., education, healthcare), pre-approval from the relevant regulator is necessary.
• Environmental impact assessment if manufacturing or other regulated activities.

Note: All foreign-language documents must be translated into Chinese by a qualified translation agency and stamped.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

The process in Kecheng generally follows these steps. Some can be done in parallel, but sequencing matters.

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit your proposed Chinese company name to the Kecheng District Market Supervision Administration (MSA) for pre-approval. This can often be done online via the Zhejiang Government Service Network. Allow 1–3 business days.

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Registration Documents

Once the name is approved, submit the full set of documents to the MSA. This includes the Articles of Association, investor documents, and address proof. The MSA will review for completeness and compliance. This step typically takes 3–5 business days if all documents are in order.

Step 3: Obtain Business License

After approval, you will receive the business license (电子营业执照 or paper version). This is the key document that confirms your company's legal existence.

Step 4: Carve Seals

Company seals (chop) are required for banking and contracts. You will need at least the company seal, legal representative seal, financial seal, and invoice seal. Seals must be carved at a licensed seal-making shop and registered with the Public Security Bureau. Allow 1–2 business days.

Step 5: Open a Bank Account

Open a RMB basic deposit account and a foreign currency account at a bank in Kecheng. The bank will require the business license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes proof of address. This can take 1–2 weeks depending on the bank's due diligence.

Step 6: Tax Registration and Invoicing

Register with the tax authority (now often combined with MSA registration) and apply for invoice issuance. You will need to designate a tax officer and may need to attend a brief training. This step takes about 3–5 business days.

Step 7: Foreign Exchange Registration

If you have foreign currency capital, register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) or its local branch. This is often handled through your bank.

Step 8: Social Security and Housing Fund Registration

If you hire employees, register with the local social security and housing fund authorities. This can be done after obtaining the business license.

Step 9: Post-Registration Filings

Depending on your industry, you may need to file with customs, quality supervision, or other regulators. For most service companies, these are not required.

Typical Timeline

Assuming all documents are prepared correctly and no additional approvals are needed, the entire process from name pre-approval to bank account opening can take 4 to 8 weeks. Here is a breakdown:

• Name pre-approval: 1–3 business days
• Document preparation and submission: 1–2 weeks (depends on you)
• Business license issuance: 3–5 business days after submission
• Seals: 1–2 business days
• Bank account opening: 1–2 weeks
• Tax registration: 3–5 business days
• Other registrations: 1–2 weeks (if applicable)

Delays can occur if documents are incomplete, translations are inaccurate, or additional regulatory approvals are required. For businesses on the negative list or in special industries, add 2–4 weeks.

Key Considerations for Kecheng

• Local incentives: Kecheng may offer investment incentives, but these are subject to specific conditions and approval. Consult the local investment promotion bureau for details.
• Registered address: Ensure your lease agreement is valid for commercial use and can be used for registration. Some landlords may not provide the necessary paperwork.
• Language: All official documents must be in Chinese. Hiring a local translator or consultant is advisable.
• Legal representative: This person bears legal responsibilities; choose carefully.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Regulations and procedures may change, and requirements can vary based on individual circumstances. You should consult with qualified local professionals and official government sources before proceeding. The author and publisher assume no liability for any actions taken based on this information.