Published by ChinaMNC · Yanjin

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Yanjin, Henan, covering required documents, registration steps, and expected timelines under China's foreign investment framework.

Why Yanjin, Henan?

Yanjin is a county in northern Henan Province, within the Xinxiang municipality. For founders considering a presence outside China's tier-1 cities, Yanjin offers lower operating costs and access to local government services. However, the company registration process is governed by national law and administered by local authorities, so the core requirements are similar across China. This article outlines the documents, steps, and timeline for establishing a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) in Yanjin, based on publicly available regulations and standard procedures. It does not constitute legal advice; always consult local professionals.

Key Documents Required

Before starting, prepare the following documents. Requirements can vary slightly by district, so confirm with the Yanjin County Market Supervision Administration (MSA) or your local agent.

1. Investor Documents

• Certificate of incorporation of the foreign parent company, notarized and legalized (or apostilled if the home country is a Hague Apostille Convention member).
• Passport copies of the legal representative and directors.
• Bank reference letter for the foreign investor (sometimes requested).
• Proof of address for the foreign investor (e.g., utility bill or bank statement).

2. Company Formation Documents

• Articles of Association (AOA) signed by the investor.
• Name pre-approval application (now often done online).
• Registered address proof in Yanjin: lease agreement and property ownership certificate. If using a virtual office or incubator, provide the provider's documents.
• Appointment documents for legal representative, supervisors, and directors.
• Business scope description, aligned with the Negative List for Foreign Investment (2023 edition).

3. Post-Establishment Documents

• Bank account opening forms (basic and foreign currency accounts).
• Tax registration and invoicing setup.
• Customs registration if engaging in import/export.
• Foreign exchange registration for capital account.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit a company name for approval via the Henan MSA online system or at the Yanjin MSA window. Names must follow Chinese naming rules and include the industry. This typically takes 1–3 business days.

Step 2: Prepare and Notarize Documents

Have the foreign investor's certificate of incorporation notarized and legalized/apostilled in the home country. This can take 1–4 weeks depending on the jurisdiction. Translations into Chinese must be done by a qualified translation agency.

Step 3: Submit for Business License

File the application with the Yanjin MSA. Since 2020, FIEs are generally subject to the filing system rather than prior approval, unless the business falls on the Negative List. Submit the AOA, investor documents, address proof, and appointment documents. Processing time is typically 3–7 business days.

Step 4: Obtain the Business License

Upon approval, collect the business license (电子营业执照). This is the key document for subsequent steps.

Step 5: Make the Company Seal

Order the official seals (company seal, legal representative seal, finance seal, invoice seal) from a licensed seal-making shop. This usually takes 1–2 business days.

Step 6: Open a Bank Account

Open a basic RMB account and a foreign currency capital account at a bank in Yanjin or nearby Xinxiang. Banks require the business license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes proof of address. Account opening can take 1–2 weeks.

Step 7: Tax Registration

Register with the Yanjin tax authority within 30 days of obtaining the business license. This includes tax type verification and obtaining invoice issuance rights. The process can be completed online or at the tax office.

Step 8: Foreign Exchange Registration

Register the foreign capital account with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) or via the bank. This is required to receive registered capital from abroad.

Step 9: Capital Contribution

Inject registered capital according to the AOA. Under China's new Company Law (effective July 2024), the registered capital must be paid within 5 years, with some exceptions.

Step 10: Post-Establishment Filings

Complete social insurance and housing fund registration if hiring employees. If engaging in import/export, register with customs and obtain an e-port card.

Timeline Overview

The entire process, from document preparation to operational readiness, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, excluding bank account opening delays and document legalization time. Key phases:

• Name approval: 1–3 business days
• Document notarization/legalization: 1–4 weeks (varies by country)
• Business license: 3–7 business days
• Seals: 1–2 business days
• Bank account: 1–2 weeks
• Tax and SAFE registration: 1–2 weeks

These timelines are indicative and can be affected by local workload, document accuracy, and policy changes.

Special Considerations for Yanjin

As a county-level location, Yanjin may have fewer English-speaking staff at government offices. Consider engaging a local registered agent or consultant. Registered address requirements are strict; virtual offices may be accepted if the provider is licensed. Confirm with the Yanjin MSA. Also, check if your industry is encouraged in Henan's local development zones, which may offer streamlined services.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulations and procedures change frequently. Founders should verify all requirements with the Yanjin County Market Supervision Administration, local tax authorities, and qualified legal professionals before proceeding. No guarantees of outcomes are made.