Published by ChinaMNC · Qingfeng

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Qingfeng, Henan, covering the required documents, registration steps, and typical timeline under China's company law and local procedures.

Why Qingfeng, Henan?

Qingfeng County is located in Puyang, Henan Province. For founders considering a manufacturing, agricultural processing, or trading base in central China, Qingfeng offers lower operating costs than tier-1 cities and access to provincial logistics networks. However, company registration follows the same national legal framework as elsewhere in China, with local implementation handled by the Qingfeng County Administration for Market Regulation (AMR). This article explains the documents, steps, and timeline for setting up a limited liability company (LLC) in Qingfeng. It does not cover special licensing for restricted industries, which may add requirements.

1. Choose the company type and prepare core details

Most foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and domestic startups use a limited liability company (有限责任公司). Before drafting documents, decide on:

• Company name (Chinese characters, with English translation for reference). The name must follow the “Administrative Measures for Enterprise Name Registration” and be checked for availability.
• Registered address in Qingfeng. A physical office or factory address is required; virtual addresses are generally not accepted for manufacturing or licensed activities.
• Business scope (经营范围). Use standard wording from the AMR’s catalog. For FIEs, the scope must comply with the Negative List for Foreign Investment.
• Registered capital. Under the 2024 Company Law, shareholders must contribute capital within five years. Choose an amount realistic for your operations.
• Shareholders and legal representative. Identify all shareholders (individuals or entities), their ownership percentages, and the legal representative (执行董事 or 经理).
• Supervisor (监事). An LLC must have a supervisor; this can be a shareholder or an external person.

2. Required documents

The exact list depends on whether you are a domestic or foreign-invested company. Below is a consolidated checklist for a typical LLC in Qingfeng. Confirm with the Qingfeng AMR or your local advisor before submission, as requirements can change.

For all companies

• Company name pre-approval application (or online name self-declaration result).
• Articles of association (公司章程), signed by all shareholders.
• Shareholders’ resolution or founding meeting minutes.
• Proof of registered address: property ownership certificate or lease agreement plus landlord’s ownership proof. For a newly built site, provide the construction planning permit or property certificate.
• Identification documents: passports for foreign individuals; ID cards for Chinese individuals; business license and notarized certificate of incorporation for corporate shareholders.
• Legal representative’s appointment document and ID.
• Supervisor’s appointment document and ID.
• Registration application form (filed online or at the window).

Additional documents for foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs)

• Foreign investor’s notarized and apostilled/legalized incorporation documents (for corporate investors) or passport (for individuals). Chinese embassies/consulates or apostille authorities handle legalization; requirements depend on the investor’s country.
• Ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) disclosure as required by the AMR and, if applicable, the foreign exchange bureau.
• Foreign investment information report filed through the Ministry of Commerce’s foreign investment system after registration.
• Negative List confirmation if your business scope falls outside the prohibited or restricted categories.

3. Registration steps

The process is increasingly online through the Henan Provincial Government Service Platform and the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System. Physical visits may still be needed for certain verifications.

Step 1: Name declaration

Submit a proposed Chinese name through the Henan AMR online system or at the Qingfeng AMR window. The system checks for similarity with existing names. Approval is usually quick, but keep 2–3 alternatives ready.

Step 2: Prepare and submit registration documents

Compile the documents listed above. For FIEs, ensure foreign documents are notarized and apostilled/legalized before submission. File the application online or at the Qingfeng AMR. The AMR may request corrections if the articles or scope are unclear.

Step 3: Obtain the business license

Once approved, the AMR issues the business license (营业执照). Since 2023, many localities issue electronic licenses, but a paper copy can be requested. Check that the license shows the correct legal representative, address, and business scope.

Step 4: Make company seals

Order the official seals: company seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal, and contract seal. Seals must be registered with the public security bureau. In Qingfeng, use a licensed seal-making shop; the AMR or local service center can provide a list.

Step 5: Open a bank account

Open a basic deposit account (基本户) at a bank in Qingfeng. Bring the business license, seals, legal representative’s ID, and, for FIEs, the foreign investment information report. The bank may also require proof of address. Account opening can take several days due to enhanced due diligence for foreign-invested entities.

Step 6: Tax registration and invoicing

Register with the tax authority (电子税务局) and obtain a tax ID (统一社会信用代码 is already on the license). Choose a taxpayer status (small-scale or general). Apply for invoice issuance and purchase tax control equipment if needed. For FIEs, also complete foreign exchange registration with the local SAFE branch or through the bank.

Step 7: Social insurance and housing fund registration

Register with the Qingfeng social insurance and housing fund centers within 30 days of hiring employees. Provide the business license, employee lists, and ID copies.

Step 8: Post-registration filings for FIEs

File the foreign investment information report through the Ministry of Commerce system. If your company involves imports/exports, register with customs and the foreign exchange bureau. Certain industries (e.g., food processing, logistics) may require additional permits from local authorities.

4. Typical timeline

The timeline varies by document readiness and whether the company is domestic or foreign-invested. Below are indicative ranges based on common practice in Henan; they are not guarantees.

• Name declaration: 1–3 working days.
• Document preparation: 1–2 weeks for domestic companies; 3–6 weeks for FIEs if foreign documents need notarization and legalization.
• AMR review and business license: 3–7 working days after complete submission.
• Seals: 1–2 working days.
• Bank account opening: 3–10 working days (longer for FIEs).
• Tax and social insurance registration: 2–5 working days.
• FIE post-registration filings: 1–2 weeks.

In total, a domestic LLC with a ready address and documents can be operational in 2–4 weeks. An FIE typically takes 6–10 weeks, mainly due to document legalization and bank due diligence.

5. Practical tips for Qingfeng

• Confirm address requirements with the Qingfeng AMR before signing a lease. Some zones require an environmental impact assessment for manufacturing.
• Use standard business scope wording to avoid back-and-forth.
• Engage a local accountant or agency familiar with Henan’s online systems; this can reduce delays.
• Keep digital and physical copies of all submissions and receipts.
• Monitor policy updates: China’s Company Law changed in 2024, and implementing rules at the local level may adjust.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information for founders and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Requirements and procedures can change and may vary by industry, investor nationality, and local implementation. Always verify the current document list, fees, and timelines with the Qingfeng County Administration for Market Regulation, the Henan Provincial AMR, and qualified local professionals before proceeding.