Published by ChinaMNC · Xigong

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Xigong, Henan, covering required documents, registration steps, and estimated timelines under China's company law and local procedures.

Why Xigong, Henan?

Xigong District is an urban district in Luoyang, Henan Province. It is not a special economic zone or free trade zone, so company registration follows China's standard national procedures, with local implementation by the Luoyang/Xigong market regulation authorities. For founders, this means predictable requirements but also the need to prepare documents carefully to avoid back-and-forth with local offices.

This article outlines the typical documents, steps, and timeline for registering a limited liability company (LLC) in Xigong. It assumes a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) or a domestic company; the core process is similar, but FIEs may face additional filing or approval steps depending on the industry.

Legal Framework and Key Authorities

Company registration in China is governed primarily by the Company Law (revised 2023, effective July 1, 2024) and the Foreign Investment Law (for FIEs). In Xigong, the main authorities include:

• Xigong District Market Supervision Administration (MSA) – handles business license registration.
• Local tax bureau – for tax registration and invoicing.
• Bank – for capital account and RMB basic account.
• Commerce authorities – for foreign investment information reporting (if FIE).
• Customs and foreign exchange – if applicable.

Documents Required

Prepare the following documents. Requirements can vary by company type and industry; confirm with a local professional or the Xigong MSA before submission.

For all companies

• Company name – 3–5 alternatives in Chinese, checked for availability via the MSA online system.
• Articles of Association – signed by all shareholders.
• Shareholder identification – passports for foreign individuals; business licenses and legal representative ID for corporate shareholders (notarized/legalized as required).
• Legal representative, supervisor, and manager appointments – with ID copies and appointment letters.
• Registered address proof – lease contract and property ownership certificate; in Xigong, ensure the address is zoned for commercial use.
• Capital contribution plan – amount, currency, and schedule (see note on paid-in capital below).
• Business scope – standard wording; some activities require pre-approval.

Additional for foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs)

• Foreign investment information report – filed through the Ministry of Commerce system after registration.
• Notarization/legalization of foreign shareholder documents – often required; check current rules.
• Industry-specific approvals – if the business is on the negative list for foreign investment.

Registration Steps

Step 1: Name pre-approval

Submit proposed names via the Henan MSA online service or at the Xigong MSA window. Name approval is usually quick but can take longer if names conflict with existing trademarks or companies.

Step 2: Prepare and submit application

File the establishment registration application online (via the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System or Henan government service portal) and upload scanned documents. Some documents may need original copies submitted at the Xigong MSA window.

Step 3: Obtain business license

Once approved, the business license is issued. In many districts, this can be same-day or within a few working days if documents are complete.

Step 4: Carve company seals

Order official seals (company seal, legal representative seal, financial seal, invoice seal, contract seal) from a licensed seal-making shop. Seals are typically registered with the public security bureau.

Step 5: Tax registration and bank account

Complete tax registration at the local tax bureau (often online), then open a RMB basic account and, if needed, a foreign currency capital account at a bank. Bank account opening can take several days to weeks depending on the bank's KYC process.

Step 6: Post-registration filings

FIEs must file the foreign investment information report. All companies must handle social insurance and housing fund registration if hiring employees. If the business involves imports/exports, complete customs and foreign exchange registrations.

Timeline

Timelines vary based on document readiness, authority workload, and whether additional approvals are needed. The following are typical estimates, not guarantees:

• Name pre-approval: 1–3 working days.
• Business license: 3–7 working days after complete submission (may be faster).
• Seals: 1–2 working days.
• Tax registration: 1–2 working days (often online).
• Bank account opening: 1–3 weeks (varies by bank).
• FIE information report: 1–3 working days after license.

In total, founders can expect 2–4 weeks from name approval to a functioning bank account, assuming no industry-specific delays. If foreign shareholder documents need notarization/legalization, add 2–4 weeks.

Key Considerations for Founders

Registered capital and paid-in capital

China's Company Law (2024) requires shareholders to pay in subscribed capital within five years, with some exceptions. Choose a realistic capital amount; it represents liability and affects bank and tax matters.

Registered address

Xigong requires a genuine commercial address for registration. Virtual addresses are sometimes used but carry risks; verify local policy.

Legal representative

The legal representative bears legal responsibilities. For FIEs, a foreign legal representative is allowed but may complicate bank account opening; some companies appoint a local representative.

Compliance after registration

Monthly/quarterly tax filings, annual reporting, and foreign investment reporting (for FIEs) are mandatory. Engage a local accountant early.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Requirements, procedures, and timelines in China and Xigong can change and depend on specific circumstances. Founders should consult qualified local professionals and verify all details with the Xigong District Market Supervision Administration and other relevant authorities before proceeding.