Published by ChinaMNC · Yongkang

Registering a Company in China: Documents, Steps and Timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Yongkang, Zhejiang, covering the required documents, registration steps, and expected timeline under China's foreign investment framework.

Why Yongkang, Zhejiang?

Yongkang is a county-level city in Zhejiang Province known for manufacturing, particularly hardware, tools, and kitchenware. For foreign founders, establishing a legal entity here follows China's national foreign investment regime, with local procedures handled through the Yongkang market regulation and commerce authorities. This article outlines the typical documents, steps, and timeline for setting up a limited liability company (LLC) — the most common vehicle for foreign investors — but note that requirements can vary by business scope and local practice.

Key Documents You Will Need

Before starting, prepare the following documents. Most must be notarized and, where required, legalized or apostilled in your home country, then translated into Chinese.

Corporate and Investor Documents

• Passport copies of all legal representatives, directors, supervisors, and shareholders (for individuals).
• Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Association for corporate shareholders, notarized and legalized/apostilled.
• Bank reference letter or proof of funds for the investor (sometimes requested).
• Notarized and legalized/apostilled incorporation documents with Chinese translation.

Formation and Operational Documents

• Company name (in Chinese) with 3–5 alternatives for pre-approval.
• Registered address proof in Yongkang (lease agreement and property certificate).
• Articles of Association (can be based on a standard template).
• Business scope description aligned with the Negative List for foreign investment.
• Appointment documents for legal representative, directors, supervisors, and general manager.
• Foreign investment information report (filed through the foreign investment online system).

Depending on your industry, additional approvals (e.g., for manufacturing, food, or import/export) may be needed. Always confirm with a local professional.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit proposed company names to the Yongkang Market Supervision Administration (MSA) via the Zhejiang Government Service Network. Approval typically takes 1–3 working days. Names must be unique and follow Chinese naming rules.

Step 2: Prepare and Notarize Documents

While name approval is pending, finalize notarization and legalization/apostille of foreign investor documents. This step often takes the longest and should be started early.

Step 3: File for Business License

Submit the complete application package — including the foreign investment information report — to the MSA. If the business scope is not on the Negative List, no prior commerce approval is required. The MSA will review and, if compliant, issue the business license. Processing time is typically 3–7 working days after a complete submission.

Step 4: Carve Seals and Open Bank Accounts

After receiving the business license, carve the company seals (official seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal). Then open a basic RMB account and a foreign currency capital account at a bank in Yongkang. Bank onboarding may take 1–2 weeks.

Step 5: Tax and Social Insurance Registration

Register with the tax authority and complete initial tax reporting. Also register for social insurance and housing fund if hiring employees. These steps are usually completed within 1–2 weeks after bank account opening.

Step 6: Foreign Exchange and Capital Injection

If injecting foreign capital, complete the foreign exchange registration (often handled by the bank) and remit funds. Keep records for future profit repatriation.

Typical Timeline

Assuming documents are ready, the core registration (name approval to business license) can take 2–4 weeks. However, notarization and legalization abroad often add 2–6 weeks. Bank account opening and tax registration add another 2–4 weeks. In total, founders should plan for 1.5 to 3 months from start to a fully operational entity. Delays can occur due to document errors, address verification, or additional industry approvals.

Practical Considerations for Yongkang

• Registered address: Yongkang requires a physical address for registration; virtual offices may not be accepted for certain business scopes.
• Business scope: Manufacturing-related scopes may trigger environmental or fire safety checks. Confirm early with local authorities.
• Language: All filings are in Chinese; engage a translator or local advisor.
• Local incentives: Yongkang may offer support for certain industries, but verify current policies directly with the local investment promotion bureau — do not rely on second-hand claims.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Registration requirements, procedures, and timelines in China can change and may vary by business scope and local practice. Always consult a qualified professional and verify current requirements with the relevant authorities in Yongkang before proceeding.