Published by ChinaMNC · Tiantai

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Tiantai, Zhejiang, covering the required documents, registration steps, and typical timeline.

Why Tiantai, Zhejiang?

Tiantai County in Zhejiang Province is part of the Yangtze River Delta economic zone, with access to major ports and cities like Ningbo and Hangzhou. For foreign founders, the registration process generally follows China's national framework, though local authorities may have specific requirements. This article outlines the standard documents, steps, and timeline for registering a company in Tiantai, based on general practices. Always verify details with local authorities or a qualified professional.

Key Documents Required

The exact document list can vary depending on business scope and company type, but most foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) need the following:

Passport copies of all foreign shareholders and legal representatives, notarized and apostilled (or legalized via consular channels if apostille is not applicable).
Proof of address for the registered office in Tiantai (lease agreement or property ownership certificate).
Articles of Association (draft in Chinese, consistent with the new Company Law).
Name reservation notice from the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR).
Investment intention statement or project description, sometimes required for foreign investment.
Bank reference letter for foreign shareholders (varies by local branch).
Legal representative appointment letter and resume.
Business scope description (must align with the Negative List for foreign investment).

Documents issued abroad typically need notarization and apostille (under the Hague Apostille Convention, effective in China since November 2023) or consular legalization if from non-Hague countries. Chinese translations may be required.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit proposed company names to the Tiantai AMR for approval. Names must follow Chinese naming rules (e.g., include industry and organizational form). This can be done online via the Zhejiang Government Service Network.

Step 2: Prepare and Notarize Documents

Gather and notarize/apostille foreign shareholder documents. This step often takes the most time, as it involves overseas authorities and courier services.

Step 3: Submit Registration Application

File the application with Tiantai AMR, including the Articles of Association, shareholder information, and registered address proof. Many localities now accept online submissions, but original documents may be required for verification.

Step 4: Obtain Business License

Upon approval, the AMR issues the business license (电子营业执照 or paper version). This is the legal existence certificate of the company.

Step 5: Post-Registration Filings

After getting the license, complete:

Tax registration with the local tax bureau (often automatic, but confirm).
Bank account opening for the company (basic deposit account).
Customs registration if engaging in import/export.
Foreign exchange registration for capital account transactions.
Social insurance and housing fund registration if hiring employees.

Step 6: Capital Contribution

Foreign shareholders should inject registered capital according to the Articles of Association. Under China's Foreign Investment Law, the capital contribution timeline is set by the company's articles, but be aware of foreign exchange controls and reporting requirements.

Typical Timeline

The timeline can vary significantly based on document readiness and local processing. Below is a general estimate:

Name pre-approval: 1–3 business days.
Document notarization/apostille abroad: 1–4 weeks (depends on country).
Registration submission to license issuance: 5–15 business days if documents are complete.
Post-registration filings (bank, tax, etc.): 1–2 weeks.

In total, founders can expect 1 to 3 months from start to finish, with document preparation often being the critical path. Delays may occur if additional information is requested by authorities.

Practical Considerations for Tiantai

Tiantai has local industrial parks and development zones that may offer assistance with registration, but policies change. It's advisable to:

Engage a local registered agent or law firm familiar with Taizhou city (Tiantai is under Taizhou's jurisdiction).
Confirm whether the registered address must be a commercial property; virtual offices may be restricted for certain business scopes.
Check the Negative List for Foreign Investment to ensure your business scope is permitted.
Consider the new Company Law (effective July 2024), which imposes a 5-year capital contribution period for new companies.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Registration requirements and procedures in China can change frequently and vary by locality. Founders should consult with qualified professionals and verify all details with the Tiantai Administration for Market Regulation and other relevant authorities before proceeding.