Published by ChinaMNC · Lushan

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

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

Why Lushan, Henan?

Lushan County is located in Pingdingshan, Henan Province. While not a tier-1 city, it offers lower operating costs and access to local government services for business registration. This guide outlines the general process for registering a company in Lushan, based on China's national company law and typical local administrative practices. Always verify current requirements with the Lushan Market Supervision Administration (MSA) or a local professional advisor.

Key Documents You Will Need

Before starting, prepare the following documents. The exact list can vary by business scope and company type, but for a standard limited liability company (LLC), expect to need:

• Company name (3–5 alternatives in Chinese, following naming rules).
• Registered address proof (lease agreement or property certificate for a physical address in Lushan).
• Articles of Association (signed by all shareholders).
• Shareholder identification: ID cards for Chinese citizens; passports for foreign investors (notarized and translated if required).
• Legal representative appointment and ID.
• Executive director, supervisor, and manager appointments (if applicable).
• Business scope (wording must match standard categories).
• Capital contribution plan (amounts, timing, and method).

Foreign investors may need additional documents such as proof of incorporation (notarized and apostilled/legalized) and a bank reference letter. For a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE), the negative list for foreign investment should be checked to confirm the business scope is permitted.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit 3–5 proposed company names to the Lushan MSA via the Henan Government Service Network (河南政务服务网) or in person. The system checks for duplicates and compliance. This step typically takes 1–3 working days. Approval reserves the name for a limited period (often 30 days), so proceed promptly.

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Registration Materials

Compile the documents listed above and submit them online or at the Lushan MSA service window. Key forms include the company registration application, articles of association, and shareholder resolutions. Ensure all signatures are original where required. For foreign investors, notarized and translated documents must be ready.

Step 3: Obtain Business License

After review, the MSA issues the business license (营业执照). Statutory review time is typically 3–5 working days if materials are complete. The license contains the unified social credit code, which is essential for all subsequent steps.

Step 4: Carve Seals

Order official seals: company seal, legal representative seal, financial seal, invoice seal, and contract seal. Seals must be registered with the public security bureau. This usually takes 1–2 working days. Costs vary by provider.

Step 5: Bank Account Opening

Open a basic corporate bank account. Banks require the business license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes proof of address. Processing time ranges from 1 to 5 working days, depending on the bank and account type. Foreign-invested companies may face additional due diligence.

Step 6: Tax Registration and Invoicing Setup

Register with the tax authority (now often integrated with the MSA) and apply for invoice issuance. You may need to choose between general taxpayer and small-scale taxpayer status. This step can be completed online or at the tax office, typically within 1–3 working days.

Step 7: Social Security and Housing Fund Registration

If hiring employees, register with the local social security and housing fund bureaus. This is usually done after bank account opening and can be processed online.

Estimated Timeline

Assuming complete and correct documents, the core registration (name approval to business license) can take 5–10 working days. Including seals, bank account, and tax setup, the entire process may take 2–4 weeks. Delays can occur due to document errors, name rejections, or additional scrutiny for foreign investment. For a foreign-invested company, add 1–2 weeks for notarization, translation, and possible extra reviews.

Special Considerations for Foreign Founders

• Negative list: Confirm your business scope is not restricted. Lushan follows national rules.
• Registered address: A physical address is generally required. Virtual addresses may be available through local business incubators, but verify with the MSA.
• Capital contribution: Foreign currency capital contributions must go through a bank with foreign exchange services. The registered capital can be contributed within the period stated in the articles (no statutory minimum for most industries, but some sectors have requirements).
• Local incentives: Lushan may offer investment incentives, but these are discretionary and should be confirmed directly with the Lushan Investment Promotion Bureau.

Practical Tips

• Use the Henan Government Service Network to check current forms and requirements.
• Consider engaging a local registered agent or law firm for document preparation and submission, especially if you do not speak Chinese.
• Keep digital and physical copies of all documents.
• Verify the business scope wording against the MSA's standard catalog to avoid rejections.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulations and procedures change; always consult the Lushan Market Supervision Administration or a qualified professional for your specific situation. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken based on this content.