Published by ChinaMNC · Yiliang

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Yiliang, Yunnan, covering required documents, registration steps, and typical timelines under China's company law framework.

Why Yiliang, Yunnan?

Yiliang County is located in Kunming Municipality, Yunnan Province. For founders considering a base outside major coastal cities, Yiliang offers proximity to Kunming's transport links and local government service centers that handle business registration. While procedures follow national law, local offices may have specific requirements. This article outlines the general process for registering a limited liability company (LLC) in China, with notes relevant to Yiliang.

Key Documents You Will Need

Before starting, prepare the following documents. Requirements can vary by local authority, so confirm with the Yiliang County Market Supervision Administration (MSA) or your local agent.

1. Company Name

Provide 3–5 alternative names in Chinese. The name must follow the format: administrative region + trade name + industry + company type (e.g., Yiliang XX Technology Co., Ltd.). Name approval is done online through the national enterprise registration system.

2. Registered Address Proof

You need a legal address in Yiliang. This can be a physical office or a virtual address provided by an authorized incubator or agent. Documents typically include a lease contract and property ownership certificate. If using a virtual address, ensure the provider is registered with local authorities.

3. Articles of Association

The articles define the company's governance, share structure, and profit distribution. A standard template is available from the MSA, but founders should customize it to reflect their agreement.

4. Shareholder and Legal Representative Information

For each shareholder (individual or corporate), provide: identification (passport for foreigners, ID card for Chinese), proof of address, and for corporate shareholders, notarized and apostilled incorporation documents. The legal representative (often the CEO) must provide ID and a personal phone number.

5. Capital Contribution Plan

Under China's Company Law (2024 revision), LLCs must have a subscribed capital system with a contribution period generally not exceeding five years. State the total registered capital and each shareholder's contribution amount and timeline. No minimum capital is required for most industries, but some sectors have specific thresholds.

6. Business Scope

List the intended business activities in Chinese. The first item should reflect the main business. Some activities require pre-approval (e.g., food, education). Check the negative list for foreign investment if you are a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE).

7. Additional Documents for Foreign Investors

If shareholders are foreign entities or individuals, additional documents may include: notarized and apostilled passport copies, proof of foreign address, and for corporate shareholders, notarized certificate of incorporation. These must be translated into Chinese by a qualified translation agency.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-approval

Submit your proposed names online via the Yunnan Provincial Enterprise Registration Portal. Approval usually takes 1–3 working days. Once approved, the name is reserved for a limited period (typically 30 days).

Step 2: Submit Registration Application

Prepare the full application package and submit it online or at the Yiliang County MSA service window. The package includes the documents listed above. For FIEs, additional review by the local Commerce Bureau may be required if the business falls under the negative list. Otherwise, file the foreign investment information report after registration.

Step 3: Obtain Business License

After review, the MSA issues the business license (营业执照). This is the key document confirming the company's legal existence. Processing time is typically 3–7 working days if documents are complete.

Step 4: Company Seal Carving

With the business license, carve the company seals: official seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal, and contract seal. This is done at a designated seal-making shop and usually takes 1–2 working days. Some regions now offer free seal carving for new companies.

Step 5: Bank Account Opening

Open a corporate bank account at a local bank in Yiliang or Kunming. Required documents: business license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes proof of address. The legal representative may need to visit the bank in person. Processing time varies from 1 to 2 weeks.

Step 6: Tax Registration and Invoicing

Register with the tax authority and obtain a tax identification number. You will also need to apply for invoice issuance (税控盘 or UKey). This can be done online or at the tax office. Consider appointing a local accountant for monthly tax filings.

Step 7: Social Insurance and Housing Fund Registration

If you hire employees, register with the local social insurance and housing fund centers. This is typically done within 30 days of hiring.

Timeline Overview

The entire process can take from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on document readiness, local processing times, and whether foreign investment approval is needed. Here is a typical breakdown:

• Name pre-approval: 1–3 working days
• Registration application and business license: 3–7 working days
• Seal carving: 1–2 working days
• Bank account opening: 1–2 weeks
• Tax registration: 1–3 working days

Foreign investors should allow extra time for document notarization and apostille in their home country, which can take several weeks.

Practical Tips for Yiliang

• Engage a local registered agent or consultant familiar with Yiliang's MSA to avoid delays.
• Check if your business activity requires additional licenses (e.g., food, education, logistics).
• Keep digital and physical copies of all documents; some steps may require original signatures.
• Consider the availability of virtual registered addresses; not all providers are accepted by the local authority.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Regulations and local practices may change. Founders should consult qualified professionals and verify requirements with the Yiliang County Market Supervision Administration and other relevant authorities before proceeding.