Published by ChinaMNC · Longan

Registering a Company in China: Documents, Steps and Timeline for Founders in Longan, Guangxi

A practical guide for foreign founders on registering a company in Longan, Guangxi, including required documents, step-by-step process, and typical timeline.

Why Longan, Guangxi?

Longan County is located in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, near the border with Vietnam and connected to the Beibu Gulf. For foreign founders, Longan offers lower operating costs than major Chinese cities and access to regional trade routes. However, the registration process follows China's national framework, with local variations. This guide outlines the documents, steps, and timeline for setting up a company in Longan.

Documents Required

Before starting, prepare the following documents. Note that all foreign-language documents must be translated into Chinese and notarized/legalized as required.

For Foreign Investors

• Passport copy of the legal representative and shareholders (if individuals).
• Notarized and legalized Certificate of Incorporation (if the shareholder is a foreign company), along with Articles of Association.
• Bank reference letter for the foreign shareholder (some local authorities may request).
• Proof of address for the foreign shareholder (e.g., utility bill).

For the New Company

• Company name (provide 3-5 alternatives in Chinese).
• Registered address in Longan (lease agreement or property ownership certificate).
• Articles of Association (can be based on a standard template).
• Business scope (must comply with the Negative List for Foreign Investment).
• Registered capital and shareholder contribution plan.
• Appointment of legal representative, supervisor, and executive director (with their ID copies).

Additional Local Requirements

Longan may require a feasibility study report or environmental assessment for certain industries. Check with the Longan Market Supervision Administration.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-approval

Submit 3-5 proposed Chinese company names to the Longan Market Supervision Administration (or online via the Guangxi government service portal). The name must be unique and follow naming conventions. Timeline: 1-3 working days.

Step 2: Prepare and Notarize Documents

If the shareholder is a foreign company, have incorporation documents notarized and legalized (or apostilled under the Hague Convention, if applicable). This can take 1-4 weeks depending on the country.

Step 3: Submit Registration Application

File the application with the Longan Market Supervision Administration. Required forms include the Application for Company Registration, Articles of Association, and proof of address. Timeline: 5-10 working days for review.

Step 4: Obtain Business License

Upon approval, receive the Business License (营业执照), which includes the unified social credit code. This is the key document for all subsequent steps.

Step 5: Carve Seals

Have official company seals made (company seal, legal representative seal, finance seal, invoice seal). This typically takes 1-2 working days at a designated seal-making shop.

Step 6: Bank Account Opening

Open a RMB basic account and a foreign currency capital account at a bank in Longan. The legal representative usually must be present. Timeline: 3-10 working days, depending on bank due diligence.

Step 7: Tax Registration and Invoicing

Register with the tax authority and obtain a tax ID (often integrated with the business license). Apply for invoice issuance if needed. Timeline: 3-5 working days.

Step 8: Foreign Exchange Registration

Register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) for capital account transactions. This is often handled by the bank. Timeline: 1-3 working days.

Step 9: Social Security and Housing Fund Registration

If hiring employees, register with the local social security and housing fund offices. Timeline: 3-5 working days.

Timeline Overview

The total timeline depends on document readiness and local processing. A typical estimate for Longan:

• Name pre-approval: 1-3 working days
• Document notarization/legalization: 1-4 weeks (if foreign company shareholder)
• Registration review: 5-10 working days
• Seals, bank account, tax: 2-3 weeks
• Total: 4-8 weeks (assuming documents are in order)

Note that timelines can vary due to local workloads, public holidays, and the completeness of your application.

Key Considerations for Longan

• Registered address: You need a physical address in Longan. Virtual addresses may not be accepted for certain industries.
• Negative List: Check if your business scope is restricted for foreign investment. The 2021 Negative List applies nationwide.
• Local incentives: Longan may offer incentives for certain industries, but verify with the local investment promotion bureau.
• Language: All documents must be in Chinese; consider hiring a local translator or consultant.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Registration requirements and procedures may change. Consult a qualified professional or the Longan Market Supervision Administration for the most current information. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for actions taken based on this article.