Published by ChinaMNC · Daxing

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Daxing, Beijing, covering required documents, registration steps, and typical timelines under China's Foreign Investment Law.

Why Daxing, Beijing?

Daxing District, located in southern Beijing, is home to the Beijing Daxing International Airport and several industrial and commercial zones. For foreign founders, Daxing offers access to municipal services and a growing business ecosystem. However, company registration in China follows a unified national framework, with local variations in processing times and service quality. This guide outlines the documents, steps, and timeline for registering a foreign-invested company in Daxing, based on publicly available regulations.

Key Legal Framework

Foreign investment in China is governed by the Foreign Investment Law (effective January 1, 2020) and the Company Law (revised 2023, effective July 1, 2024). The registration authority is the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and its local branches. In Daxing, the relevant body is the Daxing District Market Supervision Administration. Additionally, the Negative List for Foreign Investment Access determines whether your business sector is restricted or prohibited for foreign investors. Sectors not on the negative list are generally treated the same as domestic investments.

Documents Required

The exact document list can vary by business scope and legal form, but commonly required items include:

• Application form for company registration (available online or at the local SAMR office).
• Articles of Association (AoA) signed by all shareholders.
• Proof of identity for shareholders and legal representatives: passport copies for foreign individuals; notarized and apostilled (or consular legalized) incorporation documents for foreign corporate shareholders.
• Registered address proof: lease agreement and property ownership certificate for the office in Daxing. Virtual addresses may be accepted in some cases, but verify with local authorities.
• Capital contribution plan: subscribed capital, contribution method, and timeline, as required under the Company Law.
• Name pre-approval notification (see steps below).
• Legal representative appointment document and ID.
• Foreign investor qualification: for corporate shareholders, documents proving legal existence and good standing, often notarized and apostilled.

Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Chinese by a qualified translation agency. Notarization and apostille requirements depend on the investor's country (China joined the Apostille Convention in 2023, simplifying authentication for many jurisdictions).

Steps to Register

1. Choose a Company Name and Conduct Name Pre-Approval

Select a name following SAMR rules (usually includes region, trade name, industry, and organizational form). Submit for pre-approval via the Beijing Enterprise Registration online platform or at the Daxing SAMR window. This step typically takes 1–3 business days.

2. Prepare and Notarize Documents

Gather and notarize/apostille foreign shareholder documents. Draft the Articles of Association. This preparatory phase can take 1–3 weeks depending on document apostille and translation timelines.

3. Submit Registration Application

File the application with the Daxing District Market Supervision Administration. Many applications can be submitted online through the Beijing Municipal Government's service portal. The statutory processing time for company registration is generally 3–7 business days if documents are complete.

4. Obtain Business License

Upon approval, receive the Business License (营业执照), which includes the Unified Social Credit Code. This is the core document for subsequent steps.

5. Carve Seals

Company seals (official seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal, contract seal) must be carved at a designated seal-making shop and registered with the public security bureau. This usually takes 1–2 business days.

6. Open a Bank Account

Open a basic corporate bank account (基本户) for RMB transactions. Banks require the business license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes proof of address. Account opening can take 3–10 business days depending on the bank and KYC checks.

7. Register with Tax Authorities

Complete tax registration (often integrated with the business license process) and sign a tripartite agreement for tax withholding. Obtain the tax identification number (linked to the Unified Social Credit Code). This step is typically completed within 1–3 business days after bank account opening.

8. Social Security and Housing Fund Registration

If hiring employees, register with the local social security and housing fund centers. This can be done online or at the Daxing district service center, usually within 1–2 business days.

9. Foreign Exchange Registration (if applicable)

For foreign-invested enterprises, register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) or through the bank for capital account transactions. This is often handled by the bank during account opening.

Timeline Overview

Assuming complete and correct documents, the total timeline from preparation to operational setup can range from 4 to 8 weeks. Key phases:

• Document preparation and notarization: 1–3 weeks (varies by country).
• Name pre-approval: 1–3 business days.
• Business license issuance: 3–7 business days.
• Seals, bank account, tax registration: 1–3 weeks.

Delays may occur due to incomplete documents, sector-specific approvals, or local processing backlogs. For sectors on the negative list, additional approvals from the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) or other regulators may be required, extending the timeline.

Practical Considerations for Daxing

• Registered address: Daxing offers various business incubators and office parks. Ensure the address is zoned for commercial use and can be used for registration. Some parks provide virtual address services, but confirm acceptance with SAMR.
• Language: All filings must be in Chinese. Engage a qualified translator or local advisor.
• Local incentives: Daxing may offer incentives for certain industries (e.g., aviation, logistics, high-tech). Consult the Daxing District Commerce Bureau for current policies, but note that incentives are not guaranteed and subject to conditions.
• Compliance: After registration, maintain annual reporting, tax filings, and foreign exchange compliance. The Company Law requires a capital contribution timeline (generally within 5 years) and may require a supervisor.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulations and procedures may change. The timelines and document requirements are indicative and not guarantees. Founders should consult qualified professionals and verify current requirements with the Daxing District Market Supervision Administration and other relevant authorities before proceeding.