Published by ChinaMNC · Xigu

Registering a company in China: documents, steps and timeline

A practical guide for founders setting up a company in Xigu, Gansu, China, covering required documents, the registration process, and typical timelines.

Why Xigu, Gansu?

Xigu District is an industrial and logistics hub in Lanzhou, Gansu Province. For founders considering China, Xigu offers lower operating costs than tier-1 cities, access to energy and chemical industries, and local government support for certain sectors. However, registering a company in China involves a standardized process that applies nationwide, with local variations in execution. This guide outlines the documents, steps, and timeline for company registration in Xigu, based on publicly available regulations and common practice. Always verify current requirements with local authorities or a qualified professional.

Key Documents You Will Need

The exact document list depends on your business scope and company type, but most founders setting up a limited liability company (LLC) in Xigu will need the following:

• Company name – in Chinese, with 3–5 alternatives for pre-approval.
• Registered address proof – lease agreement or property ownership certificate for premises in Xigu. Virtual offices may not be accepted for certain activities.
• Articles of Association – signed by all shareholders.
• Shareholder and legal representative identification – passports for foreign individuals, or business licenses for corporate shareholders, often notarized and apostilled or legalized.
• Capital contribution plan – subscribed capital and timeline (subject to current Company Law).
• Business scope – clearly defined activities, some of which may require pre-approval.
• Supervisor and executive information – names and IDs for directors, supervisor, and legal representative.
• Foreign investment negative list confirmation – if any foreign shareholder, confirm the business scope is not restricted.

For foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), additional documents may include proof of foreign investor existence, credit reports, and notarized incorporation documents. All non-Chinese documents typically require translation into Chinese.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Pre-Approval

Submit proposed company names to the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) in Xigu. This can often be done online via the Gansu provincial government service portal. Names must not conflict with existing trademarks or companies. Approval usually takes 1–3 working days.

Step 2: Prepare Registration Materials

Compile the documents listed above. For foreign investors, ensure notarization and legalization are complete before submission. The registered address must be a commercial property; residential addresses may have restrictions.

Step 3: Submit for Business License

File the application with the Xigu AMR. This can be done online or in person. After review, you will receive the business license (formerly known as the “five-in-one” license). Standard processing time is 3–7 working days if materials are complete.

Step 4: Carve Seals

Company seals (official seal, financial seal, legal representative seal, invoice seal, and contract seal) must be carved at a police-approved seal-making shop. This typically takes 1–2 working days.

Step 5: Bank Account Opening

Open a basic corporate bank account. Banks require the business license, seals, and legal representative ID. Processing time varies by bank, often 3–10 working days, and may require the legal representative to appear in person.

Step 6: Tax Registration and Invoicing

Register with the tax authority, determine taxpayer status (small-scale or general), and apply for invoice issuance. This is usually completed within 1–3 working days after bank account opening.

Step 7: Social Insurance and Housing Fund Registration

If hiring employees, register with social insurance and housing fund authorities. This can be done online or at local service centers.

Step 8: Post-Registration Filings

Depending on business scope, additional filings may be required, such as food safety, environmental impact assessment, or customs registration for import/export.

Typical Timeline

Assuming all documents are in order, the core registration process (name approval to business license) generally takes 5–10 working days. However, for foreign-invested companies, the overall timeline from preparation to operational readiness is often 4–8 weeks. Key factors include:

• Document notarization and legalization – can take 2–4 weeks depending on the investor's country.
• Registered address – securing compliant premises may take time.
• Bank account opening – due diligence can extend this step.
• Special licenses – if required, add several weeks to months.

Local government service efficiency in Gansu has improved in recent years, with many steps available online, but foreign investment cases may still require in-person visits.

Practical Tips for Founders

• Engage a local agent – a qualified consultant can help navigate Xigu-specific requirements and reduce delays.
• Verify address compliance – confirm with the AMR that your intended address is zoned for your business activities.
• Plan for Chinese language – all official documents must be in Chinese; use certified translations.
• Understand capital rules – subscribed capital must be paid within the period stated in the Articles, subject to the revised Company Law effective July 2024.
• Check negative list – ensure your business scope is not on the foreign investment negative list.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulations and procedures change frequently, and local implementation may vary. Founders should consult qualified professionals and verify all requirements with the Xigu Administration for Market Regulation, tax authorities, and other relevant agencies before proceeding. The author and publisher accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this information.