Published · Bangladesh

China Company Registration: Documents, Steps and Timeline

A practical guide for founders from Bangladesh on registering a company in China, covering the required documents, step-by-step process, and realistic timeline. General information only, not legal or tax advice.

So you're a founder from Bangladesh looking to set up a company in China. Whether you're eyeing manufacturing, trade, tech, or a service business, the registration process can feel like a maze from Dhaka. This guide walks you through the documents you'll need, the steps to follow, and a realistic timeline—based on common practice, not promises. Remember: this is general information, not legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified local professional before making decisions.

First, understand the basics

China allows foreign investors to set up several types of entities. Most Bangladeshi founders choose a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE)—a limited liability company owned entirely by foreign capital. If you have a Chinese partner, a Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture (EJV) is another option. A Representative Office (RO) is limited to liaison work and cannot generate revenue, so it's rarely suitable for founders planning to do business.

Before you start, check whether your intended business scope falls under the Negative List for Foreign Investment. Sectors not on the list are generally open; those on the list may be restricted or prohibited. Also confirm your registered capital—there's no universal minimum, but it should be realistic for your operations and is subject to scrutiny.

Key documents you'll need

Documents vary by city and entity type, but here's a typical checklist for a WFOE. Prepare these early—especially anything requiring authentication in Bangladesh.

• Investor's passport copy (if you're an individual investor) or company registration certificate (if your investing entity is a Bangladeshi company).
• Proof of address for the investor—utility bill or bank statement, often requiring notarization and translation.
• Notarized and legalized documents: For Bangladeshi documents, you'll typically need notarization, authentication by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and legalization by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. This can take time, so start early.
• Lease agreement or property ownership certificate for your registered office address in China. Many founders use a serviced office or virtual address provider that supports registration.
• Articles of Association (company charter), drafted according to Chinese company law.
• Name pre-approval form with 3–5 proposed company names in Chinese (and English if desired).
• Legal representative appointment and board resolution (if applicable).
• Business scope description—be specific but not overly broad.
• Registered capital commitment and shareholder structure.

Note: If your Bangladeshi investor company documents are in English or Bengali, you'll need Chinese translations stamped by a translation agency.

Step-by-step registration process

Step 1: Name pre-approval

Submit proposed names to the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR). Names must be unique and follow Chinese naming rules. This step usually takes 1–3 business days if no issues arise.

Step 2: Prepare and authenticate documents

While the name is being approved, get your Bangladeshi documents notarized, authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and legalized by the Chinese Embassy. This can take 2–4 weeks depending on appointments and courier times. In parallel, secure your office lease.

Step 3: Submit registration application

File the application with the AMR (often online via the local government portal). You'll submit the articles, investor documents, lease, and legal representative details. Review time is typically 3–7 business days, but can be longer if the business scope or capital raises questions.

Step 4: Obtain business license

Once approved, you receive the Business License—the core document proving your company exists. This is often issued within a few days after approval.

Step 5: Make the company seal

In China, seals (chops) are critical. You'll need at least the company seal, legal representative seal, and financial seal. Registration with the police is required in many cities. Allow 1–3 business days.

Step 6: Bank account opening

Open a basic corporate RMB account and, if needed, a foreign currency account. Banks require the business license, seals, legal representative ID, and sometimes proof of address. Processing can take 1–2 weeks, and some banks require the legal representative to appear in person.

Step 7: Tax and customs registration

Register with the tax authority and, if applicable, customs. You'll also need to set up invoicing (fapiao) systems. This step usually takes 3–5 business days after the bank account is active.

Step 8: Post-registration formalities

Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses (e.g., food, import-export). Also arrange social insurance registration if you hire local staff. Don't forget to file your first tax report on time.

Realistic timeline

Assuming your documents are in order, the entire process from name approval to tax registration typically takes 6 to 10 weeks. The biggest variable is document authentication in Bangladesh, which can add 2–4 weeks. If you use a professional agency, they can help streamline submissions, but they cannot bypass legal requirements.

Here's a rough breakdown:

• Name pre-approval: 1–3 business days
• Document authentication (Bangladesh): 2–4 weeks
• Registration review: 3–7 business days
• Business license issuance: 1–3 business days
• Seal making: 1–3 business days
• Bank account opening: 1–2 weeks
• Tax registration: 3–5 business days

Add buffer time for public holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day) and any back-and-forth on documents.

Practical tips for Bangladeshi founders

• Start document authentication early. Embassy legalization appointments can be limited, and courier delays are common.
• Choose your city wisely. Cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing have more mature processes but higher costs. Smaller cities may offer faster service but less English support.
• Work with a local registered agent or consultant. They can help with address, document drafting, and submissions—but always verify their credentials.
• Keep your business scope focused. Overly broad scopes may trigger extra scrutiny.
• Plan for the legal representative's presence. Some steps (like bank account opening) may require you or your appointed representative to be in China.

Final word

Registering a company in China is a structured but document-heavy process. For founders from Bangladesh, the key is preparation—especially authentication—and patience. Use this guide as a roadmap, but always engage a qualified local lawyer or consultant for advice specific to your situation. This article is general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.