Company Incorporation in China (Mainland) & Bank Account Opening Requirements

1. China Company Incorporation Requirements (WFOE / Joint Venture / Representative Office) – Within 3 Months

• Business structure options: WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise), Joint Venture, or Representative Office.
• Minimum 1 director (can be foreign).
• A legal representative (must be an individual; can be foreign or Chinese).
• A supervisor (cannot be the same person as the legal representative).
• Registered capital requirement varies by industry and location. Many cities have flexible minimum capital, but practical paid-in capital is often recommended.
• A registered office address in Mainland China (real/commercial or approved virtual address depending on zone).
• Business scope must be clearly defined and approved by authorities.
• Company name must follow Chinese naming structure and be approved by AMR (Administration for Market Regulation).
• Articles of Association.
• Identification documents for all individuals involved.

Required Documents for Incorporation

• Passport copies for foreign directors, shareholders, supervisor, and legal representative.
• Residential address proof.
• Chinese translation of passports (required in many cities).
• Proposed company name (3–5 options).
• Business scope description.
• Lease agreement for registered office.
• Articles of Association.
• Shareholding structure documentation.

2. Bank Account Opening Requirements in China – For NRA or FTN account within 1 Month

• Legal representative must often be physically present at the bank (mandatory for most banks).
• Company incorporation certificates issued by AMR.
• Company stamp/chop set (company chop, financial chop, legal representative chop).
• Completed bank application forms.
• Proof of registered address (lease + verification).
• Business plan and explanation of activities.
• KYC documents: contracts, invoices, supplier/customer details.
• Phone number in China (often required for banking SMS verification).
• Tax registration completed before account activation in some districts.

Documents Typically Required by Banks

• Business License (Unified Social Credit Code certificate).
• Articles of Association.
• Company chops (official seals).
• Legal representative’s passport and presence at the branch.
• Directors’ and shareholders’ passports (copies).
• Residential address proof.
• Lease agreement and office verification documentation.
• Tax registration certificate (if required by bank).
• Business plan or financial forecast.
• Contracts or proof of counterparties (to justify business activities).
• Source of funds and source of wealth explanation.