Published · Greece

China Company Registration: Documents, Steps and Timeline

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

Setting up a company in China can feel like a maze for founders from Greece. The rules are different from what you know at home, and the paperwork can seem endless. But with the right preparation, the process is manageable. This article walks you through the documents you will need, the steps to take, and a realistic timeline. It is general information only—not legal or tax advice—so always consult a local professional before making decisions.

First, choose your vehicle

Most Greek founders set up a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE), which allows full control and is common for trading, consulting, and manufacturing. If you need a local partner, a Joint Venture (JV) is an option, but it adds complexity. A Representative Office (RO) is limited to market research and cannot generate revenue. For most small and medium businesses, a WFOE is the go-to structure.

Before you start, decide on your business scope, registered capital, and location. The business scope must be phrased according to China's industry catalog; some activities require pre-approval. Registered capital is not a fixed number—it depends on the industry and city—but it must be realistic and subscribed within the company's term. Location matters: free trade zones and economic development zones often offer streamlined procedures and incentives, but requirements vary.

Documents you will need

The exact list depends on your structure and city, but expect the following for a WFOE:

• Passport copies of all legal representatives, directors, supervisors, and shareholders (clear, color scans).
• Proof of address for the foreign investor (e.g., a utility bill or bank statement in the company's name if the investor is a company; for individuals, a recent bill).
• Notarized and apostilled incorporation documents if the Greek investor is a company: certificate of incorporation, articles of association, board resolution, and power of attorney. Greece is a party to the Apostille Convention, so documents should be apostilled by the Greek authorities and then translated into Chinese by a certified translation agency.
• Bank reference letter from your Greek bank (some cities require it).
• Lease agreement for your China office (or a virtual office if allowed) and the landlord's property certificate.
• Company name in Chinese (and optionally English) with 3–5 alternatives for a name check.
• Business scope description in Chinese.
• Articles of association (can be drafted by your agent).
• Legal representative's photo (recent passport-style).

If you are a Greek individual investing directly, your passport is the main identity document, but you may still need a bank reference and proof of address. All foreign-language documents must be translated into Chinese and notarized or apostilled as required.

Step-by-step registration process

Step 1: Name pre-approval

Submit your proposed company name to the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR). This can be done online in most cities. It usually takes 1–3 working days. Avoid names that are similar to well-known brands or that include restricted words.

Step 2: Prepare and legalize documents

While the name is being approved, gather and legalize your documents. For Greek companies, this means notarization by a Greek notary, apostille from the Greek competent authority, and translation into Chinese. Allow 1–2 weeks for this, depending on Greek processing times and courier delays.

Step 3: Submit registration application

File the application with the AMR, including the name approval, articles, business scope, and investor documents. Many cities now accept online submissions, but you may need to present originals later. Processing time is typically 5–10 working days. If approved, you receive a business license.

Step 4: Carve the company seal

After getting the business license, you must have official seals made: company seal, legal representative seal, finance seal, and sometimes a contract seal. This is done at a designated seal-making shop and takes 1–2 working days. The seals are critical for banking and contracts.

Step 5: Open a bank account

Open a basic corporate account at a Chinese bank. You will need the business license, seals, legal representative's ID, and sometimes a lease agreement. The legal representative may need to be present. Account opening can take 1–2 weeks, and banks may conduct due diligence on your business. You will also need a foreign exchange account if you plan to receive capital from abroad.

Step 6: Tax and social security registration

Register with the tax authorities and obtain a unified social credit code (often included on the business license). You may also need to register for VAT and corporate income tax. This step is usually handled by your accountant or agent and takes 3–5 working days.

Step 7: Post-registration formalities

Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses (e.g., food, import/export). You must also set up accounting records and, if hiring, register employees for social insurance. Consider joining a chamber of commerce or industry association for networking.

Timeline: what to expect

From start to finish, a straightforward WFOE registration typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, assuming documents are in order. Here is a rough breakdown:

• Name pre-approval: 1–3 working days
• Document legalization and translation: 1–2 weeks
• Registration submission and approval: 5–10 working days
• Seal making: 1–2 working days
• Bank account opening: 1–2 weeks
• Tax registration: 3–5 working days

Delays can occur if documents are incomplete, if the business scope requires special approval, or if the bank's compliance checks are lengthy. Cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing have more streamlined processes, while smaller cities may take longer.

Practical tips for Greek founders

• Use a local agent: A reputable registration agent or law firm can save you time and avoid mistakes. They can also advise on tax and compliance.
• Budget for costs: Government fees are modest, but legalization, translation, agent fees, and office lease add up. Expect a few thousand euros.
• Plan your banking: Bank account opening is often the bottleneck. Choose a bank with experience in serving foreign investors.
• Understand the annual obligations: After registration, you must file annual reports and tax returns. Keep proper books from day one.
• Language: All official documents must be in Chinese. Hire a certified translator; do not rely on machine translation for legal documents.

Remember, this guide is for general information only. China's regulations can change, and local practices vary. Always consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your situation. With careful planning, your Greek business can establish a solid presence in China.