Determine the business name, location, scope of operations, and registered capital before registration; with complete documents, you can obtain the business license on the spot.

6. Determine the business name, location, scope of operations, and registered capital before registration; with complete documents, you can obtain the business license on the spot.

Cost: There are no fees for the registration process itself. Since January 1, 2015, registration fees for both enterprises and individual businesses have been waived. Completing the process online via local government services or at a service center typically takes just a few hours. Costs related to engraving a company seal, hiring an accountant, or renting a registered address are charges for private services, not government fees.

In plain terms: Registration itself is free; registration fees have been eliminated since 2015. Only five types of documents are required: an application form, proof of identity or eligibility, documents confirming the business location, articles of association or partnership agreement (not needed for individual businesses), and any additional items specified by law. With all documents in order, the license is issued immediately; otherwise, it is processed within three working days. Any fees charged are usually for third‑party assistance.

Benefit: The regulations specify exactly five required documents: (1) an application form; (2) documents proving the applicant’s eligibility and identity; (3) papers confirming the business address; (4) articles of association or partnership agreement for companies and partnerships; and (5) any other materials mandated by laws or regulations. Additionally, companies must submit appointment documents and identification for their legal representative, directors, supervisors, and senior managers. Individual businesses are exempt from submitting articles of association. The business name must be declared voluntarily by the applicant, and the registered capital follows a commitment system — you state how much you intend to contribute, but no payment is required at the time. The scope of operations is chosen from categories published by the registration authority. When all documents are complete and correctly formatted, registration is confirmed on the spot; otherwise it is finalized within three working days, or up to six days for more complex cases. The date printed on the license marks the official founding date of the business entity (effective nationwide since March 2022).

Evidence grade: A

Sources: State Council of China (2021). State Administration for Market Regulation of China (2022). State Administration for Market Regulation of China (2022). State Administration for Market Regulation of China (2022). for Market Regulation of China Order No. 52, Articles 12, 25, 26). <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-03/02/content_5676403.htm>; Ministry of Finance, National Development and Reform Commission of China (2014). Notice on the cancellation, suspension and exemption of a batch of administrative fees (Finance and Taxation [2014] No. 101, Attachment 1). <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2014-12/23/content_5023513.htm>

Notes: Registration itself incurs no cost; any fees charged are typically for third‑party services. Seal engraving prices are set by market forces. The General Office of the State Council explicitly prohibits mandating specific seal manufacturers, so claims that you must use a designated provider are unfounded. The amount of registered capital does not affect your business image; it only defines the maximum liability you bear, and must be paid in full within five years (see Section 3 regarding selection of business entity). If your planned activities require permits, you may not commence operations until those permits are obtained (see Section 7 on licensed industries).