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How to Get a Chinese Business Stamp and Register with the Chinese Authorities

Writer's picture: Ka Cheng ChanKa Cheng Chan

Getting a Chinese business stamp and registering with the relevant authorities is a critical step in establishing a business presence in China.


Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:


Register Your Business in China

Step 1: Register Your Business in China


Before you can obtain a business stamp, you need to officially register your business with the Chinese authorities. This process varies depending on the type of entity you are setting up (e.g., Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE), Joint Venture (JV), or Representative Office).


Here’s a general outline of the registration process:


  1. Choose Your Business Structure:


    • Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE): This is the most common option for foreign businesses wishing to operate independently in China. A WFOE is fully owned by a foreign entity and allows you to directly conduct business activities.


    • Joint Venture (JV): This is a partnership between a foreign company and a Chinese partner, typically used when seeking to enter certain regulated industries.


    • Representative Office (RO): This allows foreign companies to have a presence in China, but it is limited to non-commercial activities such as market research or liaison with local partners.


  2. Company Name Reservation: You need to apply to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) for approval of your company name. Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Company Name.


  3. Prepare the Required Documents: For business registration, you typically need to provide:


    • Business plan

    • Passport copies of the legal representatives and business owners

    • Proof of your company’s legal existence in your home country

    • Office lease agreement or property ownership documents (for your physical address in China)


  4. Apply for Business License: Submit your documents to the local Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) to apply for your business license. Once issued, this license will serve as the official recognition of your company in China. This license is essential to apply for the company seal.


  5. Obtain Tax Registration: After receiving the business license, your company needs to register with the local tax authorities to get a tax registration certificate. This is necessary for handling corporate taxes and issuing invoices.


Step 2: Apply for the Chinese Business Stamp


Once your business is officially registered, you can proceed with obtaining your Chinese business stamp. Here’s how:


  1. Design the Stamp: The Chinese business stamp typically includes the following:

    • The company’s name in Chinese (this is the name you registered with the authorities).

    • The company’s registration number.

    • The company’s legal representative (in some cases).


    Depending on the type of stamp (company seal, finance seal, etc.), the design may vary. You can work with a local provider to design and create your stamp.


  2. Apply for the Stamp at the Local Public Security Bureau (PSB): The application for the business stamp is made with the Public Security Bureau (PSB), the authority responsible for regulating company seals in China. You need to submit:

    • A copy of your business license.

    • A copy of your tax registration certificate.

    • Identification documents for the legal representative.

    • The company’s stamp design and approval from the company’s legal representative.


  3. Create the Stamp: Once the PSB processes the application, they will approve the creation of your stamp. You will then need to have the stamp manufactured at an official stamp-making facility. These facilities are authorized to create business stamps that meet the PSB’s standards.


  4. Register the Stamp with the PSB: After the stamp is created, you need to officially register it with the PSB. This involves providing the stamp to the PSB so they can record its details in their system. This registration is important because it ensures that only authorized individuals can use the stamp and that the stamp is legally valid for use in business operations.


Step 3: Keep the Stamp Secure


Once you have received your business stamp, it is crucial to keep it secure. The stamp represents the legal authority of your company, and improper use can lead to legal issues, fraud, or unauthorized transactions. Ensure that only trusted personnel within the company have access to the stamp, and maintain a log of who uses it and when.


Key Points to Remember:


  • The Chinese business stamp is a vital part of any legal and business transaction in China. It is required for signing contracts, issuing invoices, and filing legal documents.

  • Foreign businesses must be officially registered with Chinese authorities (AIC and tax authorities) before they can apply for the stamp.

  • The process involves applying for a business license, obtaining tax registration, and registering your stamp with the Public Security Bureau (PSB).

  • The stamp should be treated as a highly secure item to prevent fraud and misuse.


By following these steps, you can ensure that your business is fully compliant with Chinese regulations and that you’re prepared to handle all legal and financial transactions in China.

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