Special Permits and Business Licenses in China

We assist foreign investors/businessmen in obtaining special licenses and permits in China by handling all the formalities. You may explore this page for information on this subject and reach out to our Chinese lawyers for legal representation throughout the procedures.

Who issues Chinese business licenses?

Business licenses in China are issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) through its regional offices/agencies.

What are the key categories of business licenses and permits in China?

for import and export activities,
retail,
foods & beverages,
ICP license to launch websites in China,
professional business licenses for accounting, consulting, lawyers, etc.

What are the types of business licenses and permits available in China?

construction licenses and permits,
financial licenses,
pharmaceutical business licenses,
Value Added Telecom Services (VATS) licenses, etc.

What are the key requirements to get a business license in China?

the process starts by checking the Special Administrative Measures for Foreign Investment Access (Negative List, 2024 edition), issued by NDRC and MOFCOM. Where a sector permit is required, it is issued by the competent regulator (e.g. MIIT for ICP/VATS licenses), while the local AMR issues the business license,
one must appoint a legal representative to deal with the procedures of getting a business license in China,
the foreign company documents must be presented in apostilled or legalized form (apostilles accepted since 7 November 2023),
the business license application can be done online with SAMR or in person at a local office.

NOTE: Our Chinese lawyers can act as legal representatives to handle the application for obtaining a business license or permit in China.

We have prepared a video about how to obtain special permits and licenses in China:

What happens after getting the SAMR approval for a business license in China?

the applicant can receive the digital and the physical form of the business license in question,
the company seals (chops) are then engraved and filed with the Public Security Bureau.

What does a business license in China include?

company name and legal form,
business license number,
the unique 18-character code (digits and letters) assigned to the firm and represents the unified social credit code,
the name of the legal representative of the Chinese company,
business scope,
registered capital of the firm,
incorporation data,
duration of the company, as the case may be,
the registered address of the enterprise,
QR code directing to the National Enterprise Credit Information System in China where company information is found.

What is the time frame to get a business license in China?

1-2 months, considering the pre- and post-licensing requirements.

Are there any precautions to consider when applying for a business license and permit in China?

navigating through rigorous checks and operational steps is time-consuming. It is optimal to work with a legal representative in China who knows the rules,
SAMR conducts physical site audits; therefore, ensuring a business address and offering proof when applying for a business license is highly recommended.

Can a business license application in China be rejected?

Yes, if the Chinese authorities detect errors in the documents or if all the imposed conditions are not met, especially those related to the business license category.

In addition to the services for obtaining a business license in China, our specialists can also help you in other areas. For example, we can explain the steps for immigration to China. Moreover, those already established in this country and interested in Chinese citizenship can opt for our legal services. As for divorce in China, we have a team dedicated to this type of legal matter. We also offer trademark registration in China with the help of our experts. Please get in touch with our law firm in China to learn more about the legal services we offer.