How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in China

Why you need it

A Chinese corporate bank account is required to receive customer payments in RMB, pay taxes and social insurance, run payroll and settle foreign currency. Without it, your company cannot operate day to day.

What banks require

• Business license and company chops
• Tax registration and articles of association
• Legal representative identification (in person at some banks)
• Proof of registered address
• A coherent business background: customers, suppliers and expected flows

Choosing the right bank

Large state banks offer the widest branch and FX networks; joint-stock and international banks often provide smoother English service and faster onboarding for trading companies. We match your business profile to a bank and prepare the file so due diligence passes first time.

Timeline

Account opening usually takes one to three weeks after the business license, depending on the bank and whether an in-person visit is required. Foreign currency accounts and cross-border settlement registrations are added in the same process.