Change registration for resident representative offices of foreign enterprises
1. Required documents
|
A |
Application Form for Registration (Filing) of the Resident Representative Office of a Foreign Enterprise |
|
B |
For name change of the representative office: • Certificate proving the foreign enterprise has legally existed for more than two years • A credit certificate issued by a financial institution that has business dealings with the enterprise |
|
C |
For change of chief representative: • Information on the newly appointed chief representative • A copy of his/her identity document, a resume, and documents detailing the appointment and removal |
|
D |
For change of business scope: • Approval documents if the new activities require government authorization under laws or State Council regulations |
|
E |
For change of office premises: • Documents proving legal use of the new premises |
|
F |
For change of the term of the representative office: • A copy of the valid business operation certificate proving the foreign enterprise has been in continuous existence for more than 2 years • A creditworthiness certificate issued by a bank as described above |
|
G |
For change of the foreign enterprise's name or registered office: • Certificate issued by the competent registration authority in the foreign enterprise's country/region approving the name or address change |
|
H |
For filing of authorized signatory: • An authorization document or proof issued by the foreign enterprise (after its change) designating the authorized signatory |
|
I |
For filing of change in liability form, capital (assets), or business scope of the foreign enterprise • Supporting documents evidencing the changes in the foreign enterprise's liability form, capital (assets), or business scope |
|
J |
For filing of representatives • Information on newly appointed representative(s) • A copy of the natural person's identity document • Resume of the new representative(s) • Documents detailing the appointment and dismissal of representatives |
|
K |
For filing of liaison officer • A copy of the natural person's identity document of the liaison officer |
|
L |
For the Submitting Agent • A copy of the natural person's identity document of the person submitting the application materials |
|
M |
Where laws, administrative regulations, or State Council decisions require prior approval, the relevant approval documents must be submitted. (Note: Certificates or materials issued by Shanghai Municipal People’s Government may be exempted from submission) |
|
N |
For Filing Procedure • A copy of the registration certificate of the representative office • For representative filings, a copy of the representative certificate is also required |
2. Application Process
Step 1: Submission and acceptance
• Counter staff will receive your application.
• Documents must be complete and in the required format.
• If all materials meet the requirements, the application will be accepted for processing.
Step 2: Review and decision
• The reviewing officer examines the application.
• For change registration, the registration authority must decide within 10 days after acceptance of the application.
• If approved: A new registration certificate and representative certificate will be issued within 5 days.
• If rejected: A Change Registration Rejection Notice will be issued within 5 days, outlining the reasons.
Step 3: Certificate issuance
Once approved, you will receive the Registration Certificate of the Resident Representative Office of a Foreign Enterprise.
3. Processing time
|
Stage |
Timeframe |
|
Decision on application |
Within 10 days (6-8 working days) of acceptance |
|
Issuance of new certificates (if approved) |
Within 5 days of decision |
|
Issuance of rejection notice (if rejected) |
Within 5 days of decision |
4. Application locations
Applications can be submitted at any of the following service centers:
|
District |
Address |
Window(s) |
|
Xuhui |
Government Service Hall, No 301 Zhaojiabang Road, Xietu Road subdistrict |
Windows 4-10 |
|
Pudong New Area |
Enterprise Service Center, 1F, No 2 Hehuan Road, Huamu subdistrict |
Windows 1-40 |
|
Changning |
Administrative Service Center, No 1436 Changning Road, Zhoujiaqiao subdistrict |
Windows 308, 10, 16 |
|
Putuo |
Administrative Service Center, No 602 Tongpu Road, Changfeng subdistrict |
Windows A13-A23 |
|
Hongkou |
Administrative Service Center, No 338 Sanhe Road, Jiaxing Road subdistrict |
Windows 9-15 |
|
Qingpu |
Administrative Service Center, 3F, No 6189 Waiqingsong Highway, Xiayang subdistrict |
Windows 1-10 |
5. Service hours
|
Period |
Days |
Morning |
Afternoon |
|
June 15 – Sept 15 |
Monday – Friday |
9 am – 11:30 am |
2 pm – 4:30 pm |
|
Sept 16 – June 14 (following year) |
Monday – Friday |
9 am – 11:30 am |
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
Closed on public holidays.
6. Contact information
|
Phone inquiries |
• Municipal level: 021-6422-0000 Ext 5446 • Pudong New Area: 021-6854-2222 Ext 88109 • Changning district: 021-2225-3011 • Putuo district: 021-2223-4527 • Hongkou district: 021-2565-7574 • Qingpu district: 021-5972-8327 |
|
Online inquiry |
|
|
In-person inquiry |
Visit any of the service centers listed in Section 4 above. |
7. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a common mistake when submitting documents for change of chief representative?
A: Common error: The appointment and dismissal document fails to specify that the former chief representative or representative is being removed.
Correct practice: The document must clearly state both:
• The dismissal of the previous appointee
• The appointment of the new chief representative or representative
7. Important notes
This guide applies to changes in registration and filing for permanent representative offices of foreign enterprises in China that engage in non-profit activities related to the foreign enterprise's business.
Document format requirements
• All documents must be printed on A4 white paper.
• Signatures must be made using black or blue ink.
• Handwritten documents must be written neatly in black or blue ink.
• Original documents are required unless copies are explicitly permitted.
• Copies must be marked "consistent with the original" and signed by the applicant or authorized representative.
Handling of foreign-language documents
• Documents in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Chinese translation stamped by the translation company.
• The translation must include a note stating "translation accurate."
• A copy of the translation company's business license must also be submitted.
Exemption from paper documents
• If the registration authority can verify identity information, tax clearance data, or electronic certificates via its online systems, paper documents are not required.
• If the registration authority has already shared identity, tax, or electronic certificate data via government systems, you do not need to submit duplicate paper documents.
Identity verification
• Applicants must cooperate with the registration authority to complete real-name verification using facial recognition or other methods.
• If unable to complete online verification, you may submit a notarized identity document or appear in person with your original ID.
Electronic document submission
• For fully online applications, documents such as business licenses, identity certificates, approval certificates, articles of association, and resolutions may be submitted as original images or scanned copies via the online registration system.
Document signing requirements
• Individuals must sign in person.
• For legal entities, documents must be signed by the legal representative, the person responsible, or an authorized signatory. A company seal is required for domestic entities, but foreign entities are not required to affix one.
• Authorized signatures must be supported by the original power of attorney signed by the authorizing party.
Special circumstances
• For any special circumstances, please get in touch with the relevant service center for guidance.
Note: The English version is for reference only. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.
Source: General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government
To reach International Services Shanghai, email us at intlservices@shanghai.gov.cn