A China corporate bank account must be opened in person with the original business licence, the company seals and the legal representative's ID. Banks apply enhanced due diligence to foreign-owned entities, so expect questions on business substance and 1–4 weeks from application to activation. Open the RMB basic account first, then a foreign currency account.
Documents the bank will ask for
- Original business licence and a full set of company seals
- Legal representative's passport, plus the authorised signatory's ID if different
- Articles of association and the capital contribution record
- The foreign parent's certificate of incorporation and the ownership chain to the ultimate beneficial owner
- Lease or address agreement for the registered office
- Business rationale: who the customers are, expected monthly turnover, source of funds
Why applications get declined
The most common reason is an ownership chain the bank cannot reconcile — nominee shareholders, a trust layer, or a parent registered in a jurisdiction with limited public records. The second is an address that looks like a mailbox rather than a place of business. The third is a business model the bank cannot map to a permitted scope.
A declined application is recorded against the company, so a second attempt at the same bank is harder. It is worth preparing the file properly the first time rather than applying to several banks in parallel.
How we prepare the file
We assemble the package, write the business rationale in the format the bank's compliance team expects, arrange the introduction, and brief the signatory on the interview questions. Where a foreign currency account is needed for cross-border settlement, we sequence it after the RMB basic account so the second application is not treated as a fresh client.
Frequently asked
Can the account be opened remotely?
Rarely for a new company. Most mainland banks require the legal representative or an authorised signatory to appear at a branch in person. A small number of banks offer video onboarding, usually limited to companies that already hold accounts with them or that meet higher balance thresholds.
How long does it take?
Between one and four weeks in practice. The bank's internal compliance review, not the branch appointment, is what takes the time. Files with a simple ownership chain and a clear business rationale move faster.
Is there a minimum deposit?
Some banks require a minimum average balance, typically RMB 10,000–500,000 depending on the bank and account type, with a fee if the balance falls below it. This is negotiable and worth confirming in writing before you sign.
Not sure which route applies to you?
Tell us what you are trying to do. The first call is a feasibility check, not a sales pitch.