WFOE Tax Registration and Social Security Account Setup Sequence
Post-license WFOE setup requires strict sequential completion of chop carving, bank account opening, tax activation, and social security registration.
Public Security Bureau Chop Registry
Meaning
A centralized administrative database that records and verifies the official stamps used by corporate entities in China. Local public security bureaus operate the Public Security Bureau chop registry to maintain the authenticity of corporate transactions and prevent document fraud. Every legally registered company must submit the designs and digital profiles of its official stamps to this system.
This administrative oversight ensures that only authorized stamps are recognized as legally binding.
Administrative Filing
Registration occurs immediately after the business license is issued by the market regulation authority. During this phase of the Public Security Bureau chop registry process, the enterprise must use a designated, licensed manufacturer to engrave the stamps. These manufacturers are linked directly to the police database, and they embed a unique, traceable code into each physical chop.
The registry then records the fingerprint of the legal representative alongside the stamp impression to secure the filing. This integration prevents the production of unregistered or duplicate stamps.
Corporate Verification
Commercial banks and government departments use this system to validate contract signatures. When a company opens a bank account or signs a high-value lease, the counterparty can consult the Public Security Bureau chop registry to confirm that the stamp on the document matches the official file. This verification process is crucial for mitigating risks during corporate takeovers or shareholder disputes.
It establishes a clear chain of authority.
Security Regulation
Lost or damaged stamps must be reported to the authorities immediately. The company must publish a cancellation notice in a provincial newspaper before the Public Security Bureau chop registry will record the new stamps. This process protects the company from liabilities arising from stolen stamps.