On December 29, 2023, the 7th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress in China passed the new amendments to the “Company Law of the People’s Republic of China.” These amendments are set to come into effect on July 1, 2024, and bring with them significant reforms, particularly in terms of the requirements for capital contributions, which must now be fully satisfied within a stipulated period.
Understanding Limited Liability Companies and Joint-Stock Companies in China
The term “company” within the context of the amended law refers specifically to limited liability companies (LLCs) and joint-stock limited companies (JSLCs) established according to the law within the Mainland China.
- Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises (WFOEs or LLCs): These entities are established by foreign companies, enterprises, other economic organizations, or individuals as per Chinese law. They operate with capital fully invested by foreign entities and are legally distinguished from the personal assets of their shareholders.
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): These are economic organizations created by no more than fifty shareholders. Each shareholder’s liability for the company’s debt is limited to the amount of capital to which they have subscribed. The company itself is liable for its debts to the extent of all its assets.
- Joint-Stock Limited Companies (JSLCs): Formed by a group of promoters ranging from two to two hundred, JSLCs feature capital divided into equal shares. Shareholders’ responsibility towards the company’s liabilities is confined to the proportion of shares they own.
Capital Within 5 Years: Principal Contents of the New Company Law of China
- The revised sections detail that the timeframe for shareholders of an LLC to fulfill their subscribed capital contributions cannot exceed five years. However, laws, administrative regulations, and State Council decisions can determine shorter contribution periods for certain key industry sectors.
- Provisions include a requirement for Joint-Stock Limited Companies (JSLC) promoters to fully pay their subscribed shares before the company is officially established.
- The amendments also introduce penalties for failing to disclose or inaccurately disclosing information related to capital contributions.
For LLCs, the registered capital is the total amount of capital contributions subscribed by all shareholders, which must be paid in full within five years from the company’s establishment, as prescribed in the corporate bylaws.
The New Company Law in China: Capital Within 5 Years
The amendment reflects China’s commitment to fostering a more structured and transparent business ecosystem. By setting firm deadlines for capital contributions, the legislation aims to prevent undercapitalized company operations—an issue that was previously a prominent concern. This also demonstrates an effort to ensure financial stability and safeguard creditors’ rights.
Moreover, mandating actual capital contributions within a specific timeframe aligns China’s corporate governance with global business standards by deterring the formation of ‘shell companies’ with merely nominal registered capital. Such regulatory changes are anticipated to bolster foreign investors’ trust and underpin a robust foundation for businesses operating in the country.
Conclusion：
Foreign entities eyeing business expansion or transformation within China must pay heed to these regulatory changes. The revised legal framework emphasizes the importance of thorough due diligence and compliance—an imperative stride in foreign investment considerations.
The revised Company Law in China underscores stringent economic and legal fortifications for LLCs and JSLCs, ensuring that capital commitments are genuinely in place, thereby promoting corporate sincerity and market stability. With the potential complexity of complying with these new regulations, services like GWBMA’s comprehensive “CONVERT COMPANY” registration assistance are invaluable for foreign investors aiming to establish a solid commercial foothold in China.
