Published · Niger

Opening a Corporate Bank Account in China: A Guide for Founders from Niger

A practical, plain-English guide for founders from Niger on opening a corporate bank account in China: the documents usually requested, how the process works, common delays, and how to prepare your company for banking after incorporation.

So you have registered your company in China, or you are about to. The next practical hurdle is often the one founders underestimate: opening a corporate bank account. For founders from Niger setting up operations in China, the process is manageable, but it is document-heavy and it rewards preparation. This article gives you a practical overview of how corporate banking works in China, what banks typically ask for, and where the delays usually come from. It is general information only, not legal, tax or financial advice.

Why the corporate bank account matters more than you think

In China, a company's bank account is not just a place to hold money. It is tied to how the business operates day to day. Without a corporate account, you generally cannot receive payments from customers, pay suppliers, handle payroll, or complete many routine administrative steps. Some registration and filing processes also expect the company to have a basic account in place.

There are two account types you will hear about most often:

• Basic deposit account (基本存款账户): the company's main account. It is used for everyday transactions, including cash withdrawals and payroll. A company typically has one basic account, and it usually needs to be opened first.
• General deposit account (一般存款账户): additional accounts for specific purposes, such as a second currency, project funds, or a dedicated account for a particular business line. These are opened after the basic account.

There is also a foreign currency account, which matters if you expect to receive payments from outside China or need to move funds across borders. Many banks can open RMB and foreign currency accounts for the same company, but the sequencing and paperwork differ.

Which bank should you approach?

China has a large banking sector with several types of institutions. The main practical distinction for a new founder is between the large state-owned commercial banks and the smaller joint-stock or city commercial banks.

• Large state-owned banks tend to have broad branch networks, strong foreign exchange capabilities and experience with foreign-invested companies. They may also have stricter onboarding procedures and higher minimum requirements in some cases.
• Smaller commercial banks can sometimes be more flexible and faster for small companies, but their international services and English-language support may be more limited.

Do not assume every branch can serve you. Onboarding policies can vary between branches of the same bank, and some branches are more comfortable than others with foreign-invested entities or with founders who do not speak Chinese. It is worth asking other foreign founders in your city which branch they use, and approaching that branch directly.

The documents banks usually ask for

Requirements vary by bank, branch and company structure, but the following list covers what is commonly requested. Treat it as a checklist to prepare, not a guarantee.

• Business licence (original and copies), showing the company's registered details.
• Company seal and, where applicable, the financial seal and legal representative seal. Seals are central to corporate formalities in China and are often required on account-opening forms.
• Articles of association and other incorporation documents.
• Identification of the legal representative — usually a passport for a foreign national — and, in many cases, the legal representative's presence at the branch.
• Identification and authorisation documents for anyone else who will operate the account, such as an authorised signatory or account manager.
• Proof of registered address, such as a lease agreement or property documents, depending on what the bank requires.
• Shareholder information, including the ownership structure and, for corporate shareholders, their registration documents.
• Beneficial ownership information, consistent with the bank's customer due diligence obligations.
• Business background materials, such as a brief description of activities, expected transaction volumes, main counterparties and source of funds.

Some banks ask for documents to be translated into Chinese, and some may require notarisation or legalisation of foreign documents. Ask the branch for its exact list before you go, and ask for it in writing if possible.

How the process usually works

1. Prepare before you visit

Gather the documents above and check that names, addresses and registration numbers match exactly across documents. Mismatches are a common cause of delay. If your company was recently incorporated, confirm that all registration steps are complete and that the business licence reflects the final structure.

2. Make an appointment and confirm requirements

Corporate account opening is rarely a walk-in service. Contact the branch in advance, explain that you are a foreign-invested company, and confirm which documents they need and whether the legal representative must attend in person. Many banks require this.

3. Complete onboarding and due diligence

Expect questions about your business model, your customers and suppliers, and where your money will come from and go. This is standard customer due diligence, not suspicion of you personally. Clear, consistent answers and supporting materials help. If your business involves cross-border payments, explain the expected flows.

4. Account activation

After the application is approved, the account is activated. There may be a waiting period before certain functions, such as online banking or foreign currency transactions, are enabled. Confirm what is active from day one and what requires a follow-up visit.

Common reasons applications stall

• Incomplete or inconsistent documents. A missing seal, an expired passport copy or a name spelled differently on two documents can send you back to the start.
• Unclear business purpose. Banks want to understand the company's activities. Vague answers about what the company does and who it trades with slow the process.
• Language and communication. If no one at the branch speaks English, bring a Chinese-speaking colleague, interpreter or service provider. Do not rely on translation apps for formal banking discussions.
• Legal representative availability. If the legal representative is outside China and cannot attend, confirm in advance whether the bank accepts alternatives. Policies differ, and remote options are not universal.
• Branch-level variation. The same bank can apply different practices at different branches. If one branch is unhelpful, it is reasonable to ask another.

Practical tips for founders from Niger

Plan for the account opening to take longer than you expect, and avoid signing contracts that depend on receiving payments before the account is active. Keep digital and paper copies of every document, and keep a simple file of what you submitted to each bank. If your company has foreign shareholders, make sure the ownership chain is documented clearly, because banks will look at it closely.

Consider using a local accountant or corporate services firm to help with document preparation and to accompany you to the branch. This is especially useful in the early months when your Chinese-language capacity is still developing. Build a relationship with a specific bank contact rather than dealing with a different person each time.

Finally, remember that banking rules and branch practices change. Always confirm current requirements directly with your chosen bank and, where relevant, take advice from a qualified professional in China. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice, and it does not replace the bank's own instructions.