Procedures for the Application; Examination and Approval of Sino-Foreign Joint Ventures
I. Powers for Examination and Approval:
According to the current laws and regulations of the State, the system of examination and approval for registration shall be implemented for the establishment of enterprises with foreign investment in a case by case manner. The total investment amount and project categories in Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries are the major criteria for dividing the powers between the central government and local governments in the examination and approval of foreign-funded enterprises.
1. For the allowed and encouraged types of enterprises with foreign investment below US$30 million (excluding US$30 million, the same hereafter), the city, county or development zone has the right over the examination and approval;
2. For the limited type of enterprises with foreign investment below US$50 million,  for projects of allowed and encouraged types with foreign investment between US$30 million to US$100 million, for the allowed and encouraged types of enterprises established with newly added foreign investment below US$100 million, and for the limited type of enterprises established with newly added foreign investment below US$50 million, our provincial bureau has the right over the examination and approval;
3. For the limited types of projects with foreign investment over US$50 million , projects of allowed and encouraged types with foreign investment over US$100 million, and for the allowed and encouraged types of enterprises established with newly added foreign investment over US$100 million, and for the limited type of enterprises established with newly added foreign investment over US$50 million, and those projects involving quota license or separate documented rules that require the examination and approval by the ministry, the Ministry of Commerce has the right over the examination and approval.
  * See Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries for the encouraged and limited types.
  * Companies whose business involves crop seeds and petroleum exploration; commercial business, advertisement agencies, employment service bodies, telecommunication companies, cinemas, printing factories, schools, medical care services, railway and road transport services, international freight agencies, shipping companies, construction and design companies, law firms, accounting firms, leasing companies, commodity inspection companies, finance, insurance and securities companies are subject to special regulations.
  * Limited liability companies and investment companies need to be examined and approved by the Ministry of Commerce.
    II. Documents needed for application:
    1. An application for the establishment of an enterprise with foreign investment
    2. Name pre-registration notice (industrial and commercial department)
    3. Feasibility report (joint ventures or projects over US$30 million and special industries shall provide written replies from relevant authorities)
    4. Contracts and articles of association (foreign funded enterprises need only provide the articles of association)
    5. The registration certificates and certificates of credit standing of all the investors;
    6. Name list of the Board of Directors and appointment certificate of board of directors
    7. Necessary authorization documents
    8. Other documents specified in the laws and regulations