Choosing and Registering a Company Name in China
Selecting the right company name is one of the first steps in setting up a business in China. The name must follow strict rules and go through an approval process before company registration can move forward. A well-chosen name not only ensures compliance but also builds credibility with partners, clients, and regulators.
In this article, we explain how the naming process works, the rules to follow, what to avoid, and how to protect your brand in China.
How to Register a Company Name in China and How Long It Takes
When setting up a business in China, one of the first steps is to secure your company name. Enterprises can submit up to three Chinese name options at a time through the online registration system of the local Administration for Market Regulation (AMR).
The system reviews each submission to ensure it complies with Chinese naming rules and that no identical name already exists. Results are usually available immediately or within 5 to 7 working days. Once your name is approved, it will be reserved for 2 months, giving you enough time to continue with the next steps of company setup, such as applying for your business license and preparing to open the company’s bank accounts.
There is no longer a need to obtain name approval separately before company registration, as the process is now integrated into the business registration system.
Rules for Company Naming in China
China has strict guidelines for how company names are structured. In most cases, the format follows one of several accepted patterns:
Common structures include:
- [City] + [Company Name] + [Industry] + [Company Limited]
- [Company Name] + [City] + [Industry] + [Company Limited]
- [Company Name] + [Industry] + [City] + [Company Limited]
Examples
- Shanghai Nova Consulting Co., Ltd. → 上海诺瓦商务咨询有限公司 (Shànghǎi Nuòwǎ Shāngwù Zīxún Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī)
- EcoBright Beijing Trading Co., Ltd. → 艾科布莱特北京贸易有限公司 (Àikē Bùláitè Běijīng Màoyì Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī)
- Horizon Manufacturing Shenzhen Co., Ltd. → 地平线制造深圳有限公司 (Dìpíngxiàn Zhìzào Shēnzhèn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī)
- Guangzhou Stellar Education Co., Ltd. → 广州星晖教育有限公司 (Guǎngzhōu Xīnghuī Jiàoyù Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī)
- OceanLink Logistics Hangzhou Co., Ltd. → 海联物流杭州有限公司 (Hǎilián Wùliú Hángzhōu Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī)
To have your company name approved by the AMR, it must meet the following requirements:
- It must be written in Chinese.
- It should clearly reflect your business activity, such as consulting, trading, or manufacturing.
- It must follow the approved structure and avoid misleading information about the company’s location or industry.
Forbidden Words and Restrictions for Company Names in China
When naming a company in China, certain words and categories of names are strictly forbidden. The rules are designed to protect social stability, avoid confusion, and maintain proper business order.
Prohibited Content Includes:
- Names with negative political connotations or references to terrorism, separatism, extremism, or colonial culture.
- Words linked to illegal organizations or outdated “feudal era” superstitions.
- References to drug use, obscenity, eroticism, or gambling.
- Names that mention current or revolutionary Chinese leaders or the People’s Liberation Army.
- Language that discriminates against gender, race, or ethnicity.
- Mention of religious organizations or major religious elements such as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, or Falun Gong.
- Names of foreign countries, regions, or international organizations.
- Words suggesting non-profit status.
- Political party names, military ranks, or police titles.
- Words like “China,” “Chinese,” “National,” and “International” unless the company is established by the State Council.
Other Restrictions:
- Company names cannot duplicate or closely mimic existing brand names.
- Overly long, strange, or full-sentence names are not allowed.
- Foreign languages, alphabets, numbers, and special characters cannot be used.
- Elements such as location, industry, or organizational structure must be accurate and not misleading.
In practice, the government has discretion to reject names that are politically sensitive, culturally inappropriate, misleading, or simply nonsensical. The emphasis is on keeping company names brief, clear, and appropriate.
Translating Your Company Name
When registering a company in China, your parent company’s English name must be translated into Chinese. There are two main approaches to translation:
- Direct translation – This method works when the company name has a clear meaning that can be accurately expressed in Chinese.
Example: Apple Inc. → 苹果公司 (Píngguǒ Gōngsī) - Transliteration – This is a phonetic adaptation that reflects how the name sounds rather than what it means. It is often used for brand names.
Example: Sony → 索尼 (Suǒní)
Some companies combine both approaches, choosing a Chinese name that reflects both the sound and meaning of their brand. The goal is to have a name that resonates locally while staying true to the brand identity.
Name Protection
Many companies choose to protect not only their Chinese company name but also their English or international name and logo as trademarks in China. This is an important step because company name registration alone does not provide full brand protection.
Key points to know:
- The applicant’s name in any trademark filing must be written in Chinese characters, even if the trademark itself is in English.
- Trademarks can be in English, but having a Chinese version helps connect with local consumers.
- Registering your English name as a trademark is essential because legal company name protection does not prevent others from using or registering a similar name.
- Registering both the English and Chinese versions provides stronger protection and prevents others from claiming the unregistered version.
- The trademark process in China typically takes 12 to 18 months.
- Most foreign businesses use local trademark agents to handle filings.
In summary, trademark registration in China is separate from company name registration. To protect your brand fully, it is recommended to register both your English and Chinese names as trademarks.
For more details, see our Guide to Intellectual Property in China, where we cover trademarks along with other forms of IP protection.
Choosing a company name in China is more than a formality. It requires compliance with strict rules, awareness of cultural sensitivities, and foresight in protecting both the Chinese and English versions of your brand. A carefully selected and registered name helps ensure a smooth incorporation process and strengthens your company’s long-term presence in the Chinese market.
At Sapience Pro, we offer end-to-end consulting, tax advisory, and compliance support tailored to foreign-owned businesses in China.
Contact us to explore your options or schedule a consultation.
