Published · Fiji

Opening a Corporate Bank Account in China: A Practical Guide for Fijian Founders

A practical, plain-English guide for founders from Fiji on opening a corporate bank account in China, covering account types, documentation, compliance checks, timelines and common pitfalls. General information only, not legal or tax advice.

So you have registered your company in China, or you are about to, and now you need somewhere to put the money. Opening a corporate bank account in China is one of those steps that looks simple on paper and then surprises almost every first-time foreign founder. For a founder coming from Fiji, the process is manageable, but it rewards preparation. This guide walks you through what to expect, what to bring, and where the friction usually shows up.

Important: this article is general information only. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and banking rules in China change. Always confirm current requirements with your chosen bank and with qualified local advisers before you act.

First, understand the two-account system

Chinese banks typically split corporate banking into two broad categories, and foreign-invested companies usually need both.

• Basic deposit account (基本存款账户): the primary account. A company can generally hold only one. It is used for day-to-day operations such as paying salaries, receiving revenue and paying taxes. Withdrawing cash is normally tied to this account.
• General deposit account (一般存款账户): secondary accounts for specific purposes, such as a capital contribution account, a project account or a loan account. You can hold more than one.

There is also the foreign currency dimension. If your company receives capital from Fiji or elsewhere offshore, you will likely need a foreign-currency capital account and, depending on your business, a foreign-currency settlement account. Your bank will guide you on which combination fits your structure, but it helps to ask about this early rather than after you have picked a bank.

Choose the bank with your eyes open

Foreign founders in China usually choose between large state-owned banks, joint-stock commercial banks, and the China-based subsidiaries of international banks. Each has trade-offs.

• Large state-owned banks have wide branch networks and strong corporate services, but onboarding can be slower and English-language support varies by branch.
• Joint-stock banks are often more responsive to smaller companies and may be more flexible on service, though their international network is smaller.
• International bank subsidiaries can be convenient if you already bank with the parent group and need cross-border coordination, but eligibility and pricing differ, and not every branch handles foreign-invested company onboarding.

Practical tip: do not simply walk into the nearest branch. Call ahead or ask your company registration agent which specific branch handles foreign-invested enterprise accounts. Branches within the same bank can differ significantly in experience with foreign founders.

What you will typically need to provide

Requirements vary by bank, branch and company structure, but the core document set for a foreign-invested company usually includes:

• Business licence (original and copies, often stamped with the company seal)
• Articles of association and, where relevant, the foreign investment information report or filing receipt
• Legal representative's identification: passport for a foreign legal representative, and any required residence or entry documents
• Company seals, including the official company seal, financial seal and, if applicable, the legal representative's seal
• Proof of registered address, such as a lease or property document
• Shareholder documents, including certificates and identification for corporate or individual shareholders
• Beneficial ownership information, which banks are required to collect
• Board resolutions or written authorisation for the account signatories

If the legal representative cannot attend in person, ask the bank in advance whether a notarised or apostilled power of attorney is acceptable. Rules on remote onboarding have loosened in some places and tightened in others, so confirm rather than assume. Documents issued in Fiji may need notarisation and legalisation, or an apostille where applicable, plus a Chinese translation. Build time for this into your plan.

The onboarding meeting is really a compliance interview

Expect the bank to ask detailed questions about your business: what you sell, who your customers and suppliers are, where your money comes from and goes, expected transaction volumes and currencies, and the nature of any links to Fiji or other jurisdictions. This is standard know-your-customer and anti-money-laundering due diligence, not a sign that something is wrong.

Bring your answers in writing where possible. A short business profile, sample contracts, invoices or a website can help. Founders who arrive with a clear, consistent explanation of their business model tend to move through onboarding faster than those who improvise. Make sure the story you tell the bank matches what is in your company registration documents and what your accountant will report.

Realistic timelines and practical friction

Timelines vary widely by city, bank and the completeness of your paperwork. In straightforward cases, a basic account might be opened within a few weeks of a complete application, but compliance reviews, document legalisation from Fiji, address verification and branch workload can extend this. Do not schedule payroll or supplier payments assuming the account will be live by a fixed date.

Common friction points include:

• Name mismatches between passports, shareholder documents and the business licence
• Missing or expired identification documents
• Unclear explanations of cross-border fund flows
• Registered address documents that the bank cannot verify
• Language barriers at branches with limited English support

Address these before you apply. A local accountant or corporate services firm can review your pack and, in many cities, accompany you to the branch.

After the account is open

Opening the account is not the end of the relationship. Keep the bank informed of changes to signatories, shareholders, address or business activity. Maintain records that support your transactions, because periodic reviews are normal. If you plan to move money between Fiji and China, understand the foreign-exchange and cross-border payment rules that apply to your account type, and get advice specific to your situation.

A short checklist for Fijian founders

• Confirm your company registration is complete and your business licence is in hand.
• Decide which bank and branch to approach, and call ahead about foreign-invested enterprise onboarding.
• Prepare and translate your documents, allowing time for notarisation or apostille from Fiji.
• Write a one-page business profile explaining your customers, suppliers and expected flows.
• Confirm signatory arrangements and whether the legal representative must attend in person.
• Budget for several weeks and keep a fallback plan for early payments.

None of this is exotic, but it is detail-heavy. Treat the bank as a partner you are onboarding, not a form you are submitting. With clean documents, a coherent business story and a little patience, most Fijian founders can get their Chinese corporate account up and running without unnecessary drama. For anything touching tax, foreign exchange or corporate law, speak to a qualified professional in China before you commit.