Dec. 2 – While closing a representative office in China can seem very straight forward, the administrative paperwork that is required can often seem tedious and time consuming. In addition, the time that is often needed to close an office often means that the chief representative has long left the company. Before this happens, it is important to square away any outstanding issues so as not to be caught out further down the line. One of these relates to the chief representative’s ability to sign on behalf of the RO.

In China, the chief representative’s signature is needed when closing a representative office’s bank account with the People’s Bank of China. This is especially important to remember when closing down an RO as some of the procedure, such as the final tax clearance, can last upwards of one to two years. It is very important that a chief representative sign all closing documents before leaving the company as the business license cannot be canceled with the local Administration of Industry and Commerce without the cancellation receipt from the bank (as well as the cancellation receipts from tax and customs authorities).

For more information on the procedures for closing down a representative office in China, please contact Dezan Shira & Associates at info@dezshira.com.