Published by ChinaMNC · Liaoyuan

Jilin Province Releases 15th Five-Year Plan for New Infrastructure: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

Jilin Province has published its 15th Five-Year Plan for new infrastructure construction. While the plan focuses on digital and innovation infrastructure, foreign founders should note that it does not alter core company registration procedures. This article summarizes the plan's key points and provides practical guidance on registering and operating a company in China.

Key Takeaways for Foreign Founders

The Jilin Provincial Government has issued its 15th Five-Year Plan for New Infrastructure Construction (2026–2030). The plan outlines the province's priorities for digital infrastructure, innovation infrastructure, and integration infrastructure. For foreign founders, the key takeaway is that the plan does not introduce new procedures for company registration or operation. However, it signals potential opportunities in technology and infrastructure sectors, and it is useful to understand the provincial development direction when considering where to establish a presence in China.

This article summarizes the plan's main points and explains what they mean for foreign founders registering and operating a company in China. It does not provide legal or tax advice.

What the Plan Covers

The plan, titled "Jilin Province New Infrastructure Construction '15th Five-Year Plan'," was issued by the General Office of the Jilin Provincial People's Government as Document No. 17 of 2026 (吉政办发〔2026〕17号). It was adopted on October 10, 2026, and published on October 13, 2026. The plan sets out the province's strategy for new infrastructure over the next five years.

New infrastructure generally refers to infrastructure related to digital transformation, smart technologies, and innovation. The plan covers areas such as:

• Information infrastructure: including 5G networks, gigabit optical networks, data centers, and artificial intelligence platforms.
• Integration infrastructure: including industrial internet, smart transportation, and smart energy systems.
• Innovation infrastructure: including research facilities, technology incubators, and testing platforms.

The plan is a policy document guiding provincial development. It does not directly regulate foreign investment or company registration. Foreign founders should be aware that such plans can influence local incentives and sector-specific opportunities, but they do not replace the national laws and regulations governing foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs).

Impact on Company Registration

The plan does not change the fundamental requirements for foreign founders wishing to establish a company in China. Registration procedures are governed by national laws, including the Foreign Investment Law and the Company Law, and are administered by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and its local branches.

Foreign founders typically choose between a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE), a joint venture (JV), or a representative office (RO). Each has different requirements for capital, scope of business, and liability. The plan does not alter these options.

However, the plan may create a more favorable environment for companies in the technology and infrastructure sectors. Foreign founders in these fields may find opportunities for collaboration or access to government-supported platforms. It is advisable to monitor local implementation measures for potential incentives, but founders should not expect the plan itself to simplify registration.

Practical Steps for Registering a Company in China

For foreign founders looking to establish a presence in China, the following steps are generally required:

• Choose an entity type: Decide between a WFOE, JV, or RO based on business needs. A WFOE offers full control but requires more capital; a JV may be necessary for restricted sectors; an RO is limited to liaison activities.
• Select a company name: Conduct a name search with the local AMR to ensure availability. The name must follow Chinese naming conventions.
• Prepare registration documents: This includes the articles of association, investment agreement (for JVs), proof of legal representative, and identification documents for foreign investors. Documents may need to be notarized and authenticated.
• Determine registered capital: There is no minimum for most WFOEs, but capital should be sufficient for operations. Some sectors have specific requirements.
• Obtain approvals: If the business falls under the negative list for foreign investment, approval from the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) or its local counterpart is required. Otherwise, filing is sufficient.
• Register with AMR: Submit the application to the local AMR for the business license. This typically takes several working days.
• Post-registration steps: After obtaining the business license, register with the tax authorities, open a bank account, and handle customs registration if applicable.

These steps are general and may vary by location and industry. Foreign founders should consult local authorities or professional advisors for specific guidance.

Tax and Compliance Considerations

Foreign-invested enterprises in China are subject to corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and other applicable taxes. The standard corporate income tax rate is 25%, though preferential rates may apply to qualified high-tech enterprises or in certain regions. The plan does not introduce new tax policies, but it may support the growth of technology sectors that could benefit from existing incentives.

Compliance obligations include annual reporting, tax filings, and adherence to labor and foreign exchange regulations. Foreign founders should ensure they understand their obligations and maintain proper records.

Conclusion

The Jilin Province 15th Five-Year Plan for New Infrastructure Construction is a strategic document that highlights the province's focus on digital and innovation infrastructure. For foreign founders, it does not change the company registration process but may indicate sectors of future growth. When registering a company in China, founders should follow national laws and local procedures, and consider seeking professional advice to navigate the requirements.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.