Administration Provisions on Registration of Foreign-Invested Partnership Enterprises

With the effectiveness of the Measures for the Administration of the Establishment of Partnerships in China by Foreign Enterprises or Individuals ("FIP Measures") and the Administration Provisions on Registration of Foreign-Invested Partnership Enterprises ("Registration Provisions") on 1 March 2010, a new form of foreign investment, the foreign-invested partnership ("FIP") has become a reality in China. The Registration Provisions, as the first promulgated implementing rules of the FIP Measures issued by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce ("SAIC"), provide clear instructions on the registration of FIPs.

Types of FIPs

Pursuant to the Registration Provisions, the types of FIPs are the same as those of domestic partnerships, which are the (foreign-invested) general partnership (including special general partnership), and the limited liability partnership. The type of FIP must be clearly indicated in its business license.