A company chop (company seal) is China’s official equivalent of a corporate signature. Registered with the public security bureau, a company’s chops are legally required to open bank accounts, sign contracts, file taxes and issue fapiao. A document without the correct chop has no legal effect in China.
The Main Types of Company Chops
A typical foreign-invested company receives several registered chops at setup:
- Official chop (gongzhang) — the company’s primary seal, used for contracts and official filings.
- Finance chop (caiwu zhang) — used for banking, invoices and financial documents.
- Legal representative chop (faren zhang) — a personal-style seal of the legal representative, used alongside the official chop in certain filings.
- Invoice chop (fapiao zhang) — traditionally used on paper fapiao; being phased out as e-fapiao replace paper.
Why Chops Matter for Foreign Companies
Because a chop carries legal force, its custody is a serious governance matter: who holds the official chop effectively controls the company’s ability to contract. Most foreign companies keep the official chop in a safe and log every use. For help with chop management and corporate governance, see our secretarial services or contact our company incorporation team. Browse the full China business glossary for more terms.
Disclaimer: This glossary entry is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
