Yes. A company registered in mainland China generally has a tax identification number. For entities that have obtained a Unified Social Credit Code, the 18-digit code shown on the business licence generally serves as the company’s TIN.
Entities without a Unified Social Credit Code receive a tax identification number under the applicable tax-registration rules. Some legacy entities may still use an older 15-digit TIN.
Foreign employers and business partners may need a Chinese company’s TIN for tax filings, fapiao, payroll-related registrations, banking procedures and counterparty checks. The number should be copied from the company’s business licence or official tax records rather than inferred from its name.
Where can a company find its China tax identification number (TIN)?
For most companies registered in mainland China, the tax identification number is the 18-character Unified Social Credit Code shown on the business licence. The company should use the number exactly as printed, including any letters.
The same identifier may also appear on official tax records, tax filings, fapiao information, bank documentation and government registration records. A foreign employer or business partner should confirm that the TIN, registered legal name and business licence all refer to the same entity.
Does every Chinese company use the same TIN format?
Most legal entities that have obtained a Unified Social Credit Code use that 18-character code as their TIN. An entity without a Unified Social Credit Code may receive a separate 18-digit TIN from the competent tax authority. Some legacy entities may still have an older 15-digit number.
These company identifiers should not be confused with individual TINs. For an individual who uses a Chinese resident identity card, the identity number generally serves as the TIN. Individuals without a Chinese identity number may receive a TIN from the tax authority under the applicable registration rules.
When may a foreign employer need a Chinese company TIN?
A foreign employer or overseas headquarters may need a Chinese entity’s TIN for:
- tax registration and tax filings;
- fapiao and expense documentation;
- payroll and employee tax reporting;
- banking and payment procedures;
- supplier or customer onboarding;
- tax-residency and cross-border documentation; and
- counterparty identity checks.
A TIN identifies the registered taxpayer, but it does not by itself prove that the company is active, compliant, licensed for a particular activity or financially reliable. Those questions require separate verification.
How should employers verify a China TIN?
- Request a current copy of the company’s business licence.
- Copy the Unified Social Credit Code exactly as printed.
- Confirm that the registered Chinese legal name matches the contract, invoice and bank account.
- Compare the identifier with official tax or registration documents where necessary.
- Investigate any mismatch before processing payroll, invoices or payments.
For a broader check of the legal name, registration status, business scope, registered capital and public red flags, use the China company registry alongside the business licence.
The State Taxation Administration confirms that legal persons and other organizations with a Unified Social Credit Code use the 18-character code as their taxpayer identification number. The official taxpayer-identification standard and the OECD China TIN guidance provide the underlying rules.
China company TIN FAQ
Is a Unified Social Credit Code the same as a company TIN?
Generally, yes. If a Chinese legal entity has obtained a Unified Social Credit Code, that 18-character code normally functions as its tax identification number.
Where is the TIN shown on a Chinese business licence?
It normally appears in the Unified Social Credit Code field on the business licence.
Can a company TIN contain letters?
Yes. A Unified Social Credit Code contains both numbers and letters, so it should be recorded exactly as printed.
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