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China’s Unified Enterprise Code: A Digital ID for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders in China can now use a single QR code to access and share company information. Learn how the enterprise code works, its rollout, and what it means for your business.

What is the Enterprise Code?

China’s market regulator has introduced a unified digital identity for businesses: the enterprise code (企业码). This QR code, linked to both electronic and paper business licenses, serves as a digital identifier for companies. For foreign founders, it simplifies access to and sharing of company information across government services and business transactions.

How It Works

The enterprise code is automatically generated by the national electronic business license system. No separate application is required, and it covers all types of business entities. The code unifies the QR codes on paper and electronic licenses, ensuring “one license, one code” nationwide. It follows uniform national standards and is valid across China.

Key Functions

• Identity verification: Government agencies and the public can scan the code to verify a company’s identity and access its information.
• Information aggregation: The code links to various business-related data, including registration details, licenses, credit records, and regulatory information.
• Service access: Scanning the code can be used for administrative procedures, inspections, and transactions.

National Rollout and Adoption

As of June 2026, over 32 million paper business licenses with the enterprise code have been issued nationwide. Government agencies have scanned the code more than 6.49 million times to verify business identities, while the public has scanned it over 46.6 million times to access company information. The initiative, which began as a concept in 2020, has expanded to 18 provinces and regions by 2026.

Benefits for Foreign Founders

For foreign entrepreneurs operating in China, the enterprise code can streamline several processes:

• Efficient information sharing: When collaborating with partners or undergoing regulatory checks, scanning the code provides instant access to verified company data, reducing paperwork and delays.
• Transparency: Public scanning allows anyone to view a company’s licenses, registration, and credit status, building trust with customers and partners.
• Simplified compliance: The code aggregates information from multiple government sources, making it easier to demonstrate compliance during inspections or applications.

Local Implementation Examples

Several regions have integrated the enterprise code with local services:

• Beijing: Since September 2022, the city issues licenses with the enterprise code, linking to 45 types of business information across 16 subcategories.
• Shanghai: All business licenses include the code since September 2022, and local regulations mandate its use. The code integrates 59 types of electronic licenses from eight categories.
• Zhejiang: The province aggregates 101 data items and displays 63 types of electronic licenses through the code.
• Hebei: The Xiong’an New Area launched a system in October 2025 with 1,000 pilot enterprises, allowing quick access to company archives.
• Shandong: Since March 2025, the province promotes electronic licenses as primary, with paper licenses no longer issued proactively.

How to Use the Enterprise Code

Foreign founders can access their company’s enterprise code through the electronic business license app or on the paper license. Simply scan the code using a smartphone to view and share information. For government services, the code serves as a trusted credential, eliminating the need for multiple apps or repeated registration.

Policy Background

The enterprise code was first proposed in 2020 to support business resumption during the pandemic. In 2023, the State Council called for unified coding and verification mechanisms, and a national standard was issued. The system is designed to avoid fragmented local systems and ensure nationwide interoperability.

Conclusion

The enterprise code represents a significant step in China’s digital government efforts, providing a standardized digital identity for businesses. Foreign founders should be aware of this tool to facilitate registration, operations, and compliance.

For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

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