Published by ChinaMNC · Haimen

Jiangsu Streamlines Local Government Services: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

Jiangsu province is implementing an integrated reform of grassroots government services, consolidating high-frequency administrative matters into a single platform, service window, and management system. For foreign founders, this means simpler, faster access to local government services when setting up or running a business in China. Here’s what the reform entails and how to navigate it.

Jiangsu’s Integrated Reform of Grassroots Government Services

In late October 2026, nine provincial departments in Jiangsu, including the Provincial Data Bureau and the Department of Civil Affairs, issued a document to implement an integrated reform of grassroots government services across the province. The reform aims to adapt to the digital and intelligent transformation of government services and is structured around three pillars: “one platform for processing,” “one comprehensive window for service,” and “integrated management.”

For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, these changes can reduce administrative friction at the local level. While the reform is not specifically designed for foreign businesses, it affects how local government services are delivered to all enterprises and residents, including foreign-invested companies.

Background: The “One Platform” Initiative

Since August 2024, Jiangsu has been piloting a “one platform” reform for high-frequency matters handled at the grassroots level. Six departments—including civil affairs, human resources and social security, and medical insurance—connected their high-frequency items to a single platform under unified standards. As of the latest update, 88 grassroots service items and 100 service applications have been integrated, covering all townships (subdistricts) and villages (communities) across the province, with cumulative case handling exceeding 3 million.

This foundation sets the stage for the broader integrated reform now being rolled out province-wide.

What the Integrated Reform Entails

1. Deepening the “One Platform for Processing”

Jiangsu will continue to expand the “one platform” by integrating more grassroots service items and applications. Notably, a new service item—“Application for Basic Living Allowance for Children in Difficult Circumstances”—has been added, along with 20 new service applications such as employer insurance information inquiries and benefit payment information inquiries. This enables one-stop inquiry and processing for residents.

Additionally, departmental private networks and systems deployed at the grassroots level will be consolidated. Staff at comprehensive windows will be able to log into the “one platform” via the new-generation e-government extranet to conduct business, reducing burdens and empowering local staff.

2. Promoting “One Comprehensive Window for Service”

The reform refines the list of grassroots government service items, creating a unified ledger for grassroots service delivery. This lays the foundation for standardized, refined, and precise government services. High-quality comprehensive service windows will be built, integrating related business into these windows based on the items and applications available on the platform. This provides comprehensive, categorized, and integrated services to the public.

Grassroots units are encouraged to use these comprehensive windows to enable county-wide handling of high-frequency matters and to offer remote cross-regional agency services through methods such as “cloud comprehensive windows.”

3. Supporting “Integrated Management” for Window Staff

To ensure standardized and efficient service, convenience service centers will uniformly manage comprehensive window staff. This includes clarifying service items and content, optimizing business processes, setting service standards, and conducting training.

Timeline and Expected Outcomes

The reform is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027, forming a closed-loop management system for grassroots government services. The goal is to better serve enterprises and the public.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

If you are establishing or operating a company in Jiangsu, this reform can affect your interactions with local government offices. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Simplified access to services: Many routine administrative matters—such as social insurance inquiries or benefit applications—may become easier to handle through a single platform or comprehensive window at the local level.
• Standardized processes: The creation of a unified service ledger and standardized procedures means less ambiguity when dealing with different offices.
• Remote options: The introduction of “cloud comprehensive windows” may allow you to handle certain matters remotely, saving time and travel.
• Staff training: Integrated management and training for window staff can lead to more consistent and knowledgeable support when you seek assistance.

While the reform is primarily aimed at grassroots services for residents, foreign-invested enterprises often need to access similar local services for employee-related matters, permits, and registrations. Understanding these changes can help you plan your administrative tasks more efficiently.

How to Navigate the System

Foreign founders should note that government services in China are increasingly digital, but local implementation may vary. It’s advisable to work with local advisors or consult the relevant departments to understand which services are available through the integrated platform and comprehensive windows in your specific location. The reform is ongoing, so services may expand over time.

For more detailed guidance on company registration and operations in China, consider reaching out to professional services that specialize in assisting foreign businesses.

Conclusion

Jiangsu’s integrated reform of grassroots government services represents a step toward more efficient, standardized, and accessible local administration. For foreign founders, staying informed about these developments can ease the process of setting up and running a company in the province. As the reform progresses through 2027, expect further enhancements in service delivery that could benefit your business operations.

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

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