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WFOE Registration China
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What is a WFOE?

A Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) is a limited liability company wholly owned by foreign investor(s). It is the most popular business structure for foreign companies entering the Chinese market, offering complete control over operations and the ability to conduct business activities independently.

WFOEs can engage in manufacturing, trading, consulting, and various service activities. Unlike Joint Ventures, you don't need a local partner, giving you full decision-making power and profit retention.

100% Ownership

Full foreign ownership without requiring a local Chinese partner. Complete control over your business decisions.

Local Invoicing

Issue official Chinese invoices (fapiao) to local clients. Essential for B2B operations in China.

Direct Hiring

Hire local employees directly without going through third-party agencies. Full HR control.

Profit Repatriation

Legally repatriate profits to your home country after tax compliance. No profit sharing required.

Flexible Scope

Define your business scope based on actual needs. Manufacturing, trading, or services.

3-Day Fast Track

Our streamlined process gets your business license in just 3 working days in most cases.

3-Day Fast Track Process

We've streamlined the WFOE registration process to get your business license as quickly as possible. Here's how it works:

1

Consultation

Discuss your business needs and structure options

Day 0
2

Name Approval

Submit preferred company names to AMR

Day 1
3

License Issued

Business License & Company Chops ready

Day 3
4

Bank & Tax

Open accounts, complete tax registration

Week 2
5

Operations

Start your business with ongoing support

Week 3+

Note: The 3-day timeline applies to standard cases with complete documentation. Complex business scopes or special industries may require additional time for government approvals.

Transparent Pricing

We believe in clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Choose the package that fits your needs:

Standard WFOE Package

¥8,000
Starting from • Service Companies
  • Business License Application
  • Company Name Pre-approval
  • Standard Company Chops (3 pcs)
  • Bank Account Opening Assistance
  • Tax Registration
  • Social Security Account Setup
  • 1-Year Address Service

* Prices vary by city and business scope. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your specific needs.

WFOE vs Other Business Structures

Not sure which structure is right for you? Compare WFOE with other common options:

Feature WFOE Joint Venture Representative Office
Foreign Ownership 100% Shared with Partner 100% (Limited)
Local Invoicing (Fapiao) ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✗ No
Hire Local Staff ✓ Direct ✓ Direct Via Agency Only
Profit Repatriation ✓ Yes Shared ✗ No
Management Control Full Control Shared Control Limited
Setup Time 3-15 Days 30-60 Days 10-20 Days
Setup Cost From ¥8,000 Higher Lower
Best For Most Foreign Investors Restricted Industries Market Research Only

Our Recommendation: For most foreign investors, a WFOE offers the best balance of control, flexibility, and long-term viability. Contact our consultants to discuss your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required for WFOE registration?

Required documents include: passport copies of shareholders and supervisors (notarized and authenticated), proof of address, bank reference letters, and a feasibility study report. Our team will guide you through the document preparation process and assist with notarization requirements in your country.

Is there a minimum registered capital requirement?

For most industries, there is no mandatory minimum registered capital under Chinese law. However, the capital should be sufficient to support your business operations. We recommend considering factors like office rent, employee salaries, and operational costs when determining your capital amount.

Can I open a bank account after getting the license?

Yes, after obtaining your business license, we assist with opening both RMB basic accounts and foreign currency accounts at major Chinese banks. The process typically takes 1-2 weeks. We have relationships with multiple banks to expedite the process.

What is the difference between FICE and regular WFOE?

A FICE (Foreign-Invested Commercial Enterprise) is a type of WFOE that can engage in trading activities—importing, exporting, and domestic distribution. If you plan to buy and sell goods, you'll need a FICE. Regular WFOEs are typically for manufacturing or service activities only.

Do I need to be physically present in China?

For most of the registration process, you don't need to be in China. We handle the paperwork and government submissions on your behalf. However, for bank account opening, some banks may require the legal representative's presence. We can arrange video verification options with certain banks.

What ongoing compliance is required after registration?

After registration, you'll need to: file monthly tax returns (even with zero revenue), submit annual reports to the AMR, maintain proper accounting records, and renew business licenses periodically. Our All-In-One package includes these compliance services to ensure you stay in good standing.

2000+
Companies Registered
3
Days to License
16
Cities Covered
10+
Years Experience

Ready to Start Your WFOE?

Get a free consultation and detailed quote from our experts

Floor 70, Two IFC, Central, Hong Kong
Mon-Fri: 9:00-18:00 (HKT)
Support Agent
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