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:
Consultation
Discuss your business needs and structure options
Day 0Name Approval
Submit preferred company names to AMR
Day 1License Issued
Business License & Company Chops ready
Day 3Bank & Tax
Open accounts, complete tax registration
Week 2Operations
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
- 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
All-In-One Package
- Everything in Standard Package
- 2-Year Address Service
- 1-Year Accounting & Tax Filing
- Annual Audit Support
- HR & Payroll Setup
- Customs Registration (if applicable)
- Dedicated Account Manager
- Priority Support
* 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ready to Start Your WFOE?
Get a free consultation and detailed quote from our experts