WFOE Registration in China — Full-Service Support from Move to Agency

Establish a company in China with 100% foreign capital — without intermediaries or Chinese partners

What is a WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise)

A WFOE is a limited liability company fully owned by foreign investors. Suitable for:

• marketing, consulting, staff training, software development, international logistics, and financial services;
• trading activities, importing goods from abroad, or exporting goods from China;
• manufacturing goods in China for domestic consumption or international export.

Advantages of Registering a WFOE in China

• Full control over your business — no local partners involved.
• Ability to fully manage your production processes, quality standards, and supply chain.
• Right to own assets, open accounts, and manage the company directly.
• Protection of intellectual property and the right to register patents and trademarks.
• Access to official fapiao (invoices) and the ability to process VAT.
• Reliable legal status recognized by Chinese legislation.

WFOE Registration Steps

1. Choosing a name and its approval

At the first stage, you need to select a unique company name in Chinese and obtain its approval from the registration authorities.

2. Document preparation

• Passport of the founder / founding company documents
• Notarized and legalized documents with apostille (or consular legalization)
• Office lease agreement or virtual address in China
• Company charter with description of activities, capital amount, and management structure

3. Obtaining a business license

After submitting documents, a business license is issued. This is the main legal document confirming the creation of a company in China.

4. Seal registration

Legal, financial, and personal seals of the company are made — mandatory attributes for all official actions in China.

5. Tax registration

The company is registered with the local and national tax service, connected to the “Golden Tax” system, and receives the ability to issue fapiao (official invoices).

6. Registration with additional authorities

The WFOE must also be registered with other state agencies, including:

• Statistics bureau
• Foreign exchange control service
• Customs and technical supervision

7. Opening a bank account

To conduct business, it is necessary to open:

• a settlement account in RMB;
• a foreign currency account for registered capital deposits.

In most cases, remote account opening is available with video identification and document verification.

8. Work permits for foreigners

If you plan to personally manage the company, the following must be obtained:

• Z-category work visa;
• work permit and residence permit in China.

9. Assistance in hiring employees

Move to helps with staff recruitment, preparation of employment contracts, payroll, and tax calculation.

10. Accounting and tax reporting

A WFOE is required to maintain accounting records, submit monthly and quarterly reports, undergo annual audits, and renew its licenses. We take care of this.

Financial requirements and deadlines

The minimum registered capital depends on the type of business and region:

• Services: from ¥200,000;
• Trading: from ¥500,000;
• Manufacturing: from ¥1,000,000.

Although a minimum capital may be “zero” by law, in practice, authorities often require financial justification based on the business model.

The registration process usually takes 2 to 3 months, including banking and visa procedures.

Why choose Move to

• Full support from A to Z — from company registration to accounting, hiring, and reporting.
• No intermediaries — we work directly with Chinese authorities and banks.
• Legal addresses and full support for company registration — in accordance with the requirements of Chinese law.
• Help in opening accounts in trusted banks, including remote verification.
• International experience and expertise — we know how to avoid bureaucratic delays and pitfalls.
• Support in Russian, English, and Chinese — to ensure comfort and clarity at every stage.

Want to register a WFOE in China?

We ensure transparency, efficiency, and legal compliance at every stage. Contact us to begin registering your company with full control and a legal status in the PRC.

FAQ

1. How to choose a company name (naming)?

The company name must comply with the established regulations of the PRC. It includes:

• A geographical indicator (e.g., the city of registration);
• A brand name (unique and not matching any existing names);
• A business scope description (e.g., “technology”, “consulting”, “trading”);
• A legal form (e.g., Co., Ltd.).

We assist in checking name availability, selecting compliant options, and submitting for preliminary approval with the local authorities. Important: the Chinese-language name is mandatory — it will serve as the official legal name. An English name can also be registered, but it holds no legal force.

2. How long does WFOE registration in China take?

On average, the registration process takes 2 to 3 months, including document submission, license issuance, tax registration, and bank account setup. Timelines may vary depending on the region and completeness of the documents.

3. Do I need to travel to China to register a company?

No, most steps can be completed remotely, including document submission and even bank account opening (via video confirmation and/or a trusted representative). We provide full support for remote registration.

4. What registered capital is required and does it need to be paid immediately?

China has no fixed minimum registered capital for WFOEs (according to the updated Company Law of 2023). However, registration and tax authorities will review whether the declared capital is realistic for the scale and business scope. Certain industries (e.g., manufacturing, education, import of regulated goods) may have higher expectations. Local governments (especially in major cities) may suggest minimum amounts as a guideline, not a formal rule.

The capital contribution period is up to 5 years from registration and must be fully fulfilled within that term as declared in the charter documents.

5. Is a local director required for a WFOE?

No, the director may be a foreign investor or manager. We assist with all the necessary documentation for foreign executives.

6. What should be done after registration?

After establishing the company, it is important to:

• Maintain accounting records;
• Submit tax reports;
• Keep licenses and company documents up to date;
• Renew work visas and permits when needed.

We offer comprehensive post-registration support.