Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) Setup in China
Register a WFOE with 100% foreign ownership — full control, fapiao issuance, RMB bank accounts, and local compliance in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen.
Why Register a WFOE in China
A Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise is the leading vehicle for foreign investors — 100% ownership, full operational control, and long-term rights, fully compliant with SAMR.
What is a WFOE?
A Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) is a Chinese limited liability company owned 100% by foreign investors. It allows direct hiring, RMB invoicing (fapiao), asset ownership onshore, and profit repatriation subject to tax rules.
WFOEs are the standard vehicle for foreign companies that want full control in China — no local partner required. Corporation China and Registration China provide end-to-end WFOE registration, from feasibility study to business licence.
Why Choose a WFOE
Full Foreign Ownership
100% control with no Chinese partner required — you own and direct the company entirely.
Issue Official Fapiao
Operate as a domestic entity and issue official VAT invoices (fapiao) to your clients.
Protect IP & Hold Assets
Own assets onshore and protect intellectual property for commercial and legal certainty.
Direct Hiring
Hire local and foreign staff directly, with work visas and social insurance handled for you.
Profit Repatriation
Repatriate profits abroad subject to tax rules, through compliant RMB and FX accounts.
RMB & FX Accounts
Access RMB and foreign-exchange bank accounts with a simple, transparent submission process.
WFOE Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
| Step | Typical Duration | Key Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Feasibility & Name Reservation | 3–10 days | Approved Chinese name; notarized shareholder documents. |
| Business Licence (SAMR) | 10–20 days | 3-in-1 business licence; Articles of Association. |
| Seals & Bank Accounts | 3–10 days | Company chops; RMB & FX accounts. |
| Tax Registration & Fapiao | 3–7 days | Tax account; e-invoice (fapiao) enabled. |
Total: 8–14 weeks end-to-end for consulting/trading WFOEs. Manufacturing and licensed scopes may take longer.
Costs & Timeline
Transparent, realistic ranges so you can budget with confidence. Final quotes depend on city, scope, and registered capital.
Documents Required
✓ Notarized passport copies of shareholders & legal representative
✓ Certificate of Incorporation for corporate investors (notarized & apostilled)
✓ Office Lease Agreement (min. 1 year) & property certificate
✓ Articles of Association & capital contribution schedule
✓ Feasibility Study Report
Post-Registration Deliverables
✓ Business Licence (3-in-1)
✓ Company Stamps (official, financial, legal rep)
✓ RMB & FX Bank Accounts
✓ Tax registration & e-invoice (fapiao)
✓ Work Visa & Permit · Social Security Account
Special Licences & Industry Notes
Beyond the core business licence, Corporation China assists with the industry permits your scope may require:
✓ Import & Export Licence • ✓ ICP Licence
✓ Food Circulation Licence • ✓ Medical Device Licence
✓ HR Licence • ✓ Travel Agency Licence
WFOE Registration by City
WFOE in Shanghai
China's financial capital and a top choice for consulting, trading, and tech WFOEs — with free-trade-zone options and fast bank onboarding.
Register in ShanghaiWFOE in Beijing
The political and corporate HQ hub — ideal for consulting, media, and technology firms needing proximity to ministries and industry bodies.
Register in BeijingWFOE in Shenzhen
China's innovation and manufacturing gateway near Hong Kong — strong for hardware, e-commerce, and cross-border trade WFOEs.
Register in ShenzhenTrusted by Global Businesses
20+ years guiding foreign companies into China, with 1,500+ successful registrations and a 98% client-satisfaction rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WFOE in China?
A WFOE is a limited liability company wholly owned by foreign investors that can invoice, hire staff, and hold assets in China — 100% foreign ownership, no local partner required.
How long does WFOE registration take?
Typically 8–14 weeks end-to-end for consulting and trading WFOEs. Manufacturing and licensed scopes can take longer.
What documents are required to register a WFOE?
Notarized passports, corporate certificates for corporate shareholders, a lease for the registered address, Articles of Association, and a capital contribution schedule.
Is registered capital required for a WFOE?
There's no universal statutory minimum for most sectors, but capital must be realistic for operations and fully contributed within five years under the revised Company Law.
Can a WFOE issue fapiao?
Yes. Once tax registration and the e-invoice system are set up, your WFOE can issue official VAT invoices (fapiao) as a domestic entity.
How do I open an RMB bank account for my WFOE?
After the business licence is issued, we arrange RMB and foreign-exchange accounts, including basic and general accounts, typically within 3–10 days.
What are the differences between a WFOE and a JV?
A WFOE is 100% foreign-owned with full control; a Joint Venture shares ownership with a Chinese partner, which may be required in certain restricted industries.
Which industries require special licences for a WFOE?
Import/export, ICP (internet content), food circulation, medical devices, HR services, and travel agencies each require additional permits, which we handle.
How much does WFOE registration cost?
Costs vary by city, scope, and capital. Consulting WFOEs are the most economical; trading and manufacturing scopes cost more due to licences and site requirements. Request a fixed quote.
What post-registration compliance is required?
Monthly/quarterly tax filing, annual audit and reporting, foreign-exchange filings, and social insurance — all of which we can manage on your behalf.
Start Your WFOE Registration Today
Expert guidance, transparent pricing, and full compliance — from feasibility to operation. Your trusted gateway to business success in China.
Start WFOE Registration — Free Feasibility Review
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