Shanghai skyline with modern office towers across the river at dusk
Wholly foreign-owned enterprise

WFOE registration in China, explained step by step

A WFOE lets a foreign investor own and operate a Chinese company outright — no local joint-venture partner required. ChinaMNC walks you through the structure, capital, business scope, registration steps and post-setup compliance so you can make informed decisions before you commit.

WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 153 1898 8535

  • Fully foreign-ownedNo Chinese shareholder required for a standard WFOE.
  • Limited liabilityThe company is a separate legal entity; liability is generally limited to subscribed capital.
  • Built to operateDesigned for invoicing, hiring and running a real business in China.
Services

What we help with

Every market-entry decision depends on what you intend to do in China. We help you compare the main structures and prepare the paperwork for the one that fits your plans.

WFOE registration

Set up a wholly foreign-owned limited liability company, including name approval, articles of association, business scope and the registration filing.

Joint venture support

For activities where a local partner is required or commercially useful, we help structure and document the joint venture.

Representative office

A lighter option for liaison and market research only — we explain its limits compared with a WFOE before you choose.

Bank account opening

Guidance on opening the RMB basic account and, where needed, a foreign-currency capital account, with the documents banks typically request.

Tax & accounting

Tax registration, invoicing setup and ongoing bookkeeping so your entity stays current with Chinese filing obligations.

Work visa & permits

Practical guidance for foreign founders and staff on work permits and residence permits linked to the new company.

Process

A four-step path to registration

Timelines vary by city, business scope and how quickly documents are approved. The sequence below is the typical order of work, not a promise of dates.

  1. Prepare and plan

    Confirm the business scope, company name options, registered address and registered capital. We review your plans and flag anything that needs a licence or extra approval.

  2. File the registration

    Prepare the articles of association and investor documents, submit the name application, then file the establishment registration with the local market regulator.

  3. Complete the setup

    Obtain the business licence, arrange company seals, complete tax registration and open the company bank account.

  4. Operate and stay compliant

    Set up invoicing, bookkeeping and the recurring filings your company must make, and plan for permits if you or your staff will work in China.

Why ChinaMNC

Clear guidance for foreign business owners

Setting up in China involves local rules, Chinese-language documents and several government touchpoints. We keep the process understandable and the communication in your language.

  • Plain-English explanations. We tell you what each step means and what it requires, without jargon.
  • One point of contact. Coordinate registration, banking and tax setup through a single team.
  • Document preparation. Help drafting and checking the forms, articles and filings that authorities expect.
  • Honest expectations. We explain where approvals, timing or licences depend on local authorities — and where we cannot guarantee an outcome.
FAQ

Common questions

How much registered capital does a WFOE need?

China no longer applies a single minimum for most WFOEs, but the amount should be realistic for your business plan and is reviewed by local authorities and banks. Some sectors still have specific capital requirements. We help you choose a figure that fits your activity and explain the practical consequences.

What can a WFOE do, and what is outside its business scope?

A WFOE may only carry out activities listed in its approved business scope. Some activities require a special licence before or after registration, and a few are restricted or prohibited for foreign investment. We check your intended activities against the current rules before filing.

What ongoing compliance does a WFOE have after registration?

Expect recurring bookkeeping, tax filings, invoicing rules and an annual reporting obligation, plus the permits needed if foreign staff will work in China. Requirements vary by city and activity, so we map out what applies to your company rather than giving a generic checklist.

Contact

Discuss your WFOE plans

Tell us what your company intends to do in China and we will explain the structure, documents and steps that apply to your situation.

WhatsApp and WeChat: +86 153 1898 8535

WeChat+86 153 1898 8535

Contact ChinaMNC

Discuss Your China Setup Directly

Tell us your city, business activity and ownership structure. We will reply on WhatsApp or WeChat with the practical next steps for your case.

WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 153 1898 8535

General information only. ChinaMNC does not provide legal or tax advice.