Set Up a WFOE

The most popular vehicle for foreign businesses. 100% foreign ownership, full operational control, ability to invoice Chinese customers and hire local staff directly.

What is a WFOE?

A Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise is a limited-liability company in mainland China that is 100% owned by foreign investors. It’s the standard structure for foreign businesses that want real operational presence — manufacturing, services, trading, consulting or tech.

Unlike a Representative Office, a WFOE can generate revenue, sign contracts, hire employees and issue official fapiao invoices.

Three flavours of WFOE

Consulting / Services WFOE — software, consulting, training, creative services. Lowest capital requirement.
Trading WFOE (FICE) — import, export, wholesale and retail of physical goods.
Manufacturing WFOE — physical production on the mainland. Requires environmental clearance and a physical lease.

We’ll match your intended activities to the right scope before any filing is submitted — getting this wrong is the single most common delay in China incorporation.

Typical timeline

From a signed engagement to an operational WFOE with a funded bank account, you should expect 30–45 working days. The exact schedule depends on your city, business scope and how quickly notarised documents arrive from your home jurisdiction.

Want a firm quote?

Share your intended scope, city and shareholder structure on a 30-minute call and we'll send a fixed-fee proposal the same day.

Explore other ways to enter China.

China Company Incorporation

Full-service formation for any entity type, end-to-end.

Set Up a Joint Venture

Partner with a Chinese entity to access local markets.

Representative Office

Light-touch market presence without revenue activities.