Guides
China WFOE Capital Requirements
How statutory minimum capital rules for Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises changed, why capital levels still matter in practice, and the Company Law contribution period.
WFOE companies used to face fixed statutory minimum capital amounts in many cases. Reforms from 2014 onwards largely removed a nationwide statutory minimum for most ordinary industries. That does not mean registered capital is irrelevant, or that an arbitrarily tiny commitment is commercially or regulatorily appropriate.
Under the current PRC Company Law (Art. 47), for a limited liability company the registered capital is the subscribed capital recorded with the company registration authority, and shareholders must generally pay up subscribed capital within five years of establishment as provided in the articles of association (unless another law, administrative regulation, or State Council rule sets a different real-contribution or minimum-capital requirement).
In practice, authorities, banks, landlords, and counterparties still expect capital that fits your business scope, industry, and cash-flow plan before revenue. City, free-trade-zone, or industrial-park practices can also influence expectations. Some licensed or heavily regulated activities may impose higher practical or regulatory capital requirements.
For hands-on incorporation support, see China WFOE registration. Related reading: key personnel for a China WFOE.
Official sources
- PRC Company Law (SAMR) — Art. 47
- State Council explanation of registered-capital contribution management
General information only — not legal, tax, or investment advice. Rules and local practice can change; confirm current requirements for your city, industry, and structure.