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MOFCOM Services in
China

Secure your investment license with the People's Republic's trusted incorporation partners. We handle the entire lifecycle from Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) (MOFCOM) approval to full operational readiness.

Apply for MOFCOM License

For any foreign entity to conduct business setup in China , obtaining approval and filing with the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of China is a vital regulatory step. MOFCOM manages the Foreign Investment Information Report, acting as the gateway for international investors, ensuring your entry aligns with the Negative List and complies with local regulations.

What is MOFCOM and Its Role?

MOFCOM regulates and advocates for foreign investment in the People's Republic. It oversees the "Foreign Investment Law," which grants your company robust legal framework protections as a Foreign Invested Enterprise (FIE). This filing is critical for 100% foreign ownership, bidding on government contracts, and sponsoring international employees.

Global Business Hub Alignment: MOFCOM's streamlined e-services have reduced licensing time from weeks to just hours for standard applications, fostering a competitive investment environment.

MOFCOM Licensing Categories

Depending on your business activity, MOFCOM offers specific license types with varying capital and documentation requirements.

  • 💼
    Service License For consulting, IT, marketing, and professional services. Generally requires zero minimum capital.
  • 🏗️
    Industrial License For manufacturing and heavy industry. Often linked with industrial land allocations.
  • 🛒
    Trading License For wholesale and retail. May require higher minimum capital or specific operational standards.
  • 🚀
    Entrepreneur License A specialized track for innovative startups approved by a China university or incubator.

License Application Process

We guide you through the 4-step MOFCOM approval framework.

1
Activity Validation Confirming your ISIC codes match your business intent and foreign investment in China rules.
2
Document Prep Attesting financial statements and commercial registration from your home country.
3
Submission Refining your application via the MOFCOM portal for rapid approval.
4
Issuance Receiving your official filing receipt to proceed with SAMR Business License issuance.

Scope of MOFCOM Services

Who Requires a MOFCOM License?

Any foreign entity (WFOE) or joint venture intending to conduct commercial activity in China must fulfill MOFCOM filing obligations. This includes:

Foreign Companies

International firms establishing a 100% owned subsidiary.

Mixed Companies (JVs)

Entities with both China and foreign shareholders.

Branch Offices

Foreign companies opening a direct branch without a separate legal entity.

Key Benefits of Licensing

  • 100% Foreign Ownership Full control over equity and operations in most sectors.
  • Legal Recognition Ability to sign contracts, rent office space, and open bank accounts.
  • Government Tenders Eligibility to bid for large-scale government projects.
  • Work Permits & Visas Facilitates Z-Visa and Residence Permit issuance for the Legal Rep and foreign staff.

Key Outcomes & Deliverables

MOFCOM Investment License The official decree authorizing your investment.
Setup Pathway Clear roadmap for subsequent government approvals in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for any non-GCC investor wishing to hold shares in a China entity or operate a branch, a MOFCOM Foreign Investment License is a legal requirement before obtaining a Commercial Registration (CR).
With a complete application and standard activities, the license is often issued within 24-48 hours. Specialized sectors (e.g., healthcare, education) may require pre-approvals, extending the timeline.
Yes, China allows 100% foreign ownership in the vast majority of sectors, including service, industrial, and trading activities. A limited "Negative List" restricts foreign investment in specific strategic sectors like oil exploration.
Typically, you need the Commercial Registration and audited financial statements (for the last year) of the parent company, attested by the China embassy in the country of origin. Startup tracks have different requirements.
Yes, MOFCOM approval is the very first step. You cannot go to the Ministry of Commerce to open your CR or to banks for account opening without the MOFCOM license.
Yes, you can apply to amend your license to add new activities, change the trade name, or update shareholding structures through the MOFCOM portal at any time.

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