The Beginning of the End

Last updated: Mar 2024
Regulations Guide to WFOE Establishment, Registration & Liquidation

If you’ve registered a company in China, then you also need to know how to close a business in China.  PTL Group specializes in company registration in China. We make sure that China company registration is done right, and is supported by extensive operational support for registered entities. This is where our knowledge and expertise really make a difference.

The Beginning of the End

If you thought that company registration in China is difficult, then you should know that the WFOE deregistration process is gradual, complex and time-consuming as well. It requires businesses not only to reconcile with the situation and deal with regulatory mechanisms, procedures and requirements, but also to continue with normal operations until the final shut down. In addition, the new Foreign Investments Law, which came into effect on January 1st 2020, is expected to affect foreign companies’ prospects in China in general – and will specifically influence shutdown procedures.

The WFOE deregistration decision

When a decision is made to deregister a Chinese WFOE, it is against the law to simply “clear out”. An abrupt abandonment (leaving behind unfilled reports and unpaid taxes) would lead to a revocation of the WFOE business license. The company would also be blacklisted and publicly humiliated on the State Administration of Industry and Commerce website.

Sudden and quick abandonment of a business is also not recommended for practical reasons. WFOE deregistration is a gradual process in which all business aspects are handled and terminated. During this process, the company still operates, albeit limited, until it is completely shut down. But as long as the company functions, it has to be handled legally.

Learn more about tax filings and payment deadlines in China.

Schedule

The WFOE deregistration process takes at least 6 months, which are required for closing tax files (provincial and national). This is the longest and most cumbersome phase of the process, and may last longer if unpaid fines or other irregularities have accrued. At the end of this period, approval for closing will be obtained from the State Administration of Industry and Commerce.

The duration of the deregistration process varies and depends on other factors such as the number of employees hired at the time of the shutdown, location (province, city), etc.

At PTL Group, we specialize in registering and managing foreign-owned entities in China. Get in touch today and let us support your China operations.

Last updated: Mar 2024