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WIT Consulting

WIT Consulting is a technology services company providing cutting edge IT solutions to local and multi-national organizations.

Information technology consulting company in China case study

Industry & Origin

WIT Consulting is a multinational information technology services provider providing consultancy, project management and managed services to global organizations. WIT was founded in 2000 in the UK. In 2007, the company expanded into the Asia Pacific market to provide a multi-regional service platform for existing clients and to its overall client portfolio.

WIT Consulting offers 2 suites of services, Professional Services and Managed Services. Professional services include project management, design consultancy, data centers and corporate relocations. Managed services include infrastructure, resourcing and integrated multiple access communications servers. In July 2021, WIT Consulting decided to open their consulting company in China.

Key Outcome

Company Registration in Shanghai

In July 2021, WIT Consulting contacted FDI China to register a consulting company (wholly foreign owned enterprise) in Shanghai in order to offer professional information technology related services in Mainland China. WIT Consulting had an entity in Hong Kong at the time which acted as the holding company for their new enterprise in Shanghai. 

The registration of WIT Consulting was speedy, taking 30 working days to obtain the business license and corporate bank account. The company was registered and finalized in August 2021.

Tax & Accounting

In September 2021, FDI China’s tax & accounting service began for WIT Consulting in order for the company to start reporting taxable income and stay compliant with Chinese law. This included monthly bookkeeping and invoicing.

Incorporation FAQs

Foreigners can register several types of companies in China, including:

Key requirements include:

  • A unique company name (approved by the local Administration for Market Regulation).
  • Stated registered capital (varies by business type).
  • A physical office address in China.
  • Legal representatives and shareholders’ information.
  • A business scope aligned with Chinese regulations.

The entire process typically takes 1-3 months, depending on:

  • The business structure.
  • Completeness of documents.
  • Specific location and administrative efficiency.

A Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) is a legal entity fully owned by foreign investors. It’s popular because:

  • It allows full control over operations.
  • It can issue invoices (fapiao) and engage in profit-making activities.
  • It protects intellectual property.
  • It permits hiring staff directly.

China does not mandate a minimum for many industries, but having sufficient capital demonstrates financial strength.

The registered capital amount varies based on industry and business location.

  • For general consulting WFOEs, RMB 100,000 to RMB 500,000 is common.
  • For manufacturing, logistics, or trading, it can exceed RMB 1 million.

Yes, in many cases, you can delegate the process to a local firm like FDI China. However, for opening a bank account, personal presence is required.

No, you don’t need a Chinese partner to register a WFOE. However, if you opt for a Joint Venture (JV), you must collaborate with a Chinese entity.

The legal representative is the person who has the authority to act on behalf of the company. They:

  • Sign key documents.
  • Represent the company in legal and financial matters.
  • Are responsible for the company’s compliance.
    This person can be a foreigner or a Chinese citizen.

The business scope defines the activities your company is legally allowed to perform in China. For example, “import/export trade” or “IT consulting services.”


A well-defined business scope ensures compliance and prevents issues during tax filing or licensing.

Yes, a foreign company can own property in China if it is registered locally as a WFOE or JV. Representative Offices (ROs), however, cannot directly own property.

Yes, if you plan to run an e-commerce website or any profit-generating online platform, you must obtain a commercial ICP license. Non-profit websites only require a standard ICP filing.

Yes, foreign companies can hire both local and foreign employees. To hire foreign staff, the company must provide a work permit and assist with the visa process.

Once registered, a company must:

  • File taxes monthly & quarterly.
  • Maintain proper accounting and auditing.
  • Follow labor laws for employee contracts and social insurance.

Yes, a company in China can send funds overseas.

The process depends on the nature of the transaction.

Payment for Goods or Services

  • Requirements:
    • A valid contract or invoice.
    • Proof of goods received or services rendered (e.g., customs declaration, shipping documents).
    • Proper documentation for foreign exchange approval.

Dividends Repatriation

  • Requirements:
    • The company must complete annual financial audits and profit distributions.
    • Corporate income tax must be settled.
    • Submission of supporting documents, including the audited financial report, board resolution, and tax payment certificates.

Royalties and Licensing Fees

  • Requirements:
    • A licensing or technical service agreement.
    • Tax clearance or proof of withholding tax payment.
    • SAFE approval, depending on the amount.

Employee Salaries and Benefits

  • Requirements:
    • Work permits and contracts for foreign employees.
    • Tax clearance certificates.

China uses a Negative List for Foreign Investment to outline restricted and prohibited industries.

  • Restricted industries: Foreign ownership may be limited to a joint venture with Chinese partners or capped at a certain percentage.
  • Prohibited industries: Foreign investment is outright banned.

Examples include specific areas of telecommunications, education, and cultural industries. Always review the latest Negative List as it is periodically updated.