Standard ODI filing takes 2-3 months end-to-end: 2-4 weeks for document preparation, 1-2 weeks for NDRC, 1-2 weeks for MOFCOM, and 1-2 weeks for bank forex registration.
A realistic ODI timeline in 2026: document preparation (feasibility study, board resolutions, audited financials, investment framework agreements) takes 2-4 weeks. NDRC filing: 1-2 weeks for non-sensitive projects. MOFCOM filing: 1-2 weeks, issuing the Enterprise Outbound Investment Certificate. Bank foreign exchange registration: about 1 week. Total: typically 6-10 weeks. Sensitive industries or destinations, or incomplete documentation, can extend the process to 6 months or trigger rejection. Applications from companies with weak financial capacity relative to the investment amount face elevated scrutiny.
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