WFOE deregistration runs: shareholder liquidation resolution → 45-day creditor notice → tax clearance (the long pole) → customs/social insurance/bank closures → SAMR cancellation. Expect 4-12 months; unpaid taxes and fapiao violations are the top delays.
Steps: (1) Shareholder decision to dissolve + liquidation committee formation. (2) Publish creditor notice (45 days) + written notice to known creditors. (3) Liquidation: settle wages, social insurance, taxes, supplier debts IN THAT ORDER. (4) Tax deregistration — the critical path: final CIT settlement, VAT/fapiao system closure, invoice cancellation, inspection if red flags (missing filings, undefined fapiao, related-party loans). (5) Customs de-registration (if importer record exists), forex registration cancellation, social insurance/housing fund closure. (6) Bank account closure (needs most prior certificates done). (7) SAMR business license cancellation → chops cancellation. Traps: dormant companies with years of nil filings accumulate penalties before deregistration even starts; shareholders remain liable for unpaid tax discovered later. Budget 4-12 months and professional handling.
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Zhonghui Consulting handles FDI registration, WFOE setup, banking, accounting, and foreign-staff compliance end-to-end — fixed fees, English-speaking team, ICPA-licensed delivery.
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