Chinese Clients and Their Successful Cases with RUE

RUE’s expertise in serving Chinese clients

Over the past decade, RUE has established itself as one of the most trusted legal and consulting partners for Chinese clients entering the European market. As China-EU trade relations continue to grow, more and more Chinese entrepreneurs, investors and families have sought opportunities across Europe, ranging from setting up businesses in major EU capitals to securing long-term residence permits and acquiring strategic real estate assets. RUE has been there to guide them through every step of the process, combining legal accuracy with cultural sensitivity.

What sets RUE apart is not only its professional experience in European law and business, but also its deep understanding of the unique challenges that Chinese clients face. The team recognises that every client’s goals are unique, whether they involve establishing a company in the Netherlands, obtaining a financial licence in Cyprus, purchasing property in Portugal or relocating a family to Spain. RUE approaches each case with a bespoke strategy, ensuring compliance with EU regulations while aligning with the client’s long-term ambitions.

RUE’s multilingual specialists, who are fluent in Mandarin, English and several European languages, act as cultural and legal mediators, helping clients to navigate complex legal systems that would otherwise seem daunting. By simplifying communication and maintaining transparency, RUE has built strong, trusting relationships with its Chinese clients, who value the firm’s blend of professionalism, confidentiality and efficiency.

Over the years, the firm has successfully helped hundreds of Chinese entrepreneurs to register companies, obtain licences and relocate across Europe. Whether the goal is corporate expansion, personal relocation or portfolio diversification, RUE’s role is to transform the client’s vision into tangible success in Europe.

The firm’s commitment goes beyond legal procedures – it’s about long-term partnership. Clients know they can rely on consistent support, continuous compliance guidance and strategic updates as EU regulations evolve. This comprehensive service model establishes RUE as not just a service provider, but a trusted ally in building sustainable European ventures for Chinese individuals and corporations alike.

Establishing Companies in the EU: Turning Vision into Reality

For many Chinese entrepreneurs, setting up a company in the EU represents a strategic expansion and a declaration of global ambition. The EU offers access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets, legal stability and robust investor protections, but its regulatory environment can be challenging to navigate without experienced guidance. This is where RUE’s expertise becomes invaluable.

RUE has helped numerous Chinese clients set up companies in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Lithuania – each chosen for its unique advantages, ranging from tax benefits and access to skilled labour to trade opportunities. RUE manages the entire process, from selecting the appropriate legal structure – such as limited liability companies, holding entities, or representative offices – to handling all incorporation formalities, drafting articles of association, and registering with national business registries.

In one notable case, RUE assisted a Chinese technology manufacturer in setting up a European distribution company in the Netherlands. The client wanted a reliable logistics and warehousing hub to serve EU clients directly. RUE’s legal team prepared all the necessary incorporation documents, coordinated with local notaries and arranged VAT registration, corporate banking and EORI customs procedures. Within just six weeks, the company was fully operational and compliant with EU trade and tax laws – a feat that would have been challenging to accomplish independently.

In another case, RUE guided a group of investors from Shenzhen who wanted to launch a chain of speciality tea boutiques in southern Europe. The firm registered the parent company in Portugal and also assisted with trademark protection, employment law compliance and local franchise agreements. With RUE’s support, the brand quickly expanded to three EU countries, demonstrating the value of robust legal and administrative groundwork in achieving commercial success.

RUE’s approach is always practical and client-centred. The firm provides step-by-step support, including:

• Choosing the most advantageous jurisdiction based on business goals and taxation
• Preparing all incorporation and shareholder documents in compliance with EU and local laws
• Coordinating with notaries, accountants and local authorities
• Assisting with the opening of corporate bank accounts and the setting up of accounting systems
• Advising on ongoing compliance and annual reporting obligations

This full-service assistance ensures that Chinese business owners can focus on growth and operations while RUE takes care of the legal and regulatory complexities. Every company that RUE helps to establish is more than just a registration – it is the foundation of a new success story in Europe.

Licensing and regulatory support: Opening doors to the European market

Obtaining the necessary licences and regulatory approvals is one of the most challenging aspects of entering the European market, particularly for Chinese investors, who must adapt to the EU’s strict compliance standards, industry-specific rules and transparency requirements. RUE has built a strong reputation for helping clients overcome these barriers and ensuring that every project meets the legal and operational requirements for successful market entry.

RUE’s licensing team works closely with national and EU-level regulators to secure authorisations for a wide range of activities, including trade, manufacturing, financial services, logistics and hospitality. The firm’s expertise covers both corporate licensing and specialised permits, such as import/export certifications, financial conduct licences and industrial operation authorisations. These are all essential for Chinese investors who want to operate within the EU with confidence and in accordance with the law.

For instance, one of RUE‘s clients – a Chinese fintech firm – wanted to expand its mobile payment services into the EU. RUE guided the firm through the complex process of obtaining an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence, including corresponding with the national financial authority, preparing risk management and compliance policies, and presenting the company’s financial model. Within a few months, the client received approval and became a fully licensed EU operator, enabling it to serve European and Chinese customers alike.

In another case, RUE helped a Chinese logistics company to obtain transport and customs operation licences in Central Europe. This involved ensuring compliance with transport safety standards, insurance obligations and staff certification requirements. RUE coordinated directly with regulatory bodies, translated and legalised the required Chinese documentation, and represented the client throughout the review process. The company now manages cross-border transport between multiple EU states, operating fully within the law.

In addition to technical licensing, RUE provides ongoing regulatory monitoring and compliance services. The European regulatory environment changes frequently, especially in sectors such as energy, finance and technology. RUE ensures that clients remain compliant, file timely reports and adapt their internal policies as regulations evolve.

What truly distinguishes RUE is its cross-cultural legal communication, namely the ability to clearly explain EU requirements in Mandarin, thus simplifying what would otherwise feel like an overwhelming bureaucracy. This personalised guidance gives Chinese investors the confidence that every aspect of their operations, from licensing to audits, is legally sound.

By breaking down complex procedures into achievable milestones, RUE effectively enables Chinese enterprises to operate and thrive within the highly regulated yet rewarding European Union market.

Relocation and Residency: Building Lives Beyond Borders

For many Chinese entrepreneurs and investors, expanding into the European Union is not only a business decision, but also a lifestyle choice. Europe offers stability, safety, educational opportunities and a high quality of life, making relocation an increasingly attractive option for individuals and their families alike. RUE has become a trusted partner for those seeking to establish a personal and professional presence in the EU, handling every aspect of relocation and residency with precision and care.

The firm’s relocation team assists clients in choosing the most suitable residency pathway based on their goals, investment preferences, and family circumstances. Whether through business establishment, real estate investment, or employment sponsorship, the firm develops a bespoke strategy for each case. From the initial application to the issuance of residence cards, RUE’s experts ensure compliance with all EU and national immigration laws.

One of RUE’s recent success stories involves a family from Shanghai who wanted to move to Spain through the Golden Visa investment programme. RUE coordinated the entire process, from identifying qualifying real estate and conducting due diligence on the property to preparing the investment documentation and managing all communication with Spanish immigration authorities. Within just a few months, the family had obtained residence permits for all its members and had successfully transitioned to life in Barcelona.

In another example, a Chinese entrepreneur who was relocating his technology start-up from Beijing to the Netherlands sought RUE’s assistance in obtaining a Startup Visa. RUE handled the visa paperwork, arranged company registration, helped secure a local sponsor and facilitated access to Dutch innovation networks. Today, the company is operating successfully across multiple EU markets.

RUE’s relocation services extend beyond legal formalities. The firm provides comprehensive post-arrival support, including guidance on taxation, healthcare registration, school enrolment and property acquisition. The goal is to ensure that each client’s transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing them to focus on building their new life and business.

A key strength of RUE’s approach is its multilingual and multicultural assistance. Clients can communicate in Mandarin, ensuring they fully understand every step of the process. This personal connection fosters trust and reassurance, which is particularly important for families undergoing significant life changes in a new environment.

Ultimately, RUE’s relocation and residency support is about more than just obtaining visas or residence cards. It’s about helping clients build a future in Europe, creating stability for their families and laying the foundation for long-term personal and professional success.

Real Estate Investment: A Pathway to Stability and Growth

Real estate has long been one of the most popular and reliable forms of investment for Chinese clients entering the European market. Beyond its potential for appreciation, property ownership in Europe often serves as a pathway to long-term residency, business expansion and family relocation. Recognising this, RUE has developed a specialised real estate legal practice to guide investors through every stage of the process, from market selection to acquisition, registration and compliance.

RUE’s experts understand that, for Chinese investors, real estate investments are not purely financial. They often combine strategic, lifestyle and immigration goals. Some clients seek commercial properties for business operations, while others prioritise residential investments tied to Golden Visa or residency-by-investment programmes. RUE assists with both, ensuring that every purchase is legally sound and optimised for long-term benefit.

One success story involved assisting a Chinese entrepreneur from Guangzhou in acquiring a portfolio of apartments in Lisbon, Portugal, under the country’s residency-by-investment scheme. The firm handled all legal due diligence, verified the developer’s documentation and ensured that the transaction complied with Portuguese and EU anti-money laundering regulations. RUE also coordinated the visa application, enabling the client and his family to obtain permanent residency and eventually relocate to Europe.

In another case, a Shanghai-based company sought to purchase commercial office space in Berlin for its new European branch. RUE’s legal and tax teams collaborated to structure the acquisition via an EU-registered subsidiary, thereby minimising tax liability and ensuring compliance with Germany’s foreign investment regulations. The transaction was completed smoothly, and the property now serves as the company’s European headquarters.

RUE’s real estate services cover a full spectrum of support:

• Property selection and verification: helping clients identify reliable projects and performing title, zoning and ownership checks.
• Due diligence and transaction support: drafting and reviewing sales agreements, coordinating with notaries and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Residency integration: assisting clients whose real estate purchases qualify for immigration benefits.
• Tax and investment structuring: advising on how to efficiently hold and manage real estate assets within EU frameworks.

The firm’s multilingual and multicultural team ensures that every stage of the process is transparent and clearly explained in Mandarin, so clients understand exactly what they are purchasing and how it fits into their broader investment or relocation plan.

Through careful legal work and strategic insight, RUE has helped dozens of Chinese investors transform their real estate purchases into secure, profitable and compliant European ventures. Whether the purchase is a luxury residence, a commercial building or a multi-unit investment portfolio, RUE ensures that every transaction builds financial stability and a lasting connection to Europe.

Strategic Investment Planning: From Capital to Growth

Investing in the European Union requires more than just capital; it demands insight, structure and a long-term strategy. Many Chinese investors see Europe not just as a place to diversify their assets, but also as a platform for sustained business development, innovation and partnership. RUE’s investment advisory and legal teams specialise in turning that vision into a structured, compliant and profitable reality.

RUE begins by helping each client to define clear investment objectives, whether these involve acquiring an existing business, investing in start-ups, establishing a joint venture or entering a new market sector. Every recommendation is tailored to the client’s financial goals, risk profile and preferred jurisdiction. The firm’s strength lies in its ability to connect legal precision with commercial strategy, ensuring that each investment aligns with EU regulations while maximising long-term returns.

For example, RUE recently advised a consortium of Chinese investors from Shenzhen who were interested in acquiring a renewable energy company in Eastern Europe. The firm conducted full legal due diligence, reviewed corporate governance documents and structured the acquisition through a European holding company. RUE also provided advice on competition compliance and foreign direct investment (FDI) screening, both of which are critical in the EU energy sector. The deal met all regulatory standards and positioned the investors for future expansion into the EU green energy market.

Another success story saw a Chinese high-tech manufacturer partner with RUE to invest in a German robotics start-up. RUE guided the client through the investment process, drafting shareholder agreements and protecting intellectual property rights, as well as setting up a joint R&D structure from which both parties benefited. Today, this partnership continues to produce innovative industrial automation solutions across Europe and Asia.

RUE’s strategic investment services include:

• Investment due diligence: – assessing business viability, corporate risks and compliance requirements
• Structuring and tax optimisation: – Designing investment vehicles and holding structures that meet EU tax and reporting standards
• Negotiation and documentation: Drafting and reviewing contracts, shareholder agreements and cross-border transaction documents
• Regulatory compliance: Handling foreign direct investment (FDI) screening, competition clearance, and sector-specific licensing
• Post-investment support: Providing assistance with governance, reporting and profit repatriation strategies

One of RUE’s most valuable contributions to Chinese investors is its ability to interpret and simplify the often complex European legal and regulatory environment. With offices and partner networks across key EU jurisdictions, the firm provides insight into local market conditions, risk assessment and partnership opportunities.

By combining strategic foresight with legal and financial discipline, RUE helps Chinese investors to not only enter the European market, but also to grow within it sustainably, transparently and successfully.

Cross-border banking and tax structuring: Ensuring compliance and optimisation

For Chinese entrepreneurs and investors expanding into the European Union, financial transparency, tax efficiency and compliant banking operations are as important as the business itself. While Europe’s banking and tax systems are stable and well-regulated, they can be intricate and differ significantly from Chinese frameworks. RUE’s cross-border financial and tax specialists provide clients with the clarity, structure and ongoing support they need to manage their European finances with confidence and precision.

RUE begins every project by conducting a thorough evaluation of the client’s goals, whether they involve setting up a corporate banking presence, handling cross-border transactions, or optimising tax on investments and income. RUE works closely with European banks, auditors and tax authorities to ensure that every step adheres to EU regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) and ‘know your customer’ (KYC) requirements.

In one case, a Chinese trading company that had opened a subsidiary in Poland encountered difficulties setting up a local business bank account due to stringent compliance checks and documentation requirements. RUE intervened by preparing a complete set of certified company documents, translated legal opinions and compliance justifications in accordance with EU banking standards. Within a few weeks, the bank account was approved, enabling the client to manage trade payments seamlessly within the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

In another success story, RUE advised a Chinese real estate investor who had acquired properties in multiple EU states. The firm developed a cross-border tax strategy that consolidated the investor’s holdings under a European holding company, thereby reducing the risk of double taxation and ensuring alignment with EU-China tax treaties. This structure also simplified the distribution of dividends and the repatriation of profits back to China, all in full compliance with international tax reporting obligations.

RUE’s cross-border financial and tax services typically include:

• Corporate and personal tax planning tailored to each client’s business model and residency status
• Formation of holding or management companies to centralise investments efficiently
• Assistance with opening and maintaining EU corporate and private bank accounts
• Compliance with EU AML and KYC standards to ensure transparent and lawful operations
• Advisory services on VAT, transfer pricing and profit repatriation to maximise efficiency and minimise exposure
• We coordinate with accountants and auditors to ensure accurate financial reporting and adherence to local regulations

RUE’s unique advantage lies in its dual perspective: the team understands the Chinese approach to asset management as well as the European emphasis on regulatory compliance and transparency. This combination enables RUE to design solutions that are both effective and compliant – a balance that few firms can achieve.

By providing structured financial pathways, RUE enables Chinese businesses to operate with confidence within Europe’s sophisticated economic environment. The result is the seamless integration of Eastern capital with Western regulatory systems, enabling clients to grow internationally while remaining fully compliant and financially optimised.

Language and Cultural Mediation: Bridging East and West

Success in cross-border business depends not only on legal and financial expertise, but also on an understanding of people, communication styles and cultural expectations. RUE’s ability to bridge the gap between Chinese and European cultures is one of the firm’s greatest strengths. By combining in-depth legal knowledge with cultural intelligence, RUE ensures that every interaction, negotiation and transaction runs smoothly and effectively.

One of the greatest challenges for many Chinese clients when entering the European market is not just navigating a foreign legal system, but also an entirely different way of doing business. Differences in communication, documentation standards and negotiation styles can easily lead to misunderstandings. RUE’s multilingual team, who are fluent in Mandarin, English, and multiple EU languages, eliminates these barriers by ensuring clear, accurate, and context-aware communication at every stage of the process.

In one memorable case, RUE represented a Chinese manufacturing group negotiating a distribution agreement with a French logistics company. Initially, the client struggled to convey their key commercial priorities due to linguistic and cultural differences. RUE’s bilingual consultants and legal translators stepped in, rephrasing complex legal and financial concepts so that they were understandable and culturally sensitive to both parties. The result was a balanced agreement that respected the client’s interests and strengthened the partnership between the two companies.

In another example, RUE assisted a Chinese family who were relocating to Portugal and were facing challenges in integrating into the local administrative and social systems. RUE’s local staff accompanied the family to municipal offices, handled the translation of residency documents and assisted with school enrolment and healthcare registration, demonstrating that cultural mediation extends beyond business into personal life.

RUE’s cultural and linguistic mediation services include:

• Professional translation and interpretation of legal, financial and administrative documents
• Cross-cultural negotiation support to ensure both parties understand nuances in communication and expectations
• Personalised guidance on adapting to local customs, administrative procedures and social etiquette
• They also bridge communication between Chinese clients and European authorities, regulators and business partners

What distinguishes RUE is its respect for both sides. The firm doesn’t just translate words – it translates intent, values and objectives. Chinese clients appreciate that their business philosophy and approach are understood and faithfully represented, while European partners value RUE’s clarity and professionalism in managing cross-cultural interactions.

Essentially, RUE acts as a trust bridge between East and West, ensuring that language and cultural differences become assets rather than obstacles. This empathetic and precise mediation enables Chinese clients to navigate Europe with confidence, knowing that they are fully understood and professionally represented in every situation.

Notable success stories: From Idea to Implementation

Behind every successful project is a story that reflects ambition, trust and collaboration. Over the years, RUE has helped many Chinese clients to transform their ideas into thriving businesses and to secure European residencies through smart investments and meticulous legal support. Each case demonstrates the firm’s ability to adapt, strategise and deliver tangible results in a variety of industries and countries.

Case 1: From Trading Vision to European Presence

A mid-sized electronics trading company from Shenzhen approached RUE with the goal of establishing a permanent presence within the European Union. The company wanted to streamline imports, expand distribution and sell directly to retail customers. RUE’s corporate team helped them register a private limited company in the Netherlands, arrange all the necessary corporate documentation and open a business bank account.
Once established, RUE guided the company through VAT registration and customs compliance, ensuring that imports from China met EU product standards. Within a year, the new European entity was operating successfully as a central logistics hub for Western Europe, fully compliant with legal and fiscal requirements – a milestone that enabled the client to triple their EU sales.

Case 2: Residency through real estate investment in Spain

A family from Beijing wanted to move to Europe to provide a better education and lifestyle for their children. RUE’s immigration and real estate departments collaborated to secure Spanish Golden Visa eligibility through property investment in Madrid. RUE’s lawyers managed property due diligence, notarisation and legal translations to ensure that the purchase met all the criteria of the residency programme.
Within six months, residence permits were obtained for all family members, and RUE continued to assist with school enrolment, tax registration, and integration support. They now live permanently in Spain, where RUE’s legal and accounting teams support their ongoing business interests.

Case 3: Licensing a Fintech Startup in Lithuania

A Chinese entrepreneur who was developing a cross-border payment solution wanted to access the European fintech ecosystem. RUE recommended Lithuania, a fast-growing fintech hub, as the ideal jurisdiction. The firm guided the client through the process of applying for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence, prepared the necessary internal compliance documentation and communicated directly with the Bank of Lithuania.
After several months of regulatory correspondence, the licence was approved, enabling the start-up to operate across all EU member states under passporting rules. The company has since become a key player in connecting Chinese payment systems with European e-commerce platforms.

Case 4: Expanding a Manufacturing Operation to Central Europe

A major industrial machinery manufacturer from Hangzhou wanted to establish a production and service centre within the EU. RUE selected Poland as the most efficient location for the manufacturing investment based on logistics, labour costs and tax incentives. RUE handled company incorporation, environmental permits and employment law compliance, while coordinating with local authorities on site development.
Today, the facility employs over 40 people, exports to multiple EU countries and benefits from EU trade agreements – a long-term success built on a carefully structured entry strategy.

Such success stories exemplify RUE’s ability to combine legal expertise, strategic thinking and cultural understanding to deliver results. Every client – from individual investors to corporate groups – receives the same dedication, precision and long-term commitment.

For RUE, success is not measured by the completion of a transaction, but by the lasting growth and satisfaction of its clients – Chinese professionals, families and enterprises who have found their place and future in Europe with RUE’s guidance.

A Trusted Partner for the Chinese Business Community

For Chinese investors, entrepreneurs and families looking to establish themselves in Europe, success requires more than ambition – it demands a reliable partner who understands both worlds. RUE has earned this trust through years of dedicated service, bridging the legal, financial and cultural divides between China and the European Union. The firm’s mission has always been clear: to empower Chinese clients with the knowledge, structure and strategy they need to thrive in Europe’s dynamic and regulated environment.

From company formation and licensing to relocation, real estate, and investment management, RUE provides a comprehensive range of services designed to transform complex cross-border objectives into tangible results. What distinguishes RUE is not only its legal precision, but also its deep respect for each client’s vision. Every case, whether involving corporate expansion, family relocation, or international acquisition, receives individual attention and strategic foresight.

RUE’s success stories speak for themselves. The firm has helped Chinese businesses to establish European headquarters, assisted investors to obtain residency through real estate investments, and supported innovators to launch fintech and technology ventures across the EU. RUE’s dedication to quality, compliance, and cultural understanding lies behind every achievement, and these qualities have earned the firm its reputation as a trusted advisor for the Chinese business community.

At the heart of RUE’s philosophy lies partnership. The firm doesn’t view its clients as mere transactions, but as long-term collaborators whose success is its own success. Whether they are navigating evolving EU legislation, adjusting to new market conditions or expanding into additional European jurisdictions, RUE remains by its clients’ side, offering continuity, clarity and confidence.

As China and the EU continue to strengthen their economic relationship, RUE is ready to guide the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs towards success in Europe. For those seeking a reliable, knowledgeable and culturally attuned partner, RUE is the bridge between opportunity and achievement, between East and West.