Successful RUE cases with Chinese clients

Cooperation with Chinese entrepreneurs and investors is based on an understanding of their business culture, their goals for entering the European market and their need for reliable legal and tax support. Chinese companies that see Europe as a key part of their expansion strategy expect a comprehensive solution that includes company registration, regulatory compliance, obtaining licences in the virtual assets sector, and setting up operational processes that comply with EU regulations. In this context, professional consulting that provides multi-stage support and guidance for clients from initial planning to the launch of operations plays a key role.

Working with Chinese clients begins with identifying the most suitable jurisdiction in which to incorporate a company or holding structure. Entrepreneurs from China often consider Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Malta to be countries with transparent regulations, predictable business environments and access to the single European market. During the initial consultation, the project goals, proposed business model, licensing needs, tax specifics and future sources of financing are assessed. This approach enables us to offer clients an optimal corporate solution and avoid risks associated with choosing the wrong legal form or tax setup.

One of the key areas is supporting projects related to cryptocurrencies and virtual assets. Chinese technology companies and private investors are developing products in the blockchain space, but they require qualified legal support when they encounter European regulation. Clients are assisted in obtaining virtual asset service provider (VASP) licences, drafting internal regulatory documentation, building AML/KYC systems, creating internal control procedures, and handling interactions with regulators and financial intelligence units, in accordance with the requirements of the MiCA Regulation and the national rules of EU countries.

A separate area of work focuses on tax planning and support for international corporate governance. When setting up a company in Europe, Chinese entrepreneurs must consider the specifics of corporate taxation, transfer pricing rules, sources of funding and the requirements of banks for confirming economic substance. Support includes providing tax advice, offering guidance on the optimal allocation of assets between countries, and helping to open bank and payment accounts with European financial institutions and electronic payment systems.

It is important to note that cooperation is not limited to legal and registration matters. Throughout the project, we interact with accounting firms, financial advisers, auditors and, where necessary, notarial offices and government bodies. This ensures continuity of service and enables clients to focus on business development rather than administrative formalities. Chinese families seeking to secure a long-term presence in Europe are supported through residence-by-investment programmes. Depending on the chosen country, this may include purchasing real estate, structuring investment contributions, filing applications with migration authorities and providing subsequent support with annual reporting.

Thus, our approach is based on the principles of comprehensiveness, transparency and tailoring solutions to clients’ practical business goals. This enables investors and companies from China to integrate confidently into the European economic environment and develop projects that are fully compliant with local requirements. The Regulated United Europe team provides all of the above services and works with entrepreneurs from China and other Asian countries, delivering professional support at every stage of project implementation in the EU. Below, we present case studies of our Chinese clients, detailing the projects they have implemented in Europe with our support.

Case 1
Client: Entrepreneur from Shenzhen
Industry: Fintech and digital asset trading

A Chinese entrepreneur from Shenzhen approached us with the goal of launching a crypto platform in Europe to serve both retail and corporate clients. Initially, the business model focused on digital asset operations and providing crypto custody wallets. However, the client encountered issues in meeting European regulatory requirements and in accessing international banking services.

During consultations, we analysed several jurisdictions and selected Estonia as a strategically suitable country for company formation. We assisted the client with incorporating the legal entity, prepared the corporate documents and designed an ownership structure that took into account investors from China and their obligations to the tax authorities in their country of residence.

Next, we launched the process of obtaining a licence to provide services related to virtual assets. This involved developing AML/KYC procedures, screening for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), creating an internal client risk assessment framework and drafting internal compliance policies for submission to the financial intelligence unit. We also provided support in opening a corporate account with a European payment institution and implementing a Source of Funds verification procedure. This gave the client access to the EU financial infrastructure and enabled them to build a sustainable business model for further growth.

Case 2
Client: Manufacturing company from Guangzhou
Industry: Export of consumer goods to Europe

The client, a manufacturer of household consumer goods, planned to enter the Czech and German markets. The main issues were related to customs clearance and the taxation of import operations, as well as the need for a local legal entity to sign contracts with European distributors.

As part of the initial analysis, it was determined that the Czech Republic would be a suitable country in which to set up a trading company, with subsequent logistical integration with European warehouse operators. We assisted the client with company registration, obtaining a legal address, preparing the constituent documents and appointing a director.

A tax plan was then developed, including determining the optimal VAT status for import operations and the procedure for recording intra-EU transit supplies. Particular attention was paid to dealing with banks and proving the genuineness of commercial activity, as Chinese exporters often face enhanced due diligence from European financial institutions. A document package was prepared to help the client open a bank account and set up payments, including a description of the business model, financial flows, suppliers and buyers. This enabled the account to be opened successfully and work to begin with European partners without delay.

Case 3
Client: Private investor and family from Shanghai
Goal: Obtaining long-term EU residence through real estate investment

A private investor from Shanghai approached us with the aim of securing long-term residence in Europe for himself and his family, as well as free movement within the Schengen area. The main route chosen was residence by investment in real estate. After reviewing several countries, the client opted for Cyprus, as this jurisdiction allows a residence permit to be obtained by purchasing property of a certain value.

We carried out a selection of real estate through trusted local developers with whom we had already established cooperation. The client received full legal support for the transaction, including due diligence of the property, title verification, negotiation of the sale and purchase terms, and coordination with notarial authorities. Once the transaction was complete, an application package was prepared and submitted to the migration service. This included proof of the source of funds, health insurance, family documents and confirmation of payments for the property. Following the statutory waiting period, the client and their family were granted residence permits, enabling them to reside in the EU and access European education and healthcare services.

Case 4
Client: technology team from Hangzhou
Industry: development of blockchain applications and DeFi services

A group of developers from Hangzhou planned to bring a product related to decentralised finance (DeFi) and smart contracts to the European market. The main challenge was that the project’s operating model included the issuance of its own digital token, which requires careful legal qualification under European law, as well as analysis of the token’s regulatory status in line with the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA).

The client was advised on the legal structuring of the token, its functional characteristics were identified, and the risk of its classification as a financial instrument was assessed. The business model was then analysed for MiCA compliance, documentation was prepared for a crypto service provider licence application, and internal risk management and compliance policies were drafted. Additionally, communication was arranged with European market makers, custody providers and payment processors to ensure the technical and financial infrastructure of the project.

As a result, the client received a legally robust structure for launching the project in the EU and scaling it up further.

Case 5
Client: Trading and logistics group from Yiwu (Zhejiang Province)
Industry: Export of consumer goods to the EU; e-commerce platforms

The company engaged in large-scale wholesale supply of goods to online stores and marketplaces. When entering the European market, the company needed to register a trading entity, obtain an EORI number, optimise its VAT payment scheme and set up warehouse logistics within the EU. The client was offered a Lithuanian-based model with the possibility of further distribution of goods across the European Union.

A legal entity was quickly registered, documents were prepared for tax and customs registration, an EORI number was obtained and contracts were agreed with logistics operators and warehouse centres. Particular attention was paid to tax compliance when working with marketplaces. A system for tracking the movement of goods was created, along with invoicing and accounting procedures. This enabled the client to increase deliveries smoothly and expand their product range on European e-commerce platforms.

Case 6
Client: Entrepreneur from Chengdu investing family capital
Goal: Structuring assets in the EU and obtaining long-term residence for the family

The investor, viewing Europe as a jurisdiction for long-term capital protection, planned to set up a structure for managing family assets and obtain stable EU residency for his spouse and children. As part of the preparation, it was decided to establish a holding company in the Czech Republic, to which part of the assets would be transferred in the form of an investment portfolio and real estate.

The properties were assessed, and legal due diligence was carried out on the investment transactions, including verification of the sellers, sources of financing and tax-legal risks. A document package was then prepared for applying for long-term residence permits for family members, including proof of financial means, income structure and documents confirming the economic purpose of the stay. The family obtained stable migration status and the ability to travel freely within the Schengen area, while the assets were placed in a jurisdiction offering clear legal protection.

Case 7
Client: Financial entrepreneur from Beijing
Goal: Obtaining an EMI licence to launch payment infrastructure in the EU

The client, a financial entrepreneur from Beijing, approached us to set up a payment platform in Europe that would be able to issue electronic money and provide settlement services for Asian corporate clients trading with European suppliers. The initial business model involved opening accounts for non-residents, processing international payments and currency conversion for legal entities. The main challenges were selecting a jurisdiction with access to the SEPA infrastructure and ensuring compliance with EU payment services regulations.

After carrying out a detailed comparison of several countries, Lithuania was chosen as the jurisdiction due to its well-established EMI licensing practice and clear regulatory procedures. We created a corporate structure for the client, appointing a local management board, and prepared documentation on internal control systems, AML/CTF policy, a risk assessment framework, transaction monitoring procedures and reporting. We also organised communication with the Bank of Lithuania, including preliminary discussions of the business model and the platform’s technical architecture. After submitting the full licensing package, the client successfully passed the compliance procedure and received an EMI licence, enabling the launch of the payment infrastructure and connection to European clearing systems.

Case 8
Client: Financial group from Shanghai
Industry: Retail and institutional FX operations
Goal: Obtaining a licence to provide Forex services in the EU

The financial group planned to set up a regulated Forex platform to work with retail traders and corporate clients in Europe. The main objective was to obtain a licence that would allow the firm to provide brokerage services, conduct operations with currency pairs and offer access to interbank liquidity.

Upon analysing the licensing requirements, Cyprus was identified as the optimal jurisdiction since local regulations permit operations under MiFID II and allow for the subsequent provision of services across the EU. The client was assisted with company incorporation, formation of the share capital, selection of a qualified director with financial sector experience, and creation of a local risk management and compliance team. Internal policies were drafted regarding conflicts of interest, order execution for clients, liquidity management and reporting to the regulator.

Particular attention was paid to proving the source of the share capital funds and to ensuring the business model was transparent, as EU regulators pay special attention to Chinese financial groups entering the European market. As a result, the client obtained the licence and was able to deploy a trading infrastructure with access to European and international liquidity providers.

Case 9
Client: A family of entrepreneurs from Shenyang
Goal: Obtaining a residence permit in Malta through investment

The family considered Malta to be an ideal location for long-term residence, tax residency optimisation and access to a high-quality education system for their children. After analysing the available immigration routes, they opted for the residence-by-investment option combined with proof of financial means.

Several properties in residential areas near the capital were offered to the client. Title to the properties was legally verified and purchase terms were agreed. The documentation to be submitted to the immigration authorities was then prepared and structured. This included confirmation of the client’s entrepreneurial status, income reports, source-of-funds statements and insurance coverage for family members. Within the statutory timeframe, the family obtained long-term migration status, granting them the right to reside in Malta and to move freely within the Schengen area.

Case 10
Client: Private investor from Suzhou
Goal: Obtaining a Greek residence permit through real estate investment

The investor wanted to secure the possibility of living in Europe for himself and his relatives while treating real estate as a tool for preserving capital. Following consultations, Greece was chosen as it had the clearest procedure for obtaining a residence permit through the purchase of property of a prescribed value.

Suitable properties were selected for the client in Athens and on the Attica coast. The legal due diligence of the transactions was carried out, the sellers were vetted, the ownership terms were checked and the absence of restrictions on registration actions was confirmed. Once the sale and purchase agreement had been signed and payment made, an application package for a residence permit was prepared, including proof of the source of the funds and documents for family members. The client received a residence permit, enabling him to continue managing his business in China while ensuring his entire family has free access to the European area.

What are the benefits of working with RUE for clients from China?

For Chinese entrepreneurs and investors entering the EU market, a key success factor is receiving support tailored to their business culture, regulatory requirements and financial constraints. In this respect, RUE is a favourable choice, as the company specialises in serving Chinese clients and provides support at every stage of entering the European market. The team includes Chinese-speaking lawyers and compliance specialists who are familiar with the specifics of Chinese paperwork and financial transactions. This ensures accurate and efficient interaction when preparing corporate documents, legalising information and confirming the status of beneficial owners.

One of the most sensitive stages for Chinese clients is transferring capital to European financial institutions. RUE can assist with structuring the transfer of funds while taking into account foreign exchange regulations, the requirements for proving the source of funds and subsequent interaction with EU banks or licensed payment institutions. When working with European financial institutions, it is often necessary to explain the economic purpose of transactions, provide supporting documents and meet AML/CTF requirements. Support from RUE reduces the risk of transactions being blocked and increases the likelihood of successfully opening bank and payment accounts.

An additional advantage of working with RUE is the support provided for migration. Many clients view setting up a business in the EU as part of their long-term family planning, as well as a commercial project. RUE can assist with entry permits, help you select a migration programme and prepare the document package for residence permits (both temporary and permanent) and subsequent renewals of your status. This includes verifying compliance with financial stability, income structure and source of funds requirements.

Thus, cooperation with RUE enables Chinese clients to address all issues related to launching a business, moving capital, meeting compliance requirements and securing stable migration status in the EU comprehensively. The company acts as a single coordinator for all processes, providing support from initial planning through to full entry into the European market and a long-term presence in the chosen country.