Foreign Investment Law
of the People's Republic of China
中国外商投资法
The Foreign Investment Law of the People's Republic of China, adopted at the Second Session of the 13th National People’s Congress on March 15,2019, is hereby promulgated and shall come into effect as of January 1, 2020.
2019年3月15日，十三届全国人大二次会议表决通过了《中华人民共和国外商投资法》，该法案将于自2020年1月1日起施行。
第一章
Chapter I
总则
General Provisions
Article 1 The Foreign Investment Law of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as "this Law") is hereby formulated in accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China in a bid to further expand opening-up, vigorously promote foreign investment, protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors, standardize the management of foreign investment, impel the formation of a new pattern of all-round opening-up and boost the sound development of the socialist market economy.
第一条 为了进一步扩大对外开放，积极促进外商投资，保护外商投资合法权益，规范外商投资管理，推动形成全面开放新格局，促进社会主义市场经济健康发展，根据宪法，制定本法。
Article 2 This Law shall be applicable to the foreign investment within the territory of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "the territory of China").
第二条 在中华人民共和国境内（以下简称中国境内）的外商投资，适用本法。
For the purpose of this Law, foreign investment refers to the investment activity directly or indirectly conducted by a foreign natural person, enterprise or other organization (hereinafter referred to as the "foreign investors"), including the following circumstances:
本法所称外商投资，是指外国的自然人、企业或者其他组织（以下称外国投资者）直接或者间接在中国境内进行的投资活动，包括下列情形：
1. A foreign investor establishes a foreign-funded enterprise within the territory of China, independently or jointly with any other investor;
外国投资者单独或者与其他投资者共同在中国境内设立外商投资企业；
2. A foreign investor acquires shares, equities, property shares or any other similar rights and interests of an enterprise within the territory of China;
外国投资者取得中国境内企业的股份、股权、财产份额或者其他类似权益；
3. A foreign investor makes investment to initiate a new project within the territory of China, independently or jointly with any other investor;
外国投资者单独或者与其他投资者共同在中国境内投资新建项目；
4. A foreign investor makes investment in any other way stipulated by laws, administrative regulations or provisions of the State Council.
法律、行政法规或者国务院规定的其他方式的投资。
For the purpose of this Law, a foreign-funded enterprise refers to an enterprise that is incorporated under the Chinese laws within the territory of China and is wholly or partly invested by a foreign investor.
本法所称外商投资企业，是指全部或者部分由外国投资者投资，依照中国法律在中国境内经登记注册设立的企业。
Article 3 The State shall adhere to the basic state policy of opening-up and encourage foreign investors to make investments within the territory of China.
第三条 国家坚持对外开放的基本国策，鼓励外国投资者依法在中国境内投资。
The State shall implement policies on high-level investment liberalization and convenience, establish and improve the mechanism to promote foreign investment, and create a stable, transparent, foreseeable and level-playing market environment.
国家实行高水平投资自由化便利化政策，建立和完善外商投资促进机制，营造稳定、透明、可预期和公平竞争的市场环境。
Article 4 The State shall implement the management systems of pre-establishment national treatment and negative list for foreign investment.
第四条 国家对外商投资实行准入前国民待遇加负面清单管理制度。
For the purpose of the preceding paragraph, pre-establishment national treatment refers to the treatment given to foreign investors and their investments during the investment access stage, which is not lower than that given to their domestic counterparts; negative list refers to special administrative measures for the access of foreign investment in specific fields as stipulated by the State. The State shall give national treatment to foreign investment beyond the negative list.
前款所称准入前国民待遇，是指在投资准入阶段给予外国投资者及其投资不低于本国投资者及其投资的待遇；所称负面清单，是指国家规定在特定领域对外商投资实施的准入特别管理措施。国家对负面清单之外的外商投资，给予国民待遇。
The negative list will be issued by or upon approval by the State Council.
负面清单由国务院发布或者批准发布。
If more preferential treatment concerning access is offered to a foreign investor under any international treaty or agreement that the People's Republic of China concludes or joins in, relevant provisions in such treaty or agreement may prevail.
中华人民共和国缔结或者参加的国际条约、协定对外国投资者准入待遇有更优惠规定的，可以按照相关规定执行。
Article 5 The State shall protect foreign investors' investment, earnings and other legitimate rights and interests within the territory of China in accordance with the law.
第五条 国家依法保护外国投资者在中国境内的投资、收益和其他合法权益。
Article 6 Foreign investors and foreign-funded enterprises carrying out investment activities within the territory of China shall observe the Chinese laws and regulations, and shall not impair China's security or damage any public interest.
第六条 在中国境内进行投资活动的外国投资者、外商投资企业，应当遵守中国法律法规，不得危害中国国家安全、损害社会公共利益。
Article 7 The competent departments for commerce and investment under the State Council shall, pursuant to the division of duties, promote, protect and manage foreign investment; other relevant departments under the State Council shall take charge of the relevant work in the promotion, protection and management of foreign investment within the scope of their respective duties.
第七条 国务院商务主管部门、投资主管部门按照职责分工，开展外商投资促进、保护和管理工作；国务院其他有关部门在各自职责范围内，负责外商投资促进、保护和管理的相关工作。
The relevant department under the local people's government at or above the county level shall carry out the work relating to promotion, protection and management of foreign investment in accordance with laws and regulations and in line with the division of duties determined by the people's government at the same level.
县级以上地方人民政府有关部门依照法律法规和本级人民政府确定的职责分工，开展外商投资促进、保护和管理工作。
Article 8 Employees of a foreign-funded enterprise shall, pursuant to the law, establish trade union, carry out trade union activities, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests. A foreign-funded enterprise shall provide necessary conditions for its trade union to carry out relevant activities.
第八条 外商投资企业职工依法建立工会组织，开展工会活动，维护职工的合法权益。外商投资企业应当为本企业工会提供必要的活动条件。
第二章
Chapter II
投资促进
Investment Promotion
Article 9 All national policies on supporting the development of enterprises shall equally apply to foreign-funded enterprises in accordance with the law.
第九条 外商投资企业依法平等适用国家支持企业发展的各项政策。
Article 10 Comments and suggestions from foreign-funded enterprises shall besought in a proper manner when formulating laws, regulations and rules relating to foreign investment.
第十条 制定与外商投资有关的法律、法规、规章，应当采取适当方式征求外商投资企业的意见和建议。
Normative documents and judgment documents relating to foreign investment shall be published in accordance with the law in due time.
与外商投资有关的规范性文件、裁判文书等，应当依法及时公布。
Article 11 The State shall establish and perfect the service system for foreign investment, and provide foreign investors and foreign-funded enterprises with consultation and services in respect of laws and regulations, policies and measures, investment project information and other aspects.
第十一条 国家建立健全外商投资服务体系，为外国投资者和外商投资企业提供法律法规、政策措施、投资项目信息等方面的咨询和服务。
Article 12 The State shall establish multilateral and bilateral cooperation mechanisms for the promotion of investment with other countries, regions and international organizations, so as to enhance international exchanges and cooperation in terms of investment.
第十二条 国家与其他国家和地区、国际组织建立多边、双边投资促进合作机制，加强投资领域的国际交流与合作。
Article 13 The State may, as needed, establish special economic area or carryout pilot polices and measures on foreign investment in specific areas, so as to promote foreign investment and expanding opening-up.
第十三条 国家根据需要，设立特殊经济区域，或者在部分地区实行外商投资试验性政策措施，促进外商投资，扩大对外开放。
Article 14 The State may, according to the requirements of national economy and social development, encourage and guide foreign investors to invest in specific industries, fields and areas. Foreign investors and foreign-funded enterprises may enjoy preferential treatments in accordance with laws, administrative regulations or provisions of the State Council.
第十四条 国家根据国民经济和社会发展需要，鼓励和引导外国投资者在特定行业、领域、地区投资。外国投资者、外商投资企业可以依照法律、行政法规或者国务院的规定享受优惠待遇。
Article 15 The State shall guarantee that foreign-funded enterprises can equally participate in setting standards in accordance with the law, and enhance information disclosure and social supervision on standard setting.
第十五条 国家保障外商投资企业依法平等参与标准制定工作，强化标准制定的信息公开和社会监督。
The compulsory standards formulated by the State shall equally apply to foreign-funded enterprises。
国家制定的强制性标准平等适用于外商投资企业。
Article 16 The State shall guarantee that foreign-funded enterprises can participate in government procurement activities through fair competition. Products produced and services provided by foreign-funded enterprises within the territory of China shall be treated equally in a government procurement.
第十六条 国家保障外商投资企业依法通过公平竞争参与政府采购活动。政府采购依法对外商投资企业在中国境内生产的产品、提供的服务平等对待。
Article 17 Foreign-funded enterprises may conduct financing through public offering of shares, corporate bonds and other securities or by other means.
第十七条 外商投资企业可以依法通过公开发行股票、公司债券等证券和其他方式进行融资。
Article 18 Local people's governments at county level or above may, in accordance with the provisions in laws, administrative regulations or local regulations, formulate policies on promotion and facilitation of foreign investment within their respective statutory authorities.
第十八条 县级以上地方人民政府可以根据法律、行政法规、地方性法规的规定，在法定权限内制定外商投资促进和便利化政策措施。
Article 19 People's governments at all levels and relevant departments thereunder shall, under the principle of convenience, efficiency and transparency, streamline procedures for handling affairs, raise their efficiency and optimize government services, so as to further improve the services offered for foreign investment.
第十九条 各级人民政府及其有关部门应当按照便利、高效、透明的原则，简化办事程序，提高办事效率，优化政务服务，进一步提高外商投资服务水平。
Relevant competent departments shall prepare and publish guidelines for foreign investment and provide foreign investors and foreign-funded enterprises with services and convenience.
有关主管部门应当编制和公布外商投资指引，为外国投资者和外商投资企业提供服务和便利。
第三章
Chapter III
投资保护
Investment Protection
Article 20 The State is not to expropriate any investment made by foreign investors.
第二十条 国家对外国投资者的投资不实行征收。
Under special circumstances, the State may expropriate or requisition an investment made by foreign investors for public interests in accordance with the law. Such expropriation or requisition shall be made pursuant to statutory procedures and fair and reasonable compensation will be given in a timely manner.
在特殊情况下，国家为了公共利益的需要，可以依照法律规定对外国投资者的投资实行征收或者征用。征收、征用应当依照法定程序进行，并及时给予公平、合理的补偿。
Article 21 A foreign investor may, in accordance with the law, freely transfer inward and outward its contributions, profits, capital gains, income from asset disposal, royalties of intellectual property rights, lawfully obtained compensation or indemnity, income from liquidation and so on within the territory of China in CNY or a foreign currency.
第二十一条 外国投资者在中国境内的出资、利润、资本收益、资产处置所得、知识产权许可使用费、依法获得的补偿或者赔偿、清算所得等，可以依法以人民币或者外汇自由汇入、汇出。
Article 22 The State shall protect the intellectual property rights of foreign investors and foreign-funded enterprises, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of holders of intellectual property rights and relevant right holders; in case of any infringement of intellectual property right, legal liability shall be investigated strictly the legal liability in accordance with the law.
第二十二条 国家保护外国投资者和外商投资企业的知识产权，保护知识产权权利人和相关权利人的合法权益；对知识产权侵权行为，严格依法追究法律责任。
During the process of foreign investment, the State shall encourage technology cooperation on the basis of free will and business rules. Conditions for technology cooperation shall be determined by all investment parties upon negotiation under the principle of equity. No administrative department or its staff member shall force any transfer of technology by administrative means.
国家鼓励在外商投资过程中基于自愿原则和商业规则开展技术合作。技术合作的条件由投资各方遵循公平原则平等协商确定。行政机关及其工作人员不得利用行政手段强制转让技术。
Article 23 Administrative departments and their staff members shall keep confidential any trade secret of foreign investor or foreign-funded enterprise they are aware of during the performance of their duties, and shall not divulge or illegally provide to others the secret.
第二十三条 行政机关及其工作人员对于履行职责过程中知悉的外国投资者、外商投资企业的商业秘密，应当依法予以保密，不得泄露或者非法向他人提供。
Article 24 In formulating normative documents concerning foreign investment, the people's governments at all levels and their relevant departments shall comply with laws and regulations. Where relevant laws and regulations are not available, the people's governments at all levels and their relevant departments shall not impair the legitimate rights and interests of or impose any additional obligation to a foreign-funded enterprise, set any condition for market access and withdrawal, or intervene any normal production and operation activity of a foreign-funded enterprise.
第二十四条 各级人民政府及其有关部门制定涉及外商投资的规范性文件，应当符合法律法规的规定；没有法律、行政法规依据的，不得减损外商投资企业的合法权益或者增加其义务，不得设置市场准入和退出条件，不得干预外商投资企业的正常生产经营活动。
Article 25 Local people's governments at all levels and their relevant departments shall strictly keep their policy commitments made to foreign investors and foreign-funded enterprises and perform all contracts entered into in accordance with the law.
第二十五条 地方各级人民政府及其有关部门应当履行向外国投资者、外商投资企业依法做出的政策承诺以及依法订立的各类合同。
If any policy commitment or contract needs to be changed due to national interests or public interests, the statutory authority and procedures shall be strictly followed, and the foreign investor or foreign-funded enterprise concerned shall be compensated for losses incurred thereby in accordance with the law.
因国家利益、社会公共利益需要改变政策承诺、合同约定的，应当依照法定权限和程序进行，并依法对外国投资者、外商投资企业因此受到的损失予以补偿。
Article 26 The State shall establish a complaint mechanism for foreign-funded enterprises, timely solve the problems reported by foreign-funded enterprises or their investors, and coordinate and improve relevant policy measures.
第二十六条 国家建立外商投资企业投诉工作机制，及时处理外商投资企业或者其投资者反映的问题，协调完善相关政策措施。
Where a foreign-funded enterprise or its investor deems that any administrative act of an administrative department or its staff member infringes its legitimate rights and interests, it may seek coordination and resolution thereof through the complaint mechanism for foreign-funded enterprises.
外商投资企业或者其投资者认为行政机关及其工作人员的行政行为侵犯其合法权益的，可以通过外商投资企业投诉工作机制申请协调解决。
Where a foreign-funded enterprise or its investor deems that any administrative act of an administrative department or its staff member infringes its legitimate rights and interests, in addition to seeking coordination and resolution through the complaint mechanism for foreign-funded enterprises, it may apply for administrative review, or lodge an administrative litigation.
外商投资企业或者其投资者认为行政机关及其工作人员的行政行为侵犯其合法权益的，除依照前款规定通过外商投资企业投诉工作机制申请协调解决外，还可以依法申请行政复议、提起行政诉讼。
Article 27 Foreign-funded enterprises may legally establish and voluntarily join in a chamber of commerce or association, which shall carry out relevant activities in accordance with laws, regulations and the articles of association thereof and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its member.
第二十七条 外商投资企业可以依法成立和自愿参加商会、协会。商会、协会依照法律法规和章程的规定开展相关活动，维护会员的合法权益。
第四章
Chapter IV
投资管理
Investment Management
Article 28 Foreign investors shall not invest in any field forbidden by the negative list for access of foreign investment (hereinafter referred to as the "negative list").
第二十八条 外商投资准入负面清单规定禁止投资的领域，外国投资者不得投资。
For any field restricted by the negative list, foreign investors shall conform to the investment conditions provided in the negative list.
外商投资准入负面清单规定限制投资的领域，外国投资者进行投资应当符合负面清单规定的条件。
Fields not included in the negative list shall be managed under the principle that domestic investment and foreign investment shall be treated uniformly.
外商投资准入负面清单以外的领域，按照内外资一致的原则实施管理。
Article 29 During the process of foreign investment, where verification and record-filing of a foreign investment project are required, relevant provisions of the State shall be followed.
第二十九条 外商投资需要办理投资项目核准、备案的，按照国家有关规定执行。
Article 30 If a foreign investor invests in an industry or field where license is required in accordance with the law, relevant licensing formalities shall behand led as stipulated by law.
第三十条 外国投资者在依法需要取得许可的行业、领域进行投资的，应当依法办理相关许可手续。
Unless otherwise provided by laws or administrative regulations, relevant competent department shall review the application for license filed by the foreign investor based on the same conditions and procedures as those for domestic investment.
有关主管部门应当按照与内资一致的条件和程序，审核外国投资者的许可申请，法律、行政法规另有规定的除外。
Article 31 The organization form, institutional framework and standard of conduct of a foreign-funded enterprise shall be subject to the provisions of the Company Law of the People's Republic of China, the Partnership Enterprise Law of the People's Republic of China, and other laws.
第三十一条 外商投资企业的组织形式、组织机构及其活动准则，适用《中华人民共和国公司法》、《中华人民共和国合伙企业法》等法律的规定。
Article 32 In carrying out production and operation activities, foreign-funded enterprises shall conform to relevant provisions on labor protection and social insurance stipulated in laws and administrative regulations, handle tax, accounting, foreign exchange and other matters in accordance with laws, administrative regulations and relevant provisions of the State, and shall be subject to the supervision and inspection conducted by relevant competent departments in accordance with the law.
第三十二条 外商投资企业开展生产经营活动，应当遵守法律、行政法规有关劳动保护、社会保险的规定，依照法律、行政法规和国家有关规定办理税收、会计、外汇等事宜，并接受相关主管部门依法实施的监督检查。
Article 33 Foreign investors who acquire a company within the territory of China through mergers and acquisitions or participate in the concentration of undertakings by other means shall be subject to the examination for concentration of undertakings as stipulated by the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China.
第三十三条 外国投资者并购中国境内企业或者以其他方式参与经营者集中的，应当依照《中华人民共和国反垄断法》的规定接受经营者集中审查。
Article 34 The State shall establish a foreign investment information reporting system. Foreign investors or foreign-funded enterprises shall submit the investment information to competent departments for commerce through the enterprise registration system and the enterprise credit information publicity system.
第三十四条 国家建立外商投资信息报告制度。外国投资者或者外商投资企业应当通过企业登记系统以及企业信用信息公示系统向商务主管部门报送投资信息。
The contents and scope of foreign investment information to be reported shall be determined under the principle of necessity; investment information that is available through interdepartmental information sharing will not be required to be submitted again.
外商投资信息报告的内容和范围按照确有必要的原则确定；通过部门信息共享能够获得的投资信息，不得再行要求报送。
Article 35 The State shall establish a safety review system for foreign investment, under which the safety review shall be conducted for any foreign investment affecting or having the possibility to affect national security.
第三十五条 国家建立外商投资安全审查制度，对影响或者可能影响国家安全的外商投资进行安全审查。
The decision made upon the safety review in accordance with the law shall be final.
依法作出的安全审查决定为最终决定。
第五章
Chapter V
法律责任
Legal Liability
Article 36 Where a foreign investor invests in a field forbidden by the negative list, relevant competent department shall order the said investor to stop its investment activity, dispose of the shares and assets thereof or take any other necessary measures within a prescribed time limit, and restore the state to what it was prior to the investment; if there is any illegal gain, such gain shall be confiscated.
第三十六条 外国投资者投资外商投资准入负面清单规定禁止投资的领域的，由有关主管部门责令停止投资活动，限期处分股份、资产或者采取其他必要措施，恢复到实施投资前的状态；有违法所得的，没收违法所得。
Where an investment activity of a foreign investor breaches any special administrative measures for restrictive access provided in the negative list, relevant competent department shall order the investor to make corrections within a prescribed time limit, and take necessary measures to meet the requirements of the aforesaid measures; if the foreign investor fails to make corrections within the time limit, measures specified in the preceding paragraph shall be taken.
外国投资者的投资活动违反外商投资准入负面清单规定的限制性准入特别管理措施的，由有关主管部门责令限期改正，采取必要措施满足准入特别管理措施的要求；逾期不改正的，依照前款规定处理。
Where an investment activity of a foreign investor violates any provision in the negative list, the said investor shall bear corresponding legal liability in accordance the law, in addition to being subject to measures specified in the preceding two paragraphs.
外国投资者的投资活动违反外商投资准入负面清单规定的，除依照前两款规定处理外，还应当依法承担相应的法律责任。
Article 37 Where any foreign investor or foreign-funded enterprise violates the provisions herein and fails to report their investment information as required by the foreign investment information reporting system, competent department for commerce shall order it to make corrections within a prescribed time limit; if such corrections are not made in time, a penalty of not less than CNY100,000yet not more than CNY500,000 shall be imposed.
第三十七条 外国投资者、外商投资企业违反本法规定，未按照外商投资信息报告制度的要求报送投资信息的，由商务主管部门责令限期改正；逾期不改正的，处十万元以上五十万元以下的罚款。
Article 38 Foreign investors and foreign-funded enterprises violating any law or regulation shall be subject to investigation and measures by relevant departments in accordance with the law and shall be included in the credit information system pursuant to relevant provisions of the State.
第三十八条 对外国投资者、外商投资企业违反法律、法规的行为，由有关部门依法查处，并按照国家有关规定纳入信用信息系统。
Article 39 Where a staff member of an administrative department abuses his/her functions and powers, neglects his/her duties or engages in malpractice for personal gain during the work relating to promotion, protection and management of foreign investment, or divulge or illegally provide to others any trade secret he/she is aware of during the performance of duties, a penalty will be imposed upon him/her in accordance with the law; if a crime is constituted, he/she will be held criminally liable.
第三十九条 行政机关工作人员在外商投资促进、保护和管理工作中滥用职权、玩忽职守、徇私舞弊的，或者泄露、非法向他人提供履行职责过程中知悉的商业秘密的，依法给予处分；构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任。
第六章
Chapter VI
附则
Supplementary Provisions
Article 40 Where any country or region takes any discriminatory prohibitive or restrictive measures, or other similar measures against the People's Republic of China in terms of investment, the People's Republic of China may take corresponding measures against the said country or region in light of the actual conditions.
第四十条 任何国家或者地区在投资方面对中华人民共和国采取歧视性的禁止、限制或者其他类似措施的，中华人民共和国可以根据实际情况对该国家或者该地区采取相应的措施。
Article 41 For foreign investors who invest in such financial industries as banking, securities and insurance or manage any investment in such financial markets as securities market and foreign exchange market within the territory of China within the territory of China, where the State has any other provisions, such provisions shall prevail.
第四十一条 对外国投资者在中国境内投资银行业、证券业、保险业等金融行业，或者在证券市场、外汇市场等金融市场进行投资的管理，国家另有规定的，依照其规定。
Article 42 This Law shall come into effect as of January 1, 2020. The Law of the People's Republic of China on Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Ventures, the Law of the People's Republic of China on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises and the Law of the People's Republic of China on Sino-Foreign Cooperative Joint Ventures shall be repealed simultaneously.
第四十二条 本法自2020年1月1日起施行。《中华人民共和国中外合资经营企业法》、《中华人民共和国外资企业法》、《中华人民共和国中外合作经营企业法》同时废止。
Foreign-funded enterprises, which were established in accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Ventures, the Law of the People's Republic of China on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises and the Law of the People's Republic of China on Sino-Foreign Cooperative Joint Ventures before the implementation of the Law, may retain their original organization forms and other aspects for five years upon the implementation hereof. Specific implementation measures shall be formulated by the State Council.
本法施行前依照《中华人民共和国中外合资经营企业法》、《中华人民共和国外资企业法》、《中华人民共和国中外合作经营企业法》设立的外商投资企业，在本法施行后五年内可以继续保留原企业组织形式等。具体实施办法由国务院规定。