How can foreign nationals remit proceeds from selling Chinese property?

After completing tax clearance, apply at a Chinese bank with: tax clearance certificate, property sales contract, identity documents, and proof of fund source.

What taxes apply when selling Chinese property as a foreigner?

A sale of Chinese property can involve VAT, individual income tax and surcharges. Whether they apply and how they are calculated depends on the holding period, the nature of the property and local rules, and the tax authority's assessment governs. Tax clearance must be completed before remittance.

Can I remit inherited funds from China?

Yes, but through the outward transfer procedure for inherited funds: with the inheritance certificate or an effective legal document and the supporting identity, asset and tax records, the bank reviews the file before remitting. Inherited funds are handled separately from the annual individual foreign exchange purchase quota; the amounts and documents follow the bank's and the foreign exchange authority's current rules.

Asset Liquidation & Fund Repatriation

Summary: Foreign nationals selling property or exiting investments in China must navigate tax clearance, foreign exchange controls, and international remittance procedures. This guide covers applicable scenarios, legal framework, step-by-step procedures, and key considerations.

Overview

Foreign nationals selling property in China must navigate tax clearance, forex controls, and remittance procedures.

Tax Clearance

Complete tax clearance at the local tax bureau before transferring funds.

Foreign Exchange Purchase

Apply at a bank to purchase foreign currency at the prevailing rate.

Timeline

The time required varies widely from case to case.

Related Reading: For where remittance usually stalls after a China property sale, see our After selling China property, where does remittance usually stall?. For transferring inherited bank deposits and stocks out of China, see our Can Overseas Heirs Transfer Inherited Bank Deposits and Stocks Out of China?. For the order of documents from inherited China property through sale and remittance, see our Inherited China property—what order for sale and remittance docs?. For the process when a U.S. citizen inherits real estate in China, see our Can a U.S. Citizen Inherit Real Estate in China? Full Process Guide. For a post-divorce China property sale and remittance, see our Post-Divorce China Sale to Remittance: Title, Tax, Then FX.

Asset Liquidation & Fund Repatriation

Overview

Tax Clearance

Foreign Exchange Purchase

Timeline

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