Bank ODI Business Registration Certificate A Handy Guide for Enterprises Going Global, Do You Know It?

Bank ODI Business Registration Certificate The Guardian of Chinese Enterprises Going Global

In recent years, as global economic integration deepens, more and more Chinese companies are stepping out into the broader international market. Whether in manufacturing, technology, new energy, or cross-border e-commerce, Chinese enterprises are actively expanding overseas. However, internationalization is never a smooth journey - companies often face challenges such as cross-border capital transfers, compliance reviews, and foreign exchange management along the way.

At this point, the ODI Outward Direct Investment business registration certificate, issued by banks, becomes a key enabler for companies going global.

What is an ODI Registration Certificate?

In simple terms, the ODI registration certificate is a formal document issued by a bank after a domestic company completes the required filing or approval procedures with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange SAFE and other relevant regulatory authorities before making an overseas direct investment.

This certificate is not only a prerequisite for legal and compliant overseas investment, but also a crucial step in transferring funds abroad. Without it, companies cannot legally send money overseas. With it, they can legally establish subsidiaries, acquire assets, and conduct business operations overseas.

Why is it a Must-Have for Companies Going Global?

Take 2025 as an example. China's outbound investment continues to grow. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce, non-financial outward direct investment in the first quarter of 2025 increased by more than 15% year-on-year, with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative being major investment destinations.

As companies accelerate their overseas expansion, how to efficiently and securely move capital across borders has become a practical challenge. This is where the ODI certificate proves its value.

It serves not only as regulatory confirmation of a company's investment compliance, but also as the basis for banks to process fund transfers, foreign exchange registration, and account opening overseas. In short, the ODI certificate is the passport for Chinese companies going global.

What is the ODI Registration Process?

Although the exact steps may vary depending on the company type, investment amount, and destination, the general process includes

1. Preparation Companies need to prepare documents such as investment letters of intent, feasibility studies, articles of association, and board resolutions.

2. Filing or Approval Depending on the investment amount and industry, companies must apply for filing or approval with the National Development and Reform Commission NDRC or the Ministry of Commerce.

3. Foreign Exchange Registration After obtaining approvals, companies proceed to a bank to complete the ODI foreign exchange registration and receive the registration certificate.

4. Fund Transfer With the certificate, companies can proceed with cross-border fund transfers and subsequent financial management.

While the process may seem complex, with proper planning and preparation, most companies can navigate it smoothly. Moreover, with ongoing government reforms focused on streamlining procedures and improving services, the efficiency of ODI registration has significantly improved in recent years.

Real-World Value of the ODI Certificate A Case Study

Take a Zhejiang-based new energy company as an example. In early 2025, it planned to build a factory in Southeast Asia to expand its overseas photovoltaic module production capacity.

To ensure smooth capital outflow, the company worked with professional agencies in advance to complete NDRC filing, obtained approval from the commerce department, and successfully secured the ODI registration certificate from the bank. As a result, the company completed fund transfers and overseas setup in just two months - much earlier than originally planned.

The company’s executive said, Without the ODI registration certificate, we wouldn’t have been able to transfer funds overseas at all. The entire project could have been delayed by months, possibly missing the market opportunity.

This is not an isolated case. More and more companies now prioritize ODI registration before going overseas, especially when engaging in overseas MA or greenfield investments - in such cases, ODI registration has become almost a mandatory prerequisite.

The Bank’s Role in ODI Business

Banks play a central role in the ODI process. They are not only the issuers of the registration certificate but also the main executors of the cross-border capital transfer process.

Currently, many domestic banks offer specialized ODI services, including policy interpretation, document preparation guidance, and process optimization advice - all aimed at improving efficiency and reducing risks for companies.

Some banks even collaborate with overseas branches to provide end-to-end services from domestic registration to overseas account opening and fund management. This one-stop service model significantly reduces the uncertainty and complexity of cross-border investments.

Future Trends Compliance and Efficiency Go Hand in Hand

As Chinese enterprises accelerate their global expansion, the demand for ODI registration will continue to grow. At the same time, regulators are constantly optimizing the process and improving service efficiency.

Since 2025, SAFE has repeatedly emphasized the importance of improving cross-border investment and financing convenience, pushing for a more transparent and efficient ODI registration process.

Looking ahead, with the increasing use of digital tools, more steps in the ODI process are expected to be digitized, further reducing time and labor costs for enterprises.

Conclusion

In today’s ever-changing global economy, Chinese companies going global is an inevitable trend. The ODI registration certificate is an essential tool in this journey - it ensures legal capital outflows and provides solid support for overseas operations.

For Chinese companies aiming to expand into international markets, understanding and mastering the ODI registration process has become a necessary skill. After all, only by starting with compliance can companies go further and more steadily on the global stage.