Interactive Tool

China ODI
clearance flowchart.

Bilingual (EN / 中文) interactive flowchart determining the ODI clearance pathway for Chinese outbound investment to the UAE. NDRC, MOFCOM and SAFE clearance procedures and timelines vary by sector, investment size and PRC investing entity.

Step 1 of 4

Is your investment a sensitive sector?

Sensitive sectors trigger heightened scrutiny: real estate, hotels, cinemas, entertainment, sports clubs, news media, certain financial services.

A
Yes — sensitive sector
Real estate, hotels, entertainment, sports, media etc.
B
No — ordinary commercial sector
Manufacturing, trading, professional services, technology.
Step 2 of 4

Total investment amount?

A
Under USD 3M
B
USD 3M - 300M
C
Above USD 300M
Step 3 of 4

PRC investing entity?

A
SOE (state-owned enterprise)
B
Private corporate
C
Individual / HNWI
Step 4 of 4

Target jurisdiction?

A
UAE
B
Other jurisdiction
ODI clearance pathway

Required clearances

    About ODI clearance.

    ODI clearance is the regulatory approval required from Chinese authorities before a Chinese principal or corporate invests outside China. ODI requires coordinated clearance from three agencies: NDRC, MOFCOM and SAFE.

    Sensitive sectors and investments above USD 300M typically trigger approval rather than filing pathway, with longer timelines and more demanding documentation.

    Without ODI clearance, uncleared outbound investment exposes PRC principals to compliance, foreign-exchange and penalty risk. Speak to Neo Legal\'s bilingual China Desk.

    Need specialist counsel?

    Senior counsel only. Direct engagement with the partner who will run your matter.

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