From March 29th to 31st, 2026, the 2026 Wise Shanghai Overseas Property, Immigration and Study Abroad Exhibition will be held. This exhibition brings together high-quality resources from around the world and is an excellent platform to understand overseas investment procedures and obtain professional advice. It’s well worth the attention and participation of interested individuals.
Overseas investment sounds glamorous, but before actually doing it, you need to understand “how to get started.” First, how to transfer money out of the country is the first step. China has strict foreign exchange controls, with each person having a convenience quota of $50,000 per year. Exceeding this amount requires providing supporting documents, such as contracts and invoices, to prove the legal purpose, such as buying property, studying abroad, or medical treatment. This step cannot be ambiguous; you must understand the policies in advance and prepare all the necessary materials, otherwise, it will be awkward if your money is stuck in the bank.
Next is choosing the type of investment. There are many ways to invest overseas, such as real estate, stocks, funds, and trusts, each with different procedures. For example, when buying overseas real estate, you need to find a reliable agent or developer first. Before signing the contract, you must check whether the property title is clear and whether there are any mortgages or disputes. If you’re buying stocks or funds, you need to open an account through legal channels, such as QDII funds or a Hong Kong account. You also need to consider exchange rate risks and tax issues. Different countries have different regulations for different types of investments. For example, some countries restrict the areas where foreigners can buy property, or they tax rental income. You need to find out all of this beforehand.
Then there are legal and tax issues. Each country has its own legal system and tax policies, which you must understand before investing. For example, some countries have additional taxes on foreign property purchases, or require annual property taxes; some countries tax overseas income, which must be declared. If you don’t understand these, you may face hefty fines or legal disputes. It’s best to consult a local lawyer or tax advisor to ensure that every step is compliant.
Immigration and visas are also crucial. If it’s an investment for immigration, such as buying property to obtain residency status, you need to understand the immigration policies of the target country. Some countries require a certain amount of investment and several years of retention before obtaining residency; some countries have requirements regarding the type of investment, such as only allowing property purchases or business ventures. Regarding visas, if it’s a short-term investment visit, you need to apply for a business visa; if it’s for long-term residence, you need to apply for a work or investment visa. Visa procedures and document requirements vary from country to country, so advance preparation is essential to avoid travel disruptions.
There are also cultural and language barriers. Investment is not a simple transaction; it requires immersion in the local environment. For example, after purchasing property, you need to understand property management fees and maintenance responsibilities; after investing in a business, you need to understand local employee management and market practices. Language barriers can cause communication difficulties, so it’s best to seek bilingual services or local partners to minimize misunderstandings.
Finally, there’s risk control. Overseas investment involves risks such as exchange rate fluctuations, policy changes, and economic crises. You must assess your risk tolerance beforehand, diversify your investments, and avoid putting all your money into one project. Simultaneously, you need to stay informed about international news and developments in your target country, adjusting your strategy accordingly.
In short, overseas investment is not a “one-off” transaction; it requires a step-by-step approach. From fund transfer and choosing the type of investment, to legal, tax, and visa matters, each step requires careful attention. Attending trade shows allows you to directly connect with professionals and obtain firsthand information, saving time and effort compared to figuring things out on your own. If you are interested, plan ahead and don’t miss any trade show opportunities.
