Chinese Investment Surges in Russia’s Online Sector
Moscow – A significant wave of Chinese entrepreneurship is reshaping Russia’s online business landscape. According to a recent analysis by T-Bank’s small and medium business division, T-Business, one in five new online companies registered in Russia in 2025 was founded by Chinese citizens.
The influx represents a 35% increase in Chinese-owned businesses compared to 2024, and an even more dramatic 86% jump since 2023 – the fastest growth rate among all foreign investment in the country. Over 4,084 companies with Chinese CEOs or founders were registered in 2025.
E-commerce is proving to be the most popular sector for this investment, accounting for 2,077 of the newly registered companies. T-Business data shows the number of Chinese companies in Russia’s e-commerce segment grew by 140% year-on-year, now representing roughly 20% of all e-commerce businesses registered in Russia last year.
Beyond e-commerce, Chinese entrepreneurs are also establishing a foothold in wholesale trade (19%) and retail trade (over 9%). Notably, Chinese investors aren’t just creating new businesses from scratch; they are also acquiring existing Russian companies, purchasing one for every three new businesses registered in 2025.
This surge in investment comes as Russia seeks to strengthen economic ties with China amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges. T-Bank itself is expanding its presence in China, with plans to open branches in Shanghai and Xi’an, signaling a deepening financial connection between the two countries.
