Key practical points:
• The law sets conditions for the adopter (age, capacity, no disqualifying illness) and for the adoptable child.
• Adoption must be officially registered to take effect and creates a full legal parent-child relationship.
• Intercountry adoption (a foreign adopter of a Chinese child) goes through a competent official body with stricter procedures.
• Consents from biological parents or the guardian are usually required depending on the case.
• Cross-border adoption is also subject to the adopter's home laws and relevant international conventions.
👪 Family law
Civil Code — Adoption · Yalla China
中华人民共和国民法典（收养）/ Civil Code — Adoption
Enacted: 2020-05-28 ✅ Effective: 2021-01-01
📝 Overview
Adoption rules in the Civil Code: conditions for adopter and child, and intercountry adoption by foreigners.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If you are considering adoption in China, know it is a strict formal process that must be registered, and for foreigners it goes through a competent body with tougher rules. You must also observe your home country's laws so the adoption is recognized there. Prepare documents and consult authorities early. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
npc.gov.cn / Ministry of Civil Affairs
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026