Key practical points:
• A case is usually filed in the court where the defendant lives, or where the contract was performed or the dispute arose.
• A case starts by submitting a written statement of claim together with copies of your evidence and supporting documents.
• The burden of proving your claim generally falls on you, so keep contracts, receipts, messages and transfer records.
• Foreigners and foreign companies may sue and defend themselves before Chinese courts.
• There are time limits for bringing a claim; a long delay may cost you the right to pursue it.
• After a judgment, if the other side does not comply you can ask the court to enforce it.
• You may need certified translations of documents and sometimes a Chinese lawyer, especially in complex cases.
💬 General consulting
Civil Procedure Law · Yalla China
中华人民共和国民事诉讼法 / Civil Procedure Law
📝 Overview
The law that explains how to bring a civil claim before Chinese courts and how to enforce a judgment. It sets out which court has jurisdiction, how to file a case and present evidence, that foreigners may sue and be sued, and that time limits matter.
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.
This law is the practical road map for anyone who wants to take a civil dispute to court in China, from choosing the right court to finally enforcing the judgment. Foreigners have the right to use the courts, but success depends heavily on well-documented evidence and acting within the time limits. For large or complex disputes it is strongly advisable to use a local lawyer and official translations of documents. This is general orientation only, not formal legal advice.
📎 Official source
npc.gov.cn / court.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026