🏢 Legal

👪 Divorce in China — procedure and rights Divorce by mutual consent with the cooling-off period, and contested divorce in court.

Family & divorce民法典（婚姻家庭编）

🚔 A fight and assault — which law applies? A minor dispute escalates into a physical fight — how do the authorities treat it?

Fights, theft, forgery治安管理处罚法 / 刑法（故意伤害）

🚔 Forged documents or fraud — the consequences Buying or using forged papers (a permit, diploma, invoice) and what follows.

Fights, theft, forgery刑法（诈骗 / 伪造证件）

🛂 Overstaying your visa — what happens? The visa expired and wasn't renewed in time — what are the penalties and how to avoid them

Residence & visas出境入境管理法

🚔 Theft — the line between an infraction and a crime When is theft an administrative infraction, and when does it become a crime?

Fights, theft, forgery治安管理处罚法 / 刑法（盗窃）

🚔 Working without a permit — a risk for both sides A foreigner works on a tourist/student visa or with no work permit — what are the conseque

外国人在中国就业管理规定 / 出境入境管理法

🚔 Drugs — One Red Line, No Way Back Is it enough that you didn't touch drugs if you were present where they were used?

Fights, theft, forgery禁毒法 / Narcotics Control Law

🚔 One Drink Before Driving Can Cost You Your Stay Is 'just one drink' considered safe for driving in China?

道路交通安全法 / Road Traffic Safety Law

🏠 A Deposit Comes Back with Contracts, Not Words How do you protect your rental deposit against a vague claim of 'damage'?

Housing & rent民法典（合同编·租赁合同）/ Civil Code (Contracts — Lease)

🏢 The Unknown Supplier: A Deposit and No Goods How do you avoid paying a deposit to a factory that 'vanishes' or ships fake goods?

Contracts & trade公司法 / 民法典（合同编）/ Company Law & Civil Code (Contracts)

💡 First to File Wins — Register Your Mark Early What happens if you enter the Chinese market and find your brand name already registered b

Intellectual property商标法 / Trademark Law

👷 Unpaid Wages Come Back Through Arbitration, Not Quiet Exit Unpaid for months — do you walk away quietly or claim formally?

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / 劳动争议调解仲裁法 / Labour Contract Law & Labour Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Law

🏢 Underground Money Changers: A Shortcut to Frozen Funds Is moving a large sum through an informal 'money changer' faster and safer than a bank?

Contracts & trade外汇管理条例 / 刑法 / Foreign Exchange Regulations & Criminal Law provisions

💰 Ignoring the Annual Tax Reconciliation Leaves a Mark Can you simply ignore your annual tax filing or reconciliation without consequences?

Tax个人所得税法 / 税收征收管理法 / Individual Income Tax Law & Tax Collection Administration Law

🛂 Tired of Renewing Every Year? Consider Permanent Residence A long-term resident renewing yearly wonders if he qualifies for China's 'green card'.

Residence & visas外国人在中国永久居留管理条例 / Permanent Residence rules

🛂 A Child with a Foreign Passport the Law Sees as Chinese One parent Chinese, one foreign—so what is the nationality of their child born in China?

Residence & visas中华人民共和国国籍法 / Nationality Law

👷 A Workplace Injury—and Insurance Made the Difference A worker is injured on the job—must he bear the treatment costs himself?

Labour disputes安全生产法 / 社会保险法 / Work Safety Law & Social Insurance Law

🏢 A Sector Off-Limits to Foreigners—Using a Local 'Front' Is Risky A foreigner wants to invest in a restricted sector and registers the company under a local

Contracts & trade外商投资法 / Foreign Investment Law

🏢 Under-Declaring Value to Save on Duty—an Expensive Trap A trader declares a lower-than-real value for his imported goods—what happens at inspectio

Contracts & trade海关法 / Customs Law

🏢 Opened the Restaurant Before the License—and Got Shut Down Someone opens a small restaurant and serves customers before getting the food license—what

Contracts & trade食品安全法 / Food Safety Law

🏢 Copying a Famous Brand's Name and Packaging—Counterfeiting the Law Punishes A seller markets goods with packaging and a name resembling a famous brand to mislead buye

Contracts & trade反不正当竞争法 / 商标法 / Anti-Unfair Competition Law & Trademark Law

🏢 Defective goods from your supplier… and you are liable A reseller sold products supplied by another company; the goods turned out defective and t

Contracts & trade产品质量法 / Product Quality Law

💰 Buying a fake fapiao… a serious violation A business bought fake official invoices to inflate expenses and reduce tax, and faced pen

Tax增值税 / VAT rules

👪 Dying without a will… the estate follows a fixed order A foreigner with assets in China died without a will, so his estate passed to statutory he

Family & divorce民法典 继承编 / Civil Code — Inheritance

💡 You showed your design before filing… a rival copied it A maker displayed a new design at a fair before filing a patent; a rival copied it, and st

Intellectual property专利法 / Patent Law

💡 You used online images and music without a licence A business used images, music and software found online in its ads without a licence, and

Intellectual property著作权法 / Copyright Law

🚔 A replica gun or controlled knife… may count as a weapon A foreigner acquired a realistic replica gun or a controlled knife not realising it may co

Fights, theft, forgery枪支管理法 / Firearms Administration Law

🚔 A fake product from an online shop… and you got your refund A consumer received a fake or defective product bought online and got a refund using the w

消费者权益保护法 / Consumer Rights Protection Law

🚔 An App Using Customer Data Beyond the Stated Purpose A small app-based shop collects customers' phone numbers and addresses for delivery, then

个人信息保护法 / 数据安全法 / Personal Information Protection Law & Data Security Law

🚔 A New Resident Finds the Nearest Officially Registered Place of Worship A newly-arrived Muslim resident is unsure where to pray, asks the local community, and is

宗教事务条例 / Regulations on Religious Affairs

🚔 A Traveller Carrying Restricted Meat and Homemade Food Across the Border A traveller packs fresh meat, homemade food and some seeds; at the border these are confis

国境卫生检疫法 / 海关法 / Frontier Health and Quarantine Law & Customs Law

🚔 The Right Court and the Right Time Decide the Case One person files in the wrong court or too late and gets stuck, while another files in the

民事诉讼法 / Civil Procedure Law

🚔 Documentation After an Accident Determines the Compensation After a traffic accident, the party who documented everything (photos, police report, medi

民法典 侵权责任编 / Civil Code — Tort Liability

🚔 Lending a Real-Name Account Brings Liability A foreign resident lets someone use a SIM or account registered in his real name, or regis

网络安全法 / Cybersecurity Law

📑 A Supplier Chasing an Unpaid Invoice A supplier delivered goods to a business buyer who then delayed payment, so the supplier p

Commercial cases民法典（合同编）/ Civil Code (Contracts)

📑 Ending a Distribution Deal Between a Foreign Brand and a Local Distributor A foreign brand terminated its local distributor, who then claimed unpaid commissions and

Commercial cases民法典（合同编）/ Civil Code (Contracts)

📑 A Dispute Between Two Partners Over Control and Profits Two partners in a company disagreed over management, profit sharing and the legal represen

Commercial cases公司法 / Company Law

⚖️ An Arbitration Clause Settling a Dispute Outside Court A contract contained an arbitration clause, so when a dispute arose the parties used arbit

Dispute-resolution cases仲裁法 / Arbitration Law

⚖️ Settling a Dispute Through Mediation Before Litigation Two parties in a commercial dispute reached a settlement through mediation and put it in w

Dispute-resolution cases人民调解法 / People's Mediation Law

⚖️ Applying for Enforcement After Winning the Award A party won a judgment or arbitral award but the other side refused to pay, so the winner

Dispute-resolution cases民事诉讼法 / 仲裁法 / Civil Procedure Law & Arbitration Law

🛂 My residence permit expired while I was abroad — what now? Can you return on an expired residence permit if you travelled?

Residence & visas出境入境管理法 / Exit and Entry Administration Law

👷 Unpaid Overtime — The Law Counts Every Hour Can your employer make you work extra hours with no extra pay?

Labour disputes工资支付暂行规定 / Interim Provisions on Payment of Wages

👷 My employer is holding my passport Can an employer keep your passport 'as security'?

Labour disputes出境入境管理法 / Exit and Entry Administration Law

👷 Firing During Probation Is Not a Free Pass Can an employer fire you in probation just by saying you're 'not a fit'?

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law

🛂 I didn't register my address and got fined Who must register a foreigner's stay — you or the landlord?

Residence & visas出境入境管理法 / Exit and Entry Administration Law

👷 No Written Contract — The Company Pays Double You worked months with no paper contract — what does the law give you?

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law

🛂 I started working on a tourist visa Can you switch to a work visa inside China, or must you leave first?

Residence & visas外国人在中国就业管理规定 / Rules on Employment of Foreigners

👷 'We'll Pay You Cash Instead of Insurance' — A Costly Trap Can an employer hand you cash instead of paying social insurance?

Labour disputes社会保险法 / Social Insurance Law

🛂 A deportation order — do I have any rights? What happens on deportation and can you object?

Residence & visas出境入境管理法 / Exit and Entry Administration Law

👷 Wrongful Dismissal Equals 2N Compensation If you're fired with no lawful reason, how much is your compensation worth?

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law

👪 My child was born in China — what nationality? Does China grant nationality just for being born there?

Family & divorce中华人民共和国国籍法 / Nationality Law

👷 A Non-Compete With No Pay Doesn't Bind You Must you avoid a competitor after resigning if you get nothing in return?

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law

🏦 An app loan with crushing interest Must you pay app-loan interest above the legal cap?

Finance, banking & securities中华人民共和国民法典 / Civil Code (private lending)

👷 No Firing for Pregnancy — Special Protection for Mothers Can an employer end a worker's contract because she is pregnant?

Labour disputes妇女权益保障法 / Law on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests

🛂 A fake job offer to get a visa What's the risk of a sham job offer to get a permit?

Residence & visas外国人来华工作许可 / Foreigner Work Permit system

👷 Fines That Eat Your Salary — Are They Legal? Can your employer dock your pay with fines for small mistakes?

Labour disputes工资支付暂行规定 / Interim Provisions on Payment of Wages

🛡️ The gym closed and kept my prepaid balance Is your balance lost if a prepaid business shuts down?

Consumer protection中华人民共和国消费者权益保护法 / Consumer Protection Law

🏢 Business Without a License — Today's Profit, Tomorrow's Fine Can you sell your products in China without formal business registration?

Contracts & trade市场主体登记管理条例 / Regulations on Registration of Market Entities

🏢 Mixing Your Money With the Company's Strips Your Shield Does 'limited liability' still protect you if you mix personal and company funds?

Contracts & trade公司法 / Company Law

👷 Withheld Wages — The Salary That Never Arrives The employer cites company losses and delays salary month after month — what are your righ

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law 2007

🏢 'Registered' Capital Is Not 'Paid-Up' Capital If you register a big capital but never pay it in, what do you owe when debts come?

Contracts & trade公司法 / Company Law

🏢 A Handshake Partnership — A Dispute in Waiting Two friends open a venture with no written partnership deal — who owns what?

Contracts & trade合伙企业法 / Partnership Enterprise Law

📜 Rental Deposit — When the Landlord Refuses to Return the Deposit The lease ended and you handed back the flat, but the landlord claims damages and withhold

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code 2021, Articles 703-734

🏢 An Employee Pocketing Company Money Is a Crime, Not a 'Loan' Is an employee 'borrowing' company funds meaning to return them still a crime?

Contracts & trade刑法（职务侵占罪）/ Criminal Law (Crime of Duty Embezzlement)

🚔 Drink Driving — Immediate Penalties That Admit No Bargaining In China the drink-driving limit is lower than you might expect, and there is no differenc

Fights, theft, forgery道路交通安全法 / Road Traffic Safety Law, Arts 91-93

📄 A Deposit Cuts Both Ways — The Double Rule If you pay a deposit and the seller backs out, do you get double back?

Contracts民法典（定金罚则）/ Civil Code (Deposit Penalty Rule)

🚔 Online Fraud — When the Seller Vanishes After the Transfer You paid for a product or service online and received nothing — can the money be recovered

Fights, theft, forgery刑法 / Criminal Law Art 266; 网络安全法 / Cybersecurity Law 2017

📄 An Oral Deal Is Valid… But Prove It! Is an oral contract binding in China, and what's its real problem?

Contracts民法典（合同编）/ Civil Code (Contracts)

👷 Wrongful Termination — When the Employer Ends the Contract Without Legal Justification You were told your contract was terminated suddenly without adequate notice and without co

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law Arts 39-48

📄 An Excessive Penalty Clause — The Court Trims It Is a penalty clause enforced no matter how excessive?

Contracts民法典（违约金）/ Civil Code (Liquidated Damages)

💰 Individual Income Tax for Foreigners — Who Is Liable and How to File A foreigner working in China for more than 183 days a year — is their worldwide income sub

Tax个人所得税法 / Individual Income Tax Law 2019

📄 Force Majeure Excuses… But Not Everything When does 'force majeure' actually release you from your contract?

Contracts民法典（不可抗力）/ Civil Code (Force Majeure)

🚔 Police Registration — A Legal Duty Many Foreigners Are Unaware Of Did you know that every foreigner staying outside a hotel in China must register with the

出境入境管理法 Art 39; 治安管理处罚法 / Public Security Administration Punishment Law Art 76

📄 The Tiny Printed Clause That Kills Your Rights — May Be Void Does a boilerplate clause bind you if they never flagged it and it strips your rights?

Contracts民法典（格式条款）/ Civil Code (Standard Terms)

📜 Debt Recovery — A Friend Who Does Not Repay the Agreed Loan You lent a significant sum to someone on the basis of personal trust and they stopped repa

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Arts 509, 673-680; 民事诉讼法 / Civil Procedure Law

👪 Dividing Property in Divorce — What's Shared, What's Separate In divorce, is everything really split down the middle?

Family & divorce民法典（婚姻家庭编）/ Civil Code (Marriage and Family)

📑 Trademark Squatting — When Someone Else Registers Your Brand in China A foreign company discovers its trademark has been registered by a third party in China —

Commercial cases商标法 / Trademark Law 2019; 知识产权保护 / IP Protection

👪 The Cooling-off Period — 30 Days Before an Agreed Divorce Can an agreed divorce in China be done in a single day?

Family & divorce民法典（离婚冷静期）/ Civil Code (Divorce Cooling-off Period)

📜 Medical Dispute — When You Disagree With the Bill or Complain of Malpractice A foreigner receives treatment at a Chinese hospital and believes the bill is excessive or

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Arts 1218-1228 (Medical Liability)

👪 Custody and Child Support — The Child's Interest Comes First Who gets custody, and does the other parent's support duty end?

Family & divorce民法典（婚姻家庭编）/ Civil Code (Marriage and Family)

📜 Consumer Rights — Defective Product and a Seller Who Refuses a Refund You bought a defective electronic device or piece of clothing and the seller refused to he

Civil Code (general rules)消费者权益保护法 / Consumer Protection Law 2013, Arts 7-25

👪 A Spousal Property Agreement — Planning, Not Betrayal Can a married couple agree in writing on how to arrange their finances?

Family & divorce民法典（夫妻财产约定）/ Civil Code (Spousal Property Agreement)

📜 Foreigners Marrying in China — Legal Requirements and Official Procedures A foreigner wishing to marry a Chinese national in China — what documents are required and

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Book 5 (Family); 涉外婚姻登记管理 / Foreign Marriage Registration

👪 Supporting Parents Is a Legal Duty, Not a Choice Can an elderly parent sue their child for support?

Family & divorce老年人权益保障法 / Law on Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Elderly

🎓 Foreign Student Rights Under the Chinese Government Scholarship A foreign student on a CSC scholarship finds the university is deducting from or restricti

Education中国政府奖学金管理规定 / CSC Scholarship Management Rules

👪 A Personal Safety Protection Order — Your Shield Against Abuse What does the law offer someone facing violence at home?

Family & divorce反家庭暴力法 / Anti-Domestic Violence Law

📜 Environmental Complaint — A Nearby Factory Polluting Air or Water A foreign resident suffering from pollution caused by nearby industrial activity — do they

Civil Code (general rules)环境保护法 / Environmental Protection Law 2015; 大气污染防治法 / Air Pollution Prevention Law 2018

🏠 The Landlord Can't Enter Your Flat Whenever He Likes Does a landlord have the right to enter a rented flat without your consent?

Housing & rent民法典（租赁合同）/ Civil Code (Lease Contract)

🚔 Theft — How to Report It in China and What Happens to the Suspect Your bag or laptop was stolen in China. What are the immediate steps and what are the chan

Fights, theft, forgery刑法 / Criminal Law Art 264; 治安管理处罚法 / Public Security Administration Law

🏠 Raising Rent Mid-Lease — Not by One Side Alone Can the landlord raise the rent while the lease is still running?

Housing & rent民法典（租赁合同）/ Civil Code (Lease Contract)

👷 Work Permit for Foreigners — Category A, B and C Requirements The new work permit system classifies foreigners into three categories. What puts you in t

Labour disputes外国人来华工作许可制度 / Work Permit System for Foreigners 2017

🏠 Property Ownership Transfers by Registration, Not Payment You paid the full price — are you truly the owner now?

Housing & rent民法典（物权编）/ Civil Code (Property Rights)

📜 Landlord Entry Rights — When May a Landlord Enter a Rented Flat Without Permission? You found the landlord entered your flat in your absence without telling you. Is this lega

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Art 725; 合同法 / Contract Law

🏠 Withholding Management Fees in Protest — May Lose You the Case Can you refuse property management fees because the service is poor?

Housing & rent物业管理条例 / Property Management Regulations

👷 Social Insurance for Foreigners — Mandatory Contributions and How to Withdraw on Departure Is the employer required to deduct social insurance from foreigners' salaries, and can the

Labour disputes社会保险法 / Social Insurance Law 2011; 外籍人员参加社会保险暂行办法 2011

🏠 Water Leaking From the Flat Above — Who Pays? If a leak from the flat above ruins your furniture, who is liable?

Housing & rent民法典（相邻关系）/ Civil Code (Neighboring Rights)

📜 Breaking a Lease — When One Party Wants to Exit Before the End Date You want to terminate the lease before its end date due to a job transfer or emergency — w

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Arts 703-730 (Lease Contract)

🛡️ The 7-Day No-Reason Return Right You bought online and regret it — can you get a refund with no reason?

Consumer protection消费者权益保护法 / Consumer Rights Protection Law

🚦 Converting a Foreign Driving Licence — Who Qualifies and How It Works A holder of a foreign driving licence wants to drive legally in China. Can they use their

Traffic & transport道路交通安全法 / Road Traffic Safety Law; 机动车驾驶证申领和使用规定 / Driving Licence Application Rules

🛡️ Commercial Fraud Costs the Seller Triple If a trader deceives you with a false claim, how much can you claim?

Consumer protection消费者权益保护法 / Consumer Rights Protection Law

📑 Setting Up a Foreign-Invested Company in China — Core Legal Requirements A foreigner wanting to set up a company or business in China — what options are available

Commercial cases外商投资法 / Foreign Investment Law 2020; 公司法 / Company Law 2023

🛡️ The Prepaid Membership Card — and the Shop Suddenly Closes You topped up a gym card and it shut down — is your money gone?

Consumer protection消费者权益保护法（预付式消费）/ Consumer Rights Protection Law (Prepaid Consumption)

🎓 Schooling for Expat Children in China — International vs Chinese Public Schools Can expat children attend Chinese public schools? And what are the legal conditions for in

Education义务教育法 / Compulsory Education Law 2021; 来华外籍人员子女学校管理办法

🛡️ Course Tuition — Refunding What You Never Studied You paid for a full course then dropped out — how much comes back?

Consumer protection消费者权益保护法 / Consumer Rights Protection Law

🚔 Opening a Bank Account as a Foreigner in China — What Is Required and What Is Refused A new foreigner in China wants to open a bank account and is refused or faces unclear requ

中国人民银行关于外国人开立银行账户规定 / PBOC Rules on Foreigners Opening Bank Accounts

🛡️ A Faulty New Car — The 'Three Guarantees' Rule Your new car keeps breaking down — can it be replaced or refunded?

Consumer protection家用汽车产品三包规定 / Rules on Repair, Replacement and Return of Family Cars

📑 Copyright Infringement — When Your Work Is Used Without Permission A foreign writer or photographer discovers their work is being used commercially in China

Commercial cases著作权法 / Copyright Law 2021

🛡️ Unsafe Food — Tenfold Compensation You found expired or harmful food — how big is your claim?

Consumer protection食品安全法 / Food Safety Law

🚔 Personal Data Protection in China — Your Rights as a User A Chinese app or company is collecting your personal data. What are your rights under Chin

个人信息保护法 / Personal Information Protection Law 2021

🚔 A Street Brawl — 'Self-Defense' Has Limits If someone provokes you and you both fight, are you innocent because he 'started it'?

Fights, theft, forgery治安管理处罚法 / Public Security Administration Punishments Law

📜 Food Safety — If You Are Harmed by Spoilt or Contaminated Food You ate at a Chinese restaurant and suffered food poisoning or an allergic reaction due to

Civil Code (general rules)食品安全法 / Food Safety Law 2021

🚔 A Call 'From the Police' Demanding a Transfer — Certain Fraud Would a real official body ever call to move your money to a 'safe account'?

Fights, theft, forgery刑法（诈骗罪）/ Criminal Law (Fraud)

👷 Workplace Harassment — Legal Protection Under Chinese Law A foreign employee is subjected to sexual harassment or bullying from a supervisor in a Ch

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law; 民法典 / Civil Code Arts 990-1000 (Personality Rights)

🚔 Lending Your Bank Card Can Make You a Criminal A friend asks to use your account for a commission — where's the danger?

Fights, theft, forgery刑法（帮助信息网络犯罪活动罪）/ Criminal Law (Aiding Cybercrime)

📜 Inheritance in China — How a Foreigner's Estate Is Handled If They Die in China A foreigner dies in China leaving assets. How is the will or inheritance handled under Chi

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Book 6 (Inheritance), Arts 1119-1163

🚔 A 'Small Item' From a Shop — Between Offense and Crime Is stealing something cheap just a 'minor slip'?

Fights, theft, forgery治安管理处罚法 / 刑法 (Public Security / Criminal Law)

🚔 Importing Pets Into China — Quarantine Requirements and Documentation A foreigner wanting to bring their cat or dog to China. What are the legal requirements, d

中华人民共和国进境动物和动物产品检疫管理办法 / Quarantine Management Rules for Animals

🚔 Online Defamation Is Not 'Free Speech' Does 'just an online opinion' save you from defamation liability?

Fights, theft, forgery刑法 / 民法典（名誉权）(Criminal Law / Civil Code — Reputation)

🚦 Traffic Accident — Determining Liability and Compensation in China A foreigner is involved in a traffic accident in China, whether as a passenger or driver.

Traffic & transport道路交通事故处理程序规定 / Road Traffic Accident Handling Regulations; 民法典 侵权责任编

🚦 The E-Bike Is Not Above the Law Do traffic rules apply to electric bikes too?

Traffic & transport道路交通安全法 / Road Traffic Safety Law

📜 Service Contract Breach — A Supplier or Contractor Who Does Not Deliver You paid in advance to a contractor or service company and the work was not done. What rig

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Arts 509, 563-577 (Contract Breach)

🚦 Fleeing After an Accident Multiplies the Penalty After an accident, does fleeing make things lighter or far heavier?

Traffic & transport道路交通安全法 / 刑法 (Road Traffic Safety Law / Criminal Law)

🚔 Witnessing or Reporting a Crime — Rights of a Foreign Witness in China You witnessed a crime and the Chinese police have asked you to give a statement. What are

Fights, theft, forgery中华人民共和国刑事诉讼法 / Criminal Procedure Law; 证人保护制度

🚦 Your Foreign License Isn't Enough to Drive in China Can you drive in China on your home or international license?

Traffic & transport道路交通安全法 / Road Traffic Safety Law

📜 Neighbour Noise — Legal Solutions for Residential Disputes A foreigner is disturbed by noise from a neighbouring flat or a construction site working

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Art 294; 噪声污染防治法 / Noise Pollution Prevention Law 2022

🚦 The Traffic Liability Report Is the Key to Compensation After a minor crash, why is the police report more important than arguing?

Traffic & transport道路交通安全法 / Road Traffic Safety Law

🚔 WeChat Investment Scam — The Fake Investment Network Trap A foreigner joined a WeChat investment group under pressure from someone they met online a

Fights, theft, forgery刑法 / Criminal Law Art 192 (Fraud); 防范和处置非法集资条例 / Rules on Illegal Fundraising 2021

🚦 A Few Minutes' Bad Parking — Points and Fines Add Up Is parking illegally 'for just two minutes' really harmless?

Traffic & transport道路交通安全法 / Road Traffic Safety Law

🚔 Hotel Check-In Refusal for Foreigners — Is This Legal? You arrived at a Chinese hotel and they refused to check you in, saying they do not accept

出境入境管理法 Art 39; 旅馆业治安管理办法 / Hotel Security Management Regulations

🛂 Overstaying Your Visa — Every Day Has a Price You forgot to renew your stay for a few days — what's the penalty?

Residence & visas出境入境管理法 / Exit and Entry Administration Law

📜 Power of Attorney in China — How to Notarise and Use It A foreigner wanting to authorise another person to act on their behalf in financial or leg

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Arts 165-175 (Agency); 公证法 / Notarization Law 2017

🛂 Working on a Tourist Visa — Illegal Employment Can you work in China on any visa as long as you work hard?

Residence & visas出境入境管理法 / Exit and Entry Administration Law

📜 Unlawful Eviction — When the Landlord Forces the Tenant to Leave Before the Lease Ends The flat owner demands you leave before the lease ends because they want to sell the flat

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Arts 724-726; 物权法 / Property Law

🛂 A Foreign Student Working — Within Limits and With Permission Can a foreign student work full-time off campus?

Residence & visas出境入境管理法 / Exit and Entry Administration Law

🎓 University Expulsion — Foreign Student Rights to Appeal A foreign student facing expulsion from their Chinese university due to absence or violati

Education普通高等学校学生管理规定 / University Student Management Regulations 2017

🛂 Registering Your Address Within 24 Hours — An Often-Forgotten Duty You rented a flat or stayed with a friend — must you register it?

Residence & visas出境入境管理法 / Exit and Entry Administration Law

📜 Compensation for Work-Related Health Damage Linked to Air Quality A foreign employee working in a polluted industrial environment is diagnosed with an occup

Civil Code (general rules)大气污染防治法 / Air Pollution Prevention Law 2018; 职业病防治法 / Occupational Disease Prevention Law

🛂 A Visa Agent Promising a 'Quick Fix' — A Dangerous Trap Do you trust an agent promising a work visa 'with no conditions' for a fee?

Residence & visas出境入境管理法 / Exit and Entry Administration Law

📜 Refusal of Service Based on Nationality — Is Discrimination Prohibited in China? You were refused service at a Chinese restaurant or shop because of your nationality. Is t

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Arts 990-1000; 消费者权益保护法 / Consumer Protection Law

⚖️ A Small Sum, a Big Dispute — Simplified Procedures Serve You Is a small debt worth the trouble of going to court?

Dispute-resolution cases民事诉讼法 / Civil Procedure Law

📜 Notarising Documents in China — What Foreigners Need in Practice A foreigner needs to notarise documents for use in China or abroad. What are the official

Civil Code (general rules)公证法 / Notarization Law 2017; 公证程序规则 / Notarization Procedure Rules

⚖️ A Right You Delay Claiming May Lapse — 3 Years A debt owed to you for years — can you still claim it?

Dispute-resolution cases民法典（诉讼时效）/ Civil Code (Limitation of Actions)

📜 Real Estate Agent Disappears After Collecting Commission You paid fees to a Chinese real estate agent to find a flat, and after payment they stoppe

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Arts 963-965 (Intermediary Contract); 消费者权益保护法

⚖️ Mediation Before Court — Faster and Cheaper Is litigation the only way to resolve your dispute?

Dispute-resolution cases人民调解法 / People's Mediation Law

🚔 Health Insurance for Foreigners in China — Reimbursement and Claims A foreigner receives medical treatment in China and wants to recover costs from their inte

基本医疗保险规定; 商业医疗保险理赔规定

⚖️ WeChat Chats Are Evidence — If You Preserve Them Right Are WeChat messages and transfers accepted as court evidence?

Dispute-resolution cases民事诉讼法（电子数据）/ Civil Procedure Law (Electronic Data)

🚔 Working Remotely From China for a Foreign Company — Is This Legal? A foreigner residing in China on a tourist or family visa and working remotely for their c

出境入境管理法 / Exit-Entry Administration Law 2012; 外国人来华工作许可

💰 The 183-Day Rule — When Do You Become a Tax Resident? How long in China before your income becomes taxable here?

Tax个人所得税法 / Individual Income Tax Law

🚔 Foreign National's Right to a Legal Interpreter in Chinese Courts and Police You are detained or summoned for questioning and proceedings are conducted in Chinese whic

Fights, theft, forgery刑事诉讼法 / Criminal Procedure Law Art 9; 民事诉讼法 / Civil Procedure Law Art 262

💰 Expat Allowances — Conditional Exemptions Not to Miss Is tax charged on the housing and schooling allowance your company gives you?

Tax个人所得税法 / Individual Income Tax Law

📜 Child Custody Dispute Between a Foreigner and a Chinese National — International Divorce Case A couple one of whom is a foreigner and the other Chinese separate in China. How does the

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Book 5 (Family) Arts 1084-1092; 海牙国际儿童绑架公约 (中国未批准)

💰 Your Rental Income Is Taxable Too You rent out a spare flat — do you owe tax on the rent?

Tax个人所得税法 / Individual Income Tax Law

👷 Employment Contract in a Foreign Language Only — Is It Enforceable Under Chinese Law? You signed an employment contract in English only with a Chinese company. Is this legally

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law Art 19; 涉外劳动合同规定

💰 The Official Invoice Isn't a Detail — It's an Obligation Your client asks for an official invoice — can you refuse?

Tax增值税相关规定 / Value-Added Tax Provisions

📜 Religious Practice for Foreigners in China — Legal Limits A foreign Muslim or Christian wanting to practise their religion in China. What activities

Civil Code (general rules)宗教事务条例 / Regulations on Religious Affairs 2018

📜 Finders Are Not Keepers — The Duty to Return You found a phone or wallet — is it 'finders keepers'?

Civil Code (general rules)民法典（拾得遗失物）/ Civil Code (Found Lost Property)

🚔 Exit Ban — When China Prevents a Foreigner From Leaving the Country You have heard of cases of foreigners prevented from leaving China. When does this happen

出境入境管理法 Arts 29-31; 刑事诉讼法 Art 117

📜 Guaranteeing a Friend's Loan Can Make the Debt Yours You guaranteed a friend and he defaulted — does the debt chase you?

Civil Code (general rules)民法典（保证合同）/ Civil Code (Guarantee Contract)

👷 Labour Arbitration Process in China — Step-by-Step Procedure From Start to Finish A foreigner has a labour dispute with their employer in China and wants to go to arbitrati

Labour disputes劳动争议调解仲裁法 / Labor Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Law 2008

💡 Pirated Software in Your Company — Savings Turned to Fines Think using unlicensed software at work is an 'internal matter'?

Intellectual property著作权法 / Copyright Law

🚔 Foreign Entrepreneur Visa — Legal Pathways to Starting a Business in China A foreign entrepreneur wanting to reside in China to start a business. What is the most su

外国人来华工作许可 / Foreign Work Permit; 创业签证相关政策

🏥 A Medical Dispute — The Legal Path, Not Chaos You believe a medical error harmed your relative — what's the right step?

Health & medicine医疗纠纷预防和处理条例 / Regulations on Prevention and Handling of Medical Disputes

📜 Alimony and Asset Division in International Divorce in China A couple of different nationalities divorcing in China. How are assets divided and is the

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Arts 1085-1090 (Divorce Property and Support)

🎓 An Unlicensed School — A Worthless Certificate You paid an institute promising a recognized certificate — how do you verify it?

Education民办教育促进法 / Law on Promotion of Private Education

📑 IP Registration in China — Why Foreign Registration Is Not Enough A foreign company holding a European-registered patent believes it is automatically protec

Commercial cases专利法 / Patent Law 2021; 著作权法 / Copyright Law 2021

🌱 Neighbor and Construction Noise — Your Right to Quiet Nighttime noise robs you of sleep — what does the law say?

Environment & resources噪声污染防治法 / Law on Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution

👷 Probation Period at Work — Employee Rights During It and Conditions for Ending It An employer terminates a foreign employee's contract during the probation period without c

Labour disputes劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law Arts 19-21

🏛️ An Administrative Fine You Find Unfair — You Can Challenge It You got a government fine you think is wrong — what can you do?

Administrative law & governance行政处罚法 / 行政复议法 (Administrative Penalty Law / Administrative Reconsideration Law)

📑 Chinese Customs — What You Can Bring Personally and What Requires Declaration A foreigner entering China with luggage containing gifts, electronics and cash. What are t

Commercial cases海关法 / Customs Law; 进出境行李物品管理规定

🏦 A 'Guaranteed' High Return — A Sign of Illegal Fund-Raising An investment promising high, fixed profits with 'no risk' — do you believe it?

Finance, banking & securities防范和处置非法集资条例 / Regulations on Preventing and Dealing with Illegal Fund-Raising

🚦 Compulsory Vehicle Insurance — What It Covers and What It Does Not A foreigner driving in China has an accident. What is the compulsory insurance China requi

Traffic & transport机动车交通事故责任强制保险 / Compulsory Third-Party Insurance; 商业险

🚔 VPN Use in China — What Is Legal and What Is Prohibited? A foreigner residing in China uses a VPN to access services such as Google, WhatsApp and Y

网络安全法 / Cybersecurity Law 2017; 互联网信息服务管理办法

👷 Transferring Pension Rights on Leaving China — What Can Be Recovered and What Is Lost A foreigner leaving China after years of working there. Can they recover their Chinese pen

Labour disputes社会保险法 Art 17; 中外社会保险协议

📜 Subletting the Flat — What the Tenant Is Entitled to and What Exposes Them to Liability A foreigner wants to sublet their rented flat to a friend while they travel. Are they enti

Civil Code (general rules)民法典 / Civil Code Art 716; 租赁合同规定

📑 Resolving Commercial Disputes in China — Arbitration or Litigation? A foreign company in a commercial dispute with a Chinese partner. What is the difference b

Commercial cases人民调解法 / People's Mediation Law 2010; 仲裁法 / Arbitration Law 1994

📜 Domestic Violence in China — Legal Protection Available to Foreigners A foreigner (man or woman) experiencing domestic violence in China. Does Chinese law provi

Civil Code (general rules)反家庭暴力法 / Anti-Domestic Violence Law 2016

📜 Bringing Personal Medication Into China — Permitted Quantities and Prohibitions A foreigner carrying prescribed medicine for personal use when entering China. What quanti

Civil Code (general rules)药品管理法 / Drug Administration Law 2019; 进口药品管理规定

📑 Service Contract With a Chinese Provider — Avoiding Vague Clauses A foreigner signing a service contract with a Chinese company (design, translation, constr

Commercial cases民法典 / Civil Code Arts 770-787 (Service Contract)

🚔 Social Media Posts in China — Red Lines for Foreigners A foreigner posts critical content on Weibo, WeChat or a Chinese platform. What exposes th

网络信息内容生态治理规定 / Online Content Governance Rules 2020; 刑法 Art 293

👷 Work Injury for Foreigners — Compensation and Procedures A foreigner is injured while performing their work in China. How is a work injury defined

Labour disputes工伤保险条例 / Work Injury Insurance Regulations 2010

🎓 Recognition of Foreign Qualifications in China — Procedures and Requirements A foreigner wanting to work in China in a profession that requires recognition of their un

Education学历学位认证制度 / Academic Credential Recognition System; 教育部留学服务中心

📜 Property Purchase in China — Can a Foreigner Own Property and When? A foreigner living in China for years wants to buy a flat. What are the legal conditions a

Civil Code (general rules)外国人在华购置房产规定 / Regulations on Foreigners Purchasing Property in China; 物权法

🚔 Foreigner Rights Upon Arrest in China The Criminal Procedure Law guarantees foreigners specific rights upon arrest, including co

Fights, theft, forgeryقانون الإجراءات الجنائية / Criminal Procedure Law of China (2018)

📜 Chinese Language in Civil Courts — How a Foreigner Participates in Legal Proceedings A foreigner faces or brings a civil lawsuit in China. How are proceedings managed and what

Civil Code (general rules)民事诉讼法 / Civil Procedure Law Art 262; 涉外民事诉讼程序

👪 Visa and Residency for Foreign Spouses of Chinese Citizens Foreign spouses of Chinese citizens are eligible to apply for long-term residence permits

Family & divorceقانون الزواج / Marriage Law + Regulations on Foreigners' Permanent Residence

🚦 Traffic Violation Points System and Its Impact on Foreigners China's driving system uses a points system; accumulating 12 points in one year requires r

Traffic & transportلوائح سلامة المرور على الطرق / Road Traffic Safety Law (2021 Amendment)

🚔 Visa Refusal and Appeal Before Chinese Authorities There is no formal appeal process for Chinese visa refusals, but reapplication with improv

قانون الإدارة على الدخول والخروج / Exit-Entry Administration Law (2012)

📜 Foreign Tenant Rights Against Unlawful Eviction A landlord cannot evict a tenant without adequate legal notice, and lawful eviction requir

Civil Code (general rules)القانون المدني / Civil Code of China (2021) - Book 3 Contracts

👷 Going to Court in Labor Disputes After Failed Arbitration After labor arbitration, any dissatisfied party may file a lawsuit in court within 15 days

Labour disputesقانون التحكيم والوساطة في النزاعات العمالية / Law on Mediation and Arbitration of Labor Disputes (2007)

🚔 Updating Police Registration Records When Changing Residence A foreigner residing in China must notify the police within 24 hours of changing their pla

قانون الإدارة على الدخول والخروج / Exit-Entry Administration Law (2012) Art. 39

📜 Writing a Legally Recognized Will in China for Foreigners China's Civil Code (2021) guarantees foreigners residing in China the right to write a leg

Civil Code (general rules)القانون المدني / Civil Code of China (2021) - Book 6 Succession

🚔 Double Taxation and Exemptions for Foreign Residents in China Since 2019, a foreigner residing in China for 183 days or more per year is considered a ta

قانون ضريبة الدخل الشخصي / Individual Income Tax Law of China (2018 Amendment)

🚔 Patent Infringement in China and Protection Mechanisms China's Patent Law (revised 2021) provides strong innovation protection, with judicial and

قانون براءات الاختراع / Patent Law of China (2021 Amendment)

🛡️ Return and Refund Rights in Chinese Online Shopping The E-Commerce Law (2019) and Consumer Rights Protection Law (2013) grant consumers the ri

Consumer protectionقانون حماية حقوق المستهلك / Consumer Rights Protection Law (2013) + E-Commerce Law (2019)

🚔 A Foreigner Obtaining a Bank Loan in China Foreigners legally residing in China can obtain personal and mortgage loans, but requireme

لوائح الخدمات المصرفية / Banking Regulatory Commission Regulations + Commercial Bank Law (2015)

👷 Non-Compete Clauses in Chinese Employment Contracts for Foreigners The Labor Contract Law (2007) permits non-compete clauses but sets strict limits: a durati

Labour disputesقانون عقد العمل / Labor Contract Law of China (2007) Arts. 23-24

🚔 Reporting Environmental Pollution in China The Environmental Protection Law (2015) guarantees citizens and foreigners the right to re

قانون حماية البيئة / Environmental Protection Law (2015) + Air Pollution Prevention Law (2018)

📜 Apostille Certification of Foreign Documents for Use in China China joined the Hague Apostille Convention as of March 2023, significantly simplifying th

Civil Code (general rules)قانون التوثيق / Notarization Law of China (2005) + Hague Apostille Convention (China joined 2023)

🚔 Emergency Medical Care for Foreigners in China and Patient Rights The Regulation on Medical Institutions (2022) obligates hospitals to provide emergency car

قانون الرعاية الطبية وحماية المرضى / Regulation on Medical Institutions (2022 Amendment)

🎓 Right of Foreigners' Children to Public Education in China The Compulsory Education Law (revised 2021) guarantees children of foreigners legally resi

Educationقانون التعليم الإلزامي / Compulsory Education Law (2021 Amendment)