The situation: A foreigner planning to leave wants to authorise a representative to manage their assets, terminate their contracts or represent them in court.
Applicable law: The Civil Code (2021) allows formal authorisation (agency). For a power of attorney to be effective in China when the grantor is abroad: it must be notarised in the home country, then apostilled, then translated into Chinese by a certified translator, then submitted to the relevant authority in China.
Typical outcome: Powers of attorney notarised inside China are simpler and take effect immediately upon signing and notarisation by an official Chinese notary.
📜 Civil Code (general rules) · Awareness case
Power of Attorney in China — How to Notarise and Use It · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 民法典 / Civil Code Arts 165-175 (Agency); 公证法 / Notarization Law 2017
A foreigner wanting to authorise another person to act on their behalf in financial or legal transactions in China. How is the power of attorney legally effective?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: If you are still in China, go to a local notary office with the authorised person and complete the power of attorney before you leave. This is much faster and cheaper than sending documents for notarisation from abroad.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026