📜 Civil Code (general rules) · Awareness case
Writing a Legally Recognized Will in China for Foreigners · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: القانون المدني / Civil Code of China (2021) - Book 6 Succession
China's Civil Code (2021) guarantees foreigners residing in China the right to write a legally recognized will, considering conflict of laws rules for overseas assets.
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
Under China's Civil Code (2021), Book 6 (Succession), recognized will types include: (1) handwritten will entirely written, signed, and dated by the testator; (2) notarized will; (3) typed will requiring two witnesses. For foreigners: conflict of laws rules apply - for Chinese assets, Chinese law applies; for overseas assets, the law of citizenship or country of origin may apply. It is advisable to have the will notarized and translated into Chinese for recognition in China. Spouses and children are the default legal heirs in the absence of a will.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
If you have assets in multiple countries, consult a lawyer specializing in private international law to ensure your will is recognized in all relevant jurisdictions.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026