Key practical points:
• Where there is no valid will, the estate passes to statutory heirs in an order set by law (closer relatives first).
• You can make a will to decide how your assets are distributed, and it generally takes priority over the default distribution rules.
• Having a will notarised gives it stronger evidential weight and reduces later disputes.
• Wills come in several forms (handwritten, notarised, made before witnesses), and each form has validity conditions that must be met.
• A foreigner's estate and heirs can be dealt with in China, especially for assets located inside China such as property and accounts.
• Assets spread across several countries may be subject to different laws, so coordination between your home country and China matters.
• Keep clear ownership documents (property, accounts, companies) to make transfer to your heirs easier.
👪 Family law
Civil Code — Inheritance (Succession) · Yalla China
民法典 继承编 / Civil Code — Inheritance (Succession)
Enacted: 2020-05-28 ✅ Effective: 2021-01-01
📝 Overview
The part of the Civil Code that governs how an estate is passed on: wills and intestate succession where there is no will. It explains who the statutory heirs are and their order, that you can make a valid and notarised will, and how a foreigner's estate and heirs are handled.
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 part of the Civil Code matters to any family with assets in China, because it decides what happens to your money and property after death. If you leave no will, the law distributes the estate to statutory heirs in a fixed order that may not match your wishes; so making and notarising a will is the best way to control what happens to your assets and reduce disputes. For foreigners whose assets are spread across several countries, it is wise to consult a specialist to coordinate a cross-border will. This is general orientation only, not formal legal advice.
📎 Official source
npc.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026