MAINLAND CHINA LEGAL SERVICE
Mainland China Litigation, Arbitration and Enforcement
We help overseas parties assess Mainland China jurisdiction, evidence, preservation measures, hearing arrangements, and routes for enforcing judgments or awards.
DIRECT ANSWER
An overseas party may bring or defend civil and commercial proceedings in Mainland China. Certain matters can begin through online filing, remote identity verification, or court-supervised video witnessing of a power of attorney. Travel is not always required, but the answer depends on the claim, the court, the evidence, and the hearing plan. Jurisdiction, limitation periods, service, and recoverable assets should be checked first.
PROCESS
Typical process
- 01
Confirm the facts, dispute clause, jurisdiction, and limitation period
- 02
Map identity, authority, evidence, and Chinese-translation requirements
- 03
Choose litigation, arbitration, preservation, or negotiated resolution
- 04
Manage filing, hearings, decision, and asset enforcement
DOCUMENTS
What to prepare
- Identity or corporate status documents
- Contracts, payment records, and communications
- Mainland address and asset leads for the counterparty
- Existing judgments, awards, or demand letters
RISKS
Points to watch
- An incorrect forum can cause delay or dismissal
- Foreign-formed documents may require formalities and qualified translation
- A favorable decision does not automatically produce recovery
Official sources and further reading
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Must I travel to Mainland China?+
Not always. Some cross-border civil and commercial matters support online filing and court-supervised video witnessing. Property, family, criminal, or original-document matters may still require attendance.
How can an overseas power of attorney be used in Mainland China?+
Foreign, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese parties follow different proof or forwarding routes. Court-supervised video witnessing may be available for some litigation instructions.
Do overseas documents need Chinese translation?+
Usually. Cross-border online filing rules require materials in the commonly used written language of China or translations from a qualified translation company.