China allows eligible foreign nationals to legally adopt children in accordance with its Civil Code and related adoption regulations. However, international adoption in China follows a strict review system and must be approved by both the adopter’s home country and Chinese authorities.

This guide explains who can adopt a child from China, the eligibility requirements, required documents, and the complete adoption process.

Who Can Be Adopted in China?

Under Chinese law, children under the age of 18 in the following situations may be adopted:

• Orphans who have lost both parents
• Abandoned children whose biological parents cannot be identified
• Children whose birth parents are unable to raise them due to serious hardship

Countries Eligible for Adoption Cooperation with China

China has established international adoption cooperation with a limited number of countries, including:

The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and several others.

Applicants must first be approved by the competent adoption authority in their country of residence.

Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Adoptive Parents

To adopt a child from China, foreign applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Be childless or have only one child
• Have the financial and emotional ability to raise and educate a child
• Be in good physical and mental health, with no medical conditions deemed unsuitable for child-rearing
• Be at least 30 years old
• The age of adoptive parents is generally between 30 and 50 years old
• Have a minimum net family asset of USD 80,000
• Have an average annual family income of no less than USD 10,000 per family member, including the adopted child
• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 40
• Have no record of using antidepressant medication
• Be a legally married couple, with:
  • A first marriage lasting at least 2 years
  • A second or third marriage lasting at least 5 years
  • No more than two previous divorces

Special Note:
When adopting orphans, disabled children, or abandoned infants, the restriction on the number of existing children may be relaxed.

Required Documents for Adopting a Child from China

Foreign adoptive parents are generally required to submit the following documents:

• Formal adoption application
• Proof of identity (birth certificate and nationality certificate)
• Marital status certificate
• Proof of occupation, income, and property
• Medical examination report
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Home Study Report covering family background, lifestyle, finances, and motivation for adoption
• Adoption approval certificate issued by the relevant authority in the adopter’s home country
• Recent family photographs

Document Authentication Requirements

All documents must:

• Be issued by the competent authority in the adopter’s country
• Be certified by diplomatic or authorized institutions
• Be authenticated by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate

Foreigners who have legally resided in China for more than one year for work or study may be subject to additional document requirements.

Step-by-Step Adoption Process in China

International adoption in China typically follows these steps:

1. Submit an adoption application to an authorized organization in the adopter’s home country
2. The China Center for Children’s Welfare and Adoption reviews the application
3. Matching process between the adoptive family and the child
4. Issuance of an official Adoption Notification
5. The adoptive couple travels to China in person to complete adoption formalities
6. Registration of adoption at the provincial civil affairs department

Once the adoption is officially registered, the legal adoption relationship is established, and the adoptive parents may bring the child back to their home country.

Additional Information

• If one spouse cannot travel to China, a notarized and authenticated power of attorney is required
• If one spouse is a Chinese national, the adoption must still follow the same legal procedures

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Disclaimer:
This article is for reference purposes only. Adoption policies and requirements may change. Always consult official Chinese authorities or licensed adoption agencies for the latest information.