How Much Are Court Fees in China? Find Out Now

Filing a lawsuit in China comes with court fees that vary based on the case type and claim amount. 

Unlike a fixed-cost system, China calculates fees on a sliding scale, meaning the higher the claim, the higher the fee. 

For instance, a 10,000 yuan claim costs just 50 yuan, but amounts exceeding this are charged as a percentage of the total.

Understanding how court fees are determined can help you budget for legal expenses and avoid surprises. 

Whether you’re involved in a legal dispute or just exploring China’s legal system, this guide will break it down for you.

Overview of Court Fees in China

When dealing with legal matters in China, understanding court fees is essential. These fees affect both financial planning and decision-making when considering legal action.

What Are Court Fees in China?

Court fees are charges imposed by the court for handling legal cases. They cover various costs but do not include attorney’s fees, which each party must handle separately.

Types of court fees include:

• Case acceptance fees – Charged when a lawsuit is filed.
• Processing fees – Covers administrative costs during litigation.
• Additional expenses – May apply for expert evaluations, translations, or evidence collection.

Regulated by the Civil Procedure Law, ensuring fees are fairly applied.

Why Understanding Court Fees Matters

• Helps with financial planning – Knowing the types and amounts of fees helps budget for legal expenses.
• Informs legal decisions – Weighing the cost of litigation against potential outcomes helps determine if legal action is worth pursuing.
• Guides dispute resolution – Understanding costs may lead to alternative solutions, such as mediation if court fees are too high.

By being informed about court fees in China, you can better prepare for legal proceedings and make smart financial choices when considering litigation.

How Much are Court Fees in China: Overview

Court fees in China vary based on case type and claim amount. Just like lawyer fees, court fees follow a standard rate system set by the authorities.

1. Court Fees for Property-Related Cases

For cases involving property disputes, fees are charged in segments based on the claim amount:

2. Court Fees for Divorce Cases

• Basic fee: RMB 50 – 300
• Additional fees: 0.5% of the asset value being disputed if it exceeds RMB 200,000

📣 Also read: Divorce Process in China

3. Court Fees for Personality Rights Cases

These cases involve infringement of name, portrait, reputation, honor, or other personal rights:

• Basic fee: RMB 100 – 500
• Additional fees: 0.5% – 1% of the compensation amount

Understanding court fees helps you plan financially before filing a case. Fees vary based on case type and claim size, so knowing these details can help you decide whether litigation is the right option.

Types of Litigation Costs in China

Filing a lawsuit in China comes with various litigation costs that can affect your legal strategy and financial planning. 

These fees cover court procedures, document verification, and dispute resolution methods. 

Understanding these costs helps you prepare for the legal process and make informed decisions.

1. Case Acceptance Fees

❓What it is: A required fee to file a lawsuit and bring your case to court.

💴 Cost: Based on the claim amount:

• Claims under 10,000 yuan – Flat fee of 50 yuan
• Claims from 10,000 to 100,000 yuan – 2.5% of the claim amount
• Claims over 100,000 yuan – Decreasing percentage as claim value increases

📌 Why it matters: Ensures the court system manages resources efficiently and discourages frivolous lawsuits.

2. Notarization Charges

❓What it is: A legal verification process for important documents submitted in court.

💴 Cost: Varies based on document type:

• General documents – 200 to 500 yuan per document
• Contracts, wills, and major agreements – 0.3% to 0.5% of the contract value

📌 Why it matters: Helps prevent fraud, ensures document authenticity, and avoids delays in court proceedings.

📣 Also read: Guide to Wills in China (How to Future-Proof Your Assets)

3. Clerk Fees

❓What it is: Covers administrative work for case filing and document management in court.

💴 Cost: Usually small and fixed:

• Basic clerk fee: 50 to 200 yuan per case
• Additional copies of court documents: 5 to 20 yuan per page

📌 Why it matters:  Ensures smooth case processing, proper filing, and organized record-keeping.

4. Arbitration Fees

❓What it is: Fees paid when using arbitration instead of going to court to resolve disputes.

💴 Cost: Depends on the arbitration body and case complexity:

• Simple cases: 1% to 3% of the claim amount
• Complex commercial disputes: Can exceed 5%
• Administrative fees & arbitrator costs may be charged separately.

📌 Why it matters: Arbitration is often faster and more flexible than court trials, reducing legal risks and providing a confidential resolution process.

📣 Also read: Arbitration and Litigation: Resolving Commercial Disputes in China

5. Mediation Costs

❓What it is: Fees paid for a neutral mediator to help resolve disputes outside of court.

💴 Cost:

• Government mediation centers: Free or low-cost (100 to 500 yuan per session)
• Private mediators or legal firms: 2,000 to 10,000 yuan per case

📌 Why it matters: Mediation is cheaper than court trials, promotes amicable settlements, and saves time and resources.

Knowing these costs helps businesses and individuals plan ahead and decide the best way to handle disputes. 

Whether you choose court litigation, arbitration, or mediation, understanding the financial commitment allows for smarter legal decisions and better case management.

Allocation and Payment of Court Fees in China

In China’s legal system, court fees are usually paid by the losing party, but there are exceptions where costs may be shared or adjusted depending on the case outcome. 

Understanding who pays what can help you prepare for potential legal expenses.

1. "Loser Pays" Principle

The "loser pays" rule is a common practice in Chinese civil cases, meaning the party that loses the case is responsible for covering court fees. This rule discourages frivolous lawsuits and ensures that the winning party is not unfairly burdened with costs.

Typical court fees include:

• Case acceptance fees (charged when filing a lawsuit).
• Administrative and processing fees for handling the case.

📌 Example: If you file a 100,000 CNY claim, the acceptance fee could be around 2,300 CNY.

2. Exceptions to the "Loser Pays" Rule

There are cases where the losing party does not pay all court fees, or costs are shared. These exceptions include:

• Settlement Agreements: If both parties reach an agreement, they may split the fees based on their terms.
• Partial Victories: If each side wins part of the case, the court may divide the costs accordingly.
• Judicial Discretion: Courts have the authority to adjust fee allocation depending on the circumstances of the case.

Understanding how court fees are allocated helps you better prepare for litigation costs. If your case has a complex outcome, the financial burden may not fall entirely on one party. 

Each case is different, and the court has flexibility in deciding who pays what based on fairness and case details.

Chinese Attorney's Fees and Other Litigation Expenses

When filing a lawsuit in China, it’s important to understand the difference between court fees and other litigation costs. 

While court fees cover case processing, additional expenses like attorney’s fees and evidence collection can significantly impact the total cost of legal proceedings.

1. Attorney's Fees

Attorney’s fees in China are separate from court fees and are typically paid by each party, regardless of the case outcome.

• Who pays? Unlike in some countries, the losing party does not usually cover the winner’s legal fees.
• Cost range: Fees depend on case complexity and law firm rates, usually 5% to 10% of the claim amount.
• Payment structure: Some attorneys charge flat fees, hourly rates, or contingency-based fees, depending on the agreement.

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2. Other Litigation Expenses

Beyond attorney’s fees, legal proceedings often involve additional costs:

• Evidence collection: Costs for hiring experts, investigators, or consultants to support the case.
• Notarization and authentication: If foreign documents are used, they must be notarized and translated, adding extra costs.
• Expert witnesses: Specialized professionals may be required to analyze technical aspects of a case.

Legal disputes can be costly, and litigation expenses add up quickly. Understanding these costs helps you budget properly and make informed decisions before pursuing a lawsuit in China.

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How Much Does It Cost to Sue a Company in China?

When you decide to sue a company in China, different factors affect the costs. These include court fees and other legal expenses. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand these costs.

Court Fees:

• If you claim USD 10,000, expect to pay around USD 200.
• For claims of USD 50,000, court fees are about USD 950. 

Filing Fees:

• For amounts below 10,000 CNY, there is a fixed fee of 50 CNY.
• Amounts between 10,000 CNY to 100,000 CNY have varying fees. 

Other Costs:

• You might need to hire a lawyer, which can add to your expenses.
• Translation fees are often necessary for documents.

Remember, these costs can add up, so plan your budget carefully. Knowing these details helps you be prepared before going to court.

Final Thoughts

Understanding court fees in China is essential for anyone involved in a legal case. Costs vary based on case type, claim amount, and court level, making it important to plan ahead. 

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Whether you’re filing a civil, commercial, or criminal case, knowing the expected fees can help you manage expenses and avoid surprises.

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By staying informed, you can better prepare for legal proceedings and make smarter decisions. 

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If you need legal guidance or assistance in handling court fees affordably, we at Choi & Partners are here to help. ☎️ Contact us today for expert legal support at reasonable costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Court fees in China vary depending on the lawsuit's claim size, and options like fee waivers might be possible. It's important to understand the implications of not paying fees and whether you can pay in installments.

How much is lawyer fee in China?

Lawyer fees in China vary based on the case type, complexity, and the lawyer’s experience. For civil cases, lawyers may charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the claim amount. Simple cases may cost a few thousand RMB, while complex disputes can cost tens of thousands. It’s best to check with a local law firm for a specific quote.

How does the court system work in China?

China’s court system has four levels: Basic People’s Courts, Intermediate People’s Courts, Higher People’s Courts, and the Supreme People’s Court. Cases usually start in the lower courts and can be appealed to higher courts if needed. The system follows civil law, meaning judges rely on laws and regulations rather than past rulings. Most cases are decided by a panel of judges instead of a jury.

Can court fees be waived or reduced in China?

Yes, in some cases, court fees in China can be waived or reduced. If a person cannot afford the fees, they can apply for a fee reduction or exemption based on financial hardship. The court will review the application and decide whether to approve it. Supporting documents, such as proof of income, may be required.

Are court fees refundable if the case is withdrawn in China?

Court fees may be partially refunded if a case is withdrawn before the trial begins. The refund amount depends on how far the case has progressed. If a settlement is reached early, courts may return a portion of the fees. However, if the trial has already started, refunds are usually not given.

Can court fees in China be paid in installments or deferred?

Yes, courts in China allow installment payments or deferred payments for those who cannot pay the full amount at once. The applicant must submit a request explaining their financial situation. If approved, the court may grant extra time or allow payments in parts. However, failing to pay as agreed may result in penalties.

What are the consequences of not paying court fees in China?

If court fees are not paid, the case may not proceed, or the court may reject the lawsuit. In some cases, the court may enforce payment by freezing assets or deducting money from bank accounts. For serious cases, individuals may be added to a credit blacklist, affecting their ability to take loans or travel. It’s important to settle court fees on time to avoid legal trouble.

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