Child support in China is generally 20% to 30% of the paying parent's monthly total income for one child, where that parent has a fixed income. For two or more children the percentage may be increased, but generally not above 50%. Without a fixed income, the amount is based on annual income or the average for the same industry, and support is normally paid until the child turns 18.
These guidelines come from the Supreme People's Court's Interpretation I on the Marriage and Family Book of the Civil Code. They are a starting point, not a fixed formula, and courts adjust them to the child's actual needs, the parents' means and local living standards. You can get a quick estimate with our child support calculator.
The 20–30% rule for child support in China
Child support (抚养费) covers the child's living expenses, education and medical costs. The parent who does not have direct custody usually pays it. The key guidelines, as of 2026, are:
| Situation | General guideline |
|---|---|
| One child, paying parent has fixed income | 20% to 30% of monthly total income |
| Two or more children | May be increased, generally not above 50% |
| No fixed income | Based on annual income or the industry average |
| Special needs (illness, education) | Can be adjusted upward |
| Paying parent has very high income | Courts may consider the child's actual needs rather than a pure percentage |
What counts as "total income"?
Courts generally look at total income, not just base salary: wages, bonuses, allowances, business income and other regular earnings. Where a parent's declared salary seems artificially low, for example a business owner paying themself a minimal wage, the court may look at other evidence of income or spending.
An illustrative example
These figures are purely arithmetic illustrations of the percentage range, not predictions of what a court would order.
| Paying parent's monthly total income | 20% | 25% | 30% |
|---|---|---|---|
| RMB 8,000 | RMB 1,600 | RMB 2,000 | RMB 2,400 |
| RMB 15,000 | RMB 3,000 | RMB 3,750 | RMB 4,500 |
| RMB 30,000 | RMB 6,000 | RMB 7,500 | RMB 9,000 |
Where in the range a case falls depends on the child's needs, the city, the receiving parent's own income, and what the parents agree.
Who pays child support and what does it cover?
After divorce, both parents remain responsible for supporting their children. In practice, the parent who has direct custody contributes through day-to-day care and spending, and the other parent pays a regular amount. Parents can agree on the amount and method of payment in their divorce agreement; if they cannot agree, the court decides.
Child support is generally understood to cover:
- Everyday living costs such as food, clothing and housing
- Education costs, including school fees and reasonable extracurricular costs
- Medical expenses, including insurance
Unusually large costs, such as international school fees or major medical treatment, are often dealt with separately in the agreement, for example by sharing them in agreed proportions. Setting this out clearly avoids many later disputes.
How long do you pay child support in China?
Generally until the child turns 18. Payment may stop earlier if the child is 16 or older and supports themself mainly through their own labour. Parents can agree to pay beyond 18, for example through university, and many international families do; courts generally will not order this without agreement, except in specific circumstances such as an adult child who cannot live independently.
Can child support be paid as a lump sum?
Yes. Parents can agree to a one-off payment, and courts may order lump-sum payment where the paying parent has the means. This is often attractive where the paying parent lives abroad, because it avoids later enforcement problems. It can also be paid in property rather than cash.
Can child support be increased later?
Yes. Under the Civil Code, a divorce agreement or judgment on support does not stop the child from later requesting a reasonable increase when necessary. Typical reasons include:
- The original amount no longer covers the child's actual living costs.
- The child develops a serious illness or needs costly education.
- The paying parent's income has increased significantly.
The claim is technically brought in the child's name, usually by the custodial parent as legal representative.
Can parents agree to no child support?
Parents can agree who pays and how much, but they cannot validly bargain away the child's right to support. An agreement that the custodial parent will bear all costs may be respected between the parents, but the child can still claim support from the other parent if the need arises. This is also why a prenuptial agreement cannot waive child support.
What if my ex-spouse will not pay?
Child support set by a judgment or court mediation document can be enforced by the court. Enforcement tools can include freezing bank accounts, deducting wages, restricting high consumption and listing the debtor as a dishonest judgment debtor. Refusing to comply where one is able to pay can, in serious cases, lead to fines, detention or criminal liability.
A registry divorce agreement is not directly enforceable in the same way. If your ex-spouse stops paying, you generally need to go to court first to obtain an enforceable document.
When the paying parent lives abroad
Enforcing a Chinese support order abroad depends on the laws of that country and any treaty or reciprocity with China. Some countries will recognise Chinese judgments; others may require a fresh local claim. Where one parent is overseas, a lump sum, security or payments through an agreed account can reduce risk. For Hong Kong, the mainland–Hong Kong arrangement on family judgments in force since 15 February 2022 covers maintenance orders.
Child support and custody go together
Support is closely linked to who has custody. Before negotiating numbers, it helps to understand how Chinese courts decide child custody. Our child support team can help with calculation, agreements, increase claims and enforcement.
Key takeaways
- Child support in China is generally 20% to 30% of monthly total income for one child, and generally not above 50% for several children.
- Without fixed income, courts use annual income or industry averages.
- Support generally runs until 18; payment beyond that usually needs agreement.
- The child can ask for a reasonable increase later; parents cannot waive the child's right.
- Court-ordered support is enforceable; a registry agreement generally needs a court step first.
For advice on your family's situation, book a free, confidential consultation.