Author China Legal Portal Editorial · ReviewerZihan Lei · Last reviewed · 3 min read · Editorial policy · AI content policy · Disclaimer · Not legal advice — confirm current rules with counsel and authorities
At a glance
Dispute Resolution: typical process stages
Four high-level stages — details and local variations are in the guide below.
1ClauseCourt vs arbitration seat
2PreserveEvidence & asset freezes
3ProceedFiling, hearing, award
4EnforcePRC or cross-border
City hubs
Local guides & lawyers
Drill into city × practice hubs where available, or open the city legal market guide.
Not legal advice. Exit-Entry Law, Civil Procedure enforcement tools and local practice change. This page is 限制出境 as an enforcement stop — not a visa overstay and not a public “am I banned” website.
Legal representatives and some “responsible persons” are the usual targets when a company has an unsatisfied judgment, certain unpaid-wage cases, tax enforcement, or a criminal file. It is not automatic on every overdue invoice. A nominee LR moves travel risk off HQ; it does not delete the company’s problem and can create a hostage you cannot remove (see legal-rep). Lifting is settle or post security and get a written lift into the exit-entry system. There is no reliable public lookup. Visa overstay is a different spoke. DUI/drug pages stay separate.
Usually no — enforcement / criminal / wages / tax.
Every unpaid bill?
No. Need a live measure.
Who is named?
Often LR, listed GM, responsible person.
Nominee?
Moves risk; does not delete it.
How to leave?
Lift in the system — not a WeChat promise.
You do not appeal the airport.
Scope and legal framework
Exit-Entry Administration Law. Foreigners may be stopped from leaving in listed situations, including uncompleted criminal process and civil cases where a court has decided they may not exit, plus other statutory grounds (including certain labour-remuneration decisions).
Civil Procedure / enforcement practice. Courts may restrict exit of a legal representative or responsible person in enforcement. That is a case measure, not a tourist stamp.
What this page is not. Overstay/deportation, DUI, drug tests, and consumption-restriction lists are sister files. Do not merge them into one “China won’t let me leave” essay.
No reliable public am-I-banned website.
Practical workflow
Book the flight only after the lift is in the system.
If a dispute is live: assume you need a check through counsel, not Ctrip.
Identify court / PSB / labour / tax organ.
Settle or security; obtain the lift; confirm exit-entry has it before you fly.
Common mistakes
The friend cannot leave and you cannot change LR without chops.
Arguing with border police about a civil judgment.
Booking a same-week flight after a “we settled” WeChat.
Confusing this with a visa overstay fine.
Action checklist
Are you LR / GM on any PRC company with a live case?
Counsel check before travel if yes.
If banned: organ + lift document + system confirm.
Legal boundary: Prefer primary statutes, judicial interpretations, and official guidance when making decisions. Where this guide links to city hubs or lawyer listings, verify credentials and engagement terms directly with counsel. Full disclaimer · Request a consultation.
FAQ
Common questions
Quick answers for foreign nationals and employers. Rules vary by city and change over time.
Can I check online whether I have an exit ban?
There is no trustworthy public dashboard. Treat social-media “lookups” as noise. If a case exists, ask the handling counsel or the court — before you are at immigration.
Will appointing a local legal representative keep me safe?
It may keep your passport off that particular list. It creates a person you must be able to remove, and courts can still look at other responsible persons. Read the legal-rep page.
Consultation preparation
What to prepare before contacting counsel
Send a focused first package so counsel can check conflicts, understand scope, and identify urgent deadlines.
A concise timeline and the result you want to achieve.
Names of all parties and affiliates for a conflict check.
Key contracts, notices, correspondence, filings, or decisions.
Known deadlines, preferred language, location, and budget constraints.
Topic counsel
Lawyers relevant to this topic
Review profiles matched to this guide, then request a free initial consultation.
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