Objective To improve the uniformity and corrosion resistance of Ni-P-nano Al2O3 composite coatings. Methods Ni-P-nano Al2O3 composite coatings were obtained by adding different amounts of nano Al2O3 powder (concentrations ranging from 0 g/L to 10 g/L) into the traditional Ni-P electroless bath. And the morphology of the coatings was studied. Different concentrations of anionic/cationic surfactants were added into the bath to disperse the nano particles. The microstructure of the samples was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface morphology and composition of the samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The bath stability and dispersion of nano particles were determined by change of Zeta potential of Al2O3. Corrosion resistance of all the samples was evaluated in 3.5wt% NaCl solution by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In that way, the effects of different types and amounts of surfactants on the properties of composite coating were studied. Results With the increasing amounts of Al2O3 in the bath, the content of Al2O3 in coating increased firstly and then became stable. Yet Al2O3 agglomerated on the surface of coatings. Surfactants would affect the dispersion of nano particles, creating a coating with less agglomerated Al2O3 on the surface. A lower amount of cationic surfactant (CTAB) would disperse the nano particles very well while a higher concentration of anionic surfactant (SDBS) was required toget similar effect. Conclusion The coating formed in the bath with 6g/L nano Al2O3 and 1.25cmc SDBS exhibited the best homogeneous morphology and corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution.