Objective Ni-P-phosphor composite coatings were prepared on the copper substrate by electroless plating. Methods Under the condition of different plating, fluorescent particles were added into the electroless plating solution. Surface morphology, structure and fluorescence properties under different process parameters were investigated using SEM, XRD and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Results The results indicated that particle packing was the depositional mode of Ni-P-phosphor powder composite plating. The phosphor concentration and pH in the plating solution influenced the content of phosphor in the coatings. The surface of composite plating was darkened and showed rough appearance compared to that of electroless Ni-P plating because of the addition of phosphor particles. And fluorescence analysis was carried out on the coating, fluorescence peaks were found when the excitation spectra ranged from 450 to 560 nm while the emission spectra ranged from 420 to 500 nm, which was combined to verify the fluorescence property of the plating. Conclusion Rational process conditions could result in Ni-P-Phosphor Composite Plating and the optimal fluorescent effect was obtained at pH 5. 0.