Abstract: As a potential biodegradable material, magnesium based biomaterials have good mechanical strength, potential biocompatibility, biodegradability, bone conductivity and other characteristics, which has become a research hotspot in the field of biomedical materials. However, the rapid degradation of these materials in the physiological environment may lead the loss of mechanical strength, subcutaneous emphysema and alkalosis, thus hindering their clinical application. In view of the above shortcomings, many surface treatment strategies have been proposed to inhibit its degradation rate and enhance its biological activity,biocompatibility and other related properties. In this paper, the research has reviewed the progress of functionalized coatings on the surface of magnesium based biomaterials and their performance in regulating degradation behavior and biological function in recent years .As a potential biodegradable material, magnesium based biomaterials have good mechanical strength, potential biocompatibility, biodegradability, bone conductivity and other characteristics, which has become a research hotspot in the field of biomedical materials. However, the rapid degradation of these materials in the physiological environment may lead the loss of mechanical strength, subcutaneous emphysema and alkalosis, thus hindering their clinical application. In view of the above shortcomings, many surface treatment strategies have been proposed to inhibit its degradation rate and enhance its biological activity,biocompatibility and other related properties. In this paper, the research has reviewed the progress of functionalized coatings on the surface of magnesium based biomaterials and their performance in regulating degradation behavior and biological function in recent years .