The invention discloses a multi-stage series gap arrester for lightning protection of power electronic devices. The multi-stage series gap arrester for lightning protection of power electronic devicescomprises a high-voltage end, a ground end, N+1 zinc oxide arresters (ZnO), N series connection partial voltage inductors, N-1 loop partial voltage inductors and N equal-distance discharge gaps; thezinc oxide arresters, the series connection partial voltage inductors, the loop partial voltage inductors and the equal-distance discharge gaps form a first-stage discharge gap loop to an N-stage discharge gap loop, which are connected in series. The multi-stage series gap arrester is capable of withstanding relatively high direct current operating voltage, and has the characteristics of low residual voltage, long service life and high operational reliability.