Getting Married in China as a Foreigner: Complete Legal Guide

Planning to marry your Chinese partner? Getting married in China as a foreigner involves specific legal requirements and procedures. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Basic Requirements

For the Foreign Partner

• Minimum age: 22 for men, 20 for women (Chinese law applies)
• Not currently married
• No close blood relation to your partner
• Legal entry into China (valid visa)

For the Chinese Partner

• Same age requirements
• Valid Hukou (household registration)
• Not currently married

Required Documents

Foreign Partner Needs:

1. Valid passport with valid visa
2. Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (also called Single Status Certificate or Affidavit of Single Status)
   • Obtained from your embassy/consulate in China
   • Or from your home country, then authenticated
3. Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
4. Chinese translation of all foreign documents
5. Photos (specific requirements vary by location)

Chinese Partner Needs:

• ID card (身份证)
• Hukou booklet (户口本)
• Divorce certificate (if previously married)
• Photos

The Registration Process

Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready

This is often the most time-consuming part:

• Contact your embassy for the Certificate of No Impediment
• Get documents notarized/authenticated as required
• Have everything translated into Chinese

Step 2: Make an Appointment

Marriage registration is done at the Civil Affairs Bureau (民政局) in your Chinese partner's Hukou location. Many cities now require appointments.

Step 3: Registration Day

• Both partners must appear in person
• Submit all documents
• Fill out application forms
• Take official photos (usually available on-site)
• Pay the registration fee (very small)
• Receive your marriage certificate (结婚证)

The actual registration process usually takes 1-2 hours if all documents are in order.

Certificate of No Impediment

This document proves you're legally free to marry. How to get it depends on your nationality:

US Citizens

The US Embassy doesn't issue marriage certificates. Instead, you sign an affidavit at the embassy stating you're free to marry.

UK Citizens

Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment from the UK General Register Office or sign an affidavit at the British Embassy.

Other Countries

Contact your embassy in China for specific procedures. Some countries issue certificates directly; others require documents from your home country.

Legal Implications

Property Rights

• Property acquired during marriage is generally joint property
• Pre-marital property remains individual property
• Consider a prenuptial agreement for complex situations

Visa Benefits

• Spouse of Chinese citizen can apply for family reunion visa (Q1/Q2)
• Easier path to long-term residence
• Does NOT automatically grant Chinese citizenship

Children

• Children born in China to a Chinese parent are Chinese citizens
• May also have claim to foreign parent's citizenship (depends on that country's laws)
• Dual citizenship is not recognized by China

Common Issues

Document Problems

• Missing authentication or notarization
• Translation errors
• Expired documents
• Different name formats causing confusion

Registration Refusals

Sometimes registration is refused due to:

• Incomplete documentation
• Visa issues
• Local policy variations

After Registration

• Register the marriage with your embassy (recommended)
• Update your visa status if needed
• Consider a prenuptial agreement (can be done after marriage in China)
• Understand divorce implications before you need to

Prenuptial Agreements

While not traditionally common in China, prenuptial agreements are legally recognized and increasingly used in international marriages. They can address:

• Property division
• Debt responsibility
• Inheritance matters
• Arrangements in case of divorce