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Information on legal requirements for marriage in China, statutory declarations and the marriage ceremony...
Getting married in China is fairly simple if one of the couple is a Chinese citizen. The foreigner must have either a valid Chinese visa or a Chinese residency permit.
It is more complicated for two foreigners to get married in China. For a non-Chinese couple to be able to marry in China, one of them must have a Chinese residency visa.
Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognised in China.
Marriage Requirements
The legal requirements for marriage in China are as follows:
- The minimum legal age for marriage for Chinese citizens is 22 for males and 20 for females
- Bigamy is illegal
- It is necessary for the couple to declare legally that they are free to marry (for example that they have never been married, or are divorced or widowed)
- Both parties must be willing to marry
- Marriage is not permitted between persons related by blood up to the third degree of kinship
- Marriage is not permitted for those considered medically unfit
- For more information about marriage law in China: Click here