Marriage and Partnerships

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