How To Register Marriage In China?

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he number of transnational marriages in China has been increasing in recent years. But what are the correct procedures for registering a transnational marriage in China?

 
First, partners must meet the requirements of Chinese laws and regulations.

You can apply for marriage registration in China as long as one of the partners is a Chinese citizen.

Preparing the necessary documentation in advance is the key to the whole process.

Marital status certificates are usually issued by either the notary office or the appropriate agency in his / her country of nationality

The partner who is a Chinese citizen must submit his / her valid ID card and residence household register, while foreign partner must submit: 1. his / her valid passport or other valid international travel certificate; 2. A marital status certificate verifying that he / she has no spouse.

Marital status certificates are usually issued by either the notary office or the appropriate agency in his / her country of nationality and authenticated by the embassy (consulate) of the PRC in that country or their country’s embassy (consulate) in China; or by the embassy (consulate) of the applicant’s country of nationality in China.

Additional things to note

1. The certificate of marital status of the foreign partner, indicating that he / she is single, is valid for six months from the date of issue;

2. Relative certificates issued by countries without the diplomatic relationship with China shall be recognised at the (general) consulate of a third country with diplomatic relationship with that country in there, the (general) consulate of China in that country and vice versa.

3. If the materials such as “Certificate of Single Person” of the party that are submitted to the marriage registration authority are in foreign languages, they shall be translated into Chinese. If the party does not submit the translated documents in Chinese, it shall be deemed as not submitting that document. The marriage registration authority can accept the translated documents from the foreign consulates in China from the translation institutions.

After you have gotten all the required documentation together, prepare 3 recent half body-length glossy photos (150px x 100px) with a red back-ground (no headwear!) and go get married!