How Do Foreigners and Chinese Get Married in China?

The laws governing marriage in China have shifted dramatically over the years. As a result, it may be a little confusing when seeking advice on registering for marriage because the laws governing marriage today may be different from those that existed 5-10 years ago or during our parents' generation. As a result, what is the best way to go about registering for marriage in China these days? What exactly are the nuances and prerequisites that have to be met?

What are the essential documents to prepare when getting married in China?

If both, bride and groom are Chinese, the materials or certificates that is needed to prepare include:

1. ID card and household registration book.
2. Marital status certificate issued by the sub-district office (township people's government) where the unit or household registration is located.
3. Remarriage must present a divorce certificate or spouse's death certificate.
4. Both parties must submit valid passports, travel permits and residence certificates.
5. Three recently taken, two-inch, coloured photos from both sides of the upper half of the body.

When a foreign bride or groom is involved in the marriage, the documentation will be more complicated. The documents that must be prepared are listed below.

1. Passport or other identity and nationality documents.
2. The "Foreigner's Residence Permit" issued by the public security organ or the ID card issued by the foreign affairs department, or the entry and residence permit for temporary visit to China
3. Marital status certificate issued by the home country's notary office certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or authorized agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the country's embassy or consulate in the country, or the marriage status certificate issued by the country's embassy or consulate in China.
4. The marital status certificate issued by the home country's notary office held by foreigners and foreign Chinese is valid for three months from the date of notarization. It will be processed after it is certified by the Chinese embassy or consulate. The period of marriage registration is valid for half a year from the date of certification (this regulation also applies to overseas Chinese).

What Are the Steps to Register for Marriage in China?

When a Chinese citizen and a foreigner marry in mainland China, both the man and woman must jointly go to the marriage registration authority (generally the Civil Affairs Bureau) designated by the people's government of the province, autonomous region, or municipality where one of the Chinese citizens is registered. There, the bride and bridegroom will apply for registration procedures.

If both parties are Chinese, they are required to go to the marriage registration office to register the marriage in person. Those who meet the provisions of this law shall be registered and a marriage certificate shall be issued. Upon obtaining a marriage certificate, the relationship between husband and wife is established. 

Both parties must go to the embassy and consulate together to submit an application form voluntarily as both parties must witness and approve the application.

How Do Families Get Their Visas in China After Marriage?

Spouses, parents, children under the age of 18, parents of spouses of foreigners residing in China for work, study and other reasons who are going to China for long-term visits (more than 180 days), and those who need to stay in China for other private affairs personnel would fall under the S1 visa category.

To apply for S1 visa, parties must provide:

1. An invitation letter issued by a foreigner residing in China. The invitation letter must include the following:
   1. Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc.;
   2. Information on the visit of the invited person: the reason for coming to China, the intended date of arrival, the intended place of residence, the intended period of residence, the relationship with the inviter, the source of expenses, etc.
   3. Information of the inviter: name, contact number, address, signature of the inviter, etc.
2. Copy of the passport and residence certificate of the inviting person.
3. The relative relationship between the applicant and the inviting person (spouse, parents, children under the age of 18, parents of the spouse) (marriage certificate, birth certificate, relative certificate issued by the police station or notarized certificate of relative relationship, etc.) Original and photocopy.

All in all, that is the general guideline listed out for you to get married in China. I hope this article can help get started in planning your own wedding. All the best with your new partner and may the years ahead be filled with years of joy and love!