How to get married in China? A foreigner's guide

If you’re wondering how to get married in China, especially as a foreigner, it’s important to understand the legal process before you begin. Marriage in China involves specific requirements, paperwork, and government procedures and missing a step could delay your plans or affect your marriage’s legal validity.

Knowing exactly how to get married in China can help you avoid unnecessary stress. From eligibility rules to required documents and local registration offices, being well prepared will make the process much smoother.

We will also introduce how Wise can help you manage international payments for fees and wedding costs more easily.

Who is eligible to get married in China?

Let’s first cover the fact that China in general doesn’t issue marriage registration for two foreigners. It means that one of the two of you must be Chinese mainland citizens to finish the marriage registration in China¹.

Beside from nationality, let’s explore other eligibilities to get married in China¹:

• Minimum age requirement: 22 for men and 20 for women.
• Family Status: both of you must be single by the time of registration
• Mutual Consent: Both of you must enter the marriage with mutual consent.
• You can’t marry someone who has linear relations or collateral relations, within three generations to you.

Last but not least, both partners must physically show during the marriage registration to ensure mutual consent or marriage fraud.

What documents do I need to get married in China?

Proper documentation is essential for a successful marriage registration. You will need to prepare a specific set of papers, and any foreign documents must be officially translated into Chinese.

The required documents may vary depending on the municipality. If you’re registering in Shanghai, for the foreign partner, the required documents include¹:

• Identity document: A valid passport with valid Chinese visa, other international travel documents, or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.
• Single status certificate valid for six months: Must be issued by a competent authority in your home country and authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate there.

Your Chinese spouse will need to provide a personal ID card². And three photos of the couple taken together should also be submitted. It is worth noting that both the partners might need to submit additional documents to obtain the Chinese marriage certification.

How do I apply for marriage registration?

The application is a multi-step process and every step must be completed correctly to avoid issues. Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to register for marriage in China as a foreigner.

Step 1: Arrive to the nearest Marriage Registry Office

Come to the government office where your Chinese spouse’s household is registered.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

Both partners must go to the registry office together to submit the application and all required documents. Officials will review your papers for completeness and accuracy. Any errors or missing items can cause delays.

Step 3: Marriage Registration Interview/Review

After submitting your documents, you will undergo a review. Officials will ask questions to confirm your identities and that you are both willingly entering the marriage. If either of you does not speak Mandarin, you may need to hire an interpreter.

Step 4: Receive the Marriage Certificate

Once the registration is approved, you will receive your official marriage certificates. These are red booklets that serve as legal proof of your marriage in China. The process can often be completed in one day if all your documents are in order.

What happens after marriage registration?

Obtaining a Chinese marriage certificate has immediate legal effects. It is recognized in China and can typically be authenticated for use in other countries.

Your marriage can also impact your visa status. After marrying a Chinese citizen, you may be eligible to apply for different types of residency permits, such as a family or spousal visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get married in China as a foreigner?

The registration itself can often be done in a single day, provided all documents are correct. However, preparing the supplementary documents such as the certificate of single status can take several weeks or months.

Do I need to be in China to register my marriage?

Yes, both partners must be physically present at the marriage registry office in China to apply for and receive the marriage certificate.

Can two foreigners marry each other in China?

No, the Chinese government in general doesn't issue marriage registration for two foreigners. So one of the spouses must be a Chinese citizen.

What if my home country does not issue a ‘certificate of single status’?

If your country does not issue such a certificate, you can usually obtain an affidavit or a similar statement of marriageability from your country's embassy or consulate in China. If you cannot obtain the standard form, you can also draft on your own to confirm your single status. Ensure to get this document notarized.²

Understanding how to get married in China is key to avoiding delays and ensuring your marriage is legally recognised. By preparing the right documents, meeting the eligibility requirements, and following the correct registration steps, you can complete the process smoothly and with confidence.

As you plan your next steps, managing your finances is just as important. Send money from China with Wise at the mid-market rate. We'll show your conversion fees upfront, so you always know what you're paying to send CNY out.

Open your Wise account quickly and easily to send CNY from your Chinese bank account or Alipay app. All you'll need is your ID and a mobile device.

With Wise you can

• Send CNY from China to your own bank account outside of China or your Wise Account.
• Eligible to send if you're not mainland Chinese (e.g., from Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau), have worked in China, and possess a valid tax record from the last 3 years. (This service is for personal accounts only.)
• Pay for your transfer using your Chinese bank account or Alipay app.
• Benefit from our collaboration with a licensed third-party payment provider in China, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Set up Auto Conversions based on your desired rate in the Wise app or use our Wise Rate Tracker to request exchange rate notifications directly to your email.
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Sources last checked on 27-Jan-2026