Marriage and Adoption

China Focus: One year on, new marriage rules deliver a nuptial uptick and spending boost

May 15, 2026

n March, the post-2000s couple from Guangdong province obtained their marriage certificate at an official registration venue inside the Erhai Lake scenic area.

Marriage registrations climb with new policies supporting couples, families

August 11, 2025

China's marriage registry offices were busier than usual this year, with nearly 3.54 million couples tying the knot in the first half of this year, a notable increase of 109,000 compared with the same period last year.

Newlyweds offered generous marriage leave boost

June 17, 2025

China is rolling out extended marriage leave in at least 27 provincial-level regions as part of ongoing efforts to foster a more family-friendly society.

Regulations on marriage and divorce

April 23, 2019

Marriage between Chinese citizens and foreigners refers to marriage between Chinese citizens and foreign nationals, including Chinese holding foreign nationality, foreign nationals and stateless persons residing in China. Same sex marriages are forbidden in China.

Basic procedures for foreign-related marriage registration

April 23, 2019

To apply for marriage registration, partners of the contemplated marriage shall appear together at the marriage registration office (Typically, marriage registration offices are only open Monday to Friday during certain hours, and are closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays).

Documents required for adoption of stepchildren by foreign citizens

April 23, 2019

According to the No 2008-4 file issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, parties involved in stepchild adoption by a foreign citizen shall prepare and submit documents and papers as follows.

Basic adoption procedures for foreigners in China

April 23, 2019

At present there are 17 countries that have established cooperative relationship with China in inter-country adoption.

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