China Simplifies Marriage Registration Procedures
"Marriage Registration Ordinance" Revised and Effective from May 10
As the number of marriages decreases and the birth rate falls, China has taken steps to change administrative procedures, including simplifying marriage registration regulations.
On the 10th, multiple Chinese media outlets such as Zhonghua Net and Shangguan News reported that the "Marriage Registration Ordinance" has been revised and will take effect from the 10th of next month.
According to the reports, prospective couples can register their marriage by submitting only their ID cards and a certificate proving that their spouse does not exist. Couples can now visit marriage registration offices anywhere in China to complete all marriage-related procedures.
Previously, marriage registration was only possible at the household registration (hukou) location of one of the prospective spouses. For example, even if a woman from Guangzhou and a man from Shanghai settled in Beijing due to work, they had to go to the hometown of one of the couple to register their marriage. As more people move for studies or jobs, having to visit their birthplace for marriage registration became a cumbersome procedure.
Additionally, when registering a marriage, if there is suspicion of human trafficking or kidnapping involving a woman, or if the person has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence, the case can be immediately reported to the relevant authorities. This is a new regulation aimed at protecting vulnerable groups. The establishment of marriage and family counseling service systems will also be strengthened. Counselors and experts will be introduced to provide services such as premarital education and mediation counseling for family conflicts.
Recently, China has been continuously making efforts to simplify marriage procedures. The culture of bride price (chaili) paid by the groom’s side and extravagant weddings is gradually changing. The Chinese government has also introduced measures such as subsidies to support couples in getting married and having children.
China’s leadership in these policy changes appears to be due to the social issues of declining marriage and birth rates in recent years. According to data released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs in February, the number of marriages in China last year was 6.106 million couples, a 20.5% decrease compared to the previous year. This figure is the lowest in 45 years since 1978. With the number of births falling below 10 million and a declining birth rate trend, China’s total population has also been decreasing for three consecutive years. Sina Finance analyzed in February that "as the economy slows, job stability weakens, and income expectations decline, the willingness to buy homes or consume has hit rock bottom," adding that "these effects have also influenced young people’s desire to marry or have children."
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