China Streamlines Marriage Procedures with Nationwide Registration Reform

China Streamlines Marriage Procedures with Nationwide Registration Reform

China’s updated Marriage Registration Regulations came into force on May 10, introducing sweeping changes to streamline marital procedures and address evolving social needs. The revisions focus on three pillars: expanded family support services, a unified national registration platform, and simplified administrative requirements. Notably, the policy abolishes all fees for marriage or divorce filings and removes the longstanding mandate to present household registration booklets (hukou)—a move expected to benefit millions of migrant workers and urban couples.

Under the revised framework, mainland couples seeking marriage must now submit ID cards and a signed declaration affirming their single status and lack of close kinship ties (within three generations). Registrars will deny applications in four scenarios: underage petitioners, non-consensual unions, existing marriages, or prohibited familial relationships (direct blood relatives or third-degree cousins). This standardized approach replaces patchwork local rules, aligning with broader efforts to modernize civil governance.

For divorces, both spouses must jointly file a notarized separation agreement at registration offices, accompanied by IDs and marriage certificates. While the process remains administrative, observers highlight the retention of a 30-day “cooling-off period”—a contentious measure introduced in 2021 to curb impulsive splits. Officials argue the reforms balance social stability with individual freedoms, though critics caution about inconsistent enforcement, particularly in rural areas.

The elimination of hukou requirements marks a watershed for China’s floating population, which exceeded 376 million in 2023. Previously, couples often had to return to their registered hometowns for paperwork—a costly barrier for migrant workers in cities. Meanwhile, enhanced counseling services under the new family support provisions aim to tackle rising divorce rates, which peaked at 44% in 2020 before cooling policies slowed the trend.

Legal experts emphasize the reforms’ focus on procedural clarity. “By centralizing registration and cutting red tape, the state is reducing bureaucratic friction,” said Zhang Wei, a family law scholar at Renmin University. However, concerns persist about privacy risks linked to the national database and potential loopholes in verifying kinship declarations.

The financial implications are equally significant. With fee-free services nationwide, local governments must absorb operational costs—a challenge for underfunded rural registries. Additionally, the shift to digital verification systems raises questions about infrastructure readiness, particularly in remote regions.

Demographic analysts note the changes align with efforts to boost marriage rates amid a declining birthrate and aging population. China’s marriage registrations hit a 36-year low of 6.83 million in 2023, while the average marrying age has risen to 29.3 for men and 27.7 for women. By lowering administrative hurdles, policymakers hope to reverse these trends, though skeptics argue deeper issues like housing costs and workplace discrimination require parallel reforms.

As implementation unfolds, all eyes remain on provincial adaptation strategies. Will streamlined rules revive public trust in marital institutions, or will structural pressures override procedural ease? For now, the reforms signal Beijing’s recognition of systemic bottlenecks in an era of unprecedented social mobility.

More population information please check:2025 China Population Data and Population Census data - ChinaCensus-ChinaCensus

reference content:明起，领证不用户口本了！