China unveils newly revised regulations for marriage registration

China on Wednesday unveiled newly revised marriage registration regulations that are set to take effect on May 10. The new regulations aim to expand family support services, enable nationwide registration access, and optimize administrative procedures, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to promulgate the revised regulations, which consist of six chapters and 28 articles and include major revisions to improve marriage services and ease registration, according to Xinhua.

One main revision of the regulations is that couples will no longer need to register marriages in the location of their hukou, or permanent household registration, according to Xinhua. The regulations also introduce nationwide marriage registration services to further improve accessibility. The Ministry of Civil Affairs will lead the coordination of a national marriage information database and establish a secure, accurate, and efficient information-sharing system with relevant agencies.

He Yafu, an independent demographic expert who has long tracked marriage registration data, highlighted the updates as key features of the revision, noting that they significantly simplify the process for individuals whose place of residence differs from their official hukou location.

Previously, the hukou was required for marriage registration to help prevent issues such as bigamy. However, with marriage registration information now integrated into a nationwide network, it is no longer necessary, and couples can register their marriages across provinces, He said.

Another update to the regulations is the inclusion of marriage and family support services. The regulations call on local governments at or above the county level to enhance guidance concerning marriage and family services, build systems for counseling support, and promote civilized marriage customs. 

The goal is to foster harmonious family relationships and encourage healthy views on marriage, relationships, childbearing, and family values. Marriage registration offices are now tasked with providing such counseling services, leveraging both professionals and broader social resources in areas such as premarital education and the protection of women's rights.

He noted that mechanisms such as premarital counseling and conflict mediation play a role in reducing the divorce rate, as some divorces are filed on impulse.

The regulations also aim to optimize marriage registration services. Local authorities are required to improve service quality and standardize and upgrade registration venues for greater convenience. Registration offices should legally verify documents, conduct inquiries, and perform online verification of applicants' identities and marital status. 

Registration of marriages has also been aligned with relevant legal provisions, while localities are encouraged to provide the parties concerned with services such as appointments and license ceremonies in conjunction with actual practice.

In 2024, the number of marriages registered nationwide was 6.106 million, according to data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs on February.