Foreign-Related Marriage and Divorce In China

A marriage in China between a foreigner and a Chinese citizen or between two foreigners is considered a "foreign-related marriage". 

According to Article 147 of the General Principles of the Civil Law of the People's Republic of China, marriage of a Chinese citizen to a foreigner shall be bound by the law of the place where they get married. 

Therefore, partners contemplating a foreign-related marriage in China must follow the procedures stipulated by Chinese law. Marriages in China, regardless of the nationality of those being married, are registered according to the laws of China. It is important to understand that neither diplomats nor consulate officials of the foreigner's own country, nor clergy of any country, have the authority to perform marriages in China. Check the inforgraphic below for more information.