China has revised its marriage registration rules to make the process easier and more flexible. This change is part of the government’s efforts to encourage more young people to marry. The new rules will take effect on May 10, 2025.
Under the revised marriage registration rules, couples will only need their identification cards and a signed declaration stating that they are not currently married and are not closely related by blood. This removes the previous requirement to present household registration books. These changes aim to save time and reduce paperwork.
Additionally, the marriage registration rules now allow couples to register their marriages outside their hometowns. Previously, they had to register in their place of permanent residence. This shift is especially beneficial for those who live and work far from their registered hometowns.
For example, Zhang from Inner Mongolia and her husband Wang from Shandong spent years working in Jiangsu. When they decided to marry, they had to travel to Wang’s hometown to complete the paperwork. The trip cost them nearly 2,000 yuan and took three days off work. Many other couples have faced similar challenges due to the previous system.
As of 2020, nearly 493 million people in China lived away from their registered hometowns. Over 70% of them were between the ages of 15 and 35. The government hopes that these new marriage registration rules will help reduce the barriers to marriage.
The changes come amid a decline in marriage rates in China. In 2024, 6.1 million couples registered their marriages, down from 7.68 million in 2023. Experts believe this decline is due to factors such as a shrinking pool of people of marriageable age, rising living costs, and shifting views on relationships.
In response, local governments have introduced various incentives. For example, Zhejiang province increased its paid marriage leave from three to 13 days. In Lyuliang, Shanxi province, women who marry by age 35 now receive a 1,500 yuan incentive.
These efforts align with China’s broader goals. Increasing the number of newlyweds is important for addressing the country’s aging population. The government has also implemented policies to support families, such as enhanced childbirth services and improved access to housing, education, and employment.
