Chinese Marriage System Shift
- The move aims to simplify procedures and address a drop in marriage rates.
- China is streamlining its marriage registration process in an effort to boost declining marriage rates.
- On March 22, 2025, the Chinese government, specifically the Ministry of Public Management and Security, announced the approval of an amendment to the marriage registration ordinance.
China Eases Marriage Registration Amid Declining Numbers
Table of Contents
The move aims to simplify procedures and address a drop in marriage rates.
China is streamlining its marriage registration process in an effort to boost declining marriage rates. The change removes a requirement that couples register in the district of their hukou, or household registration.
On March 22, 2025, the Chinese government, specifically the Ministry of Public Management and Security, announced the approval of an amendment to the marriage registration ordinance. This decision came after a review by the State Council’s Commerce Council. Previously, couples were required to register their marriage in person at the registration site corresponding to their hukou. With an increasing number of individuals living away from their birthplace for education or employment, this requirement had become a cumbersome procedure.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), couples are now free to register their marriage regardless of their district of registration.
The Chinese government is accelerating administrative reforms as marriage rates have plummeted. In 2024, the number of marriage registrations in China reached a 44-year low.Government data indicates that approximately 6,106,000 marriages were registered in 2024, a decrease of about 20% compared to the previous year. This decline has exacerbated the country’s low birth rate, with fewer than 10 million births recorded for the third consecutive year.
To counter the trend of avoiding marriage due to economic pressures, the government intends to address the culture of expensive weddings. Plans are in place to curb practices such as chairi
(bridal money) and extravagant wedding ceremonies, which are considered undesirable customs.
While the government is focused on increasing marriage rates, public attention remains on the country’s divorce system. In 2021, China introduced a 30-day cooling-off period for divorce applications, during which either party can withdraw the application. Despite the government’s efforts to encourage marriage, demand for divorce remains strong, and calls for amendments to the divorce procedure persist. The recently published ordinance amendment did not include any changes to the divorce cooling-off period, prompting online users to express their disappointment. I thought the divorce period was canceled,
one netizen posted, reflecting a common sentiment.
China eases Marriage Registration Amid Declining Numbers: Your Top Questions Answered
Overview
China is taking steps to address declining marriage rates with a meaningful change to its marriage registration process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent changes and the broader context of these reforms.
Key Changes and Their Implications
What is China doing to Encourage Marriage?
To encourage marriage, China is streamlining its marriage registration process. The most significant change removes the requirement for couples to register in the district of their hukou (household registration). Previously, this meant couples often had to travel to their hometowns to register.Now, they can register their marriage irrespective of their hukou district.
why Did China Change the Marriage Registration Process?
The primary motivation behind these changes is to address declining marriage rates and, by extension, the low birth rate. The goverment aims to make the process more convenient and less burdensome for couples, especially those who live away from their place of hukou for education or work.
When Did These Changes Take Effect?
The Chinese government announced the approval of an amendment to the marriage registration ordinance on March 22, 2025.
Addressing the Root Causes
What Other Measures Is China Taking to Boost Marriage Rates?
Besides simplifying the registration process, the government plans to address economic pressures that discourage marriage. This includes efforts to curb expensive wedding customs, such as “chairi” (bridal money) and extravagant wedding ceremonies.
How Serious is the Problem of Declining Marriage Rates in China?
The situation is a significant concern.In 2024, marriage registrations in China reached a 44-year low, with approximately 6,106,000 marriages, a decrease of about 20% compared to the previous year.This decline is linked to the country’s low birth rate,with fewer than 10 million births recorded for the third consecutive year.
The Broader Context: Marriage and Divorce
Does the New Ordinance Affect Divorce Procedures?
No, the recently announced ordinance did not include any changes to divorce procedures. China introduced a 30-day cooling-off period for divorce applications in 2021,a policy that remains in place.
what are the Public’s View on the Divorce System?
Public sentiment indicates some dissatisfaction with the current divorce process. Many people had hoped for changes to the divorce cooling-off period, but those expectations were not met in the latest ordinance.
Summary of key Data
| Metric | Data | Year |
| ————————– | ————————————— | —- |
| Marriage Registrations | Approximately 6,106,000 | 2024 |
| Decrease in Registrations | About 20% compared to the previous year | 2024 |
| Births | Fewer than 10 million (for 3rd year) | 2024 |