How we work with clients in Guangzhou
Our Guangzhou office in Tianhe helps foreign residents, international traders and their families, and overseas Chinese with family ties in Guangdong through divorce, custody, property and inheritance matters. We also serve clients in Foshan and Zhuhai from here.
Family law in GuangzhouWhich court handles it in Guangzhou?
Divorce, custody and child-support cases are generally heard first by the basic (district) people's court where the defendant is domiciled — for example the courts of Tianhe, Yuexiu, Haizhu, Liwan, Baiyun or Panyu districts. If the defendant does not live in mainland China, the court of the plaintiff's domicile can often hear a divorce.
Recognition of foreign divorce judgments, and applications under the Hong Kong–Mainland matrimonial arrangement, go to the Guangzhou Intermediate People's Court, which also hears appeals from the district courts.
Marriage & divorce registry in Guangzhou
Marriage and agreed-divorce registration is handled by the marriage registries of the Guangzhou Civil Affairs Bureau system. Registrations involving a foreign national are handled only at designated registries, with both parties attending in person. The designated office, appointment arrangements and required documents can change, so check current requirements before you go — we are happy to confirm them for you. Since 10 May 2025, registration is nationwide: where one partner is a mainland resident, you can use any registry authorised for foreign-related matters anywhere in China, not only one in your hukou city, and the Chinese partner needs only a resident ID card and a signed declaration (no hukou booklet).
How marriage registration in china for foreigners works with us in Guangzhou
- 1
Confidential first call
A free 30-minute consultation (at our Guangzhou office or by video) to understand your situation and goals.
- 2
Strategy & written quote
Your options, the evidence needed, a realistic timeline and costs — fixed fees wherever the scope is defined.
- 3
Preparation & filing
We draft the documents, gather evidence and file with the competent court or registry for Guangzhou.
- 4
Negotiation, mediation or trial
We represent you throughout and report in English or Chinese at every step, through to enforcement.
Marriage registration in China for foreigners: getting it right the first time
Congratulations — and welcome to the paperwork. Marriage registration in China for a foreigner marrying a mainland Chinese citizen is very achievable, but it is document-driven: one missing stamp or an out-of-date certificate can mean a wasted trip. This page explains who can register, which documents you usually need, how the rules changed in 2023 and 2025, and what to think about after the wedding.
Requirements are set nationally but applied locally, and they change. Always check the current list with the registry you plan to use before you book travel.
Who can register a marriage in mainland China?
A foreign national may generally register a marriage with a mainland Chinese resident at a marriage registry in mainland China if:
- Both parties meet the legal marriage age under Chinese law (22 for men, 20 for women)
- Neither party is currently married to anyone else
- The parties are not close relatives within the prohibited degrees
- Both appear in person and consent freely
Two foreigners, or a foreigner and a Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan resident, face different or more limited options; ask us about your specific combination.
Marriage Registration in China for Foreigners in Guangzhou: FAQs
Do I need to meet a lawyer in person in Guangzhou for marriage registration in china for foreigners?
No. Many clients meet us at our Guangzhou office, but most of the work can be done by video, phone, email, WeChat or WhatsApp — including for clients living outside China. Court hearings and some registry steps may still require attendance, and we tell you early exactly when that is.
Do I need to come to your Guangzhou office in person?
No. You are welcome in Tianhe, but many clients work with us entirely by video, email, WeChat or WhatsApp. For most court matters a notarised and apostilled power of attorney lets us act on your behalf. Registry divorces are the main exception — both spouses must attend.
My spouse and I married outside China. Can we divorce at a Guangzhou registry?
Generally not. Registry divorce usually requires the marriage to have been registered in mainland China. Couples who married abroad normally need to divorce through the court — even if they agree on everything, the court can confirm their agreement by mediation.
What documents does a foreigner need to get married in China?
Usually a valid passport, a certificate or affidavit of no marriage from your home country, and a divorce decree if previously married — apostilled or legalised, with a certified Chinese translation. The Chinese partner needs only the resident ID card and a signed declaration; the hukou booklet has not been required since 10 May 2025. Check the registry's current list before travelling.
Where can a foreigner register a marriage in China?
At a marriage registry authorised to handle foreign-related marriages. Since the 10 May 2025 Regulations, if one of you is a mainland resident, you can use any such authorised registry anywhere in China, regardless of where the Chinese partner's hukou is. Not every registry has that authority, so check first.
Do I still need embassy legalisation for my single-status certificate?
Not if it comes from a Hague Apostille Convention member state. Since 7 November 2023, an apostille from your home country is generally enough for mainland China. Documents from non-member countries still need consular legalisation.
Can two foreigners get married in China?
Generally, mainland marriage registries handle marriages where at least one party is a mainland resident. Two foreign nationals usually need to marry through their embassies, where permitted, or in another country. Ask us about your specific nationalities.
Related guides
Marrying a Chinese Citizen: Marriage Registration Requirements for Foreigners (2026)
Planning to marry a Chinese citizen in mainland China? Here are the 2026 marriage registration requirements for foreigners: documents, the single-status certificate, apostille, translation and where to register.
Read the guideChinese Marriage Certificate: Translation, Apostille, Replacement and Use Abroad
How to use a Chinese marriage certificate (结婚证) abroad: notarial certificates, translation, apostille since November 2023, the difference from a marital status certificate, and replacing a lost certificate under the 2025 nationwide rules.
Read the guideApostille and Translation: Getting Foreign Documents Accepted for Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance in China
Since November 2023, an apostille replaces consular legalisation for documents from most countries. Here is how to prepare foreign documents, and translations, for Chinese registries, courts and notaries.
Read the guide