When tying the knot in China,
what steps to take in the P.R.C.

The couple must go to the civil administration office (of the Chinese spouse's local area) to apply for the necessary documentation. Marriages can only take place between foreigners above 22 years and locals who are above 20 years of age under the PRC Marriage Legislation.Ó

The PRC citizen must submit ;
a) ID card and registered permanent residence book;
b) A Local office certificate
c) Those previously married must submit their divorce papers or death certificate, depending on the circumstances.

Foreigner must submit:
a) Passport
b) Residence permit issued by Chinese Police or ID card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
c) A marriage testimonial issued by notary department of his/hersÕ country. The testimonial must also be certified by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Chinese Embassy in his/hersÕ country of origin.
d) Divorcees must submit divorce documents. Widowers must submit death certificate of their spouse. The documents must be notarized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassy in his/hersÕ country of origin.

If the foreigner was previously married to a Chinese local, he/she must have his/her s divorce certificate notarizated by the Chinese courts.

Both need to undergo a medical examination:
Both must undergo their medical examination at the Medical Department at 6 Pukou Road, Hexi District.

Photos: Three 2-inch and three 1-inch passport photos.

Then the couple must submit all their certificates, medical examination reports, photographs to the Tianjin Administration Bureau.

For more information, call Tianjin Civil Administration Bureau at 23958025 or go directly to the office at + 1 Cangqiong Road, Nankai District. (Open on Mon, Wed and Friday only)