In a groundbreaking reform aimed at embracing the digital era, the Chinese mainland has introduced new marriage registration guidelines that simplify the process for modern couples. The Ministry of Civil Affairs confirmed that couples will no longer be required to register marriages at the location of their hukou. Instead, they can choose a registry office based on the habitual residence of either party.
This change addresses the challenges faced by individuals living or working away from their registered hometowns. Recent census data highlights that about 493 million people were residing away from their hukou location in 2020. The reform comes as a welcome relief, especially for the younger generation who find traveling back to their hukou location both time-consuming and financially burdensome.
A pilot program launched in June 2021 has already benefited nearly 492,000 couples across 21 provincial-level regions, including major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Inner Mongolia. The initiative was made possible through the digitalization of the marriage registration system, which now features a national marriage information database that allows civil affairs agencies to share data seamlessly.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Civil Affairs plans to further enhance digital infrastructure with improved online appointment systems and more efficient inter-provincial data verification. This digital transformation not only streamlines administrative procedures but also reflects the Chinese mainland's commitment to innovation and inclusivity in public services.
By removing longstanding logistical barriers, this reform resonates with a diverse audience—from young global citizens and tech enthusiasts to thought leaders and digital nomads—demonstrating how modern governance can adapt to the needs of a mobile and digitally connected society.
Reference(s):
China to lift hukou-based marriage registration restrictions
cgtn.com
