A couple get married at Putuo District Marriage Registration Center on the first day of 2025. [Photo/Putuo District Civil Affairs Bureau]

Starting this year, Shanghai has made it easier for expats to tie the knot with locals. 

Under the new policy, expats can now register their marriage at district-level marriage registration centers in nine districts — Hongkou, Yangpu, Putuo, Pudong, Huangpu, Xuhui, Changning, Jing'an and Minhang. This development aims to streamline the marriage registration process for foreign residents in Shanghai.

Previously, couples residing in these districts were required to visit the city-level marriage registration center to complete their registration.

Here is what you need to get married:

For locals:

1. Personal ID card.

2. Household registration permit of Shanghai.

For expats:

1. Passport or valid travel documents or foreign permanent resident ID card.

2. Single status document.

3. Translated copies of the single status document.

For both:

Copies of your group photo.

[Photo/VCG]

How to register

Go to the marriage registration office in the jurisdiction of your local partner's hukou (household registration).

For example, a resident of Hongkou district marrying an expat can now register their marriage at either the city's marriage registration center or the Hongkou district center.

You can book an appointment for marriage registration at the Government Online-Offline Shanghai website.

If you are not fluent in Chinese, you can call 021-6432-5088 for English service.

Where to get married

Shanghai Marriage Registration Center

Address: 3rd Floor, Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center, No 80 Caobao Road

Tel: 021-6432-5088

Pudong New Area Marriage Registration Center

Address: 3rd Floor, No 2240 South Pudong Road

Tel: 021-5882-8056 (Marriage), 021-5882-9805 (Divorce)

Huangpu District Marriage Registration Center

Address: No 250 Middle Jiangxi Road

Tel: 021-6377-7913

Xuhui District Marriage Registration Center

Address: 3rd Floor, Building 2, Xuhui Administrative Service Center, No 999 Nanning Road

Tel: 021-6432-5543

Changning District Marriage Registration Center

Address: 1st Floor, Building 2, Alley 631, Jinzhong Road

Tel: 021-6270-5580

Jing'an District Marriage Registration Center

Address: 1st & 2nd Floors, No 50 Moling Road

Tel: 021-5355-0041

Minhang District Marriage Registration Center

Address: No 1766 Xinzhen Road

Tel: 021-5453-0884

Hongkou Tian'ai Road Marriage Registration Sub-Center

Address: No 50 Tian'ai Branch Road

Tel: 021-5512-7328

Putuo Marriage Registration Center

Address: No 510 Caoyang Road

Tel: 021-6245-5667

Email: pt62455667@qq.com 

Yangpu Marriage Registration Center

Address: No 1111 Changyang Road

Tel: 021-6506-1665

Click here (https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Marriage/20240701/f9b93c2428e845a2af28bab19e933ad2.html) for more information about getting married in Shanghai. 

Source: International Services Shanghai (https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/)

International Services Shanghai is an upgraded, multilingual portal for the Shanghai municipal government. It offers detailed policies, news updates, and useful tips for expats in Shanghai who are seeking information on business, employment, travel, education, or shopping.

Expatriates marrying locals in Shanghai should be aware of several key points. Firstly, ensure compliance with Chinese marriage laws, which require specific documentation such as passports, visas, and a health certificate. It's crucial to understand cultural differences and family expectations, as these can play a significant role in the marriage. Consider language barriers and how they might affect communication and integration with family. Legal advice from a professional familiar with both local and international law is recommended. Lastly, be prepared for potential bureaucratic challenges and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth process.

Abide by Chinese laws and regulations 

1. Passport or valid travel documents or foreign permanent resident ID card.
2. Single status document.
3. Translated copies of the single status document.
4.Copies of your group photo.

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