Divorce Registration in China

Divorce registration authority

* Both the man and woman who are inland residents and planning to apply for divorce voluntarily shall go and complete the formalities at the marriage registration authority that has jurisdiction over the place where the permanent household of one of them is registered.

* As for Chinese citizens who are planning to apply for divorce voluntarily from foreigners on the Chinese mainland and Chinese inland residents who are planning to apply for divorce voluntarily from Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan residents or overseas Chinese on the Chinese mainland, both the man and woman shall go and complete the formalities at the marriage registration authority that has jurisdiction over the place where the permanent household of the Chinese inland resident is registered.

* If both the man and woman are foreigners living temporarily in China, their divorce registration won’t be handled on Chinese mainland.

Documents and certificates required for divorce registration

1. A Chinese inland resident seeking divorce shall produce the following certificates and documents:

(1) His/her household register and ID card;

(2) His/her marriage certificate;

(3) Divorce agreement signed by both parties.

2. Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan residents, overseas Chinese and foreigners applying for divorce shall produce the following certificates and documents:

(1) His/her marriage certificate;

(2) Divorce agreement signed by both parties.

Apart from the certificates and documents specified above, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan residents applying for divorce shall also produce his/her valid exit-entry permit and ID card, while the overseas Chinese or foreigners seeking divorce shall also produce his/her valid passport or other valid international travel documents.

Divorce agreement shall record both parties’ intention of voluntary divorce and consensus on issues of bringing-up children, property and liability.