Marriage and divorce registration at the Chinese Embassy
Registro de matrimonio y divorcio en la Embajada de China
What it is
Two Chinese citizens living in Spain or Andorra can marry at the Chinese Embassy if they meet the conditions of the Chinese Civil Code (no spouse, legal age, no close kinship). Both attend together and in person, with an appointment booked in the "中国领事" app, bringing their Chinese passport, Chinese ID card, residence card (if they have one) and 3 photos of the couple measuring 3.5 x 5.3 cm; divorced or widowed applicants also provide the relevant judgment or certificate. If the requirements are met, the marriage certificate is issued on the spot, free of charge. The Embassy also handles divorce by mutual agreement for marriages celebrated there (with a 30-day cooling-off period) and duplicates of its certificates, also free.
Official wording
符合结婚登记条件的，当场颁发结婚证。Official sources
- Where it applies
- All of Spain
- In other cities
- Barcelona
Official information
Official sources
When
To marry, both must be Chinese citizens living in Spain or Andorra (180 consecutive days, permanent or long-term residence, or a long visa), meet the requirements of the Chinese Civil Code and apply together in person.
Official wording
男女双方必须共同亲自到本馆自愿提出申请。Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Book in the “中国领事” app
Go to “婚姻登记预约”, fill in the details accurately and choose the day and time.
Official wording
登录“中国领事”APP，选择“婚姻登记预约”
Official sources
Step 2: Go together and sign the declaration
At the appointment, with the documents and the booking on your phone, you fill in and sign the declaration before the officer. If you meet the requirements, you get the certificate on the spot. It is free.
Official wording
符合结婚登记条件的，当场颁发结婚证。
Official sources
Documents
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🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)
FAQ
Can you divorce at the embassy?
Yes, if you married at the embassy and agree on everything. After the first step there are 30 days of reflection; in the following 30 days you must return together to request the divorce certificate, or the application is deemed withdrawn.
Official wording
双方未共同到馆申请发给离婚证的,视为撤回离婚登记申请。Official sources
Are consular marriage certificates valid in China?
Yes, they are valid and can be used in China. It is advisable to then report the change of marital status at your hukou place.
Official wording
使领馆颁发的婚姻证件合法有效，可在国内正常使用。Official sources
I lost the marriage certificate issued in China — can I get it here?
No: a duplicate of a certificate issued by the Chinese civil affairs office must be requested from the issuing office.
Official wording
请向原发证部门咨询证件补领具体要求。Official sources
What if I make a mistake in the booking?
You cannot go with those details: cancel the order and book again.
Official wording
请取消订单重新预约。Official sources
Related procedures
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