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Introduction
In our consular district, there is no standard set of documents which local Chinese government offices that have responsibility for marriages require. Because of this uncertainty, it is worthwhile checking with the office where the marriage will be registered to find out what is required.A local Chinese government office may require one or more of the following documents.
Single Status Certificate
A Single Status Certificate (or Result of Search). This document is issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state or territory in which you live in Australia. The Consulate-General in Guangzhou can not issue these certificates. The signature of the Registrar must be attested in one of the following ways:
1. By a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officer in Australia and then that officer’s signature attested by a consular officer at The Chinese Embassy in Canberra or at one of the Chinese Consulates in Australia.
2. By a consular officer at the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou. For the consular officer to verify the Registrar’s signature, the Registrar’s name must be clearly shown on the certificate.
Statutory Declaration
A Statutory Declaration stating that the person making the declaration is not married. The local Chinese government authorities will usually only accept a statutory declaration which has been made at the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou. Proof of identity is required if you wish to make a statutory declaration.
Certificate of Dissolution
A Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage may be required if either of the parties has been previously married. Attestation is required as for the single status certificate.
Proof of Citizenship at the time of divorce may be required also if either of the parties to the marriage was previously married in China and the divorce was obtained outside China. The local Chinese authorities usually will not recognize divorce of a Chinese citizen outside China and will require proof that the Chinese citizen took out another citizenship before the divorce.
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage may be required by some authorities, although it is usually not necessary.
How do I get a Certificate of no Impediment?
1. Download the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage application form here, or obtain one from the Australian Embassy in Beijing, or the Consulates-General in Guangzhou or Shanghai.
2. Obtain a 'Statement of Single Status' or equivalent certificate from the marriage registry office in your state of residence in Australia.
3. Apply to the Embassy/Consulate in person or by mail. You must bring or send to us the following documents:
* A completed original application form with a signature witnessed by a person in the categories stated on the form. A local Chinese equivalent office holder or a diplomatic official from any Embassy or Consulate is acceptable. If you apply to the Embassy/Consulate in person, an Embassy/Consulate consular officer can witness your signature.
* A 'Certificate of Single Status' as described above (original or verified true copy);
* A Divorce Certificate if applicable (original or verified true copy).
* Your current passport (original or verified true copy of the front ID page). * Your partner's Chinese ID/citizen card. (a non-verified photocopy is acceptable)
4. The Embassy/Consulate will issue a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage for you to present to the local marriage office in China.
Fees:
Refer to Fees for the cost of providing any of the services listed above.
How long does it take?
If you apply in person, we can provide the service you require while you wait although the process may take longer during busy periods. Postal applications will be handled by normal mail unless you include additional payment for express mail delivery.