Yes, cousin marriage is legal in China under strict conditions. The Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China (2021) permits marriages between cousins, but only if they are not lineal relatives or siblings. Local civil affairs bureaus enforce these rules, with recent 2026 compliance directives emphasizing genetic counseling for first-cousin unions.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in China
- Lineal relatives prohibited: Marriages between direct ancestors/descendants (e.g., parent-child, grandparent-grandchild) are explicitly banned under Article 1048 of the Civil Code.
- Sibling restrictions: Full or half-siblings cannot marry, as clarified by provincial-level civil affairs departments in 2024 guidance notes.
- First-cousin requirements: Unions between first cousins (e.g., children of siblings) require pre-marital genetic screening, per 2026 National Health Commission directives to mitigate hereditary risks.
Local variations exist; for example, Guangdong’s 2025 provincial regulations mandate additional psychological evaluations for cousin marriages in rural areas. Non-compliance risks annulment under Article 1051, with appeals processed through provincial courts. Foreign-registered cousin marriages are recognized only if compliant with Chinese law upon re-registration.