Recognition of same-sex unions in China

China does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions. Since 1 October 2017, couples have been able to enter into guardianship agreements, offering partners some limited legal benefits, including decisions about medical and personal care, death and funeral, property management, and maintenance of rights and interests. Attempts to legalise same-sex marriage in 2020 were unsuccessful, but polling suggests that support for same-sex marriage is rising in China.^[1]

In Hong Kong, the same-sex partners of local residents are able to obtain a dependent visa. Same-sex spouses of government employees also receive the same spousal benefits, which includes medical care and joint tax assessment, as heterosexual spouses.^[2]^[3] Hong Kong courts have also ruled in favor of equal treatment for same-sex couples with regard to parental recognition after the breakdown of the relationship and inheritance rights.

^ Cite error: The named reference ipsos was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ "Same-Sex Visa Win in Hong Kong Pressures Other Asia Finance Hubs". Bloomberg. July 4, 2018 – via www.bloomberg.com.
^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[kon-2] Performed in the Netherlands proper (including the Caribbean Netherlands), as well as in Aruba and Curaçao. May be registered in Sint Maarten in such cases, but the rights of marriage are not guaranteed.

[3] Neither performed nor recognized in Niue, Tokelau, or the Cook Islands.

[4] Neither performed nor recognized in six British Overseas Territories.

[usa-5] Neither performed nor recognized in some tribal nations. Recognized but not performed in several other tribal nations and American Samoa.

[israel-6] Registered foreign marriages confer all marriage rights. Domestic common-law marriages confer most rights of marriage. Domestic civil marriage recognized by some cities.

[eu-7] The Coman v. Romania ruling of the European Court of Justice obliges the state to provide residency rights for the foreign spouses of EU citizens. Some member states, including Romania, do not follow the ruling.

[8] A "declaration of family relationship" is available in several of Cambodia's communes which may be useful in matters such as housing, but is not legally binding.

[9] Guardianship agreements, conferring some limited legal benefits, including decisions about medical and personal care.

[10] Inheritance, guardianship rights, and residency rights for foreign spouses of legal residents.

[11] Courts have recognised guru–shishya, nata pratha or maitri karar–type contractual relationships, but they are not legally binding.

[12] Some cities and prefectures issue partnership certificates, but they are not legally binding.

[13] Marriages conducted abroad between a Namibian national and a foreign spouse recognized for residency rights.

[14] Hospital visitation rights through a "legal representative" status.

[notyet-1] Not yet in effect.

[ipsos-15] Cite error: The named reference ipsos was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[16] "Same-Sex Visa Win in Hong Kong Pressures Other Asia Finance Hubs". Bloomberg. July 4, 2018 – via www.bloomberg.com.

[:0-17] Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

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