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Neath Port Talbot Council initially told Ken Miller his wife Yin Qieo, 44, could not stay at his Ystalyfera home.
But it now says Mr Miller does not need its permission.
Mr Miller said he was pleased with the ruling but added he did not believe the council would have intervened if there had been less of an age gap.
He said: "Obviously I'm happy but I don't consider this a victory for myself - but for tenants' rights.
"They would not have cared if I had married an 80-year-old, a 70-year-old or even a 60-year-old.
"The issue was about the age."
Mr Miller has just returned from six weeks in China where he married his wife, who lives in the south west city of Nanning, after they met via an internet dating agency.
He said he hoped she would be travelling to Wales in March.
"I have been lonely for the last five years and just want companionship for my remaining years," added the former Ford worker.
"I know we cannot live here forever when she arrives because it is a retirement complex so we will look for somewhere then."
Mr Miller's first wife died of cancer in 1992. He re-married the following year but was divorced several years ago.
Robert Rees, head of housing services at Neath Port Talbot Council, said: "The legal position is that Mr Miller does not have to gain the council's permission for his wife to live with him at the complex.
"This information has been provided to both Mr Miller and to other residents."
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