Legalising Thai Documents for Taiwan (2026)
Apostille Convention status of Taiwan: not a party. The Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027.
Certification chain (before 28 February 2027)
- Obtain a certified extract from the issuing authority (district office, school, court or DBD)
- Translate into the language the destination requires, with the translator named and signing a statement of accuracy
- File for legalisation of the translation and/or the official signature at the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs
- Have the legalised document authenticated by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Thailand
Timeline and fees: Certified translation 1–2 working days; MFA legalisation 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express when filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp); the destination embassy queue is separate and typically 3–10 working days.
Destination-specific requirements
Taiwan is not a party to the Convention (although it operates its own authentication system), so Thai documents always need MFA legalisation plus TECO authentication.
What these documents are used for
Work and spouse visas, marriage registration in Taiwan, study applications, ARC
Common reasons for rejection
- Skipping TECO authentication
- Chinese translations not in the required format
- Single-status certificates past validity
When the Apostille Convention applies to Thailand
This country is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so even after 28 February 2027 Thai documents intended for use there still require MFA legalisation followed by attestation at the destination's representative office in Thailand.
FAQ — documents for Taiwan
What are the steps to legalise a Thai document for use in Taiwan?
Obtain a certified extract from the issuing authority (district office, school, court or DBD) → Translate into the language the destination requires, with the translator named and signing a statement of accuracy → File for legalisation of the translation and/or the official signature at the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs → Have the legalised document authenticated by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Thailand
Is Taiwan a party to the Apostille Convention?
No. Taiwan is not a party, so the MFA legalisation plus destination-mission attestation route continues to apply indefinitely.
What changes once the Convention applies to Thailand?
This country is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so even after 28 February 2027 Thai documents intended for use there still require MFA legalisation followed by attestation at the destination's representative office in Thailand.
Any specific requirements from the destination authority?
Taiwan is not a party to the Convention (although it operates its own authentication system), so Thai documents always need MFA legalisation plus TECO authentication.
What can these documents be used for?
Work and spouse visas, marriage registration in Taiwan, study applications, ARC
Why are documents commonly rejected?
Skipping TECO authentication · Chinese translations not in the required format · Single-status certificates past validity
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Certified translation 1–2 working days; MFA legalisation 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express when filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp); the destination embassy queue is separate and typically 3–10 working days.
Should the document be translated before or after legalisation?
The Legalization Division's practice is to start from a fresh certified extract issued by the source authority, translate that, and then file the translation with the original. Translating an old photocopy is the most common cause of rework.
Can your team file on my behalf?
Yes. We work from a power of attorney bearing a THB 10 duty stamp together with certified copies of the grantor's and agent's ID. If you are outside Thailand, a Thai embassy or consulate must witness your signature first.
Other destination countries
Sources: consular.mfa.go.th · roc-taiwan.org · hcch.net — information current as of August 2026. Thai legalisation steps and fees follow the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs; Apostille Convention status follows hcch.net (in force for Thailand on 28 February 2027). Always confirm current requirements with the embassy and the receiving authority before filing.