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Foreign Marriage Legalization in Thailand

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First a thanks to the contributors on the forum. I have been reading this forum for many years and have learned much.

As the title says,

-           Objective is to legalize foreign marriage for non- O visa.

-           We are now in Thailand, Dec 1, Nakhon Sawan, 3 hours north of BKK.

-           Marriage certificate, USA, with authentication from US department of state will be arriving soon.

-           *Looking to understand next steps of the legalization process to obtain a Kor-22. The 3 banks we went too - asked for this document.

-           *As the bank account will not be established in time for the 90 day reporting….. Do I go to immigration for an extension of stay?

Regards,

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  • Update, 4th try opening a bank account worked.. Krungthai.  Again, thanks for all the help. 

  • @roman50 In your first topic dated August 2025 you stated your intention was to move to Thailand in 5-9 months, that being Jan 2026 - May 2026, then you accelerated your move to Dec 2025. I

  • Subject: Foreign marriage registration in Thailand – Non-o visa. Thanks for all the Help. Understood, before process in Thailand, - Need stamp from thai embassy, in my case Los Angeles, USA.

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  • Author

Below are steps that "liquorice" posted a couple months back.

Now we are in Thailand.

4. Once authenticated by the US Department of State, submit the document to the Thai Embassy in the U.S. for final authentication. At this point, the document should have a final authentication seal from the embassy. 

Where do we submit authenticated document from US department of  state - here in Thailand? Do we translate first?

 

Apart from an authenticated US marriage certificate, an Amphoe will also require a certified copy of the biometric page of your US passport.
5. After entry to Thailand, make an appointment with the US Embassy to produce a 'certified' copy of your passport.

Where? Is there only one place we can get a certified copy of US passport?
6. Take the authenticated US marriage certificate and the Embassy certified copy of your passport to a Thai translator for translation. ????
7. Submit the documents to Thailand's Ministry of Affairs for legalization.

Where? Is there more than one office?
8. Submit the certified, authenticated and legalized documents to an Amphoe to register your overseas marriage.

 

Thanks

 

@roman50

In your first topic dated August 2025 you stated your intention was to move to Thailand in 5-9 months, that being Jan 2026 - May 2026, then you accelerated your move to Dec 2025.

I gave a brief outline of the procedure and asked a couple of questions which you failed to respond to, just signed off with a thanks to the responses.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1370872-another-visa-question…/#comment-20041472

 

Your next topic, dated Nov 5th, then asked for more detailed information how to authenticate and legalise your US marriage certificate.
https://aseannow.com/topic/1377996-non-o-marriage-documents/#comment-20201645

I gave you clear instructions on how to authenticate and legalise your US marriage certificate prior to entering Thailand.

Quote

1: Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Contact the vital records office in the state where you were married to request a certified copy. 
2. Send the certified copy to the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued to get the document authenticated.
3. Forward the state-authenticated document to the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications.
4. Once authenticated by the US Department of State, submit the document to the Thai Embassy in the U.S. for final authentication. At this point, the document should have a final authentication seal from the embassy. 

 

 

2 hours ago, roman50 said:

Below are steps that "liquorice" posted a couple months back.

Now we are in Thailand.

4. Once authenticated by the US Department of State, submit the document to the Thai Embassy in the U.S. for final authentication. At this point, the document should have a final authentication seal from the embassy. 

Where do we submit authenticated document from US department of  state - here in Thailand? Do we translate first?

You submit them to the Thai Embassy in the USA as I outlined in 4 above.

 

3 hours ago, roman50 said:

Marriage certificate, USA, with authentication from US department of state will be arriving soon.

That implies you do not yet have the authenticated and legalised US marriage certificate in hand. What about step 4???

Until you have said document in hand, there is nothing more you can do other than wait.

 

3 hours ago, roman50 said:

We are now in Thailand, Dec 1, Nakhon Sawan, 3 hours north of BKK.

Did you enter on a Non O visa based on Thai spouse as advised???
Did your wife obtain a new Thai passport as advised???

 

3 hours ago, roman50 said:

*Looking to understand next steps of the legalization process to obtain a Kor-22. The 3 banks we went too - asked for this document.

Have you filed a TM30 with Nakhon Sawan Immigration???
The banks usually request proof of a Non O visa and confirmation of address (certificate of residence) which can be issued by your local Immigration office, but only if you previously filed a TM30.

The account must be in your sole name, so what relevance your marital status has only the bank knows.
You cannot obtain a Kor Ror 22 until you have registered your US marriage at an Amphoe.

You cannot complete any further steps for legalisation of your US marriage certificate until you have followed the 4 steps in the USA and have the document in hand.

Please advise in this thread when you have said document.

 

3 hours ago, roman50 said:

As the bank account will not be established in time for the 90 day reporting….. Do I go to immigration for an extension of stay?

You are not required to submit a 90 day report until such time you receive a 1 year extension of stay.
To apply for a 1 year extension, you must have 400K THB deposit in a Thai bank account for 2 months prior to the date of submitting the application.

 

My concern now is assuming you entered Thailand on a Non O visa on 1st Dec, you only have permission of stay until Feb 28th.

You could apply for a 60 day extension to visit Thai spouse, IF, you have managed to register you marriage prior to that date.

 

2 hours ago, roman50 said:

5. After entry to Thailand, make an appointment with the US Embassy to produce a 'certified' copy of your passport.

Where? Is there only one place we can get a certified copy of US passport?
6. Take the authenticated US marriage certificate and the Embassy certified copy of your passport to a Thai translator for translation. ????
7. Submit the documents to Thailand's Ministry of Affairs for legalization.

Where? Is there more than one office?
8. Submit the certified, authenticated and legalized documents to an Amphoe to register your overseas marriage.

Ask again when you receive said document from the US, following the 4 outlined steps.

 

I fear you will run out of time to accomplish legalisation, registering your marriage, opening a bank account and depositing 400K for the required 2 months to apply for a 1 year extension.

You may have to depart Thailand and apply for another Non O visa from a local Thai Embassy to grant you more time.

  • Author

In response to the assistance posted by “liquorice”

 

Thank you again for taking the time to assist.

In August I made a critical error in understanding your information and communication with thai embassy. The error – was in the steps for legalizing US marriage in Thailand. I am new to this process and the vocabulary.

 

In my defense, my post in august was just after my wife was released from seven weeks in hospital with very serious diagnosis. Our plans did change as health issues and other preparations were addressed.

Again my error… now to fix it.

 

·        Entered Thailand on dec 1 with non-o visa for marriage. Nakhon Sawan, 3 hours north of Bangkok.

·        Waiting for US Department of state to return certificate with “stamp” sent November 6, now 6 weeks.

·        Liquorice responded “continue by submitting the application to Thai embassy in USA.” *Question - Can this be continued here in Thailand? Or must this be processed through Thai embassy in Los Angeles, USA?

 

Liquorice asked-

-Did you enter on a Non O visa based on Thai spouse as advised??? -- Yes
-Did your wife obtain a new Thai passport as advised??? -- She was not able to travel at that time for a new passport. She traveled to Thailand using her US passport and emergency document from thai embassy in Los Angeles.

 

 

Liquorice asked –

 -Have you filed a TM30 with Nakhon Sawan Immigration???   - yes and paid 500 baht for a paper they said would allow me to open a bank account. However, Kasikorn, Bangkok bank and Krunthai asked for kor22. I could try Krungsri, 45 minutes from here. Note: attached is the 500 baht document that immigration said would work for opening account???? Is this a certificate of residence?
The banks usually request proof of a Non O visa and confirmation of address (certificate of residence) which can be issued by your local Immigration office, but only if you previously filed a TM30.

The account must be in your sole name, so what relevance your marital status has only the bank knows.
You cannot obtain a Kor Ror 22 until you have registered your US marriage at an Amphoe.

You cannot complete any further steps for legalisation of your US marriage certificate until you have followed the 4 steps in the USA and have the document in hand.

 

Please advise in this thread when you have said document.

My concern now is assuming you entered Thailand on a Non O visa on 1st Dec, you only have permission of stay until Feb 28th.

You could apply for a 60 day extension to visit Thai spouse, IF, you have managed to register you marriage prior to that date.

 

Ask again when you receive said document from the US, following the 4 outlined steps.

 

 

22 minutes ago, roman50 said:

The banks usually request proof of a Non O visa and confirmation of address (certificate of residence) which can be issued by your local Immigration office,

I removed the picture of certificate of residence. Had your full name visible. 

 

Yes that's a COR. 

BTW: COR is valid for 30 days. 

Also since your wife entered on USA pp what permission of stay stamp was she issued? 

60 days? 

35 minutes ago, roman50 said:

Liquorice responded “continue by submitting the application to Thai embassy in USA.” *Question - Can this be continued here in Thailand? Or must this be processed through Thai embassy in Los Angeles, USA?

It must be legalised by the Thai Embassy/Consulate that covers your US state, which I'm assuming is LA.

It then becomes an authenticated and legalised foreign document that will be accepted by the Thai authorities.

 

The steps you should have taken in the US before entering Thailand are;

To register your U.S. marriage in Thailand, you must first get your U.S. marriage certificate authenticated by the U.S. Department of State and the Thai Embassy in the U.S.

 

Step 1: Authenticate Your U.S. Marriage Certificate

a) Get a Certified Copy: Obtain a certified copy of your original U.S. marriage certificate from the vital records office in your U.S. state.

b) U.S. State Department Legalization: Send the certified certificate to the U.S. Department of State for authentication (apostille/legalization).

c) Thai Embassy/Consulate Legalization: Get the document legalised by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in the U.S.

 

Step 2: After entering Thailand;

a) Make an appointment at the US Embassy to obtain a certified copy of the data page of your Passport.

b) Take the certified copy of your Passport and legalised US marriage certificate to a Thai translator for translations into Thai.

c) Make an appointment and submit the above documents at the legalization department of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for local legalization.

 

Step 3: Register the foreign marriage at an Amphoe;

Take your original passport and US marriage certificate, along with the certified, authenticated, translated and legalised copies of your passport and US marriage certificate with your wife's ID and Tabien Baan to an Amphoe who will register the marriage and issue a Kor Ror 22, which is a registration of an overseas marriage, registered in Thailand.

 

If you Google "Married in the USA, but how to register the marriage in Thailand", you'll find the same information I'm informing you of.

 

Question: Who is handling your affairs in the US and by what method will they send it to you in Thailand?
Usually, a US notary or lawyer would handle step 1 in the US as they would be familiar with the process and have the contacts to expedite the process much quicker than doing it yourself.

US authorities are slow and recent reports suggest mail from the US can take 6-8 weeks to arrive, so I'd recommend using UPS or FedEx.

 

1 hour ago, roman50 said:

Did your wife obtain a new Thai passport as advised??? -- She was not able to travel at that time for a new passport. She traveled to Thailand using her US passport and emergency document from thai embassy in Los Angeles.

That I assume would have been an emergency travel document, so she would have entered Thailand as a Thai and not received a stamp in her US passport - Yes/No???

 

1 hour ago, roman50 said:

-Have you filed a TM30 with Nakhon Sawan Immigration???   - yes and paid 500 baht for a paper they said would allow me to open a bank account. However, Kasikorn, Bangkok bank and Krunthai asked for kor22. I could try Krungsri, 45 minutes from here. Note: attached is the 500 baht document that immigration said would work for opening account???? Is this a certificate of residence?

As confirmed by @DrJack54 yes, that is a 'certificate of residency'.

 

Opening a bank account.

I can only assume that any banks' requirement for proof of marital status is part of their enhanced security checks due to the recent scam scenario.
Although I've held a Thai bank account for 11 years, earlier this year I had to update my personal information, and being married they requested a copy of our marriage certificate.

 

Would the bank(s) not accept a translated copy of your US marriage as evidence of being married, explaining the issue with registering your US marriage in Thailand.
If your wife knows a government official who will vouch for you, that can also sway the decision of the bank to open an account.

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Also since your wife entered on USA pp what permission of stay stamp was she issued? 

60 days? 

I'm hoping she obtained an emergency travel document from the Thai Embassy allowing her to board, but entered Thailand on her expired Thai passport.

I have asked the question, let's wait for OP's reply.

  • Author

Dr. Jack and Liquorice, thank you for the rapid response.

I will read your consul a couple more times then respond.

2 hours ago, roman50 said:

*Question - Can this be continued here in Thailand? Or must this be processed through Thai embassy in Los Angeles, USA?

 

The answer to that is NO that has to be done in the US thru one of the 4 thai consulates there, (the one that controls the state you were married in)

Sadly that marriage certificate that was stamped by the State Dept isn't gonna work until you get the appropriate Thai embassy to stamp it in the US.. You're dead in the water registering a US marriage to a thai here until you get the whole process done in the US first, before you start the stuff you have to do here in thailand to get the marriage recognized/registered at the local Amphur (Town Hall)  
 

 

 

  • Author

Subject: Foreign marriage registration in Thailand – Non-o visa.

Thanks for all the Help.

Understood, before process in Thailand, - Need stamp from thai embassy, in my case Los Angeles, USA.

Note: currently, our marriage certificate is with “department of state” – sent 6 six weeks ago.

 

Couple Questions:

-           Options / suggestions for immigration - reference bank account and timing. Entered on December 1st.

            I will go back through earlier posts to try to understand better…

           * Bank account for visa will not be established in time for first 90 day period. The 3 banks we went to asked for a Kor-22, register foreign marriage. They said sorry, new rules.

-           Will soon need to transfer funds from the states. Perhaps easiest at this time would be to have thai wife open an account for a transfer??

-           What service would you recommend for sending documents from Thailand to states?

 

Response to earlier questions asked of me, OP,

 Thai wife entered Thailand with expired thai passport and emergency travel document from thai embassy.

We have a family member in the states who will help with correspondence.

For sending documents-  Thai embassy los angeles asked to receive by fedex. Have planed on  fedex  for sending documents to Thailand.

Again, Thanks for the assistance.

17 minutes ago, roman50 said:

Response to earlier questions asked of me, OP,

 Thai wife entered Thailand with expired thai passport and emergency travel document from thai embassy.

We have a family member in the states who will help with correspondence.

For sending documents-  Thai embassy los angeles asked to receive by fedex. Have planed on  fedex  for sending documents to Thailand.

Good, no problems with the above.

 

21 minutes ago, roman50 said:

Couple Questions:

-           Options / suggestions for immigration - reference bank account and timing. Entered on December 1st.

            I will go back through earlier posts to try to understand better…

At this point in time, there is nothing Immigration can do for you.
If your legalised documents come through from the US and you can register the marriage in Thailand, before 28th Feb 2026, you could apply for a 60-day extension to visit Thai spouse.

If not, you will have to exit Thailand and re--enter again. Possibly another 90 day Non Imm O.

 

28 minutes ago, roman50 said:

 * Bank account for visa will not be established in time for first 90 day period. The 3 banks we went to asked for a Kor-22, register foreign marriage. They said sorry, new rules.

-           Will soon need to transfer funds from the states. Perhaps easiest at this time would be to have thai wife open an account for a transfer??

Agreed.

 

29 minutes ago, roman50 said:

What service would you recommend for sending documents from Thailand to states?

FedEx, DHL, or UPS ............... but curious what documents you would need to send back to the US???

52 minutes ago, roman50 said:

Will soon need to transfer funds from the states. Perhaps easiest at this time would be to have thai wife open an account for a transfer??

What are you thinking. 

You seem to have no understanding of requirements. 

The bank account needs, to be in your name only. 

@Liquorice has provided excellent advice in your previous thread and again in "take 2" 

4 hours ago, roman50 said:

           * Bank account for visa will not be established in time for first 90 day period. The 3 banks we went to asked for a Kor-22, register foreign marriage. They said sorry, new rules.

Your wife and marriage has absolutely nothing to do with you getting a bank account.  Go without your spouse.  Bring your passport, visa and residence certificate from immigration.  Tell them you need a bank account for your immigration extension.  They don't need to know any more than that.  A marriage certificate is absolutely not required for a bank account.  How do you think people with retirement visas get bank accounts, they don't have a Thai spouse.  They are just lying to you because they don't want to deal with you. 

4 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

What are you thinking. 

You seem to have no understanding of requirements. 

The bank account needs, to be in your name only. 

@Liquorice has provided excellent advice in your previous thread and again in "take 2" 

Until he can open an account in his sole name, they have little choice.
They would have been limited on how much they could bring into the Country in cash.
With the issue with their US marriage certificate, it could be weeks before he can open an account.

13 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Your wife and marriage has absolutely nothing to do with you getting a bank account.  Go without your spouse.  Bring your passport, visa and residence certificate from immigration.  Tell them you need a bank account for your immigration extension.  They don't need to know any more than that.  A marriage certificate is absolutely not required for a bank account.  How do you think people with retirement visas get bank accounts, they don't have a Thai spouse.  They are just lying to you because they don't want to deal with you. 

If married, unfortunately, the banks are requesting proof in the form of a marriage certificate.
Although I've held an account for almost 12 years, this year they requested a copy of my marriage certificate due to enhanced security checks following the money laundering scenarios.

I think, the banks think being married to a Thai you're less of a security risk.
Absolutely no logic or common sense applied.

 

You're quite correct, though, it's always better to try without a Thai wife/gf present.
Unfortunately, my wife is a co--signature to my accounts, so they knew I was married.

  • Author

Thanks again for the replies. Have been to 3 banks, two with thai wife and one without wife. Will try two more banks today...

Banks are saying if visa is for marriage - need Kor22. Yes, even for account in my name only.

Reference my question about transferring funds, we brought enough with us for opening a "visa"  account and 1st month expenses. Now need more funds for a car and other things....

Will have wife open an account today for funds transfer.

 

Regards

Does your visa SAY marriage on it?  If it doesn't say marriage on it, just tell them it's for retirement?

1 hour ago, BrandonJT said:

Does your visa SAY marriage on it?  If it doesn't say marriage on it, just tell them it's for retirement?

When based on retirement, an E-visa will state under remarks, 'Employment prohibited'.
When based on Thai spouse under remarks, it states 'Thai spouse'.

  • Author
  • Popular Post

Update, 4th try opening a bank account worked.. Krungthai. 

Again, thanks for all the help. 

Translation certification from foreign affairs can take weeks.  

1 hour ago, arick said:

Translation certification from foreign affairs can take weeks.  

Not my experience or that of others I know.

Translated, legalised by the MFA and returned via EMS 5 days later.

Is your partner female? Are you male?

Just asking.

Never know these days and may affect any application in Thailand.

Not the woke world many may believe it is.

On 12/19/2025 at 12:14 AM, DrJack54 said:

 

 

DrJack - I think I shared this with you in summer of '24.  

 

Would this apply or be helpful in this OP situation?  

 

Authentication of marriage in USA is not required by Thai Immigration...if I read this correctly.  

 

File attached again here:

Screenshot 2025-12-26 at 3.40.54 PM.png

2 hours ago, NedR69 said:

Anyone know if this helps the OP situation?

 

 

Screenshot 2025-12-26 at 3.40.54 PM.png

No, because immigration is not the one requesting anything certified in the US.  They want to see proof that the marriage is registered in Thailand.  It's the Amphur office that requires those things in order to register the marriage in Thailand.

  • 2 weeks later...
On 12/26/2025 at 8:29 AM, arick said:

Translation certification from foreign affairs can take weeks.  

Pattaya office in Central Festival took 3-4 days in August of this year. Just walk in to collect documents.

On 12/26/2025 at 1:29 AM, arick said:

Translation certification from foreign affairs can take weeks.  

Appointments are bookable online and if you regularly check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website you can easily get an advance Express same day service appointment.

Today I have booked an appointment at Central World for the beginning of February. I have my British Embassy appointment booked for the day before to get my affirmation to marry document and will take it to the translation office at Central World for Express service.

I have read so many scare stories saying that you need to use an agent and that it can't be done quickly but in truth It just takes planning and positive action.

On 1/5/2026 at 10:06 PM, Peabody said:

Pattaya office in Central Festival took 3-4 days in August of this year. Just walk in to collect documents.

Can not use them if you don't go their in person. There are only two walk-in centers outside of Bangkok in the country Chiang Mai and Pattaya. And they don't accept Postal service.

On 1/6/2026 at 1:27 PM, mlkik said:

Appointments are bookable online and if you regularly check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website you can easily get an advance Express same day service appointment.

Today I have booked an appointment at Central World for the beginning of February. I have my British Embassy appointment booked for the day before to get my affirmation to marry document and will take it to the translation office at Central World for Express service.

I have read so many scare stories saying that you need to use an agent and that it can't be done quickly but in truth It just takes planning and positive action.

Many people do not live in Bangkok so they use Postal service who the hell would drive or fly all the way to Bangkok and go through all the traffic and waste two three days of it. To have your bloody passport translated.

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