Answereda year ago

Do I need to certify my US marriage certificate in Thailand to apply for a NON-O visa based on marriage?

non-O visa Thai marriage certificate expat visa requirements Thailand immigration marriage documentation US marriage certificate

Dave *********

asked Aug 4, 2025

1.2k

views

replies

likes

Ok tried searching the group and asking friends and still get answers all over the place. 

US guy (me) married to dual US/Thai woman (my wife). 

She has her Thai ID still in her maiden name and two passports in married name. 

She has her Tabien Baan. 

For me to apply for a non-o based on marriage, do we need to get our marriage docs certified in Thailand? 

Or can I apply for a non-o based on marriage using our US-based marriage certificate as "proof of relationship to a family in Thailand"?

Answer summary

The application process for a non-O visa based on marriage depends on where you are applying. If applying from a Thai embassy in the US, your US marriage certificate is sufficient. However, if applying in Thailand, your marriage must be recognized there, requiring certification of your marriage documents in the US, approval by the Thai embassy, and registration with an amphur in Thailand.

6 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Brandon ************

That depends on where you're applying. If you're applying from a Thai embassy in the US, you can use your US documents.

If you're applying in Thailand, you need to have your marriage recognized in Thailand first, which requires some legwork to get your marriage documents approved by the Thai embassy in the US and then again by the MFA in Thailand, before registering with an amphur. You'll want to get the second process completed regardless if you ever plan to apply for an extension based on marriage in Thailand.

a year ago

Dave *********

@Brandon ***********

Awesome, thanks Brandon. We're in the US, so looks like we're all set. We do plan to get the documents legalized but didn't think it was strictly necessary until after we arrived and wanted to apply for the extension. Looks like we're all good. Thank you.

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Dave ********

Just make sure you do the Thai embassy portion before you leave, or you'll be waiting for those documents to ship back and forth to the US and that can cost a lot of money too.

a year ago

Ron ******

@Brandon ***********

Marriage certificate also needs to be translated before legalized by Consular Services. I'd recommend using a translation services that can get everything done for you, saves time and stress. My IO didn't require Kor Ror 22, the legalized documents were sufficient.

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Dave ********

Here's some recent information that was posted on ASN last week. Maybe it will help you as transition to doing the Thailand portion.

To obtain a Kor Ror 22 your overseas marriage must first be registered with the authorities.

There are two parts to the procedure, the first which is merely 'authenticating' your marriage documents at your Thai embassy in your home country.

To register your overseas marriage at any Amphur, you need to have those documents 'legalised' by the Consular section of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Only then will the authorities register your overseas marriage, which will then enable you to obtain a Kor Ror22 in the future.

Another consideration is did your wife take your surname or keep her own.

If she took your surname then at the same time as registering the marriage, obtain a 'certificate of name change' and renew her ID.

For legalisation of documents by the MFA, appointments are necessary.

The MFA have now opened several centres to have the above documents legalised.

1. 123 Chaeng Watthana Road, Lak Si District, Bangkok

*****

2. MBK CENTER Shopping Mall, 5th floor, Zone A, Phaya Thai Road, Wang Mai Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok

3. Central Pattaya Shopping Center, 4th Floor, No. 333/102, Village No. 9, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province

*****

*******

, Village No. 9, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province 20260

4. 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary International Convention and Exhibition Center, 1st floor, Rueng Phueng Building 2,

Muang District, Chiang Mai Province

5. Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Hall Building, 1st floor, back west side, Ubon Ratchathani Province

6. Temporary Passport Office, Songkhla, Laem Son On Road, Bo Yang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Songkhla Province

*****

7. Central Phuket Festival Shopping Mall, B Floor, Wichit Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province

Office locations, maps, contact numbers

********************************************

สถานที่ให้บริการรับรองนิติกรณ์เอกสาร

You must book an appointment here

********************************************

choosing which office and download the barcode once accepted.

a year ago

Dave *********

@Brandon ***********

yeah we’re in the middle of doing that right now, that’s why Gemini gave me a lil myocardial infarction when it said I’d need to legalize before applying for my initial non-o. It’s been in State Department limbo for almost ten weeks now, despite multiple follow-ups.

a year ago