Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Is an English marriage certificate acceptable for a Non-O visa application in Thailand?

Apr 16, 2026
15 days ago
TerranceBrdge ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Applying for a non o visa in my own country, (NZ) then on arrival will apply for a marriage visa. Question..is the marriage certificate in English acceptable at immigration or does it have to be translated to Thai .thankyou
5,257
views
154
all likes
14
replies
13
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand based on marriage, it's crucial that your marriage certificate is legally recognized. It must be legalized in your home country (New Zealand) before traveling, and then you must have it translated into Thai. The translated document must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Thailand. This process involves several steps, including having your marriage certificate sent to Internal Affairs and the MFA before you are able to register your marriage in Thailand and apply for your visa extension.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Ron ******
I went through this exact process last year. You send your original marriage certificate to Internal Affairs. It then goes to MFAT before being couriered back to you with the official red seal. When you get to Thailand take everything to the NZ Embassy (you need to request an appointment online), they'll do their bit, then get it translated. After that it needs to go to MFA Consular Services. The likes of Express Translation Service can do the whole process, saves you route marching all over Bangkok. When you have everything back go to your local Amphur office and get your marriage registered.
Like
Reply
Peter **********
Wow.

Having received answers from Meta/FB I hope your questioned is now closed.
Like
Reply
Andreas *********
If your wedding is registered normally in your home country and in Thailand, the visa application is completely easy. Your proof of income, the Khor Ror 3, a copy of your wife's ID card and you're done. I had my visa in Vienna within 6 days, although the Easter holidays were also there. You need the
*****
0 on the Thai bank for the EOS, has nothing to do with the visa.
Like
Reply
Richard ********
Plain and simple, if it flys, fvjks, floats or has a foundation rent it dont buy it. Follow my advice and you'll be a wealthy and happy camper.
Like
Reply
Tongjun **
Richard Steven

Not that any of this is relevant to visas
Like
Reply
Tongjun **
Richard Steven

Really?

I have been happily married for 35 years,

No sick buffaloes,

No begging family,

No sick relatives or motorcycle accidents,

So it’s pointless generalising.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tongjun **
Reply
Phil *******
Think hard about getting a visa based on marriage. There are many hoops to jump through and then just when you think you've done all requested, some more new requirements will be required by your local immigration office. It's much easier to do the normal 800,000 baht in the bank one or to use a visa agent
Like
Reply
CoolBun*******
Phil Heron
*****
0THB is the figure for retirement extension of stay.

For marriage it’s only
*****
0THB
Like
Reply
Phil *******
CoolBunny_7244 think that's what I was saying, easier to do the 800,000 version than the married visa. Reading is great
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil *******
Reply
Tony ********
The New Zealand embassy sent me this link with all the information you need

****************************************************************************************************************
Like
Reply
Todd *********
Bring your passport, birth cert, and marriage cert to Bangkok.

You’ll need a special passport certification from your embassy

Then all 3 need to be translated and MFA certified

You’ll also need a Thai SIM in your name to open a bank account

I had to also get a yellow book and Pink ID to open a bank account

Also registering in Thailand as married (Kor Ror 22)

You’ll also need to do your tm30 and Thai address registration at your local immigration office

Get heaps of photos taken for ID / paperwork

I’ve attached info on the lady I used for the translation and MFA (ministry of foreign affairs) certification - not too far from the Australian embassy

Avoid Bangkok bank for your banking requirements as they seem to be problematic with freezing your funds (I’ve had KTB and Kasikorn accounts - prefer Kasikorn)
Like
Reply
Ernesto ********
It’s has to be legalized first. Than translated
Like
Reply
Kool *******
It has to be translated, then certified by the MFA as being an accurate translation.
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
The non-O visa IS the marriage visa. In Thailand you will never have a visa again, you will just have annual extensions. An extension is not the same thing as a visa.

You must get all of your marriage paperwork legalized BEFORE you travel to Thailand. This involves your government and the Thai embassy in your country (assuming that's where you were married). Then you have more work to do with the MFA and Amphur to get your marriage registered in Thailand. Once you get all of that done, you can get the paperwork you need to apply for the extension.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.