TAIWAN · TECO AUTHENTICATION
Taiwan Document Authentication Through TECO
Taiwan doesn't accept apostilles. U.S. documents for use in Taiwan are authenticated by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO). We prepare your documents, complete the state step, and submit to TECO on your behalf.
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TECO AUTHENTICATION
Typically within 2 business days
For Massachusetts documents
- Notarization at your location
- State certification
- Submitted to TECO as your agent
- Shipped worldwide, including to Taiwan
Documents we authenticate for Taiwan
Powers of attorney
For property, banking, inheritance and tax matters in Taiwan.
Corporate documents
For Taiwanese subsidiaries, partners and investments: board resolutions, Certificates of Good Standing, officer certifications.
Personal documents
Birth, marriage and divorce records for household registration and family matters.
Education documents
Diplomas and transcripts for employment and study.
How it works
- 1
Notarization
At your location, if your document needs it.
- 2
State certification
By the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- 3
TECO authentication
We submit your documents to TECO as your authorized agent, with a signed letter of authorization from you. This service covers Massachusetts documents.
- 4
Translation, if needed
Into Traditional Chinese for some Taiwan offices.
- 5
Delivery
By tracked shipping worldwide, including directly to Taiwan.
What we need from you
- The original document, or the document to be signed in front of our notary
- A copy of your passport or ID
- A signed letter of authorization so we can submit for you, which we prepare
- The office or person in Taiwan who will receive the document, if known
Why Taiwan uses TECO authentication
Taiwan isn’t part of the Hague Apostille Convention, and the United States handles its relationship with Taiwan through unofficial offices. Instead of an embassy, U.S. documents for Taiwan are authenticated by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) that covers the place where the document was issued.
That means an apostille won’t be accepted in Taiwan. Your document needs TECO authentication, and some Taiwanese offices also ask for a translation into Traditional Chinese.
How long TECO authentication takes
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Notarization appointment | Within 24 hours, often the same day |
| Massachusetts certification and TECO authentication | Typically within 2 business days for Massachusetts documents |
| Traditional Chinese translation, if required | Usually 3 business days, with rush available |
| Delivery | Tracked shipping to you or directly to Taiwan |
Who needs Taiwan authentication
Work and residence
Diplomas, transcripts and background checks for work permits and Alien Resident Certificates.
Marriage and family
Birth and marriage certificates and single status affidavits for marriage registration and family visas.
Study in Taiwan
Diplomas and transcripts for admission to Taiwanese universities.
Business
Powers of attorney and company documents for contracts, bank accounts and company registration.
Avoid these common delays
- Getting an apostille instead. Taiwan doesn’t accept apostilles; documents need TECO authentication.
- Old certified copies. If a vital record is more than 12 months old, confirm with the office in Taiwan that it will be accepted.
- Missing translation. Ask whether the Taiwanese office needs a Traditional Chinese translation, and we’ll coordinate it.
- Separated pages. Never remove staples or pages from a notarized or certified document.
TECO authentication or embassy legalization?
| Taiwan (TECO) | Other non-Hague countries | |
|---|---|---|
| Who authenticates | Taipei Economic and Cultural Office | The country’s embassy or consulate |
| Typical time with us | Within 2 business days for Massachusetts documents | About 3 to 5 weeks |
| Translation | Traditional Chinese, if the office asks | Usually the official language, often Arabic |
Every Taiwanese office sets its own requirements, so we confirm what yours needs before we submit. See document authentication for other countries.
Documents from outside Massachusetts
Our TECO service is for documents issued or notarized in Massachusetts. If you live elsewhere, you can still mail us a Massachusetts document from anywhere, and we return it worldwide. If your document was issued in another state, tell us the state and we’ll explain the route for it.
Frequently asked questions
Can Taiwan accept an apostille?
No. Taiwan isn't a Hague Convention member, so U.S. documents are authenticated through TECO instead.
Do I have to go to TECO in person?
No. We submit on your behalf as your authorized agent.
I live outside Massachusetts. Can you still help?
Yes. Mail us your documents from anywhere, and we return them worldwide. Our TECO service is for documents issued or notarized in Massachusetts.
How much does it cost?
Every request is a little different, so we provide a personalized quote for each one.
How long does TECO authentication take?
Typically within 2 business days for Massachusetts documents, once the document is notarized or certified.
Is TECO authentication the same as an apostille?
No. Taiwan isn’t in the Apostille Convention, so documents are authenticated through TECO instead of receiving an apostille.
Can you send the authenticated document to Taiwan?
Yes. We send finished documents to you or directly to Taiwan with tracking.
Need a document recognized in Taiwan?
Tell us what it is and who will receive it, and we'll confirm each step.