Quick Legalization Guide for Malaysia <> Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (2025)

Written By Zhihan Chew

Author: Zhihan Chew, Manager of Linguist Quality & Engagement, MYLegalTrans

Approved by: Tay Pei Zei, Director, MYLegalTrans

1. Introduction

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Malaysia provides document authentication (legalization) services for documents issued in Malaysia that are intended for use in Taiwan (R.O.C.). This service is carried out at the request of relevant authorities in Taiwan but is not mandatory in every case. Each respective authority in Taiwan may determine:

  • Whether a document needs to be authenticated, and

  • What types of documents are required for their specific procedures.

Applicants should first check with the relevant authority in Taiwan (the “requesting authority”) to confirm whether authentication by TECO is required. If required, please submit your application directly to TECO in Malaysia.

Important Note:

  • TECO’s authentication is limited to verifying the formal validity (e.g., signatures, official seals) of documents. It does not confirm the substantive content or authenticity of the information contained in the document.

  • Whether the document meets the requesting authority’s requirements is determined solely by that authority, not by TECO.

2. Main Service Scope

  • Purpose: Authentication of documents executed in Malaysia for use in Taiwan (R.O.C.), verifying only their formal validity.

  • Examples of Documents:

    • Power of Attorney

    • Commercial/Corporate Documents (e.g., company authorization letters)

    • Identity Documents (e.g., Malaysian passport, ID, driver’s license)

    • Certificates (e.g., birth, death, marriage, single status, divorce judgments)

    • Diplomas, academic transcripts, work experience statements

    • Good Conduct Certificate (a.k.a. Police Clearance)

    • Financial Statements / Proof of Financial Capacity

    • Statements of Current Residence in Malaysia

    • Translations of R.O.C. Documents (e.g., R.O.C. driver’s license)

    • Etc.

Note: Whether these documents must be legalized depends on the requirements of the relevant requesting authority in Taiwan.

3. Submission Location & Contact Information

  • Office Address:
    Level 7, Menara Yayasan Tun Razak,
    200 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  • Telephone: +60-3-2161-4439 / +60-3-2161-5508 (Ext. 129 / 146)

  • Fax: +60-3-2161-0969

  • Email: mys@mofa.gov.tw

4. Service Hours

(Excluding Malaysian public holidays and weekends)

  • Submission (Receiving) Hours:
    Monday–Friday, 09:00–12:00

  • Collection (Releasing) Hours:
    Monday–Friday, 14:00–17:00

5. Processing Time

  1. Regular Processing:

    • 3 working days (not including the date of submission).

  2. Express Processing (Rush Service):

    • 1 working day (not including the date of submission).

    • An additional 50% surcharge on the regular fee applies.

  3. Exceptional Cases:

    • If the submitted document requires verification from other agencies, processing will take longer.

    • TECO will notify applicants if extended processing time is necessary.

Note: TECO does not provide translation or postal (mail) services.

6. Fees & Payment Collected by TECO

  1. Authentication/Legalization Fee:

    • MYR 68 per document (commercial or personal).

  2. Translation Authentication Fee:

    • MYR 68 per translation, if required by the requesting authority.

    • Each document can include an additional authenticated copy, charged at 50% of the original fee per copy.

  3. Express (Rush) Processing Fee:

    • 50% of the total authentication fee added to expedite the process.

  4. Payment Method:

    • Payment must be made in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), either in cash or via DuitNow QR at the counter.

7. How to Apply: General Requirements

  1. Application Form

    • Complete the TECO “Document Authentication Application Form.”

    • Ensure all required fields are filled in accurately and completely.

    • The applicant must sign the application form in person.

  2. Identification Documents

    • Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid ID must be provided.

    • For Malaysian citizens: MyKad (Malaysian Identity Card).

    • For R.O.C. (Taiwan) citizens: R.O.C. National ID Card or R.O.C. Passport.

    • For other foreign nationals: valid passport.

  3. Submitting via a Representative

    • If the applicant cannot submit in person, they must provide:

      1. A copy of the applicant’s ID, and

      2. A Power of Attorney (PoA) authorizing the representative to act on their behalf.

    • The PoA must be notarized by a Malaysian Notary Public (if the applicant is abroad, the PoA must be notarized by a Notary Public in Taiwan and verified by the local court, if applicable).

    • The representative must submit their original ID and a copy and fill out the relevant sections of the application form accurately.

  4. Minors (Under 18)

    • If the applicant is a minor, a parent (father or mother) may act on their behalf without providing a PoA, but they must present documents proving the parent–child relationship.

Important Legal Note:

  • Providing false information or documents may violate the Criminal Code of the Republic of China (Taiwan) regarding document forgery, which may result in legal consequences for the applicant and/or the representative.

8. Guidelines for Translations

  • If the original document is not in Chinese, the requesting authority in Taiwan may require a Chinese translation. Applicants should confirm with the requesting authority whether a translation is needed.

  • TECO does not provide translation services.

  • Translation Authentication Options:

    1. Have the translation done by a qualified translator in Malaysia, certified by a Malaysian Notary Public or the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (as required), then submitted to TECO for authentication; or

    2. The representative may sign a declaration in person at TECO, stating that they have personally prepared the translation. TECO will then process the translation authentication at the standard fee (MYR 68 per document). This option is recommended.

9. Other Common Documents

Below is a non-exhaustive list of commonly processed documents:

  • Work Experience Certificates

  • Chinese Name Declarations

  • R.O.C. Documents (e.g., Taiwanese driver’s license, household registration certificates)

  • Birth/Death/Marriage/Single/Divorce Certificates

  • Police Clearance / Good Conduct Certificates

  • Financial Statements / Bank Letters

  • Loss of Nationality Certificates (Borang K)

  • Academic Certificates (diplomas, transcripts)

  • Medical Documents (issued by hospitals/clinics)

(Applicants are advised to confirm directly with the requesting authority in Taiwan for any additional requirements.)

10. Disclaimer

  1. The above information is for reference only. TECO reserves the right to modify these guidelines and requirements at any time.

  2. In case of any changes, the most up-to-date version posted at TECO’s Consular Counter and official notice board shall prevail.

Conclusion

These guidelines serve as a reference for authorised representatives seeking document legalization at TECO. By planning ahead and following the prescribed steps—ensuring all supporting documents and necessary endorsements are in place—you can streamline the legalization process. Always verify the latest requirements and operating hours before visiting TECO to ensure a smooth and timely legalization experience.

Resource: Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, Introduction to Document Authentication. Available at: https://www.taiwanembassy.org/my/post/375.html.

Zhihan Chew
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