What makes a Thai translation 'certified' and who is allowed to certify it?

A certified translation is a translation issued with a signed certification statement from a translation agency or qualified translator confirming the text is a true and complete rendering of the original. Thailand has no single government translator register for general use, so acceptance depends on the receiving authority: the Department of Consular Affairs accepts translations submitted with the original document for legalization, embassies usually accept agency-certified translations, and some foreign authorities additionally require a sworn or NAATI translator. We confirm the receiving body's rule before translating so the document is not rejected later.

Do I need the original document or is a scan enough for translation?

A clear scan is enough to produce the translation, but the original is normally required for the legalization step that follows. The Department of Consular Affairs checks the translation against the original or a certified true copy issued by the responsible Thai authority, so if you plan to legalize, send us a high-resolution scan to start the translation and keep the original ready for submission.

How should Thai names be spelled in an English translation?

Always match the spelling printed in the passport, even when it differs from Royal Thai General System transliteration. Authorities compare the translation against the passport and treat any mismatch as a different person, which is one of the most common causes of rejection. If a name has been spelled differently on older documents, we add a spelling-variation note or arrange a name-consistency affidavit.

How long does a certified translation take and can it be rushed?

Standard civil documents such as an ID card, house registration, birth or marriage certificate are typically ready in one to two working days, while contracts, court judgments and academic transcripts take longer because of terminology checks. Same-day handling is possible for short standard documents if the scan arrives in the morning; rush handling does not shorten the separate MFA legalization queue.

Can you translate into languages other than English?

Yes — we handle 50+ language pairs including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Arabic and Vietnamese. Note that the Department of Consular Affairs mainly legalizes Thai–English and English–Thai pairs, so documents for non-English-speaking countries are usually translated into English, legalized, and then translated again into the destination language by a translator that the destination country recognizes.

Will a translation done abroad be accepted in Thailand?

It can be, but only after the foreign document and its translation are legalized by the Thai embassy or consulate in that country and then legalized again by the Thai Department of Consular Affairs. In practice it is often faster and cheaper to have the foreign document legalized abroad and translated into Thai here, because Thai authorities accept a locally certified Thai translation submitted together with the legalized original.

What exactly does 'MFA legalization' mean in Thailand?

MFA legalization is the certification stamp issued by the Legalization Division of the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming that the signature and seal on a Thai document — or on its translation — are genuine. It does not verify the content of the document, only the authenticity of the official signature, which is why the underlying document must first be a genuine original or a certified true copy from the issuing office.

How much does legalization cost and how long does it take?

The government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service, generally about three working days, and THB 400 per stamp for the express service returned on the next working day. Fees are charged per stamp, so a document plus its translation is normally two stamps. Agency handling, courier and queue fees are separate and quoted before we start.

In what order do the steps have to be done?

The sequence is: obtain the original or certified true copy from the issuing Thai office, translate it, legalize both at the Department of Consular Affairs, then submit to the destination embassy for its own legalization if that country requires it. Doing the embassy step before the MFA step will get the file rejected, and translating before you hold the correct certified copy usually means paying for the translation twice.

Does every country require embassy legalization after the MFA stamp?

No. Some countries accept the MFA stamp alone, others require their embassy in Bangkok to add a consular certification, and a few require additional chamber-of-commerce or ministry steps for commercial documents. We check the current requirement of the specific mission before submission, because embassy rules and appointment systems change frequently.

Can someone else submit my documents for legalization on my behalf?

Yes. Legalization at the Department of Consular Affairs can be filed by an authorized representative with the applicant's ID or passport copy signed as certified true, and our staff handle submission and collection daily. Certain embassies, however, require the applicant to appear in person or to sign in front of a consular officer, and we confirm that requirement in advance.

My document was rejected at the counter. What are the usual reasons?

The most frequent reasons are a photocopy that is not a certified true copy from the issuing office, a name spelling that differs from the passport, a translation that omits stamps, seals or handwritten notes, an expired supporting document such as a company affidavit, and documents that are laminated or physically altered. Each of these is fixable, and we review the file against these points before submitting.

What is a NAATI translation and when is it required?

A NAATI translation is produced by a translator credentialed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, the Australian standard. It is required for documents submitted to the Department of Home Affairs for visa and migration applications, and is commonly requested by Australian universities, licensing bodies and state agencies. Our NAATI service is THB 1,300–2,500 per document with a turnaround of 5–7 working days.

What does the price of THB 1,300–2,500 depend on?

The price depends on document type, length and formatting complexity: short standard civil documents such as a birth certificate, ID card or house registration sit at the lower end, while transcripts, court judgments and multi-page contracts sit at the upper end because of table layouts and terminology. We quote a fixed price per document from your scan before starting, with no additional charges afterwards.

Do I need to send original documents for a NAATI translation?

No — a clear colour scan or photograph of the full page, including all seals and back-page endorsements, is sufficient. NAATI translations are certified against the copy provided and are delivered as a stamped PDF, which Home Affairs accepts for online lodgement. Hard copies can be couriered if the receiving body specifically requests wet-signed paper.

Does a NAATI translation also need MFA legalization?

Usually not. Australian visa lodgements accept the NAATI-certified translation on its own, and adding a Thai MFA stamp is unnecessary cost for most applicants. Legalization becomes relevant when the document is going to an Australian court, a property or inheritance matter, or a third country in the same application chain — we flag those cases at the quotation stage.

Does a NAATI translation expire?

The translation itself has no expiry date, but the underlying document may. Australian authorities commonly require police clearance certificates and single-status documents to be recently issued, so an old certificate re-translated today can still be refused. If your source document is dated, obtain a fresh original first and translate that.

Can you handle a full document set for one visa application?

Yes, and bundling is the efficient route: we translate the entire set — identity, civil status, education, employment and financial documents — under one project so terminology, name spellings and date formats stay consistent across every page. Consistency matters because case officers cross-check names and dates between documents, and mismatches trigger requests for further information.

Does Thailand have notaries public?

Thailand has no notary public in the common-law sense; the equivalent function is performed by a Notarial Services Attorney — a Thai lawyer who has completed the Lawyers Council of Thailand's notarial services course and is registered to certify signatures, copies, and statutory declarations. Foreign authorities routinely accept these certifications, and when the destination expects apostille-style authentication the certification is followed by MFA and embassy legalization.

What documents can a Notarial Services Attorney certify?

Commonly certified items include signatures on powers of attorney, affidavits and statutory declarations, certified true copies of passports and corporate documents, company resolutions and share transfer forms, sponsorship and consent letters, and the identity of a signatory for foreign banks, universities and courts. The attorney certifies the signing act or copy fidelity — not the truth of the content.

Do I have to sign in person?

Yes. The attorney must see the signatory in person together with the original passport or Thai ID before certifying a signature, which is the core safeguard of the service. Remote or scanned signatures cannot be certified. Mobile appointments at your office, condominium lobby or a nearby café are available if you cannot come to ours.

How much does notarial certification cost and how fast is it?

Attorney notarial certification starts at about THB 1,500 per document, with the final price depending on the number of documents, signatories and whether the appointment is mobile or out of hours. The certification itself is completed during the appointment; only the subsequent MFA and embassy steps add working days.

Can a document in a language I don't read be certified?

The signatory must understand what they are signing, so if the document is in a language you do not read we arrange a translation or an interpreter before the appointment. Signing a document you cannot read exposes the certification to challenge at the destination and is a common reason foreign authorities question a file.

Is notarial certification alone enough for use abroad?

It depends entirely on the receiving party. Banks, universities and many companies accept the attorney's certification on its own, while courts, land registries and immigration authorities typically require the chain of MFA legalization and destination-embassy certification on top. Tell us the receiving institution and we will map the exact chain before you sign.

What is the DTV and who realistically qualifies?

The Destination Thailand Visa is a five-year multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable once per entry by a further 180 days at an immigration office. It targets remote workers employed or contracted outside Thailand, freelancers with foreign clients, and participants in Thai soft-power activities such as Muay Thai training, cooking courses or medical treatment, and it requires evidence of at least THB 500,000 in available funds.

How is the LTR visa different from the DTV?

The Long-Term Resident visa is a ten-year visa administered by the Board of Investment for wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals and highly skilled professionals, and it bundles a digital work permit, a flat 17% personal income tax rate for the skilled-professional category and annual instead of 90-day reporting. The DTV is cheaper and faster but grants no work permit for Thai-sourced work and no tax privileges.

Can I work in Thailand on a tourist or DTV visa?

No — any work performed inside Thailand requires a work permit or an equivalent digital work authorization, regardless of where the employer or client is located. The DTV is intended for work delivered to foreign employers and clients; taking on Thai clients or a Thai employer requires switching to a Non-B or LTR pathway with proper authorization.

What most often causes a Schengen or UK visa refusal from Thailand?

The dominant causes are weak evidence of ties to Thailand, bank statements that show a sudden unexplained deposit shortly before filing, inconsistencies between the application form and supporting documents, insufficient or non-compliant travel insurance, and an itinerary that does not match the stated purpose. Refusals are recorded, so a re-application must directly address the refusal ground rather than simply resubmit the same file.

How far in advance should I apply?

Apply as early as the mission allows — for most Schengen states that is up to six months before travel, and appointment slots in Bangkok during March to August and December fill up weeks ahead. Booking the appointment early is more important than having every document ready, because documents can be completed before the appointment date but slots cannot be created.

Which Thai documents usually need translation and legalization for a foreign visa?

The typical set is the house registration, ID card, marriage or divorce certificate, birth certificates of accompanying children, company registration or employment letter, and — for family reunification or long-stay categories — a police clearance certificate. Short-stay tourist applications often accept plain English translations, while residence and family categories almost always require MFA legalization and embassy certification.

Where is a Thai police clearance certificate issued and what is needed?

It is issued by the Criminal Records Division of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok (Building 24, Royal Thai Police Headquarters area) and requires a passport or Thai ID, fingerprints taken on the official form, and evidence of the purpose such as a visa or job requirement. Foreigners who have left Thailand can apply from abroad by having fingerprints taken locally, usually at a police station or Thai embassy, and sending the file with a power of attorney.

How long does the certificate take?

Processing normally takes about two to four weeks from the date the complete file reaches the Criminal Records Division, and applications filed from abroad take longer because of courier time and fingerprint verification. Timelines lengthen when the applicant's name is common enough to require manual record disambiguation, so allow buffer time before a visa deadline.

Can someone apply on my behalf while I am overseas?

Yes. A proxy application requires a signed power of attorney, a certified copy of your passport, fingerprint cards taken abroad on the prescribed form, and the supporting purpose document. The power of attorney signed abroad is usually certified by a notary and then legalized by the Thai embassy, and we prepare the wording so the Criminal Records Division accepts it first time.

Does the certificate expire?

The certificate itself carries an issue date rather than an expiry date, but receiving authorities set their own validity window — commonly three months for visa purposes and six to twelve months for migration and licensing. Because the document is dated, request it at the point in your application timeline where it will still be within the destination's window.

Will an old case that was dismissed appear on the certificate?

Records held by the Criminal Records Division can include entries that were later dismissed or amnestied, and clearing them requires a formal record-correction request supported by the court order or prosecutor's decision. If you know of a past case, request the correction before applying for the certificate rather than after, since correcting a record already issued means starting the application again.

Does the certificate need translation and legalization?

For overseas use it usually does: the certificate is issued in Thai (an English version is available on request for some purposes), then translated, legalized at the Department of Consular Affairs, and certified by the destination embassy where required. Australian applications typically require a NAATI translation instead of the MFA chain.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Thai company?

Generally no for activities listed in the Foreign Business Act, where majority foreign ownership requires a Foreign Business Licence, a BOI promotion, or treaty rights such as the US–Thailand Treaty of Amity. Manufacturing and certain export activities are largely open, and BOI-promoted activities can permit full foreign ownership together with land-holding and visa privileges, so the right structure depends on the specific activity.

What is the minimum registered capital for a Thai company?

There is no general statutory minimum for a Thai-majority company, but practical thresholds apply: THB 2 million of paid-up registered capital per foreign work permit, or THB 1 million if the foreigner is married to a Thai national, and THB 3 million per foreign shareholder for a Foreign Business Licence. Capital should therefore be planned around the visa and work-permit outcome you need, not the incorporation minimum.

How long does company registration take?

Registration at the Department of Business Development can be completed within one to three working days once the name reservation, shareholder documents and company objectives are ready, and the VAT registration and social security registration follow afterwards. The realistic end-to-end timeline including bank account opening is two to six weeks, with the bank account usually being the slowest step for foreign directors.

What ongoing accounting obligations does a Thai company have?

Every Thai company must keep statutory accounts, file monthly withholding tax (PND 1, 3, 53) and VAT (PP 30) returns by the middle of the following month, file the half-year corporate income tax return (PND 51) and the annual return (PND 50), and have its financial statements audited by a Thai CPA and filed with the DBD each year. Dormant companies are not exempt — nil returns and an audited statement are still required.

What are the main BOI benefits worth applying for?

BOI promotion can grant corporate income tax exemptions of three to thirteen years depending on activity, import-duty exemptions on machinery and raw materials, permission for majority or full foreign ownership, the right to own land for the promoted project, and streamlined visa and work-permit processing through the One Stop Service Center. Eligibility is activity-based, so the first step is matching your business to the BOI activity list.

Which corporate documents most often need legalization for use abroad?

The company affidavit and certificate of incorporation, the shareholder list (Bor Or Jor 5), the memorandum of association, board resolutions, powers of attorney and audited financial statements are the usual set. Foreign banks and tender authorities normally want them issued within the last one to six months, translated, legalized by the MFA and certified by the destination embassy.

How does a foreigner register a marriage in Thailand?

The foreign partner first obtains an affidavit of freedom to marry from their embassy in Thailand, has it translated into Thai and legalized by the Department of Consular Affairs, and then both parties register the marriage at any district office (amphoe) with passports and two witnesses. Since the Marriage Equality Act took effect on 23 January 2025, same-sex couples register on exactly the same basis.

Do we need an interpreter at the district office?

Yes in practice — most district offices require that a foreign party who does not read Thai be assisted by an interpreter, and many request that the interpreter present identification and sign the register. Some offices also expect a prenuptial agreement, if any, to be presented before registration, because a prenuptial agreement in Thailand is only valid when registered together with the marriage.

Is a Thai marriage recognized in my home country?

A marriage registered at a Thai district office is generally valid worldwide, but recognition procedures differ: many countries want the Thai marriage certificate and the Kor Ror 2 extract translated, legalized by the MFA and certified by their embassy before it is entered in their civil register. Some countries additionally require registration with their consulate within a set period.

How is a prenuptial agreement made enforceable in Thailand?

Under the Civil and Commercial Code a prenuptial agreement must be in writing, signed by both spouses and two witnesses, and registered with the marriage at the district office on the day of registration — an agreement signed afterwards is void as to property arrangements. It also cannot contradict public order or the rules on parental duties, so the drafting must be Thailand-specific rather than a translated foreign template.

What is required for a divorce between a Thai and a foreign national?

An uncontested divorce can be registered at a district office when both parties attend and agree on property and child arrangements, while a contested divorce must go through the Thai courts on statutory grounds. Where the marriage was registered abroad, the district office generally requires the foreign marriage certificate legalized and translated before it will register the divorce.

What documents are needed to add a foreign father to a Thai child's records?

Legitimation of a child born outside marriage requires either registration at the district office with the mother's and child's consent, or a court order where consent cannot be given, plus the father's passport, evidence of paternity and translated legalized documents where issued abroad. Registration matters because parental rights, inheritance and passport applications for the child depend on it.

What is the Thai-to-foreign staff ratio for a work permit?

The general rule is four Thai employees per foreign work permit, together with THB 2 million of paid-up registered capital per foreigner, reduced to THB 1 million and two Thai employees where the foreigner is married to a Thai national. BOI-promoted companies, representative offices and regional offices operate under different, generally lighter, requirements.

Can I start working while the work permit is being processed?

No — working before the permit is issued is an offence under the Foreigners' Working Management Emergency Decree, with fines of THB 5,000 to 50,000 for the worker and up to THB 400,000 per worker for the employer, plus possible deportation and a two-year ban on re-employment. Preparatory activities such as signing your own employment contract are not treated as work, but performing duties is.

How long does a work permit take to issue?

At the Department of Employment a complete application is typically issued within about seven to ten working days, and applications processed through the BOI One Stop Service Center can be completed far faster, sometimes within a day or two. The visa side runs in parallel: a Non-B visa or change of status must be in place before the permit is collected.

Home / FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Translation, Legalization & Visas in Thailand

14 service categories · 1176 answers written by our in-house legalization and immigration team. Free assessment — call 083-249-4999 · LINE @NYC168 · contact@ilc.ltd

Showing 84 of 1176 questions

Certified Translation (all languages) (6 of 84)

Certified translation of Thai official and corporate documents into English and third languages, accepted by the Thai MFA, embassies and foreign authorities.

What makes a Thai translation 'certified' and who is allowed to certify it?: A certified translation is a translation issued with a signed certification statement from a translation agency or qualified translator confirming the text is a true and complete rendering of the original. Thailand has no single government translator register for general use, so acceptance depends on the receiving authority: the Department of Consular Affairs accepts translations submitted with the original document for legalization, embassies usually accept agency-certified translations, and some foreign authorities additionally require a sworn or NAATI translator. We confirm the receiving body's rule before translating so the document is not rejected later.
Do I need the original document or is a scan enough for translation?: A clear scan is enough to produce the translation, but the original is normally required for the legalization step that follows. The Department of Consular Affairs checks the translation against the original or a certified true copy issued by the responsible Thai authority, so if you plan to legalize, send us a high-resolution scan to start the translation and keep the original ready for submission.
How should Thai names be spelled in an English translation?: Always match the spelling printed in the passport, even when it differs from Royal Thai General System transliteration. Authorities compare the translation against the passport and treat any mismatch as a different person, which is one of the most common causes of rejection. If a name has been spelled differently on older documents, we add a spelling-variation note or arrange a name-consistency affidavit.
How long does a certified translation take and can it be rushed?: Standard civil documents such as an ID card, house registration, birth or marriage certificate are typically ready in one to two working days, while contracts, court judgments and academic transcripts take longer because of terminology checks. Same-day handling is possible for short standard documents if the scan arrives in the morning; rush handling does not shorten the separate MFA legalization queue.
Can you translate into languages other than English?: Yes — we handle 50+ language pairs including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Arabic and Vietnamese. Note that the Department of Consular Affairs mainly legalizes Thai–English and English–Thai pairs, so documents for non-English-speaking countries are usually translated into English, legalized, and then translated again into the destination language by a translator that the destination country recognizes.
Will a translation done abroad be accepted in Thailand?: It can be, but only after the foreign document and its translation are legalized by the Thai embassy or consulate in that country and then legalized again by the Thai Department of Consular Affairs. In practice it is often faster and cheaper to have the foreign document legalized abroad and translated into Thai here, because Thai authorities accept a locally certified Thai translation submitted together with the legalized original.

Open the Certified Translation (all languages) FAQ →Certified Translation Hub Sworn Translation (EU)

MFA Legalization, Embassy & Apostille (6 of 84)

How Thai documents are legalized at the Department of Consular Affairs (Chaeng Watthana), then at the destination embassy, and where Apostille fits in.

What exactly does 'MFA legalization' mean in Thailand?: MFA legalization is the certification stamp issued by the Legalization Division of the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming that the signature and seal on a Thai document — or on its translation — are genuine. It does not verify the content of the document, only the authenticity of the official signature, which is why the underlying document must first be a genuine original or a certified true copy from the issuing office.
How much does legalization cost and how long does it take?: The government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service, generally about three working days, and THB 400 per stamp for the express service returned on the next working day. Fees are charged per stamp, so a document plus its translation is normally two stamps. Agency handling, courier and queue fees are separate and quoted before we start.
In what order do the steps have to be done?: The sequence is: obtain the original or certified true copy from the issuing Thai office, translate it, legalize both at the Department of Consular Affairs, then submit to the destination embassy for its own legalization if that country requires it. Doing the embassy step before the MFA step will get the file rejected, and translating before you hold the correct certified copy usually means paying for the translation twice.
Does every country require embassy legalization after the MFA stamp?: No. Some countries accept the MFA stamp alone, others require their embassy in Bangkok to add a consular certification, and a few require additional chamber-of-commerce or ministry steps for commercial documents. We check the current requirement of the specific mission before submission, because embassy rules and appointment systems change frequently.
Can someone else submit my documents for legalization on my behalf?: Yes. Legalization at the Department of Consular Affairs can be filed by an authorized representative with the applicant's ID or passport copy signed as certified true, and our staff handle submission and collection daily. Certain embassies, however, require the applicant to appear in person or to sign in front of a consular officer, and we confirm that requirement in advance.
My document was rejected at the counter. What are the usual reasons?: The most frequent reasons are a photocopy that is not a certified true copy from the issuing office, a name spelling that differs from the passport, a translation that omits stamps, seals or handwritten notes, an expired supporting document such as a company affidavit, and documents that are laminated or physically altered. Each of these is fixable, and we review the file against these points before submitting.

Open the MFA Legalization, Embassy & Apostille FAQ →MFA Legalization Apostille (from 28 Feb 2027)

NAATI Certified Translation (Australia) (6 of 84)

NAATI-certified translations for Australian visa, migration, study and licensing applications. Service fee THB 1,300–2,500 per document, 5–7 working days.

What is a NAATI translation and when is it required?: A NAATI translation is produced by a translator credentialed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, the Australian standard. It is required for documents submitted to the Department of Home Affairs for visa and migration applications, and is commonly requested by Australian universities, licensing bodies and state agencies. Our NAATI service is THB 1,300–2,500 per document with a turnaround of 5–7 working days.
What does the price of THB 1,300–2,500 depend on?: The price depends on document type, length and formatting complexity: short standard civil documents such as a birth certificate, ID card or house registration sit at the lower end, while transcripts, court judgments and multi-page contracts sit at the upper end because of table layouts and terminology. We quote a fixed price per document from your scan before starting, with no additional charges afterwards.
Do I need to send original documents for a NAATI translation?: No — a clear colour scan or photograph of the full page, including all seals and back-page endorsements, is sufficient. NAATI translations are certified against the copy provided and are delivered as a stamped PDF, which Home Affairs accepts for online lodgement. Hard copies can be couriered if the receiving body specifically requests wet-signed paper.
Does a NAATI translation also need MFA legalization?: Usually not. Australian visa lodgements accept the NAATI-certified translation on its own, and adding a Thai MFA stamp is unnecessary cost for most applicants. Legalization becomes relevant when the document is going to an Australian court, a property or inheritance matter, or a third country in the same application chain — we flag those cases at the quotation stage.
Does a NAATI translation expire?: The translation itself has no expiry date, but the underlying document may. Australian authorities commonly require police clearance certificates and single-status documents to be recently issued, so an old certificate re-translated today can still be refused. If your source document is dated, obtain a fresh original first and translate that.
Can you handle a full document set for one visa application?: Yes, and bundling is the efficient route: we translate the entire set — identity, civil status, education, employment and financial documents — under one project so terminology, name spellings and date formats stay consistent across every page. Consistency matters because case officers cross-check names and dates between documents, and mismatches trigger requests for further information.

Open the NAATI Certified Translation (Australia) FAQ →NAATI Certified Translation

Notary Public / Notarial Services Attorney (6 of 84)

Signature and copy certification by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand — Thailand's equivalent of a notary public.

Does Thailand have notaries public?: Thailand has no notary public in the common-law sense; the equivalent function is performed by a Notarial Services Attorney — a Thai lawyer who has completed the Lawyers Council of Thailand's notarial services course and is registered to certify signatures, copies, and statutory declarations. Foreign authorities routinely accept these certifications, and when the destination expects apostille-style authentication the certification is followed by MFA and embassy legalization.
What documents can a Notarial Services Attorney certify?: Commonly certified items include signatures on powers of attorney, affidavits and statutory declarations, certified true copies of passports and corporate documents, company resolutions and share transfer forms, sponsorship and consent letters, and the identity of a signatory for foreign banks, universities and courts. The attorney certifies the signing act or copy fidelity — not the truth of the content.
Do I have to sign in person?: Yes. The attorney must see the signatory in person together with the original passport or Thai ID before certifying a signature, which is the core safeguard of the service. Remote or scanned signatures cannot be certified. Mobile appointments at your office, condominium lobby or a nearby café are available if you cannot come to ours.
How much does notarial certification cost and how fast is it?: Attorney notarial certification starts at about THB 1,500 per document, with the final price depending on the number of documents, signatories and whether the appointment is mobile or out of hours. The certification itself is completed during the appointment; only the subsequent MFA and embassy steps add working days.
Can a document in a language I don't read be certified?: The signatory must understand what they are signing, so if the document is in a language you do not read we arrange a translation or an interpreter before the appointment. Signing a document you cannot read exposes the certification to challenge at the destination and is a common reason foreign authorities question a file.
Is notarial certification alone enough for use abroad?: It depends entirely on the receiving party. Banks, universities and many companies accept the attorney's certification on its own, while courts, land registries and immigration authorities typically require the chain of MFA legalization and destination-embassy certification on top. Tell us the receiving institution and we will map the exact chain before you sign.

Open the Notary Public / Notarial Services Attorney FAQ →Notary Public (Attorney Notarial)Notary for Expats

Thailand Visas & Outbound Visa Filing (6 of 84)

Thailand visa categories (DTV, LTR, Non-B, Non-O, SMART), extensions of stay, and outbound tourist/business/student visa filings from Bangkok.

What is the DTV and who realistically qualifies?: The Destination Thailand Visa is a five-year multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable once per entry by a further 180 days at an immigration office. It targets remote workers employed or contracted outside Thailand, freelancers with foreign clients, and participants in Thai soft-power activities such as Muay Thai training, cooking courses or medical treatment, and it requires evidence of at least THB 500,000 in available funds.
How is the LTR visa different from the DTV?: The Long-Term Resident visa is a ten-year visa administered by the Board of Investment for wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals and highly skilled professionals, and it bundles a digital work permit, a flat 17% personal income tax rate for the skilled-professional category and annual instead of 90-day reporting. The DTV is cheaper and faster but grants no work permit for Thai-sourced work and no tax privileges.
Can I work in Thailand on a tourist or DTV visa?: No — any work performed inside Thailand requires a work permit or an equivalent digital work authorization, regardless of where the employer or client is located. The DTV is intended for work delivered to foreign employers and clients; taking on Thai clients or a Thai employer requires switching to a Non-B or LTR pathway with proper authorization.
What most often causes a Schengen or UK visa refusal from Thailand?: The dominant causes are weak evidence of ties to Thailand, bank statements that show a sudden unexplained deposit shortly before filing, inconsistencies between the application form and supporting documents, insufficient or non-compliant travel insurance, and an itinerary that does not match the stated purpose. Refusals are recorded, so a re-application must directly address the refusal ground rather than simply resubmit the same file.
How far in advance should I apply?: Apply as early as the mission allows — for most Schengen states that is up to six months before travel, and appointment slots in Bangkok during March to August and December fill up weeks ahead. Booking the appointment early is more important than having every document ready, because documents can be completed before the appointment date but slots cannot be created.
Which Thai documents usually need translation and legalization for a foreign visa?: The typical set is the house registration, ID card, marriage or divorce certificate, birth certificates of accompanying children, company registration or employment letter, and — for family reunification or long-stay categories — a police clearance certificate. Short-stay tourist applications often accept plain English translations, while residence and family categories almost always require MFA legalization and embassy certification.

Open the Thailand Visas & Outbound Visa Filing FAQ →Thailand Visa Work Permit

Police Clearance Certificate (6 of 84)

Thai Police Clearance Certificates issued by the Criminal Records Division, Royal Thai Police — for Thai nationals and foreigners, including applications filed from abroad.

Where is a Thai police clearance certificate issued and what is needed?: It is issued by the Criminal Records Division of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok (Building 24, Royal Thai Police Headquarters area) and requires a passport or Thai ID, fingerprints taken on the official form, and evidence of the purpose such as a visa or job requirement. Foreigners who have left Thailand can apply from abroad by having fingerprints taken locally, usually at a police station or Thai embassy, and sending the file with a power of attorney.
How long does the certificate take?: Processing normally takes about two to four weeks from the date the complete file reaches the Criminal Records Division, and applications filed from abroad take longer because of courier time and fingerprint verification. Timelines lengthen when the applicant's name is common enough to require manual record disambiguation, so allow buffer time before a visa deadline.
Can someone apply on my behalf while I am overseas?: Yes. A proxy application requires a signed power of attorney, a certified copy of your passport, fingerprint cards taken abroad on the prescribed form, and the supporting purpose document. The power of attorney signed abroad is usually certified by a notary and then legalized by the Thai embassy, and we prepare the wording so the Criminal Records Division accepts it first time.
Does the certificate expire?: The certificate itself carries an issue date rather than an expiry date, but receiving authorities set their own validity window — commonly three months for visa purposes and six to twelve months for migration and licensing. Because the document is dated, request it at the point in your application timeline where it will still be within the destination's window.
Will an old case that was dismissed appear on the certificate?: Records held by the Criminal Records Division can include entries that were later dismissed or amnestied, and clearing them requires a formal record-correction request supported by the court order or prosecutor's decision. If you know of a past case, request the correction before applying for the certificate rather than after, since correcting a record already issued means starting the application again.
Does the certificate need translation and legalization?: For overseas use it usually does: the certificate is issued in Thai (an English version is available on request for some purposes), then translated, legalized at the Department of Consular Affairs, and certified by the destination embassy where required. Australian applications typically require a NAATI translation instead of the MFA chain.

Open the Police Clearance Certificate FAQ →Police Clearance Certificate

Company Registration, Accounting & BOI (6 of 84)

Thai company incorporation, Foreign Business Licence, BOI promotion, bookkeeping, VAT and social security compliance for foreign-owned businesses.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Thai company?: Generally no for activities listed in the Foreign Business Act, where majority foreign ownership requires a Foreign Business Licence, a BOI promotion, or treaty rights such as the US–Thailand Treaty of Amity. Manufacturing and certain export activities are largely open, and BOI-promoted activities can permit full foreign ownership together with land-holding and visa privileges, so the right structure depends on the specific activity.
What is the minimum registered capital for a Thai company?: There is no general statutory minimum for a Thai-majority company, but practical thresholds apply: THB 2 million of paid-up registered capital per foreign work permit, or THB 1 million if the foreigner is married to a Thai national, and THB 3 million per foreign shareholder for a Foreign Business Licence. Capital should therefore be planned around the visa and work-permit outcome you need, not the incorporation minimum.
How long does company registration take?: Registration at the Department of Business Development can be completed within one to three working days once the name reservation, shareholder documents and company objectives are ready, and the VAT registration and social security registration follow afterwards. The realistic end-to-end timeline including bank account opening is two to six weeks, with the bank account usually being the slowest step for foreign directors.
What ongoing accounting obligations does a Thai company have?: Every Thai company must keep statutory accounts, file monthly withholding tax (PND 1, 3, 53) and VAT (PP 30) returns by the middle of the following month, file the half-year corporate income tax return (PND 51) and the annual return (PND 50), and have its financial statements audited by a Thai CPA and filed with the DBD each year. Dormant companies are not exempt — nil returns and an audited statement are still required.
What are the main BOI benefits worth applying for?: BOI promotion can grant corporate income tax exemptions of three to thirteen years depending on activity, import-duty exemptions on machinery and raw materials, permission for majority or full foreign ownership, the right to own land for the promoted project, and streamlined visa and work-permit processing through the One Stop Service Center. Eligibility is activity-based, so the first step is matching your business to the BOI activity list.
Which corporate documents most often need legalization for use abroad?: The company affidavit and certificate of incorporation, the shareholder list (Bor Or Jor 5), the memorandum of association, board resolutions, powers of attorney and audited financial statements are the usual set. Foreign banks and tender authorities normally want them issued within the last one to six months, translated, legalized by the MFA and certified by the destination embassy.

Open the Company Registration, Accounting & BOI FAQ →Company Registration Accounting, Tax & Payroll

Marriage, Family & Personal Documents (6 of 84)

Marriage registration with a foreign national, affidavits of freedom to marry, divorce, adoption and name-change documentation.

How does a foreigner register a marriage in Thailand?: The foreign partner first obtains an affidavit of freedom to marry from their embassy in Thailand, has it translated into Thai and legalized by the Department of Consular Affairs, and then both parties register the marriage at any district office (amphoe) with passports and two witnesses. Since the Marriage Equality Act took effect on 23 January 2025, same-sex couples register on exactly the same basis.
Do we need an interpreter at the district office?: Yes in practice — most district offices require that a foreign party who does not read Thai be assisted by an interpreter, and many request that the interpreter present identification and sign the register. Some offices also expect a prenuptial agreement, if any, to be presented before registration, because a prenuptial agreement in Thailand is only valid when registered together with the marriage.
Is a Thai marriage recognized in my home country?: A marriage registered at a Thai district office is generally valid worldwide, but recognition procedures differ: many countries want the Thai marriage certificate and the Kor Ror 2 extract translated, legalized by the MFA and certified by their embassy before it is entered in their civil register. Some countries additionally require registration with their consulate within a set period.
How is a prenuptial agreement made enforceable in Thailand?: Under the Civil and Commercial Code a prenuptial agreement must be in writing, signed by both spouses and two witnesses, and registered with the marriage at the district office on the day of registration — an agreement signed afterwards is void as to property arrangements. It also cannot contradict public order or the rules on parental duties, so the drafting must be Thailand-specific rather than a translated foreign template.
What is required for a divorce between a Thai and a foreign national?: An uncontested divorce can be registered at a district office when both parties attend and agree on property and child arrangements, while a contested divorce must go through the Thai courts on statutory grounds. Where the marriage was registered abroad, the district office generally requires the foreign marriage certificate legalized and translated before it will register the divorce.
What documents are needed to add a foreign father to a Thai child's records?: Legitimation of a child born outside marriage requires either registration at the district office with the mother's and child's consent, or a court order where consent cannot be given, plus the father's passport, evidence of paternity and translated legalized documents where issued abroad. Registration matters because parental rights, inheritance and passport applications for the child depend on it.

Open the Marriage, Family & Personal Documents FAQ →Marriage Registration Affidavit of Freedom to Marry

Work Permit & Employing Foreigners (6 of 84)

Registered capital and Thai-staff ratio rules, document sets, processing times, changing employers, and penalties under the Foreigners' Working Management Emergency Decree.

What is the Thai-to-foreign staff ratio for a work permit?: The general rule is four Thai employees per foreign work permit, together with THB 2 million of paid-up registered capital per foreigner, reduced to THB 1 million and two Thai employees where the foreigner is married to a Thai national. BOI-promoted companies, representative offices and regional offices operate under different, generally lighter, requirements.
Can I start working while the work permit is being processed?: No — working before the permit is issued is an offence under the Foreigners' Working Management Emergency Decree, with fines of THB 5,000 to 50,000 for the worker and up to THB 400,000 per worker for the employer, plus possible deportation and a two-year ban on re-employment. Preparatory activities such as signing your own employment contract are not treated as work, but performing duties is.
How long does a work permit take to issue?: At the Department of Employment a complete application is typically issued within about seven to ten working days, and applications processed through the BOI One Stop Service Center can be completed far faster, sometimes within a day or two. The visa side runs in parallel: a Non-B visa or change of status must be in place before the permit is collected.
What happens to my work permit if I change employer?: The permit is tied to the employer, position and workplace, so a change requires a new application by the new employer and cancellation by the old one; you cannot simply transfer the booklet. After cancellation your permission to stay is normally shortened, so the new filing must be coordinated to avoid falling out of status.
Which occupations are closed to foreigners?: Thailand maintains a reserved-occupations list that closes work such as manual labour, agriculture and fishery work with limited exceptions, hairdressing, tailoring, Thai handicrafts, driving, and legal work other than arbitration, while several other occupations are conditionally open. Job titles on a work permit must therefore be drafted to fit outside the reserved list while accurately describing the role.
Do digital nomads and LTR holders need a work permit?: LTR visa holders in the work-from-Thailand and highly-skilled categories receive a digital work permit through the BOI, so no separate booklet is required. DTV holders receive no work authorization and may only work for employers and clients outside Thailand; taking Thai-sourced work requires switching to a category that carries a permit.

Open the Work Permit & Employing Foreigners FAQ →Thailand Work Permit

Apostille & MFA Legalization (in depth) (6 of 84)

Thailand's Apostille status, the THB 200/400 per-stamp fee structure, service points, and planning timelines for large document sets.

When does Thailand start issuing Apostilles?: Thailand acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention and the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027, after which a single apostille certificate from the Department of Consular Affairs will replace the embassy legalization step for documents used in other member states. Until that date the existing two-step MFA plus embassy chain continues to apply.
Should I wait for the Apostille system before sending documents abroad?: Only if your deadline genuinely falls after February 2027. Documents legalized under the current chain remain valid after the change, and waiting risks your source documents ageing past the destination's validity window. If your submission is in 2026, use the current MFA plus embassy route.
Will the apostille work for every country?: No — an apostille is only valid between Hague Convention member states, and documents for non-member countries such as several Middle Eastern and African destinations will still require the full embassy legalization chain. Some member states have also raised objections to specific accessions, so the destination should always be checked individually.
How do I plan timelines for a large document set?: Work backwards from the submission deadline: allow three working days for standard legalization or one for express, plus embassy processing which ranges from same-day to two weeks depending on the mission, plus courier time and, critically, the time needed to obtain fresh certified copies from Thai issuing offices. For sets over about twenty documents, submissions are usually split into batches so a single problem document does not hold the entire file.
Where can documents be submitted apart from Chaeng Watthana?: Besides the Legalization Division at Chaeng Watthana, the Department of Consular Affairs operates service counters including MRT Klong Toei and provincial consular service centres, and a postal service is available for non-urgent files. Counter capacity and accepted document types differ by location, so we route each file to the counter that will actually accept it.
Can a document issued in another country be legalized in Thailand?: Yes, but the order matters: the foreign document must first be legalized in its country of origin and then by the Thai embassy or consulate there, after which the Department of Consular Affairs in Bangkok can add its certification for use in Thailand. Once Thailand's apostille regime takes effect in 2027, documents apostilled by another member state will be usable in Thailand without the Thai embassy step.

Open the Apostille & MFA Legalization (in depth) FAQ →Apostille Service

Government Document Retrieval (6 of 84)

Obtaining Thai civil-registration extracts, birth certificates, single-status certificates and company records by proxy, including powers of attorney signed abroad.

Can you obtain Thai civil documents for me while I am abroad?: Yes — Thai district offices issue certified extracts to an authorized representative holding a power of attorney, a certified copy of your passport or ID, and the prescribed request form. Powers of attorney signed overseas should be notarized and legalized by the Thai embassy in that country so the district office accepts them without a second visit.
Which Thai documents are most commonly retrieved for overseas use?: The frequent set is the house registration extract, ID card record, birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce certificates with their Kor Ror 2 and Kor Ror 6 extracts, single-status certificates, name-change records and company affidavits. Certified extracts issued directly by the responsible office are required because plain photocopies cannot be legalized.
Are old records from before computerization still obtainable?: Usually yes, but they take longer. Records predating the national civil-registration digitization are held in bound registers at the district office of registration, so retrieval requires knowing the district and approximate date, and the office may need several days to locate and certify the entry. Where a register was destroyed, an alternative certificate of facts can be issued.
What stamp duty applies to a Thai power of attorney?: Thai stamp duty on a power of attorney is THB 10 for authorizing one person to act in a single matter and THB 30 where several matters or several attorneys are involved, affixed and cancelled before use. Missing or uncancelled stamps are a common reason a district office refuses a proxy request.
In what order should retrieval, translation and legalization be done?: Retrieve the certified original first, then translate, then legalize — never the reverse. Translating from a scan before the certified copy is issued frequently means the translation does not match the final certified text, for example because the certification stamp, issuing officer's name and date appear only on the freshly issued copy and must be included in the translation.
My name is spelled differently on old Thai documents than in my passport. What now?: The mismatch must be resolved before submission, usually with a name-consistency affidavit, a district-office certificate confirming the person is the same, or a name-change record. Foreign authorities treat differing transliterations as different people, so resolving this early avoids a rejection after the whole legalization chain has already been paid for.

Open the Government Document Retrieval FAQ →Document Legalization

Interpreters (government, court, business) (6 of 84)

Interpreters for district-office marriage registration, police investigations and court hearings, business meetings and online sessions.

When is an interpreter legally required in Thailand?: An interpreter is required whenever a person who does not understand Thai takes part in an official act — district-office marriage registration, police investigations, court hearings, land office transactions and certain immigration interviews. In criminal proceedings the Criminal Procedure Code guarantees interpretation, and courts keep their own interpreter lists.
What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting?: Consecutive interpreting alternates between speaker and interpreter and suits meetings, interviews and district-office appointments, while simultaneous interpreting is delivered in real time from a booth or headset and suits conferences and long hearings. Simultaneous work requires two interpreters rotating every 20–30 minutes because sustained concentration beyond that degrades accuracy.
How far ahead should an interpreter be booked?: Book English, Chinese and Japanese interpreters at least two to three working days ahead, and rare languages such as Hebrew, Hungarian, Nepali or Amharic one to two weeks ahead, since only a handful of qualified interpreters operate in Thailand for those pairs. Court and police assignments should be booked as soon as the date is known because the interpreter must be available for the entire session.
Can interpreting be done online?: Yes for business meetings, due-diligence calls and many consultations, and some Thai courts allow remote hearings with an interpreter joining by video. District offices, land offices and police stations generally require the interpreter to be physically present and to sign the record, so remote interpreting is not accepted for those acts.
What should I send the interpreter before the assignment?: Provide the agenda, participant names and titles, any contracts or documents to be discussed, and a glossary of technical or company-specific terms. Preparation materials are the single biggest factor in interpreting accuracy, particularly for legal, medical and engineering subject matter, and all materials are handled under confidentiality.
Are interpreting fees subject to Thai withholding tax?: Payments by a Thai company to a service provider are generally subject to withholding tax — 3% for a juristic person supplying services — which the payer deducts and remits, issuing a withholding tax certificate. Where the assignment is invoiced by an individual, a different rate applies, and we issue compliant invoices either way.

Open the Interpreters (government, court, business) FAQ →Interpreter Service

Expat Life in Thailand (6 of 84)

APEC Business Travel Card, driving licence conversion, 90-day reporting, TM30, bank accounts, social security and condominium ownership.

How does 90-day reporting work and what happens if I miss it?: Foreigners staying in Thailand on a long-stay permission must report their address to Immigration every 90 days, in person, by post, through an agent or online, within the window from 15 days before to 7 days after the due date. Late reporting carries a fine of THB 2,000, rising to THB 5,000 if you are caught during an arrest, and the counter can only accept the report within the permitted window.
What is TM30 and who must file it?: TM30 is the notification of a foreigner's place of stay, and the legal duty falls on the house owner, condominium owner, hotel or landlord to notify Immigration within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival at the address. Foreigners are affected in practice because Immigration frequently requires a current TM30 receipt before processing extensions, 90-day reports and re-entry permits.
Can I convert my foreign driving licence to a Thai one?: Yes — the Department of Land Transport allows conversion of a valid foreign licence with a certificate of residence from Immigration or an embassy letter, a medical certificate, passport and visa copies, and passing the colour, reaction and depth-perception tests. Holders of a licence from a country with a reciprocal arrangement may be exempt from the written and practical tests.
Can a foreigner own a condominium in Thailand?: Yes, under the Condominium Act foreigners may own units in freehold up to 49% of the total saleable floor area of the building, and the purchase funds must be remitted into Thailand in foreign currency with a Foreign Exchange Transaction certificate issued by the receiving bank for transfers of USD 50,000 or more. Land ownership remains closed to foreigners other than under BOI or specific statutory exceptions.
What is the APEC Business Travel Card worth to a Thailand-based executive?: The card gives pre-cleared short-stay entry to participating APEC economies for up to five years, use of express immigration lanes, and stays of typically 59 to 90 days per entry depending on the economy, removing repeated visa applications for regional business travel. Applicants must be a business person with genuine trade or investment activity, sponsored by a company and cleared by each participating economy.
Can a foreigner open a Thai bank account without a work permit?: It is possible but bank- and branch-dependent: most banks require a work permit or a long-stay visa, while some accept a certificate of residence from Immigration or an embassy, a Thai address and an introduction letter. Requirements tightened under anti-money-laundering rules, so the practical route is to match applicant profile to the bank most likely to accept it rather than applying at random.

Open the Expat Life in Thailand FAQ →APEC Business Travel Card 90-Day Reporting

Education Documents & Student Visas (6 of 84)

Degree and transcript translation, certification for overseas admission, credential recognition in Thailand, and Non-ED student visas.

How are Thai degrees and transcripts prepared for overseas admission?: The usual chain is an official transcript and degree certificate issued by the university registrar, a certified translation into English, MFA legalization, and — where required — certification by the destination embassy or direct verification with the university. Many universities also require the transcript to be sent in a sealed envelope directly from the registrar, which the translation chain must not break.
Does a foreign degree need recognition to be used in Thailand?: For most private-sector employment no formal recognition is needed, but for government positions, professional licensing and further study in Thailand, credential equivalence is assessed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission or the relevant council, supported by legalized translated documents. Assessment takes several weeks, so it should start well before a job or enrolment deadline.
What is required for a Non-ED student visa?: The applicant needs an acceptance letter from an accredited Thai institution together with the institution's supporting documents to Immigration, proof of funds, a passport valid for at least six months, and, for language schools, evidence of attendance for each extension. Extensions require attendance records and in some cases a proficiency test, and repeated language-course extensions face closer scrutiny.
Can documents be translated if the university has since closed or merged?: Yes, and the translation records the institution's name exactly as printed, with an accompanying note where the institution has merged or been renamed. Verification for a closed institution is usually routed through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, which holds successor records, and this step should be planned for since it adds time.
Do school documents for a child's overseas application need legalization?: Where the child is applying for enrolment or a dependent visa abroad, school reports, enrolment letters and birth certificates generally need certified translation and MFA legalization, and family-reunification categories usually add embassy certification. Bundling the child's documents with the parents' set keeps name spellings and dates consistent across the whole application.
Which education documents does an Australian application need in NAATI form?: Degree certificates, academic transcripts, English test results issued in Thai and any professional training certificates are typically required as NAATI translations for Home Affairs and for skills assessment bodies. Our NAATI service covers these at THB 1,300–2,500 per document with a 5–7 working day turnaround.

Open the Education Documents & Student Visas FAQ →Education Visa (Non-ED)

Still unsure? Send a photo of your document for a free assessment — call 083-249-4999 · LINE @NYC168 · contact@ilc.ltd. Thai version: คำถามที่พบบ่อย (ภาษาไทย)

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