Q1026. How to translate police clearance certificates in various languages for Thai work permit applications?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation certified translation team

Police clearance certificates for Thai work permits are required from the applicant's country of nationality and sometimes from countries of prior residence, depending on the employing company's category and the BOI or Department of Employment requirements applicable to the file. The chain: issuance by the police or justice authority of the home country, legalisation (foreign ministry plus Royal Thai Embassy), translation into Thai or English, MFA certification (200/quoted on request per stamp). Key constraints: the certificate is almost always time-limited — Thai authorities commonly require issuance within 3–6 months of submission, so ordering it too early wastes it; some countries issue the certificate only to the applicant in person or via a consular channel, which affects timing; and certificates with any recorded conviction need the underlying court disposition translated as well, because a bare 'record exists' result is not assessable. For applicants already in Thailand, several countries allow application through their embassy in Bangkok (e.g., some EU states), which shortens the chain. For work-permit renewals, a fresh foreign clearance is usually not required — the requirement applies at first application or category change. Confirm the current requirement with the Department of Employment or the BOI unit handling the file before ordering, as the accepted certificate type varies by country.