NYCVisa · Notarial Services Attorney
Contract / Agreement Certification in Thailand
Ordinary contracts — services, sales, hire of work — bind the parties under the Civil and Commercial Code once agreed. A notary certifies that the signers signed in person and are who they claim to be; the notary does not warrant that the deal is fair, lawful or fully enforceable.
Certification scope and key checks
Some contracts must be in writing or registered by law — a sale of immovable property must be registered at the Land Office, and notarisation does not replace that step.
If the contract will be used abroad, ask the recipient which certificate form, translation and onward legalisation they require before signing.
All signers should read the final version before the appointment; changing text after a notarised signing may require a fresh execution.
Documents to prepare
- Final draft confirmed by all parties
- ID card or passport of every signer
- Recipient's requirements if the document goes abroad
Procedure for this document
- Check the draft and signer list
- Sign before the notary with witnesses as the form requires
- Translate and legalise only where the recipient requires
Overseas use: confirm the recipient’s route
Notarization is not required for every public record, and some uses need no onward legalisation. Confirm whether the recipient needs an original, copy, translation or specific certification before arranging MFA and embassy steps where applicable.
Thailand deposited its accession on 30 June 2026. The Apostille Convention is scheduled to enter into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027. Do not assume Thai Apostilles are available before then. Even after entry into force, document scope and treaty relations with the destination must be checked.
Questions before booking
- Is notarisation required for a contract to be valid?
- Generally no — a contract is valid once the parties agree; notarisation is added evidence or a recipient's requirement, not a universal condition.
- Does the notary review the contract's content?
- The notary verifies identity and signing, not whether the terms favour you; consult a lawyer separately for content advice.
- Can parties sign on different days?
- Often yes, each signing before a notary separately — confirm the recipient accepts this.
- Are MFA and embassy legalisation always needed?
- No. Ask the recipient to confirm the certification, language and onward steps. Notarization, translation and legalisation are distinct; do not perform every step automatically.
- How are fees and timing assessed?
- After reviewing the form, copies, signers, language and onward steps, we provide a quote and indicative schedule before work. Authority queues and outcomes are not guaranteed.
- What should I send before booking?
- Send the record type, destination country, receiving authority and its checklist through a direct contact channel. Redact personal information unnecessary for the initial enquiry.
📚 Official sources and current requirements
Content reviewed 8 October 2026. General information, not case-specific legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the recipient before filing; document acceptance and application outcomes are not guaranteed.
Send the recipient’s checklist before booking
Initial enquiry for scoping and a quote is free; case-specific legal advice is not included.