Legalising Thai documents for use overseas: from translation to embassy certification
The order of steps for company and personal documents used overseas: translation, notarial signature certification, legalisation at the Department of Consular Affairs, and further certification at the destination embassy.
Zura Labs & Business Hub Co., Ltd.
Thai documents used abroad normally pass through three layers: translation into a language the destination accepts, certification of the translation and signatures, then legalisation at the Department of Consular Affairs. After that, many countries also require certification at their embassy or consulate in Thailand. The order cannot be shuffled, because each layer certifies the signature of the one before it. Ask the receiving party first which language they need and whether they want originals or certified copies.
Reviewed 2026-09-21 by the Zura Labs corporate services team.
- Thailand and the Apostille Convention
- Thailand does not use single-step Apostille certification, so multi-layer legalisation applies
- The state layer
- The Department of Consular Affairs legalises documents and translations before the embassy stage
- Language
- English translations are widely accepted; some countries require their own official language
- Company documents most often needed
- Affidavit, shareholder list, power of attorney, and board minutes
- Personal documents most often needed
- House registration, birth and marriage certificates, degrees, and police clearance
- Validity
- Many recipients accept documents issued or certified within three to six months; confirm before starting
How this works in practice
- 01
Clarify the requirement with the recipient
Get it in writing: which documents, which language, originals or copies, and how many layers of certification. Doing more layers than needed also wastes time.
- 02
Obtain fresh originals
Request a new affidavit from the DBD or fresh civil registry documents so the issue date falls inside the recipient's window.
- 03
Translate through a translator who certifies the work
The translation must match every name and figure. Spell personal and company names exactly as in the passport and the affidavit.
- 04
Certify signatures and copies
Use a duly licensed notarial services attorney under the Thai system to certify the signatory's signature or the accuracy of copies, as required.
- 05
File with Consular Affairs, then the embassy
Legalise at Consular Affairs first, then take the legalised set to the destination embassy. Check each office's hours and appointment system in advance.
Reasons this gets delayed or rejected
Doing the layers out of order
Going to the embassy before Consular Affairs gets the set rejected and restarted.
Name spellings differ across documents
A name in the translation that differs from the passport or affidavit is the most common cause of rejection.
Documents older than the recipient's window
Even a fully legalised set can be refused if the underlying original is too old, forcing a full redo.
Answers to the questions we hear most
Is a Thai notary the same as abroad?
Thailand uses licensed notarial services attorneys authorised by the Lawyers Council, not the Notary Public office found in some countries. Recipients generally accept it once the full legalisation chain is complete.
How long does it take?
It depends on document count, language, the Consular Affairs queue, and the destination embassy's rules. We plan in ranges and update as queues change; no completion date is guaranteed.
Must I attend in person?
Some steps accept a power of attorney, but signature certification requires the signatory to sign in front of the certifying attorney.
Can a certified copy replace the original?
It depends on the recipient. Many accept certified copies, but foreign banks and courts often insist on originals.
- Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Lawyers Council of Thailand
- Department of Business Development (DBD)
This is general preparation information, not case-specific legal or accounting advice. Government fees, processing times and conditions change with official announcements. We review each guide on a schedule and show the review date on the page.