Translation and Legalization in Thailand

Translation and legalization in Thailand, documents are essential processes for business, legal, immigration, and academic purposes. Whether a foreigner needs to use Thai documents abroad or submit foreign documents to Thai authorities, proper translation and authentication ensure legal acceptance.

Since Thailand is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, all foreign documents must go through a full legalization process instead of a simple apostille. This involves certified translation, notarization, authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and sometimes embassy certification.

This guide provides an in-depth analysis of translation and legalization in Thailand, covering legal procedures, document requirements, government authorities, and potential challenges.

1. Legal Framework Governing Translation and Legalization in Thailand

✔ Civil and Commercial Code (CCC) – Governs legal documents, contracts, and notarization.
✔ Consular Affairs Act B.E. 2535 (1992) – Defines legalization and consular authentication procedures.
✔ Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) – Requires foreign companies to submit legalized corporate documents.
✔ Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Regulations – Establishes legalization rules for international documents.
✔ Lawyers Act B.E. 2528 (1985) – Governs Notarial Services Attorneys, who notarize translations.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT) oversee the legalization and notarization of documents before they can be recognized by Thai or foreign authorities.

2. Purpose of Translation and Legalization in Thailand

Translation and legalization ensure that foreign and Thai documents are officially recognized for:

✔ Immigration and Visa Applications – For permanent residency, marriage visas, work permits, and citizenship.
✔ Business and Corporate Transactions – Company formation, contracts, financial statements, and trade agreements.
✔ Litigation and Court Proceedings – Affidavits, power of attorney (PoA), and court rulings.
✔ Property Transactions – Land purchases, lease agreements, and title deed verification.
✔ Marriage, Adoption, and Family Law Cases – Birth certificates, divorce decrees, adoption papers.
✔ Education and Employment Certifications – Diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses.

3. Types of Documents That Require Translation and Legalization

🔴 Foreign documents for use in Thailand must be:

1. Translated into Thai by a certified translator.

2. Legalized by the foreign embassy in Thailand (if required).

3. Authenticated by the Thai MFA.

🔴 Thai documents for use abroad must be:

1. Certified by the issuing Thai authority (e.g., Land Department, District Office).

2. Legalized by the MFA.

3. Translated into the required foreign language.

4. Certified by the receiving country’s embassy in Thailand.

4. Step-by-Step Process for Translation and Legalization in Thailand

Step 1: Obtain the Original Document

✔ The document must be issued by a government agency or legal entity.
✔ Ensure the document is fully completed, signed, and stamped.

Step 2: Certified Translation

✔ The document must be translated by a certified translator or professional translation agency.
✔ Both Thai-to-English and English-to-Thai translations require official certification.
✔ Some embassies require translations performed by registered translators only.

Step 3: Notarization (If Required)

✔ Certain documents, such as power of attorney, affidavits, and business contracts, require notarization by a Notarial Services Attorney before legalization.
✔ In Thailand, Notarial Services Attorneys are licensed Thai lawyers authorized by the Lawyers Council of Thailand to certify documents.

Step 4: Legalization at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

Once translated, the document must be legalized by the MFA Consular Affairs Department.

✔ Location: MFA Consular Affairs Department, Chaeng Wattana, Bangkok.
✔ Processing Time:

• Standard: 3-5 business days

• Express: 1-day service available
  ✔ Required Documents:

• Original document + certified translation

• Passport or ID of the applicant

• Power of Attorney (if applying on behalf of someone else)
  ✔ Legalization Fee:

• THB 200 per document (standard)

• THB 400 per document (express)

Step 5: Embassy Authentication (If Required for Foreign Use)

✔ If the document is intended for use outside Thailand, it must be authenticated by the receiving country’s embassy in Thailand.
✔ Some embassies require additional notarization or specific verification.

✔ Common Embassy Authentication Processing Times:

• U.S. Embassy: 3-5 days

• UK Embassy: 1-3 days

• Australia Embassy: 2-5 days

• EU Member Embassies: Varies

5. Common Challenges in Translation and Legalization

6. Costs and Processing Times for Legalization in Thailand

✔ Urgent processing services may have higher fees.
✔ Additional fees apply for legal translation and notarization.

7. Conclusion

Translation and legalization in Thailand are essential for business, immigration, and legal matters, ensuring documents are recognized by Thai and international authorities. The MFA Consular Affairs Department handles document authentication, while notarial services and embassy verification are required for certain cases.

By following proper procedures, using certified translators, and legalizing documents correctly, individuals and businesses can avoid delays, legal disputes, and rejected applications when dealing with international transactions, court proceedings, and visa applications.