How to obtain an apostille in Thailand
Thailand officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention, transforming how Thai public documents are authenticated for overseas use. Instead of the traditional, multi-step embassy legalisation process, eligible documents can now be apostilled—a faster, internationally recognised certification accepted in all Convention countries.
This guide explains what an apostille is, which documents qualify, and the step-by-step process to obtain an apostille in Thailand.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a standardised certificate issued by a government authority that authenticates the origin of a public document—such as a birth certificate or company record—so it can be recognised in another Apostille Convention country without embassy legalisation.
Once a Thai document is apostilled, it can be used directly in other Convention states for purposes such as visas, marriage registration, court proceedings, business transactions, and education.
Thailand’s apostille authority
In Thailand, apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, specifically through its Consular Department in Bangkok.
Important: Apostilles are issued only for use in other Hague Apostille Convention countries. If the destination country is not a Convention member, the older embassy legalisation process still applies.
Documents that can be apostilled in Thailand
Typical documents eligible for a Thai apostille include:
Personal documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce certificates
- Death certificates
- Name change certificates
- Criminal record checks
- Court judgments
Educational documents
- Diplomas and degrees
- Academic transcripts
- School certificates
Commercial and legal documents
- Company registration documents
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- Contracts and notarised statements
Key rule:
If the document is not originally issued by a Thai government authority (for example, a private contract), it usually must be notarised by a Thai notary or lawyer before it can be apostilled.
Step-by-step: how to obtain an apostille in Thailand
Step 1: Prepare the original document
Ensure you have the original document or a certified true copy issued by the relevant Thai authority.
For private documents:
- Arrange notarisation by a qualified Thai notary/lawyer before proceeding.
Step 2: Translation (if required)
If the document is in Thai and will be used overseas:
- Many receiving authorities require an English translation (or the official language of the destination country).
- Translations are typically done before apostille, and both the original and translation may be apostilled together.
Step 3: Submit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Lodge the application at the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, usually at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex in Bangkok, or via designated provincial offices (where available).
You will need:
- The document(s) to be apostilled
- Application form
- Passport or ID of the applicant or authorised agent
- Applicable government fee
Step 4: Processing and issuance
Once approved, the MFA issues an apostille certificate attached to (or associated with) the document.
Processing times vary depending on demand but are generally much faster than traditional embassy legalisation.
Step 5: Use the apostilled document overseas
The apostilled document can now be used directly in any other Hague Apostille Convention country without further authentication.
Apostille vs embassy legalisation in Thailand
| Situation | Correct process |
|---|---|
| Destination country is a Hague Convention member | Apostille |
| Destination country is not a Hague Convention member | Embassy / consular legalisation |
| Document will be used inside Thailand | No apostille required |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an apostille for a non-Convention country
Apostilles are not valid everywhere—always confirm the destination country’s status. - Skipping notarisation for private documents
The MFA will not apostille informal or unsigned documents. - Incorrect translations
Poor or unofficial translations can lead to rejection overseas, even if the apostille itself is valid.
Practical tips
- If you are overseas, you can often appoint an agent in Thailand to handle the apostille process on your behalf.
- For immigration, banking, or court use, check recipient-specific requirements—some institutions still request both the apostilled original and an apostilled translation.
- Apostilles do not certify the content of a document—only the authenticity of the signature, seal, or issuing authority.