Document Legalization in Thailand: MFA Certification Process Explained

Why Document Legalization Matters

Foreign documents are not automatically valid in Thailand. Before a Thai government office, court, or business will accept your foreign document, it must go through a legalization process.

Common Documents Requiring Legalization

Birth certificates

Marriage certificates

Degree certificates

Police clearance certificates

Powers of attorney

Court orders

Company registration documents

The Legalization Process

#

Step 1: Apostille or Embassy Legalization

For Hague Convention Countries (UK, USA, Australia, most EU):

Obtain an apostille from your home country

UK: FCDO apostille service

US: State Secretary of State

Australia: DFAT

For Non-Hague Countries (China, Vietnam, India):

Document must be legalized by Thai embassy in that country

#

Step 2: Certified Thai Translation

- Must use an MFA-registered translator

Check the MFA website for current translator list

Cost: THB 300-800 per page

Translator signs and stamps each page

#

Step 3: MFA Endorsement

- Submit to MFA Consular Affairs Division

Bangkok: Sri Ayudhya Road, Ratchathewi (near BTS Victory Monument)

Hours: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Mon-Fri)

Fee: THB 200 per document

Processing: Same day or next day

Timeline

| Step | Duration |

|------|----------| | Apostille (home country) | 1-3 weeks | | Courier to Thailand | 1-2 weeks | | Thai translation | 1-3 days | | MFA endorsement | Same day | | Total | 2-6 weeks |

Common Mistakes

1. Using uncertified translators — MFA will reject 2. Wrong apostille country — Must be from document-issuing country 3. Expired documents — Police clearance often expires after 6 months 4. Skipping MFA step — Translation alone is not sufficient

Cost Breakdown

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Apostille (varies by country) | USD 10-150 | | Thai translation | THB 300-1,500 | | MFA endorsement | THB 200 | | Courier (international) | THB 2,000-6,000 | | Total per document | THB 2,000-10,000 |

Tips

Use MFA's online appointment system

Bring multiple copies of translations

Keep originals safe — some processes require the original

Agent services cost THB 1,500-5,000 per document but save time

Related Guides

[Apostille & Legalisation](/blog/getting-apostille-thailand-document-types)

[MFA Legalisation (Chaengwattana)](/blog/mfa-document-legalisation-chaengwattana-thailand)

[Notary Services in Thailand](/blog/foreigner-thai-notary-attorney-eligibility)