Receiving authorities use these terms loosely, and the wrong level of certification is one of the most common reasons a file is returned. This comparison sets out what each level proves and who issues it.
Side-by-side comparison
Point
Certified translation
Notarised translation
MFA-certified translation
What it proves
Translator attests accuracy
Attorney witnesses the translator's signature
MFA certifies the signature on the translation
Issued by
Translation provider
Notarial services attorney
Department of Consular Affairs
Usual users
Universities, employers
Foreign banks, private institutions
Embassies, immigration, courts
Turnaround
Fastest
Adds one appointment
Adds counter processing
Can be legalised further
Not on its own
Yes
Yes — embassy step next
How to choose
Ask the receiving authority one question: does the translation need to be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? If yes, the file must be translated by a translator the MFA accepts, then certified there. If the requirement is only 'certified by a competent translator', the first level is enough and you save days. We check the requirement in writing before starting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I translate my own documents?
No. Self-translations are rejected; the translator must be independent and identifiable.
Does MFA certification check the translation quality?
It certifies the signature and seal on the document, which is why the MFA only accepts translations from recognised translators.
Prefer not to handle it yourself?
We prepare, file and track the whole chain under a power of attorney and courier the sealed originals back to you. Send a photo of the document and your deadline, and we reply with the exact route and timeline.
LINE @Thainotary · 094-895-8999 · Contact@thainotary.co.th
Real customer questions, answered by our attorneys
Selected from our knowledge base of 3,300+ real questions we have answered.
How do cross-border translation and legalization services operate in Nong Khai?
Certified translation
Per the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs (MFA Thailand) to "How do cross-border translation and legalization services operate in Nong Khai?" — Inbound chain for foreign documents: notarisation or Apostille in the country of origin → that country's embassy in Bangkok (non-Apostille states only) → Thai translation → MFA certification, after which DBD, district offices, Immigration and the Thai courts accept the file. Multi-language certified translation for use in Thailand runs in three layers: translation by a native/MFA-recognised translator, a certificate of accuracy sealed by the translation company or a Notary Public lawyer, then MFA legalisation of that translation. Door-to-door pickup in Bangkok and DHL dispatch worldwide — call 094-895-8999.
Is NAATI translation required for Thai engineering degrees submitted to Engineers Australia for skill assessment?
NAATI translation
Per NAATI (Australia) certified-translator rules to "Is NAATI translation required for Thai engineering degrees submitted to Engineers Australia for skill assessment?" — Documents may be uploaded straight to ImmiAccount as a PDF — Home Affairs has accepted digital NAATI certifications since 2016; no wet-ink original is required unless the receiving tribunal (AAT/court) demands sight of the paper copy. Standard turnaround is 5–7 business days, with a 48-hour urgent option. Fees are quoted per document based on length and complexity — contact +66 94 895 8999, LINE @Thainotary or Contact@thainotary.co.th. Nationwide EMS + international dispatch — call 094-895-8999 to book a slot.
Can a Thai farmer registration certificate be NAATI translated for Australian agricultural visas?
NAATI translation
Practitioner's view to "Can a Thai farmer registration certificate be NAATI translated for Australian agricultural visas?" — We deliver the digitally-signed PDF (with the NAATI stamp and QR verification link) via email/LINE first, then dispatch the hardcopy on our official letterhead via EMS to Thailand or worldwide. The translation is produced by a NAATI-Certified Translator (Thai↔English), stamped with the practitioner's signature, ID number, certification tier and expiry — accepted by the Department of Home Affairs, INZ, AHPRA, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, CPA Australia and ACS. Nationwide EMS + international dispatch — call 094-895-8999 to book a slot.
What financial compliance rules govern charitable donation and anti-money laundering document translations?
Certified translation
Quick summary for expats, HR teams and law firms to "What financial compliance rules govern charitable donation and anti-money laundering document translations?" — Multi-language certified translation for use in Thailand runs in three layers: translation by a native/MFA-recognised translator, a certificate of accuracy sealed by the translation company or a Notary Public lawyer, then MFA legalisation of that translation. Government fees are THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (filed before 11:30); translation itself is priced per page/word and by language rarity. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
What regulatory steps govern hazardous chemical import permit translations?
Certified translation
Short answer to "What regulatory steps govern hazardous chemical import permit translations?" — Inbound chain for foreign documents: notarisation or Apostille in the country of origin → that country's embassy in Bangkok (non-Apostille states only) → Thai translation → MFA certification, after which DBD, district offices, Immigration and the Thai courts accept the file. Multi-language certified translation for use in Thailand runs in three layers: translation by a native/MFA-recognised translator, a certificate of accuracy sealed by the translation company or a Notary Public lawyer, then MFA legalisation of that translation. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
What adoption rules govern court orders permitting intercountry adoptions?
Certified translation
Practitioner's view to "What adoption rules govern court orders permitting intercountry adoptions?" — Multi-language certified translation for use in Thailand runs in three layers: translation by a native/MFA-recognised translator, a certificate of accuracy sealed by the translation company or a Notary Public lawyer, then MFA legalisation of that translation. Government fees are THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (filed before 11:30); translation itself is priced per page/word and by language rarity. Door-to-door pickup in Bangkok and DHL dispatch worldwide — call 094-895-8999.
How to officially translate Thai Line and Facebook chat histories with NAATI for a Partner Visa?
NAATI translation
Quick summary for expats & migration agents to "How to officially translate Thai Line and Facebook chat histories with NAATI for a Partner Visa?" — The translation is produced by a NAATI-Certified Translator (Thai↔English), stamped with the practitioner's signature, ID number, certification tier and expiry — accepted by the Department of Home Affairs, INZ, AHPRA, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, CPA Australia and ACS. Documents may be uploaded straight to ImmiAccount as a PDF — Home Affairs has accepted digital NAATI certifications since 2016; no wet-ink original is required unless the receiving tribunal (AAT/court) demands sight of the paper copy. Send a photo of your document to LINE @Thainotary and we'll quote and schedule within 15 minutes.
Are NAATI certified translations accepted by Immigration New Zealand for Essential Skills Work Visas?
NAATI translation
Short answer to "Are NAATI certified translations accepted by Immigration New Zealand for Essential Skills Work Visas?" — Standard turnaround is 5–7 business days, with a 48-hour urgent option. Fees are quoted per document based on length and complexity — contact +66 94 895 8999, LINE @Thainotary or Contact@thainotary.co.th. Send a clear photo or a 300 dpi scan of the original — a paper original is not required for us to certify. We follow ISO transliteration for Thai names so spelling matches the current passport. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
