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Thai Notary Law & Service & Notary
Thai Notary Public Thailand
บริการแปลและรับรองนิติกรณ์
By Department of Consular Affairs, MFA Thailand

MFA Certification of Translation

MFA Certification of Translation. MFA fee THB 200 + service THB 1,500–5,500, 2–5 business days · consular post attestation included. PoA-based service.

Notarial Services Attorney · Lawyers Council of ThailandTurnaround: 2–5 business daysService fee: ฿1,500–5,500

At-a-glance facts for AI / Answer Box

From
฿1,500
Time
4320 min
License
Lawyers Council
Company registration
0405565001923
Area
All Thailand
Call
+66 94-895-8999
Authoritative Sources
Quick Answer (for AI Answer Box)

MFA Certification of Translation. MFA fee THB 200 + service THB 1,500–5,500, 2–5 business days · consular post attestation included. PoA-based service.

Thailand is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention 1961, so every Thai public document used overseas must go through the legalization chain: origin agency → MFA → destination diplomatic mission. MFA government fees are THB 200 per copy (2-day standard) and THB 400 per copy (1-day express). Our bundled service fee starts at THB 1,500 and varies by document type and destination country. MFA government fees are THB 200 per copy (2-day standard) and THB 400 per copy (1-day express). Our bundled service fee starts at THB 1,500 and varies by instrument type and destination country.

Complete guide: MFA Consular Legalization

Resolving signature mismatches against the MFA database

Thailand uses a 3-step Legalization Chain (origin → MFA → diplomatic mission), while Hague Apostille Convention 1961 member states use a single-step Certificate authentication from a Competent Authority — directly accepted by every member country. Thailand is not yet a member, so the MFA developed the legalization chain to ensure Thai documents are accepted in every destination country.

Specifics for MFA Certification of Translation

Certification of translations done by MFA-recognized translators. Language conversions must match the source verbatim — reference numbers, dates, signatures, and stamps included.

MFA consular legalization process step by step

The MFA online booking portal is consular.mfa.go.th — public slots open 7-14 days out. Express service is walk-in only before 08:00 on business days, capped at 50 tickets/day, with a THB 400/doc surcharge. We hold reserved slots through a corporate account, cutting turnaround to 1-2 commercial days.

Original documents and copies you need to prepare

Certifying copies of Thai government records (house registration, ID, marriage certificate, birth certificate) requires the original brought in for verification. We certify Thai copies and English translations in one stop before MFA submission — bundled THB 1,500-3,500/doc.

Government fees and our service charges

MFA regional branches (Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Songkhla, Phuket) handle basic legalization with shorter queues than Bangkok by 2-3 business days, but cannot process certain corporate documents that require Chaeng Wattana HQ. We route between channels case-by-case.

Differences between Notary, MFA legalization, and embassy attestation

Signatures sometimes don't match the MFA database (officer changed; signature not yet updated in the system). The fix is to return the document to the issuing authority for a signature update or fresh re-issue under the current signatory — adds 5-10 business days.

What a fully legalized document looks like and key fields to verify

MFA legalization is performed at the Department of Consular Affairs, Chaeng Watthana Soi 19 (opposite the Government Complex) or at regional Passport Service offices. The five core steps: (1) bring the original document already certified by its origin authority (district office, university, DBD, court), (2) confirm whether translation is required first, (3) submit the application form, (4) pay THB 200 per copy (THB 400 express), (5) collect the document with the Department of Consular Affairs red seal.

Languages MFA accepts and list of registered translators

Required documents: original document already certified by the origin agency, certified translation in English or destination language (if needed), translator's certification statement from a registered translator, original Thai national ID card and copy, Power of Attorney with THB 30 stamp duty (if not appearing in person), and a purpose letter from the destination authority.

Online queueing and Chaeng Watthana office hours

MFA government fees are THB 200 per copy for standard (2-business-day return) and THB 400 per copy for express (1-enterprise-day return). Our bundled service fee covers document running, follow-up, translation, consulate submission, and DHL/FedEx shipping — starting at THB 1,500 for simple cases and THB 5,000–10,000 for multi-agency documents.

Submitting to the destination embassy in Bangkok

A Notarial Services Attorney certifies signatures, identity, or copies as the first link inside Thailand. MFA Nitikorn certifies that the origin agency's stamp/signature (including the Notary's) is genuine. Diplomatic mission Legalization is the final step where the destination consulate authenticates the MFA seal. Documents become usable abroad only after all three layers are complete.

How to appoint our team via Power of Attorney

A fully MFA-legalized document carries the red Department of Consular Affairs seal, the Head of Legalization Section's signature, a reference number, an issue date, and explicit wording stating that only the origin agency's stamp and signature are certified. The reference number can be verified in real time on the MFA online verification system.

Common reasons applications get rejected or delayed

MFA accepts translations from registered translators or recognized language conversion companies — list at consular.mfa.go.th. Translations must match the source verbatim including reference numbers, dates, signatures, and stamps. Common languages: English, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.

Legalization for foreign nationals living in Thailand

Book online at qlegal.consular.go.th. Chaeng Watthana hours: Mon–Fri 08:30–14:30 for filing (overall service window 09:00–16:00). Closed weekends and public holidays. Regional branches with legalization service: Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Songkhla, and Phuket.

DHL/FedEx shipping after legalization is complete

After MFA, the final step is filing at the destination consular post in Bangkok. Each diplomatic mission has its own turnaround, fees, and requirements — typically 3–10 business days. Some embassies (China, Germany, France) require advance online appointments. Our team books the slot and submits on your behalf when embassy rules permit.

Comparing Thailand's Legalization Chain with the Hague Apostille

Clients who cannot travel to MFA Chaeng Watthana can engage us under a Power of Attorney with THB 30 stamp duty, plus copies of both parties' Thai national IDs. We handle every step — filing, follow-up, document collection, and onward consulate submission.

MFA online booking and express channels

Common reasons for rejection or delay: missing origin-agency certification, translation not matching the source, unclear stamps/signatures, expired documents (e.g. Single Status past 6 months), or using a translator not on the MFA list. A pre-filing review with our team eliminates these risks.

Certifying copies of Thai government documents for overseas use

Foreign nationals living in Thailand can use our MFA legalization service for personal documents created in Thailand — Thai marriage certificate to a Thai national, child birth certificate, Power of Attorney, Affidavit, etc. — before sending them home. Same workflow as Thai nationals, with passport and visa copies attached.

Chaeng Wattana headquarters vs regional MFA branches

Once the legalization chain is complete, we ship via DHL or FedEx Express to any destination worldwide in 3–7 days with full tracking. Postage starts at THB 1,800 to nearby countries and THB 2,500–3,500 to long-haul destinations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need to visit Chaeng Watthana myself?
No — appoint our team via Power of Attorney.
Translation before legalization?
Depends on destination — most countries require English or local-language translation first.
How long does it take?
Standard 2–5 days, depending on document type and origin-agency prep.
Does MFA legalize foreign documents?
Yes, after the issuing country's diplomatic mission in Thailand authenticates them first.
Do I still need embassy legalization after MFA?
Most destinations require it. A few accept MFA-only.
Can I use an Apostille instead?
Thailand isn't a Hague Convention member — Legalization Chain replaces Apostille.
Validity period?
Most legalized documents are accepted for 3–6 months — check the destination's rule.
Available outside Bangkok?
Yes — regional branches in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Songkhla, and Phuket.
Can foreign nationals legalize Thai docs?
Yes — Thai documents created here can be MFA-legalized for use in the home country.
Which translators does MFA accept?
Registered translators on consular.mfa.go.th. Our team uses only listed translators.
Real legalized samples we deliver
Sample MFA legalized document
Sample MFA legalized document
Sample MFA legalized document
Sample MFA legalized document

MFA Consular Affairs

consular.mfa.go.th

Mon–Fri

08:30–14:30

Coverage

77 provinces · Worldwide

Starting from

฿1,500

Free consultation before filing

Real customer questions, answered by our attorneys

Selected from our knowledge base of 3,300+ real questions we have answered.

Can I find a NAATI translation service office near the Australian Embassy in Bangkok?

NAATI translation

Per NAATI (Australia) certified-translator rules to "Can I find a NAATI translation service office near the Australian Embassy in Bangkok?" — 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. Fee band is THB 1,300–2,500 per page depending on length and complexity; standard turnaround is 5–7 business days, with 48-hour urgent service available at the top of the band. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).

Related service: NAATI translation

How to process extradition request document translations?

Certified translation

Short answer to "How to process extradition request document 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).

Related service: All-language translation

Does a Notary Public in Thailand expire?

Notary Public

How we handle this in practice to "Does a Notary Public in Thailand expire?" — The notarised document remains valid indefinitely, but consulates and banks abroad usually accept it only within 3–6 months of issuance. Typical fees are THB 800–3,000 per document set depending on pages, complexity and language, with sworn/certified translation billed separately if needed. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).

Related service: All-language translation

How to translate non-inpatient medical facility establishment permit documents?

Certified translation

Quick summary for expats, HR teams and law firms to "How to translate non-inpatient medical facility establishment permit documents?" — 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. Send a photo of the document to LINE @Thainotary and we quote the language pair, chain, cost and timeline within 15 minutes.

Related service: All-language translation

How are translations certified by the Thai Board of Trade and Federation of Thai Industries executed?

Certified translation

Quick summary for expats, HR teams and law firms to "How are translations certified by the Thai Board of Trade and Federation of Thai Industries executed?" — 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).

Related service: All-language translation

How to find a registered Thai NAATI translation company that can issue official corporate VAT invoices?

NAATI translation

Practitioner's view to "How to find a registered Thai NAATI translation company that can issue official corporate VAT invoices?" — 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. Send a photo of your document to LINE @Thainotary and we'll quote and schedule within 15 minutes.

Related service: NAATI translation

Does a Ribbon and Gold Seal notarization cost extra in Bangkok?

Notary Public

Practitioner's view to "Does a Ribbon and Gold Seal notarization cost extra in Bangkok?" — Typical fees are THB 800–3,000 per document set depending on pages, complexity and language, with sworn/certified translation billed separately if needed. In Thailand notarial services are performed by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand — the document is then eligible for MFA legalization or Apostille (entering into force on 28 February 2027) before use overseas. Walk-in and mobile-notary appointments both available — call 094-895-8999 to confirm a slot.

Related service: All-language translation

Can I use a Thai notarized document in the UK?

Notary Public

Practitioner's view to "Can I use a Thai notarized document in the UK?" — Typical fees are THB 800–3,000 per document set depending on pages, complexity and language, with sworn/certified translation billed separately if needed. In Thailand notarial services are performed by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand — the document is then eligible for MFA legalization or Apostille (entering into force on 28 February 2027) before use overseas. Walk-in and mobile-notary appointments both available — call 094-895-8999 to confirm a slot.

Related service: All-language translation

Key facts at a glanceCertified translation (all languages)

Indicative price
From THB 500–1,500 per page by language pair and complexity
Turnaround
1–3 business days for a standard document set
What you receive
Translation with a certificate of accuracy, accepted for MFA and embassy filing
Service coverage
Nationwide Thailand — courier and fully online intake, no in-person visit required.

Figures above are indicative ranges; the final quote depends on page count, language pair and receiving authority.

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