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.
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.
The 1961 Hague Apostille Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 (instrument of accession deposited 30 June 2026). Until that date, every Thai public document used overseas must still 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.
This table shows how each document is classified at the counter, which pre-steps are mandatory before filing, and where files are most often rejected. Based on the Department of Consular Affairs' published requirements.
Certification of translation accuracy (Thai → English)
Pre-filing steps
Common rejection causes
Certification of the institution's authorised signature + translation
Pre-filing steps
Common rejection causes
Certification of the issuing officer's signature
Pre-filing steps
Common rejection causes
Certification of the DBD registrar's signature + translation
Pre-filing steps
Common rejection causes
Certification of the notarial services attorney's signature
Pre-filing steps
Common rejection causes
Certification of the foreign embassy officer's signature in Thailand
Pre-filing steps
Common rejection causes
| Service | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard service (documents returned in about 3 working days) | per seal (per document) | Government fee only; excludes our filing service and courier costs. |
| Express service (same working day, subject to the department's cut-off) | per seal (per document) | Daily quota and cut-off times follow the department's notice for that day. |
| Filing by post | per seal + return postage | Turnaround counts from the day the department receives the file, not the day you post it. |
Translate everything on the page — letterhead, emblem, seals, and footer text.
Officers compare line by line; any omission makes the translation inaccurate.
Keep the original layout and order — no summarising, no reordering.
Reformatting makes side-by-side verification impossible.
Spell personal names exactly as in the passport and company names as registered in English.
Name mismatch is the top rejection cause and also triggers later embassy refusals.
Convert Buddhist-era (B.E.) dates to Gregorian (A.D.) and state the format clearly.
Destinations cannot read B.E.; a 543-year gap makes the file look contradictory.
The translation must be a separate, cleanly typed document — never handwritten on the original.
Writing on the original counts as altering it.
Always file the original together with the translation; a standalone translation is not certified.
Certification confirms the translation matches the original presented.
Sources
Last fact-checked: · Government fees and cut-off times may change by department notice.
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.
Certification of translations done by MFA-recognized translators. Language conversions must match the source verbatim — reference numbers, dates, signatures, and stamps included.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We are both the filing team and your advisers, with 15+ years of combined experience. We map the document route and confirm the realistic steps for your case before any work starts.
Order a fresh certified copy from the district office or issuing agency where the existing one is too old or damaged.
Handled by: Applicant / our team · Typical time: 1–3 business days
Translation is prepared and proofread against the passport spelling and the destination's requirements.
Handled by: Translator · Typical time: 1–2 business days
The file is submitted for authentication under standard or express service.
Handled by: Our team · Typical time: 1–3 business days
Legalised documents are collected and, where the destination requires it, forwarded to that country's embassy in Bangkok.
Handled by: Our team · Typical time: 1–2 business days
Overall timeframe: Translation plus standard legalisation usually runs 3–6 business days end to end. Express handling shortens the counter stage but does not change how long the issuing district office needs to re-issue an original.
Recent original Thai civil registry document
Many destinations only accept certificates re-issued within the last 3–6 months
Translation prepared to the department's conventions
Transliteration of names must match the passport spelling
Passport or ID of the document holder
Copy signed by the holder; originals may be requested at the counter
Power of attorney if an agent files for you
Signed by the holder with an ID copy attached
Read the full preparation guide · Talk to our attorneys — 094-895-8999 · LINE @Thainotary
consular.mfa.go.th
08:30–14:30
77 provinces · Worldwide
฿1,500
Information current as of July 2026 · Reviewed by our editorial team together with a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand · Procedures, fees, timelines and acceptance remain at the discretion of the receiving authority; please confirm with that authority before filing.
Selected from our knowledge base of 3,300+ real questions we have answered.
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