Reviewed August 2026. Requirements change — confirm with the receiving authority before lodging.
Which company documents are usually translated and notarised?
Certificates of incorporation and registration, the affidavit of company registration, shareholder lists, memorandum and articles of association, board resolutions, powers of attorney and audited financial statements. Most are issued or certified by the Department of Business Development.
Source: Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce
How recent must a company certificate be?
Most overseas recipients want a certificate issued within a recent window — often no more than three or six months old — because directorships and shareholdings change. Confirm the accepted age with the recipient before ordering, then obtain a fresh certified copy from the department if needed.
Source: Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce
Who has to sign a corporate power of attorney in front of the attorney?
The director or directors authorised to bind the company under the current company affidavit. The Notarial Services Attorney checks signing authority against that affidavit, so bring or send the current certified copy along with the signatory's identification.
Do financial statements need a certified translation?
Yes, when they are being relied on by an overseas bank, tribunal, tender process or authority. Translate the complete set — balance sheet, income statement, notes and the auditor's report — because a partial set is routinely rejected as incomplete.
Can documents be signed abroad and used in Thailand, or the reverse?
Both directions work, but the certification chain differs. A document signed abroad for use in Thailand is usually notarised abroad and legalised through the Thai embassy or by apostille; a Thai document going overseas is notarised in Thailand and legalised or apostilled by the Department of Consular Affairs. Confirm the chain before signing anything.
Source: Department of Consular Affairs, MFA Thailand
Can the company documents be handled without the director travelling?
Translation, certified copies and document assembly are handled remotely. The signing act itself has to happen in front of the attorney, either in person in Thailand or, for some documents, at a Thai embassy abroad — which act is acceptable depends on the receiving body.
Which company documents are most often translated for overseas use?
The company affidavit and objectives, memorandum and articles, shareholder list, board resolutions, powers of attorney, audited financial statements and licences. Overseas counterparties usually want the current certified copy, not an archived one.
Should a board resolution be translated before or after signing?
Sign the operative version first, then translate the signed document, so the translation reflects exactly what was executed. Translating a draft and signing afterwards leaves the two versions out of step, which counterparties do notice.
