Legalising Thai documents for use in China: the certification chain
In short
Thai documents used in China normally pass through a fixed chain: a freshly issued original from the Thai issuing authority, a complete translation in the language the receiving office requires, legalisation by the Thai Department of Consular Affairs, and finally certification by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. China is already a contracting party to the Apostille Convention, and once the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 an Apostille may replace the embassy stage between the two countries.
Who needs this
- • Students and workers moving to China who need transcripts, degree certificates and a police clearance certificate.
- • People registering a marriage or handling a civil-status matter in China.
- • Thai companies presenting company affidavits and powers of attorney to Chinese counterparties or authorities.
Language and format required
Confirm with the mission whether the receiving office accepts English or requires Chinese. Some Chinese authorities accept a Chinese translation only.
Step by step
1. Obtain a fresh original
Request a newly issued copy from the issuing authority so the seal and signature are on the specimen record the Department of Consular Affairs verifies against.
2. Confirm the required language first
Ask the receiving office in China, or read the mission's notice, before ordering the translation so you do not pay to have it done twice.
3. Translate the document in full
Every line, seal, signature and marginal note must appear, with personal names spelled as in the passport.
4. Lodge for consular legalisation
Submit the original with the translation through the channel and with the supporting documents the Department of Consular Affairs publishes at the time of lodgement.
5. Lodge with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate
Book and attend as that mission requires, with the legalised document and its own completed form.
Points to watch
- • If the receiving office requires Chinese, an English translation will not be accepted.
- • A Chinese rendering of a personal name must match any earlier documents used in China; tell the translator if you have them.
- • Some receiving offices set a maximum age for the document, so plan the issue date around your filing date.
Apostille status you should know
Thailand deposited its instrument of accession to the Apostille Convention on 30 June 2026, and the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 according to the HCCH. Once in force, Thai public documents used in another contracting party can carry an Apostille instead of the double legalisation step at an embassy. Before that date the existing consular-plus-embassy chain still applies, and documents destined for non-contracting countries will continue to require embassy legalisation afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
China has joined the Apostille Convention — is embassy legalisation still needed?
Until the Convention enters into force for Thailand, documents issued in Thailand still follow the consular-plus-Chinese-mission chain. From 28 February 2027, the date published by the HCCH, an Apostille can be used between the two countries.
Must I lodge in person?
It varies by document type and service channel. Some cases allow an authorised representative with a written authorisation. Check the mission's current rules before travelling there.
Can I use a photocopy of a company affidavit?
Normally you need a registrar-certified copy issued within the window the receiving office sets. Self-made photocopies are usually refused at the consular stage.
Can I translate the document myself and have it legalised?
The Department of Consular Affairs certifies translations against the original under its published criteria, but in practice translations with the wrong layout or missing elements are sent back. Using a translator familiar with Thai official documents reduces repeat corrections.
How long does it take?
It depends on the consular service channel and the mission's queue at that time. Check the official notices and allow extra time in case a correction is requested.
What about documents issued in China for use in Thailand?
They are certified by the Chinese authorities first, then by the Royal Thai Embassy in China, and once in Thailand translated into Thai and lodged for translation certification with the Department of Consular Affairs under its published conditions.
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Content last reviewed: August 2026