Legalising Thai documents for use in European countries
In short
Most European countries are contracting parties to the Apostille Convention, but until the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 documents issued in Thailand still need legalisation by the Thai Department of Consular Affairs followed by certification at that country's embassy in Thailand. Nearly every European authority also sets its own translation rule, commonly requiring a sworn or officially recognised translator in the destination country.
Who needs this
- • People registering a marriage, birth or residence in a European country using Thai civil-status records.
- • Students and professionals presenting Thai qualifications to European institutions or licensing bodies.
- • Companies filing Thai corporate documents with a European registry or bank.
Language and format required
Usually the official language of the destination, produced by a translator that country recognises. Some authorities accept English; confirm before ordering.
Step by step
1. Read the destination authority's rule
European authorities publish precise translation requirements, often naming sworn translators registered in that country. Save the wording as at your filing date.
2. Order a fresh original
Many authorities accept civil-status extracts issued within the last three to six months only.
3. Arrange the translation the destination accepts
Where a sworn translator in the destination is required, the Thai-side translation serves the consular stage while the sworn version is prepared locally.
4. Legalise at the Department of Consular Affairs
Lodge original and translation as published, then keep the legalised set intact.
5. Certify at the destination embassy in Thailand
Until the Apostille enters into force for Thailand, this stage completes the chain for European destinations.
Points to watch
- • An Apostille from another country does not apply to a Thai-issued document; the issuing country certifies its own documents.
- • A translation accepted in one European country is not automatically accepted in another.
- • Civil-status extracts are often refused once they exceed the destination's age limit, even if the underlying facts are unchanged.
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
When can I use an Apostille instead of embassy legalisation?
For Thai public documents, from 28 February 2027, the date the HCCH publishes for the Convention entering into force for Thailand, and only where the destination is also a contracting party.
What is a sworn translator?
In many European legal systems a translator registered with a court or ministry may certify translations for official use. Whether your translation must come from such a translator is set by the receiving authority, not by us.
Can I use one translation for several European countries?
Often not, because each country names the translator categories it recognises. Check each destination separately before ordering.
Do I need to legalise a copy or the original?
The Department of Consular Affairs works from a properly issued original or certified copy under its published conditions; self-made photocopies are normally refused.
Can you handle this while I live in Europe?
Translation is fully online. Stages requiring the paper document in Thailand can be handled by an authorised representative with your written authorisation.
How much does it cost?
It depends on documents, language pair and destination requirements. Send scans by LINE, phone or email and our staff will quote before starting. Government and embassy fees are those published by each authority.
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Content last reviewed: August 2026