Legalising Thai documents for the UAE and other Middle East destinations
In short
For the UAE and most other Middle East destinations the full chain still applies: a freshly issued original, a complete translation in the language the destination requires, legalisation by the Thai Department of Consular Affairs, and certification by that country's embassy in Thailand. Several destinations additionally require an Arabic translation, and some require a further step by their own ministry of foreign affairs after arrival.
Who needs this
- • People taking up employment in the Gulf who must present degree certificates, professional licences and a police clearance certificate.
- • Families relocating who need birth and marriage certificates recognised locally.
- • Companies filing Thai corporate documents with a local partner, free zone or authority.
Language and format required
English is often the first stage, with an Arabic translation required by the destination. Confirm which language the receiving authority requires and whether the Arabic translation must be produced locally.
Step by step
1. Confirm the destination's language and stages
Ask the employer, free zone or authority which certification layers and which language they require, and get it in writing.
2. Order fresh originals
Request newly issued copies from the Thai issuing authorities so all seals are verifiable.
3. Translate completely
Include every seal, signature and marginal note; incomplete translations are the most common cause of rejection at the consular stage.
4. Legalise at the Department of Consular Affairs
Lodge the original with the translation through the published channel with the required identity documents.
5. Lodge with the destination embassy in Thailand
Book and lodge under that mission's own rules; fees and processing are those the mission publishes at the time.
6. Complete any in-country step
Some destinations require attestation by their own ministry of foreign affairs after the document arrives. Plan for it before you travel.
Points to watch
- • Skipping consular legalisation and going straight to the embassy almost always results in refusal.
- • Some destinations only accept an Arabic translation produced by a locally licensed translator.
- • Document age limits are often short, so sequence the issue date against your travel 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
Is the Apostille available for the UAE?
Whether an Apostille can be used depends on both countries being contracting parties on your filing date. Check the HCCH status table and the receiving authority's own notice rather than relying on general advice.
Does the Arabic translation have to be done in the destination country?
Several authorities require a locally licensed translator for the Arabic version. Confirm before paying for an Arabic translation in Thailand.
Do degree certificates need extra verification?
Some employers and authorities require verification with the issuing institution or the Thai Ministry of Higher Education in addition to legalisation. Ask the employer what they will check.
Can an agent lodge for me?
Embassies differ. Where a representative is allowed, a written authorisation and identity documents are required.
How long should I allow?
Because the chain has more stages, allow generous lead time and check each authority's published processing information close to your filing date.
What does the whole chain cost?
Our translation fee depends on the documents; government and embassy fees are those published by each authority. Send your scans by LINE, phone or email for a written quote first.
Other destinations and related pages
Official source
Content last reviewed: August 2026