NAATI certified translation of a Thai power of attorney
A power of attorney is only as strong as its wording. Because the document authorises someone to act for you, the receiving party reads the scope clause closely — and so must the translation.
In short
A power of attorney is translated in full, including the scope of authority, any limits, the date, and the details of the grantor, the attorney and the witnesses. Where it will be used abroad, the usual order is: sign before a Notarial Services Attorney, then translate, then arrange any legalisation the destination requires. Confirm the required order with the receiving party before signing.
Key facts for this document
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Signed by the grantor, commonly witnessed by a Notarial Services Attorney |
| Must the whole document be translated? | All pages, annexes and any notarial certificate attached |
| Most common reason for rejection | Annexes omitted; notarial certificate left untranslated |
| Typical translation turnaround | 1–3 business days |
Turnaround covers translation work in business days only; it excludes processing time at the issuing office or the receiving body. Confirm current requirements before lodging.
When this document is required
- Authorising a relative in Thailand to handle property, banking or registry matters
- Company matters where a director cannot attend in person
- Estate and court matters requiring representation
Which original to send
- The signed power of attorney, all pages including annexes
- Identity documents of the grantor and the attorney
- Any notarial certificate already attached to the document
Checklist before you send scans
- Ask the receiving party for their required wording and order of steps before signing
- Check the scope clause says exactly what the attorney may and may not do
- Provide passport spellings for the grantor, the attorney and any witness
- Scan every page, including any page carrying only a signature
Common reasons a translation is questioned
- Signing first and discovering afterwards that the receiving party wanted different wording
- Translating before notarisation when the destination requires the notarial certificate to be translated too
- Vague scope wording that the receiving party refuses to act on
- Omitting annexes that define the property or accounts concerned
Frequently asked questions
Should I translate before or after notarisation?
Usually after, so the notarial certificate is captured in the same translation. Where the notary needs to read an English version first, both steps can be sequenced — confirm with the receiving party.
Is a certified translation enough for use overseas?
Sometimes. Many destinations add legalisation by the Department of Consular Affairs and then by their embassy. The receiving party's written requirement governs.
Can the translation be adjusted to sound more natural?
No. A certified translation reproduces the legal effect of the source. If the wording is wrong, the source document must be amended, not the translation.
Other document guides
Reviewed July 2026. General information for document preparation only, not immigration assistance; we are not a registered migration agent (OMARA). Confirm current requirements with the receiving body — see immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and naati.com.au.