DOCUMENTS FOR THAILAND
Thailand Legalization and Apostille Services
Marrying in Thailand, teaching, retiring or doing business there? Thailand joins the Apostille Convention on February 28, 2027. Until then, we handle the full authentication and consular legalization process, and after that date, a single apostille.
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THAILAND AT A GLANCE
Apostille from Feb. 28, 2027
Legalization through the Royal Thai Consulate in New York until then.
- Marriage at a district office
- Teaching and work permits
- Retirement visas
- Corporate documents
Thailand is joining the Apostille Convention
The route until February 28, 2027
| Step | Who issues it | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Notarization or certified copy | A Massachusetts notary, clerk or the issuing office | We notarize with you anywhere in Greater Boston or obtain certified records |
| 2. State authentication | Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, or the issuing state | A certification for a non-Hague country, not an apostille |
| 3. Federal authentication | U.S. Department of State | The consulate requires the State Department seal |
| 4. Consular legalization | Royal Thai Consulate General in New York | Covers Massachusetts and the rest of New England; government fee of $15 per document, payable in cash |
Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, skip the state step and begin with the U.S. Department of State. Requirements change, so we confirm the current route with every quote.
From February 28, 2027
| Document | Where the apostille comes from | What else to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Notarized documents and Massachusetts records | Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth | No consular step |
| Records from other states | The issuing state | No consular step |
| FBI background check | U.S. Department of State | No consular step |
| Any document for a Thai office | As above | Thai translation is often required in Thailand |
Until the change takes effect, consulates and Thai offices may still ask for legalization. We confirm what your receiving office expects before we begin.
Ready to get started?
Tell us what you need, and we will take care of every step.
Documents we prepare for Thailand
- Single status affidavits and other evidence of freedom to marry for a district office marriage
- Birth, marriage and divorce certificates
- FBI background checks for work permits, teaching and long-stay visas
- Diplomas and transcripts for teaching positions and degree recognition
- Income and pension letters for retirement visas
- Powers of attorney for property, banking and legal matters
- Corporate documents for Thai companies, partners and banks
How we handle it
- 1
Share the recipient's requirements
Send us the checklist or email you received from the ministry, consulate, employer, attorney or bank. We review it and confirm exactly what each document needs before any work begins.
- 2
We prepare each document
Certified copies, notarization by appointment anywhere in Greater Boston, or retrieval of records you do not yet have, such as Massachusetts vital records.
- 3
Certification from the right offices
Massachusetts documents go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, documents from other states to the issuing state, and federal documents, such as FBI background checks, to the U.S. Department of State.
- 4
Consular legalization and delivery
Until February 28, 2027, we submit your documents to the Royal Thai Consulate General in New York and track them through legalization. After that date, the apostille completes the process. We then ship everything with tracking.
Common reasons clients need documents for Thailand
Marriage in Thailand
Marriages are registered at a district office (amphur). Your evidence of single status is certified in the United States, then translated into Thai and certified by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. See Single Status Affidavit.
Teaching
Schools and immigration offices commonly ask for a legalized degree and an FBI check. See Teach Abroad Packets.
Retirement and long-stay visas
Income and pension letters, bank letters and background checks, prepared in the order your visa office expects.
Business
Certificates of good standing, resolutions and powers of attorney for Thai entities. See Corporate Documents.
Timing before and after the change
Translation for Thailand
Common mistakes we help you avoid
- Sending an apostille before February 28, 2027. Until the Convention takes effect, Thai consulates require the State Department seal and legalization.
- Skipping the federal step. The consulate legalizes the U.S. Department of State seal, not a state certification alone.
- The wrong consulate. Documents from Massachusetts are handled by the Royal Thai Consulate General in New York.
- Assuming the new rules apply early. Plan by your submission date, not by the date you start.
- Translating in the United States. Thai offices usually expect translation and certification in Thailand.
Official sources
- Hague Conference: Apostille Convention status table
- Hague Conference: Thailand joins the Apostille Convention
- Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs: accession to the Apostille Convention
- Royal Thai Consulate General, New York: legalization
- U.S. Department of State: Thailand civil documents
- U.S. Department of State: authenticating documents
Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word. We confirm current requirements with every quote.
Frequently asked questions
Does Thailand accept apostilles?
Starting February 28, 2027. Thailand acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on June 30, 2026, and the Convention takes effect for Thailand on February 28, 2027. Until then, documents need state and federal authentication followed by Thai consular legalization.
Which Thai consulate handles documents from Massachusetts?
The Royal Thai Consulate General in New York, which covers Massachusetts and the rest of New England.
Will the Thai consulate accept an apostille now?
No. Until February 28, 2027, the consulate requires the U.S. Department of State seal and legalizes that seal.
My deadline is in March 2027. What should I do?
If your documents will be submitted on or after February 28, 2027, an apostille should be enough. Tell us your submission date and we will confirm the right route.
What does the Thai consulate charge?
The Royal Thai Consulate General in New York lists a fee of $15 per document, payable in cash. We confirm current fees with your quote.
Who handles an FBI background check for Thailand?
Before February 28, 2027, the U.S. Department of State authenticates it, then the consulate legalizes it. From that date, the U.S. Department of State issues an apostille.
Do my documents need a Thai translation?
Usually, yes. Thai translation and certification by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs are typically completed in Thailand.
Do you ship documents to Thailand?
Yes, with tracking, to you or your representative in Thailand.
Sending documents to Thailand?
Tell us your documents, their purpose and your submission date, and we will confirm whether you need legalization or an apostille.