Notary in Thailand

When submitting documents for official purposes in Thailand, they may need to be notarized before they are recognized. Whether contracts, affidavits, or business agreements, notarization of these documents in Thailand is essential to ensure they are properly signed and recognized as legally valid and authentic.

However, it's important to know that Thailand is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents. Therefore, there are no official notaries in Thailand. Instead, you must engage a Notarial Services Attorney (NSA), who performs similar functions. Licensed and certified NSAs conduct authentications in Thailand, ensuring your documents meet local legal requirements for authenticity.

Because of this distinction, it is important to check with the requesting organization whether notarization by a notary public in Thailand is accepted. While most organizations and authorities in Thailand accept notarized documents, it is advisable to confirm this before scheduling an appointment or paying any fees to avoid wasting time and money.

If you wish to use notarial services in Thailand, you will find information here about the process and where to obtain these services.

What is a notarial certification?

Notarization is a process that confirms the validity and authenticity of a document or signature. It serves to verify whether a document is genuine and legally valid, or whether a signature actually belongs to the person who signed it. This is often required for legal documents such as contracts and affidavits to ensure they are not forgeries and can be accepted for official use.

Notarization serves to prevent fraud and build trust. When a document is notarized, an authorized lawyer confirms the identity of the signatory. Alternatively, notaries in Thailand can certify the authenticity of a document or verify the authenticity of a copy of an official document.

Who can perform notarizations in Thailand?

As mentioned previously, there are no officially appointed notaries in Thailand, but you can have documents certified by a notary. Notary lawyers are lawyers who have undergone an additional certification process that qualifies them to provide official notarial services.

Their work is similar to that of a notary in other countries, but since Thailand has not ratified the relevant international convention, their professional title is different. Therefore, if you need to have documents notarized in Thailand for a visa application or marriage, these legal professionals can provide the necessary service even though they do not hold the official title of notary. For this reason, the terms NSA and notary are often used interchangeably in Thailand.

Notaries in Thailand typically offer two types of authentication. Firstly, they authenticate signatures on certain documents. For this, your personal presence with a valid ID is required. Secondly, they authenticate copies of documents, particularly those originating from Thailand. For foreign documents, authentication by the issuing country or the relevant embassy may be necessary.

Where to find a notary in Thailand

Are you wondering, "Where can I find a notary near me?" Siam Legal can help. We have several certified notaries at our various locations throughout Germany. Simply visit one of our branches listed below to have your documents notarized by our experienced team.

Siam Legal International – Bangkok

18th Floor, Unit 1806, Two Pacific Place, 142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 Thailand, Telephone: 02-254-8900

Siam Legal Chiang Mai

Curve Mall, 2nd Floor, Room C219-C220, 215/2 Chang Klan Road, Mueang, Chiang Mai 50100, Telephone: 090-891-8447

Siam Legal Phuket

123 / 27-28 Moo 5, Bangtao PlaceCherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket Thailand 83110Telephone: 076-326-322

At all our locations, our notaries are available to authenticate your documents in accordance with national and international requirements. It doesn't matter which location you visit, as there are no regional restrictions. Simply choose the notary nearest you.

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Why is notarization necessary?

Notarial services in Thailand are often required to confirm the validity of important documents and signatures. They prove the identity of the signatories of a document and that they have fully understood its contents.

This process is necessary for many legal matters. For example, documents such as powers of attorney, business contracts, or affidavits may require notarization in Thailand to become legally valid. Furthermore, notarization helps prevent disputes by providing official proof that the documents were signed properly and voluntarily.

Notarization vs. Legalization

It is important to understand the difference between notarization and legalization. Notarization is generally required for documents intended for use in Thailand, while legalization—usually by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs—certifies documents for international use. Because Thailand is not a signatory to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention), additional steps may be required for using documents abroad.

It is possible that you will need to have a document both notarized and legalized, which will require visits to a notary public in your area and an embassy or the foreign ministry.

When is notarization required in Thailand?

In Thailand, notarization is required in various situations. Notarization of documents is frequently necessary in Thailand for legal matters such as real estate sales, visa applications, or business contracts.

For example, if you are applying for a visa to another country, you may need to have documents such as birth certificates or bank statements notarized. Similarly, business transactions involving large sums of money usually require notarization of the signed contracts to be legally valid. If you need assistance, you can find a notary service in Thailand that can help you with your legal matters.

Where can I get documents notarized in Thailand?

Documents can be authenticated by lawyers who are certified as notaries public (NSAs). These lawyers are authorized to provide notarial services in Thailand and are usually found in law firms and legal offices throughout the country.

Bilingual, NSA-certified lawyers in Thailand are generally available in major metropolitan areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, making it easy to have your documents certified for personal or business purposes. It is important to choose a trustworthy law firm that will handle your documents carefully and accurately.

Before scheduling an appointment, ensure that you have received precise instructions from the requesting authority regarding the required notarial service. This step will help ensure that the notarization meets their requirements.

How does the authentication process work in Thailand?

Notarization in Thailand is straightforward when handled by a notary from Siam Legal. With offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, you can quickly and easily find a notary at any of our locations to assist you with your notarial needs. Here's how it works:

  • Please review the document requirements: We would like to reiterate that you should check with the requesting authority whether an NSA authentication is acceptable. If so, you can proceed.
  • Gather and review documents: Collect all documents that require notarization. Have a valid form of identification (e.g., passport or national identity card) ready to confirm your identity. Contact Siam Legal and send a high-resolution photo or scan of the document(s) to be notarized. Our staff will check whether notarization is possible, so you don't lose any time.
  • Schedule an appointment: Arrange an appointment with a notary at Siam Legal. Your personal presence is required if you wish to have a signature notarized.
  • Certification: On the day of your certification appointment, our notary will review all documents again before providing the requested service. Our certification services typically take only about one hour.
  • Authentication: After signing, the lawyer affixes their official seal and signature to the document. This makes the document and the signature legally valid.

    • Which documents need to be notarized in Thailand?

    In Thailand, numerous documents must be notarized for a wide variety of official purposes. Here are some of the most common types of documents that you will typically need to have notarized before submitting them to a government or business organization.

  • International treaties and agreements
  • Copies of documents as certified copies
  • Certificates (birth, marriage and death)
  • Copy of passport or identity card
  • Educational qualifications or certificates
  • Criminal record certificate
  • Proof of address or residence in Thailand
  • Documents required to open a bank account
  • Documents required for the purchase, sale, or transfer of a property
  • Title deeds for use abroad
  • Legal documents for use in Thailand and abroad
  • Bank documents and letters
  • Business documents such as company resolutions, minutes, contracts and reports
  • Company documents, including articles of association and partnership agreement

    • Get your documents legalized in Thailand today.

    Having your documents notarized in Thailand may seem complicated at first, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system. However, you don't have to go it alone. Siam Legal is your reliable partner, guiding you through the entire process and ensuring your documents are handled with care, providing you with precisely the services you need.

    Our team of bilingual notaries has many years of experience providing notarial services in Thailand for private, business, and international legal matters. We understand that legal documents can often be stressful. However, with our support, you can rest assured that your documents will be properly notarized and recognized.

    We want to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible for you. From reviewing your documents to applying for final notarization, our legal team ensures that everything runs smoothly. The certified notaries at our offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are always available to notarize your documents quickly and accurately, thus avoiding any delays in your request.

    Contact Siam Legal today to have your documents notarized.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Notary Services in Thailand

    How much does a notary cost in Thailand?

    Siam Legal charges a notary fee of 3,000 THB plus 7% VAT per signature or document. This ensures that your documents are processed professionally and meet international standards.

    Can documents certified in Thailand be used internationally?

    Yes, documents notarized in Thailand can be used internationally in certain cases, but this depends on the requesting authority. It is important to check with the recipient country or the relevant institution to confirm whether notarized documents from Thailand are accepted.

    Do I need an appointment for a notarization in Thailand?

    Yes, you will need to schedule an appointment with a notary public, as you will generally have to appear in person for the NSA to verify your identity. Scheduling an appointment in advance will make the process faster and smoother.

    Where can I find a notary near me?

    Siam Legal offers notarial services through its offices in the major cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Our experienced team is available to assist you with all your notarial needs at our centrally located offices in these cities.

    How can I find a notary near me in Thailand?

    Siam Legal's Bangkok office can be reached by taking the BTS train to Nana Station, Exit 2. Our Chiang Mai office is located on the second floor of the Curve Mall on Chang Klan Road. If you are in or near Phuket, you can use our notary services at our office near Residence Village on Srisoonthorn Road.