Notary Public Services in Thailand: What Foreigners Need to Know
As a foreigner in Thailand, there are times when you’ll need notarized documents for official purposes. Whether you're submitting paperwork for a visa, signing a contract, or completing legal requirements, notarizing documents verifies their authenticity and guarantees they will be accepted by authorities.
However, it is important to note that the system for notarization here is different from what you may be used to. There are no official notaries public in Thailand, as the Kingdom is not a member of the Hague Convention on Legalization of Foreign Public Documents. Instead, licensed lawyers called Notarial Services Attorneys (NSAs) provide these services. They are certified to verify signatures, certify documents, and confirm that they meet local legal standards.
With that being said, let’s take a look at notarization in Thailand, how it works, and how you can get documents notarized here even without a notary public.
What is a Notarial Services Attorney in Thailand?
NSAs in Thailand are professional lawyers certified by The Lawyers Council of Thailand to notarize documents. They provide most of the same services you could expect from a notary public back in your home country. The rigorous certification process gives NSAs the expertise to ensure their notarizations comply with national and international standards.
Besides some embassies in Thailand, only NSAs are authorized to notarize documents. When choosing an NSA, ensure that they are appropriately certified, otherwise your document could be rejected. In the worst-case scenario, you could be accused of fraud.
Why Foreigners Need Notarization in Thailand
Notarization often plays a key role in legal and business matters. As a foreigner, you might need notarized documents for various purposes such as applying for visas, purchasing property, or formalizing business deals. Having your documents notarized confirms their legitimacy and helps you avoid potential problems when dealing with Thai institutions or foreign authorities.
If you plan to use your documents internationally, extra steps may be required beyond notarization. You may need your documents translated and legalized to meet the standards of the receiving country or international organization. Translation and legalization services can help make sure your documents meet these requirements all at once without the need to make extra trips.
How to Get Documents Notarized in Thailand
Notarizing documents in Thailand is only slightly more complex than in countries with notaries public. First, check with the relevant authority receiving the documents to confirm that notarization by a Notarial Services Attorney will be accepted. Then, make sure you have all the required documents and valid identification such as a passport.
Notarization typically requires an in-person appointment with a Notarial Services Attorney, where the document will be stamped and signed, confirming its legal status. Alternatively, if you need your signature notarized, the NSA must witness the signing. As soon as your document is notarized, it is then legally recognized by local Thai authorities and ready for submission.
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What You Need to Know About Notarization in Thailand
While notarization is an important step, always check whether extra steps such as legalization are needed if your documents will be used abroad. Since Thailand is also not part of the Apostille Convention, you may need further authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an embassy, depending on where the documents will be submitted.
Before proceeding, always check the specific requirements with the authority requesting your documents to avoid any delays. Common documents that often require notarization in Thailand include:
Why is Notarization Important for Foreigners in Thailand?
For foreigners in Thailand, notarization is often required for legal and business matters. Whether you’re finalizing a business deal, applying for a visa, or preparing documents for use abroad, notarization confirms that your paperwork is legally valid and ready for submission.
Submitting the wrong documents or ones without appropriate certification will at best cause delays for whatever official task you are trying to accomplish. At worst, your task may fail altogether and you could be accused of illegal activity, such as lying on a visa application.
You already have enough obstacles as a foreigner in Thailand, so take steps to prevent improperly prepared documents from adding to your legal troubles.
Finding Reliable Notary Services in Thailand
If you want to avoid this uncertainty and get your documents notarized as swiftly and accurately as possible, partner with the experienced NSAs at Siam Legal. We’re a full-service law firm with over 20 years of experience meeting a broad spectrum of legal needs, including notarial services in Thailand. We specialize in working with foreigners, and can not only notarize your documents, but also provide professional assistance with all of your legal and immigration matters such as property purchases or visa applications.
Connect with Siam Legal to prevent legal obstacles from complicating your life in Thailand.