The Thai company documents most often used abroad are the company registration certificate (often called a company affidavit), memorandum of association, articles and shareholder list, issued by the Department of Business Development (DBD). Board resolutions and corporate powers of attorney are made by the company. The usual sequence is: obtain certified DBD documents, translate them into the language required, have a Notarial Services Attorney certify the translator's or directors' signatures, then authenticate at the Department of Consular Affairs and the embassy as the recipient requires.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29 · General information only, not legal advice for your specific case
Documents recipients usually ask for
| Document | Issued by | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Company registration certificate | DBD | Get a recent issue; recipients often set an age limit |
| Memorandum / articles | DBD (certified copy) | Shows objects and directors' authority |
| Shareholder list (Bor Or Jor 5) | DBD (certified copy) | Confirms shareholders and beneficial owners |
| Board / shareholder resolution | Company | Signed by authorised directors; may need signature certification |
| Corporate power of attorney | Company | Signed per the authority stated in the certificate |
Getting documents from DBD
Request them at a DBD office or through DBD's online services. Fees follow DBD's published rates on its website.
Check that the English company name, address and directors' names match what the recipient holds. Fix discrepancies with DBD first, because the translation must follow the original.
Sequence
1. Ask the recipient
Which documents, maximum age, language and authentication level.
2. Obtain DBD documents
The latest certified issue.
3. Translate and certify
Translator signs; the attorney certifies the translator's signature.
4. Consular Affairs and embassy
File in the order the recipient requires.
After 28 February 2027
Once the Apostille Convention is in force for Thailand, Thai documents for use in member states can carry an apostille instead of embassy legalisation. Non-member destinations still need legalisation. Before that date, Consular Affairs and embassy legalisation apply.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a DBD certificate valid?
DBD sets no expiry, but foreign recipients usually want one issued within their own time limit.
Must every page be translated?
Usually yes, including stamps and annotations.
Must directors attend in person?
For company-made documents needing signature certification, authorised directors sign before the attorney.
What are DBD's fees?
They follow the rates DBD publishes on its website.
What does your service cost?
It depends on documents, languages and steps. Please contact our team for a quotation.
Official sources
Related services
Start by sending the basics
Tell us about your situation and what you need checked. We will reply with the documents and steps that apply to your case.
Contact the team