To register a marriage at a Thai district office, the foreign partner needs an affirmation or certificate of freedom to marry from their embassy, translated into Thai, with the original and translation legalised at the Department of Consular Affairs. The couple then registers with passports, the Thai partner's ID card and two witnesses. Embassy documents differ, and some district offices ask for more, so check with the office in advance.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29 · General information only, not legal advice for your specific case
Steps
1. Foreign partner's embassy
Obtain an affirmation/affidavit of freedom to marry (name varies by embassy) through the embassy's published channel and fee.
2. Translate into Thai
Translate the embassy document and passport page as Consular Affairs requires.
3. Department of Consular Affairs
Legalise documents and translations, THB 200 per legalisation stamp or THB 400 per legalisation stamp (same-day) per item.
4. District office
Register together with two witnesses. An interpreter may be needed if the foreign partner does not understand Thai.
Documents commonly used
- Foreign partner's passport
- Legalised freedom-to-marry document and translation
- Thai partner's ID card and house registration
- Divorce or death certificate if previously married
- ID cards of two witnesses
After registration
To use the Thai marriage certificate in the partner's country, it usually needs translation and legalisation. Before 28 February 2027 that is Consular Affairs plus embassy; afterwards Apostille members not objecting to Thailand accept an apostille.
Frequently asked questions
Can we register at any district office?
Yes, but extra document requests may vary; call ahead.
Do we need an interpreter?
If the foreign partner does not understand Thai, the registrar may require an interpreter who also signs.
Are there rules for recently divorced women?
Thai law has a waiting-period rule for women whose marriage ended, with exceptions; check with the registrar.
How long does it take?
It depends on embassy and Consular Affairs queues; our team confirms after reviewing the documents.
What does your service cost?
It depends on documents and languages. Please contact our team for a quotation.
Official sources
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