Applying for a Thai visa from abroad — the e-Visa system, choosing the right visa type, and Thai documents that must be certified and sent
Quick answer
A Thai visa application is filed with a Thai embassy or consulate-general through the Thai e-Visa system. The visa category, supporting documents and conditions are set by each post under official criteria. Thailand-side documents such as house registration, marriage registration or company certificates commonly need to be freshly issued, translated and legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs before being sent.
Key facts and the responsible authority
| Filing channel | The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thai e-Visa system, as each post directs |
|---|---|
| Who sets the supporting documents | The embassy or consulate-general receiving the application, so lists differ between posts |
| Thai documents commonly requested | House registration, the inviter’s ID card, marriage or birth registration, company certificates, with certified translations |
| Document freshness | Many posts require documents issued within a stated period — confirm with the post where you will file |
| Certification before sending abroad | Thai documents used abroad generally pass through Consular Affairs legalisation first |
Document checklist and the certification involved
House registration and the Thai inviter’s ID card, where there is an inviter
Certified by the district registrar and translated with a certification where the post requires
Marriage or birth registration, for family-based applications
Freshly issued, translated and legalised in that order before being sent abroad
Company certificate and invitation letter, for business applications
Newly issued by the Department of Business Development within the post’s stated window
Passport and photographs to the system’s specification
Check the e-Visa photo specification on the day you file
Step by step
- Choose the visa category that matches the real purpose: Read the criteria of the post you will file with; the wrong category means starting the whole file again.
- Obtain fresh Thai documents: Obtain them from the registrar or issuing office rather than reusing old photocopies.
- Translate and file for legalisation: Translate with a certification, then file for legalisation at Consular Affairs before sending to the post.
- Upload and track in the e-Visa system: Upload files in the format the system requires and respond to any request for further documents within the stated time.
What to do
- Always copy the legalised set before sending it out of the country.
- Check that name spellings in the translations match the applicant’s passport on every page.
- If posting internationally, use a trackable service and allow for transit time.
What to avoid
- Do not send documents that have not been legalised where the post requires it; the whole set will be returned.
- Do not use another post’s document list — criteria differ between posts.
- Processing time is set by the post; avoid non-refundable travel bookings before the outcome is known.
Frequently asked questions
- Does e-Visa require original documents to be sent?
- It depends on the post — some decide on uploaded files, others ask for originals. Check with the post where you file.
- Must every Thai document be legalised?
- Not always — it depends on the visa type and the post’s requirements, so ask before proceeding.
- How long does a decision take?
- It is set by each post and changes with application volumes, so no figure is stated here.
- Can you handle the Thailand-side work?
- Contact our staff by phone, LINE or e-mail with the destination post and the list of documents requested.
Official sources
- Thai e-Visa system, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Department of Consular Affairs, MFA (document legalisation)
- Immigration Bureau, Royal Thai Police
Checked on 2026-08-04; requirements change, so confirm with the authority before filing.
Related pages
Ask our team
The required documents and timing depend on the receiving office in each case. Contact our team to confirm the checklist before you file.