Thai translation certification routes — which one does your authority actually accept?
The most expensive question in Thai document work is "how far up the chain do I need to certify?", because choosing the wrong layer means translating and paying twice. Thailand has no register of sworn translators, so the practical routes are translator self-certification, a Notarial Services Attorney certifying the signature, and legalisation of the translation by the Department of Consular Affairs at THB 200 per stamp (THB 400 express). Each comparison below shows exactly what each layer proves, what it costs and how long it takes.
Certified translation vs notarised translation
A certified translation attests to accuracy; a notarised translation attests to the identity and signature of the person who certified it. Compare cost, turnaround and which authorities accept each.
MFA legalisation vs lawyer certification — which layer does the translation need?
Compare legalisation of a translation by Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs with certification by a Notarial Services Attorney: fees, turnaround, language limits and which one embassies want.
NAATI translation vs Thai certified translation
NAATI is Australia's translator credentialing body. Compare a NAATI-certified translation with a Thai certified and legalised translation, and see which Australian authorities accept which.
Sworn translator (Europe) vs Thailand's certification system
Germany, France, Spain and Italy appoint court-sworn translators. Thailand does not. Compare the two systems and see how to satisfy a European authority from Bangkok.
Translate into English vs translate into the destination language
English is the pivot language for Thai legalisation, but many authorities want their own language. Compare the two strategies on cost, chain length and rejection risk.
Translating it yourself vs using a certified translation team
Self-translation is free until it is rejected. Compare cost, certification eligibility, formatting requirements and rework risk for Thai official documents.
Send us a photo of the document plus the written requirement from the receiving authority, and we will map the exact chain — translation, lawyer certification, MFA, embassy — before you pay for anything. Call 094-895-8999 or LINE @Thainotary.
Information current as of August 2026. Requirements change — confirm the exact certification format with the authority that will receive the document before you file. Acceptance is at their discretion.