Marriage Registration with a Foreigner in Thailand

Thinking of finally tying the knot with your foreign partner but unsure where to start or how to prepare the necessary documents? Worry no more! We’ve compiled all the answers you need. Registering your marriage with a foreign national doesn’t have to be complicated once you’ve read this guide.

1. Marriage Registration with a Foreigner in Thailand / Embassy Document Requirements

Registering your marriage with a foreigner in Thailand is not as straightforward as marrying another Thai citizen. For the latter, you can simply head to the district office to register. However, for marriage registration with a foreigner, specific documents need to be prepared to verify identity and marital status before proceeding.

1.1 Request a Certificate of Single Status from the Foreign Embassy in Thailand

Foreign nationals can obtain their Certificate of Single Status from their respective embassies in Thailand. The process depends on the embassy, and it typically takes 3–7 business days (excluding public holidays).

Steps to Request a Certificate of Marital Status Legalization:

Book an appointment online with the embassy.
Submit the required documents at the embassy on the scheduled date.
Collect the completed Certificate of Single Status.

1.2 Request a Certified Copy of Passport from the Embassy

Similarly, the certified copy of the foreigner’s passport must also be obtained from their embassy. Self-made photocopies will not suffice, as only embassy-certified copies are legally valid.

2. Documents Required for Marriage Registration

Similarly, the certified copy of the foreigner’s passport must also be obtained from their embassy. Self-made photocopies will not suffice, as only embassy-certified copies are legally valid.

2.1 Documents Required for Thai Nationals

Passport (original)
Certificate of singleness, translated into Thai and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Copy of passport, translated into Thai and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Name change certificate (original, if applicable)
Name change certificate, translated into Thai and certified (one copy)
Legalization request form

For those who are divorced or have previously registered a marriage, additional documents include:

Divorce certificate (original and one copy, obtainable from the applicant’s home country embassy)
Divorce certificate, translated into Thai and certified (one copy)

2.2 Documents Required for Foreign Nationals

Passport (original)
Certificate of singleness, translated into Thai and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Copy of passport, translated into Thai and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Name change certificate (original, if applicable)
Name change certificate, translated into Thai and certified (one copy)
Legalization request form

For those who are divorced or have previously registered a marriage, additional documents include:

Divorce certificate (original and one copy, obtainable from the applicant’s home country embassy)
Divorce certificate, translated into Thai and certified (one copy)

Official Document Translation Services by First Choice Translation Center

2.2.1 Translation and Legalization of the Singleness Certificate

The certificate of singleness obtained from the embassy must be translated into Thai by a registered translator before it can be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only after translation and legalization can the document be used for marriage registration.

2.2.2 Translation and Legalization of Passport Copies

Copies of the passport must also undergo the same process as the singleness certificate: translation into Thai by a registered translator and subsequent legalization before being submitted for marriage registration.

3. Steps for Document Translation and Legalization for Marriage Registration

Translating official documents for consular legalization may seem straightforward, but it requires translators who are accredited by the embassy. Each translated document must include a certified signature to proceed with consular legalization.

Steps for Document Translation

Contact a translation center with accredited translators.
Submit the original document to the center for translation into Thai.
Wait for the translated document and its legalization.
Submit the document for consular legalization.

Steps for Consular Legalization

For convenience, using a translation center that offers legalization services is recommended. However, individuals can also submit documents on their own:

Fill out a legalization request form.
Obtain a queue number at the Department of Consular Affairs.
Have the documents reviewed and submit them for legalization.
Pay the required fees.
Collect the documents (processing time: 3–7 business days).

If there are issues with the documents (e.g., translation errors or missing items), officials will separate the problematic documents and contact the owner for corrections before resubmission.

4. Steps for Registering Marriage with a Foreign National

After preparing, translating, and certifying all required documents, the final step is registering the marriage at a district office or municipality. For marriages involving foreign nationals, a witness and an interpreter must be present to ensure mutual understanding of the process. Once registration is complete, the couple will receive:

Preparing and certifying documents for marriage registration can be overwhelming, requiring visits to various offices for requests, translations, and legalizations. However, First Choice Translation Center offers a one-stop solution, handling everything from document translation and legalization to marriage registration preparation.

Recommended Article:

Equal Marriage Rights: A New Era for LGBTQIA+ Communities
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register Marriage with a Foreign National in Thailand
End-to-End Marriage Registration Services for Thai and Foreign Couples

Why Choose First Choice Translation Center?

One-Stop Solution: Translation, legalization, and guidance—all in one place.
Trusted Professionals: 13+ years of experience in handling legal and personal documents.
Global Expertise: Over 30 languages covered to bridge every gap.

Firstchoice Translation Center offers a comprehensive service that facilitates the registration of marriages with foreigners. Additionally, the center provides consultation services to assist customers with preparing the necessary documentation for this process. The purpose of this is to minimize errors in your document and help you manage your document carefully. We are prepared to provide you with translation services that include certified and accurate translations, as well as the necessary legalization through the Department of Consular Affairs. Our intent is to provide assistance in navigating the marriage registration process, offering an easy and efficient service.

Firstchoice Translation Center offers a comprehensive and convenient service to clients seeking to register their marriage with a foreigner. This service facilitates the submission of necessary documents for translation and legalization through the embassy and the Department of Consular Affairs. With over ten years of translation experience, we have 30 languages translation available, guaranteed by the quality of expert translators, an affordable price, and a one-stop service.

🌎 First Choice Translation Center

For more information or to book a consultation, reach out to First Choice Translation Center through LINE Official Account: https://page.line.me/fc2009?openQrModal=true or visit one of our locations:

Bangkok Headquarters Saphan Khwai, Chatuchak
Bhumidecha Building, 4th Floor, Soi Pradiphat 10, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400
Tel: 061-1769965, 065-3958392

https://goo.gl/maps/zUrGGGGWSrtMvjDa7

Phuket Branch, Patipat, Mueang Phuket
7/4 Patipat Rd., Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83000
Tel: 086-3669255

https://goo.gl/maps/s21JAisaAnRPvxtHA

Marriage Registration with a Foreigner in Thailand: Where to Register and What Are the Steps?