Thailand Apostille Service — One-Step Legalisation for 126 Hague Convention Countries
Thailand joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 14 November 2024. Documents apostilled by Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs (DOC) are accepted in 126 member states without further embassy legalisation — saving 60% of processing time and 40% of cost.
Quick Answer · Thailand Apostille
"Thailand joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 14 November 2024. Documents apostilled by Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs (DOC) are accepted in 126 member states without further embassy legalisation — saving 60% of processing time and 40% of cost."
- 01What is an Apostille and how does it differ from traditional Legalisation?
- An Apostille is a certificate under the 1961 Hague Convention that authenticates public documents for use in 126 member states without embassy involvement. The traditional process requires four steps (issuing authority → MFA → destination embassy in Thailand → destination MFA); Apostille reduces this to two (issuing authority → Thai DOC).
- 02Which countries accept Thai Apostille?
- All 126 Hague Convention member states including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, UAE, and every EU member. Non-member countries (China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar) still require traditional embassy legalisation.
- 03How long does Apostille take?
- DOC issues an Apostille within 2 business days (standard) or 1 business day (express, +THB 500). With iVC handling translation, preparation, submission and pickup, total turnaround is 7-10 business days for most documents.
- 04What is the DOC fee?
- THB 400 per document (standard) or THB 800 per document (1-day express). iVC service starts at THB 2,500 covering translation, document preparation, DOC submission and pickup.
แหล่งข้อมูล:iVC — International Visa Center · ข้อมูลปรับปรุง 2026
Apostille vs Traditional Consular Legalisation
| Aspect | Traditional | Apostille |
|---|---|---|
| Steps | 4 (Authority → MFA → Embassy → Foreign MFA) | 2 (Authority → DOC) |
| Time | 30-60 days | 7-10 days |
| Cost | THB 8,000-25,000 | THB 2,500-6,500 |
| Acceptance | Only via embassy chain | 126 Hague member states |
| Verification | Direct embassy contact | QR + apostille.mfa.go.th |
5-step Apostille timeline
- 1Document verification
We verify the originating authority is recognised by Thailand's DOC — registrars, DBD, MHESI-endorsed universities, etc.
- 2Translation & certification (if required)
Translated by DOC-registered translators or NAATI/Sworn Translators per destination requirements.
- 3DOC submission for Apostille
Submitted to the Department of Consular Affairs (Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok) — issued an Apostille Certificate.
- 4Apostille Sticker issuance
DOC affixes the Apostille Sticker with a QR code for online verification at apostille.mfa.go.th.
- 5International delivery
Shipped worldwide via DHL/FedEx, or submitted to the destination embassy for non-Hague countries.
25 Document Types We Apostille
Personal Documents
Education
Corporate
126 Countries Accepting Thai Apostille
Coverage for the 30 most-requested destinations:
FAQ
What is an Apostille and how does it differ from traditional Legalisation?
An Apostille is a certificate under the 1961 Hague Convention that authenticates public documents for use in 126 member states without embassy involvement. The traditional process requires four steps (issuing authority → MFA → destination embassy in Thailand → destination MFA); Apostille reduces this to two (issuing authority → Thai DOC).
Which countries accept Thai Apostille?
All 126 Hague Convention member states including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, UAE, and every EU member. Non-member countries (China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar) still require traditional embassy legalisation.
How long does Apostille take?
DOC issues an Apostille within 2 business days (standard) or 1 business day (express, +THB 500). With iVC handling translation, preparation, submission and pickup, total turnaround is 7-10 business days for most documents.
What is the DOC fee?
THB 400 per document (standard) or THB 800 per document (1-day express). iVC service starts at THB 2,500 covering translation, document preparation, DOC submission and pickup.
Translate first or Apostille first?
Depends on the destination — Australia/USA: Apostille first, then NAATI/Certified Translation in-country. Germany/France: requires a Sworn Translator in that country. UK/Japan: translate in Thailand, then Apostille both original and translation together.
Can residents outside Bangkok use the service?
Yes, all 77 provinces. iVC arranges document collection and delivery via Kerry/EMS nationwide — no need to travel to Bangkok.
Does the Apostille expire?
The Apostille Certificate itself has no expiry. However, the underlying document (e.g. Police Clearance, Single Status Certificate) has its own validity, typically 3-6 months. Destination authorities check the issuance date of the original.
How can I verify an Apostille online?
Thailand DOC operates an e-Verification system at apostille.mfa.go.th — scan the QR code on the sticker or enter the Apostille number for global verification.