Trademark Registration in Thailand
Register trademarks at Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) across 45 Nice Classification classes with 10-year renewable protection. Our team performs availability search, drafts specifications, files TM.1, and responds to Registrar objections.
Trademark Registration in Thailand — overview and who it is for
Register trademarks at Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) across 45 Nice Classification classes with 10-year renewable protection. Our team performs availability search, drafts specifications, files TM.1, and responds to Registrar objections.
In practical terms, "Trademark Registration in Thailand" sits inside our Corporate Services practice. The live path starts at "Availability search at DIP" and closes at "Receive registration certificate", typically 12–18 months to certificate end to end, with service pricing from From THB 12,000 per mark per class (excludes government fees) — itemised up front so you can see what is our fee and what is a government charge.
The best fit is anyone who already meets "Mark must be distinctive" and needs a usable outcome — for example Exclusive right against confusingly similar marks — without burning weeks on a re-filing loop.
Eligibility criteria for Trademark Registration in Thailand
In the real-world workflow, each criterion below has to be evidenced with primary documents rather than narrative. In Corporate Services matters the usual stumbling block is "Mark must be distinctive", because the proof is typically issued by a different agency than the one receiving the file. We map what you hold against each rule and flag the gaps before filing.
- Mark must be distinctive
- No public order or morality issues
- No confusing similarity to registered marks
- Not a generic term for goods/services
- Applicant is owner or authorized
Document checklist for Trademark Registration in Thailand
Notably, the core set starts with "High-resolution mark image" and "Description of goods/services", both current-issue and internally consistent (names, dates, reference numbers). Foreign-issued papers must clear the full legalization chain first, then be translated by a Ministry of Justice-registered translator.
- High-resolution mark image
- Description of goods/services
- Company affidavit (if corporate)
- Power of Attorney
- ID / passport copy
- Evidence of use (if any)
How Trademark Registration in Thailand runs, step by step
Worth flagging early, we place a checkpoint before every irreversible step — especially "Receive registration certificate", where corrections get expensive once executed. You confirm content and cost at each decision node.
Typical end-to-end timeline: 12–18 months to certificate · indicative service fee: From THB 12,000 per mark per class (excludes government fees) (government fees billed at actual rates).
- Availability search at DIP
- Draft specifications per Nice Classification
- File TM.1 with government fee
- Await examination and answer objections
- 60-day publication period
- Receive registration certificate
What Trademark Registration in Thailand actually gets you
Worth flagging early, the first concrete outcome is Exclusive right against confusingly similar marks — which matters more in real use than official notices suggest. The remaining items below are the downstream gains first-time applicants usually miss.
- Exclusive right against confusingly similar marks
- Assignable and franchise-ready
- Balance-sheet asset
- Basis for anti-counterfeit takedowns
- Renewable in 10-year cycles indefinitely
Rejection triggers in Trademark Registration in Thailand matters
Across our Corporate Services casework the most common re-filing cause is "Non-use for 3 years risks cancellation" — entirely preventable if checked before "Availability search at DIP" even begins.
- Non-use for 3 years risks cancellation
- Company name registration is not trademark protection
- Color variants should be filed separately
Statutory basis for Trademark Registration in Thailand
Per the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991) and its amendments
We advise within the framework of Per the Trademark Act B, and re-verify statutes, fee schedules, and agency practice every 90 days. If a new notice affects your matter, you hear about it before the next step is executed.
Frequently asked
Q1.Why is pre-filing search important?
It reduces refusal risk and conflicts with existing marks, saving fees and rework.
Q2.Does a Thai registration protect abroad?
No — coverage is territorial. Use the Madrid Protocol or file directly in target countries.
Q3.Renewal window?
Within 90 days before expiry, or 180 days after expiry with a surcharge.
Q4.Word mark vs logo mark?
Filing both is recommended so the name and visual design each receive independent protection.
Q5.Domain name vs trademark?
A domain grants URL usage only, not exclusivity in commerce — trademark registration is separate.
Q6.How to handle oppositions?
We file counter-statements within 90 days with use evidence and distinctiveness arguments.
Cross-service questions, answered by the NYC Legal team
Which official fees apply to certified documents for an infrastructure tender bid, and when are they paid?
For transport-regulator filings, units, figures and reference codes get a dedicated second verification pass. Government fees follow each authority's published rate, while professional fees are quoted per case by document count and destination, in full before work starts. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
Can an authorised representative handle a full family relocation document package on the client's behalf?
The VIP concierge track covers appointment booking, document pickup and delivery, and authorised representation wherever the law allows it. Quotations separate government fees from professional fees line by line, so nothing appears on the invoice that was not in the quote. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
Does corporate records certified for a regional treasury centre require a certified translation to be attached?
Regional headquarters, IBC and industrial licence files move through several agencies at once, so we run them as a single plan with one named coordinator. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
How long does the full process for traceable digital delivery of certified documents usually take end to end?
Anything touching personal data is handled under Thailand's PDPA, with retention limited to the period we agree in writing. If the receiving authority rejects a file for a reason attributable to our work, we correct and re-file it at no additional professional fee. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
How many working days should be allowed for a consortium document pack for a public works contract?
Tender and construction contracts have hard deadlines, so team capacity is locked and interim delivery checkpoints are set before the closing date. Government fees follow each authority's published rate, while professional fees are quoted per case by document count and destination, in full before work starts. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
How should preparing documents ahead of a biometrics appointment be scheduled when the receiving authority accepts documents no older than three months?
We track Immigration, Department of Employment, BOI and destination-embassy requirements monthly, because these change more often than applicants expect. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
505. Where can foreign executive families in Thailand source English-speaking maids or private drivers?
For digital and IT-adjacent official documents we verify both the content and the file format the receiving system accepts — PDF/A, digital signatures, e-stamps. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
357. What are the requirements for an ED visa for foreigners wanting to study the Thai language or Muay Thai long-term?
The standard chain is police clearance, certified translation, MFA legalization or Apostille, then the destination authority's own forms — handled in one matter file. Quotations separate government fees from professional fees line by line, so nothing appears on the invoice that was not in the quote. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
508. What are the benefits of subscribing to an Annual Expat Concierge membership for managing visas and government paperwork?
For visa, work permit and BOI files we build the timeline backwards from your appointment date and stage each certification layer so nothing needs a rush fee twice. Government fees follow each authority's published rate, while professional fees are quoted per case by document count and destination, in full before work starts. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
Which documents and evidence must be ready before starting preparing documents for a regional headquarters?
Regional headquarters, IBC and industrial licence files move through several agencies at once, so we run them as a single plan with one named coordinator. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.
1,600 questions on company registration, tax, accounting and corporate documents — answered by NYC Legal
Q65330.At which stage of trademark, copyright and IP with the DIP is a privacy policy required, and which authority issues it?
Trademarks are registered with the Department of Intellectual Property under the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991) for renewable ten-year terms, while copyright arises automatically on creation under the Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (1994) — recordation with the DIP is supporting evidence, not the source of the right. Confirm with the receiving authority or counterparty which document they need, how recent it must be and whether a translation is required, before work begins. Watch out: rely on official sources rather than third-party sites, since forms and practice are updated periodically. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. In practice you obtain a current company affidavit and the related registry documents from the Department of Business Development, then send them for translation and certification in the form the destination requires. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Q65342.How should a US company under the Treaty of Amity plan for trademark, copyright and IP with the DIP from day one to avoid retroactive fixes?
Trademarks are registered with the Department of Intellectual Property under the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991) for renewable ten-year terms, while copyright arises automatically on creation under the Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (1994) — recordation with the DIP is supporting evidence, not the source of the right. A practical order is: settle the shareholding structure and objectives first, gather director and shareholder identity documents, file with the responsible authority, then keep the certified output for the next step. Watch out: rely on official sources rather than third-party sites, since forms and practice are updated periodically. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. Financial statements and tax documents used abroad should be the auditor-certified version, and the translation must state the currency and the accounting standard applied. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Q65322.At which stage of trademark, copyright and IP with the DIP is a certificate of registration required, and which authority issues it?
Trademarks are registered with the Department of Intellectual Property under the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991) for renewable ten-year terms, while copyright arises automatically on creation under the Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (1994) — recordation with the DIP is supporting evidence, not the source of the right. Confirm with the receiving authority or counterparty which document they need, how recent it must be and whether a translation is required, before work begins. Watch out: receiving parties often accept a company affidavit only if issued within the last three to six months — obtain a fresh extract before use. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. Where the bundle is for overseas use, sequence it as translation, certification, legalisation at the Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy — and count the sets needed for every receiving body. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Q226126.Can a document issued years ago still be used for preparing documents to open a corporate bank account, and how is that verified?
Corporate documents for overseas use normally start with a certified DBD extract, then translation, then legalisation by the Department of Consular Affairs and/or the destination embassy; Thailand's accession to the Apostille Convention took effect on 2 December 2025, which changes the chain for member states. Where a filing or year-end deadline applies, allow time for corrections and re-certification. Watch out: receiving parties often accept a company affidavit only if issued within the last three to six months — obtain a fresh extract before use. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. The corporate bundle destinations usually ask for together is the affidavit or shareholder list, the memorandum of association, the VAT registration (PP.20) and the latest financial statements — prepare them together so they can be translated in one pass. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Q326146.What do first-timers most often misunderstand about registering changes to directors and signing authority?
A private limited company is registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Civil and Commercial Code, which since 7 February 2023 requires a minimum of two promoters, and filings can be made through the DBD e-Registration system. Where a filing or year-end deadline applies, allow time for corrections and re-certification. Watch out: rely on official sources rather than third-party sites, since forms and practice are updated periodically. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. Confirm from the affidavit who the authorised directors are and how many must sign jointly, before drafting any power of attorney or corporate certificate. Caution: tax and financial data are sensitive — send them through a controlled channel and limit access to the people who need it. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Q226162.Which steps of registering changes to directors and signing authority require appearing in person and which can be delegated?
A private limited company is registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Civil and Commercial Code, which since 7 February 2023 requires a minimum of two promoters, and filings can be made through the DBD e-Registration system. Where a filing or year-end deadline applies, allow time for corrections and re-certification. Watch out: using Thai nominee shareholders to disguise foreign ownership is an offence under the Foreign Business Act. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. Confirm from the affidavit who the authorised directors are and how many must sign jointly, before drafting any power of attorney or corporate certificate. Caution: company affidavits carry an acceptance window at most destinations (commonly three to six months from issue), so do not obtain them too far in advance. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Q65048.How should a restaurant or hospitality business plan for company registration with the DBD from day one to avoid retroactive fixes?
A private limited company is registered with the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Civil and Commercial Code, which since 7 February 2023 requires a minimum of two promoters, and filings can be made through the DBD e-Registration system. Where a filing or year-end deadline applies, allow time for corrections and re-certification. Watch out: using Thai nominee shareholders to disguise foreign ownership is an offence under the Foreign Business Act. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. Financial statements and tax documents used abroad should be the auditor-certified version, and the translation must state the currency and the accounting standard applied. Caution: company affidavits carry an acceptance window at most destinations (commonly three to six months from issue), so do not obtain them too far in advance. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Q326330.What signature and seal requirements apply to preparing employment paperwork for foreign executives?
An employer must register itself and its employees with the Social Security Office within the statutory period after hiring, and foreign staff need the correct visa category plus a work permit under the Royal Ordinance on Managing the Work of Aliens B.E. 2560 (2017), administered by the Department of Employment. Where a filing or year-end deadline applies, allow time for corrections and re-certification. Watch out: using Thai nominee shareholders to disguise foreign ownership is an offence under the Foreign Business Act. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. The corporate bundle destinations usually ask for together is the affidavit or shareholder list, the memorandum of association, the VAT registration (PP.20) and the latest financial statements — prepare them together so they can be translated in one pass. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Q226196.Which passport or ID pages does preparing overseas parent-company documents for use in Thailand need, and how should the copies be certified?
Majority foreign ownership in activities listed under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) requires a licence or certificate, unless the company qualifies under a treaty (such as the Thailand–US Treaty of Amity) or holds BOI investment promotion. Where a filing or year-end deadline applies, allow time for corrections and re-certification. Watch out: inconsistent English spellings of the company name are the most common cause of rejection — keep one spelling throughout. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. Where the bundle is for overseas use, sequence it as translation, certification, legalisation at the Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy — and count the sets needed for every receiving body. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Q65527.What most often causes rejections or extra document requests in registered address, office location and company documents?
The registered address must be a real, contactable location backed by proof of use (such as a consent letter and title/lease evidence) both at DBD registration and at VAT registration with the Revenue Department; a move must be updated consistently with every authority. Where a filing or year-end deadline applies, allow time for corrections and re-certification. Watch out: inconsistent English spellings of the company name are the most common cause of rejection — keep one spelling throughout. Verify current requirements with the DBD (dbd.go.th), the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), the BOI (boi.go.th), the DIP (ipthailand.go.th), the PDPC (pdpc.or.th) and the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th). Professional fees are quoted per case based on scope and documents involved — ask our team by phone, LINE or email. In practice you obtain a current company affidavit and the related registry documents from the Department of Business Development, then send them for translation and certification in the form the destination requires. Verify corporate records at the Department of Business Development (dbd.go.th), tax matters at the Revenue Department (rd.go.th), and legalisation at consular.mfa.go.th.
Talk to our licensed team
We assess your case for free, review documents, and map every touchpoint end-to-end. Call +66 83-249-4999 or chat on LINE anytime.
Full service playbook — Civil registry & corporate records
Civil registry and corporate records are issued by district registrars and the DBD. For overseas use they must be re-issued, translated with certification, and legalised along the destination's route.
Responsible authority: District registrar offices and the Department of Business Development
Documents to prepare
- Applicant's Thai ID or passport
- House registration book or a certified extract
- The underlying record — birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate
- Company affidavit issued within 6 months plus shareholder list, for corporates
- Power of attorney with the agent's ID copy
Step-by-step process
- 1. Name the official document correctly1 business day
Use the registrar's own form name so you receive the exact record the destination expects.
- 2. Apply for a certified extract1–5 business days
File at the registrar holding the record, or the issuing authority.
- 3. Verify the data1 business day
Check spellings, dates and ID numbers against the rest of your document set.
- 4. Translate and certify1–3 business days
Translate into English or the destination language with a certificate.
- 5. Legalise for overseas use3–15 business days
Obtain an Apostille, or MFA plus embassy legalisation, per the destination's status.
Practitioner tips
- Order several certified copies at once; many authorities retain the original they receive.
- Errors in the registry must be corrected at the registrar — they cannot be fixed in translation.
- Check the destination's freshness rule first; many accept documents issued within the last 3–6 months only.
- Match the Latin spelling of your name to your passport exactly — receiving authorities compare character by character.
- Scan every page to 300 dpi colour PDF before the originals leave your hands, in case a re-submission is required.
Cautions
- Translations must mirror the registry entry exactly, even where the original contains a known typo.
- Corporate records older than the allowed window are refused at intake.
- Multi-page documents must be certified on every page where the rules require it, not only page one.
- Unsigned translations cannot be certified — the certifying office will refuse to stamp them.
- Copies made from copies are commonly rejected; use originals or copies certified by the issuing office.
DIY vs NYC handling it
| Task | Do it yourself | NYC handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Checking destination rules | You read checklists and call around yourself | We verify the current requirements and hand you one list |
| Multi-agency running | Several days off work, different queues and hours | We run the whole chain end to end for you |
| Translation and certification | You source a translator and risk rejection | Translated, double-checked and certified in one package |
| Errors and re-filing | One mistake restarts the whole chain | Pre-submission checks at every stage reduce rejections |
| Tracking | You chase the status by phone | Stage-by-stage updates on LINE with photo evidence |
Prefer not to run it yourself? NYC can handle the whole chain
Every step above can be done alone, but it means several agencies, mismatched queues, and one mistake restarting the sequence. Our attorneys and translators cover requirement checks, document re-issue, certified translation and MFA or embassy legalisation, with status updates at each stage. Send photos of your documents for a free assessment first.
Compare the options before you decide
Apostille route vs embassy legalisation route
The destination country decides whether a file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy. Confirm the country's convention status first: the two routes use a different order and different paperwork.
| Aspect | Apostille route | Embassy legalisation route |
|---|---|---|
| When it applies | Destination is a party to the Apostille Convention | Destination does not accept an Apostille |
| Final authority | Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs | The destination country's embassy or consulate in Thailand |
| Typical number of steps | Fewer — the chain ends at the central authority | More — central authority first, then the embassy |
| Approximate timeframe | Shorter, still subject to the authority's queue | Longer, because the embassy appointment queue is added |
| Common rejection cause | Translation does not match the original, or the copy was not issued by the authority | The embassy's own form or language requirement was not followed |
Verify the current convention status and embassy conditions before filing.
MFA-certified translation vs NAATI vs a destination-country sworn translator
"Certified translation" does not mean the same thing everywhere. The receiving body defines the accepted form, and choosing the wrong one means translating the whole set again.
| Aspect | Translation + Thai MFA certification | NAATI / foreign sworn translator |
|---|---|---|
| Who certifies | The Department of Consular Affairs certifies the translation and the translator's signature | A translator registered with the destination country's body |
| Accepted by | Thai authorities and destinations that accept Thai certification | Bodies that explicitly require a registered translator, such as Australian immigration |
| Output format | A certification stamp on the translation attached to the original | The translator's statement with their registration number or stamp |
| Can an Apostille follow? | Yes, when the destination is a convention party | Depends on that country's rules; some require no further step |
| Check before you start | Whether the destination accepts Thai consular certification | Whether the receiving body requires its own registered translator |
Where the destination requires a court-registered sworn translator, Thai certification cannot substitute for it.
Filing it yourself vs letting NYC run the chain
Every step can be done alone. This table compares the real workload of each option so the decision rests on time and rejection risk rather than marketing claims.
| Aspect | Do it yourself | NYC handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Checking destination rules | Read each authority's notice yourself and confirm by phone | Checked before you start, with the order the receiving authority accepts |
| Travel | Several agencies with queues that rarely line up in one day | Documents move by courier or online except where the law requires you in person |
| Rejection risk | One mismatch — a name spelled differently from the passport — restarts the chain | Names, dates and stamps are cross-checked before every filing |
| Status tracking | You follow up with each authority | Status updates at each stage, and we handle the fix if a file is returned |
| Advisory role | No one to compare options when your case falls outside the manual | You get advice on the options before work starts, not just execution |
Government fees and timeframes change; ask for an assessment of your own case before you start.
What the common mistakes actually cost
Almost every failure in civil registration and personal status records happens during preparation, not at the counter, and the real cost is the TIME needed to repeat the chain. Below is what each mistake comes from, how long it typically adds, and how to avoid it.
| Mistake | Why it happens | Time cost | How to prevent it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking the wrong service channel or appointment type | Each channel has its own queue and document conditions; the wrong one means booking again. | Typically adds 2–14 working days depending on appointment availability that month. | Confirm the service type and the appointment date in advance and keep at least one spare week. |
| Running the chain in the wrong order — embassy before the consular department | Each body only certifies the signature of the body immediately before it in the chain. | Typically adds 5–12 working days and forces a re-filing from the skipped stage. | Confirm the route with the receiving authority before starting, or have us map the chain up front. |
| Removing staples or separating pages after certification | The certification is attached to the bound set; once separated the set counts as incomplete. | Typically adds 3–7 working days to re-certify the set. | Scan first, then keep the originals in a rigid envelope without detaching anything. |
| The name in the translation does not match the passport spelling | Receiving authorities compare character by character; a single different letter reads as a different person. | Typically adds 3–10 working days, because the translation has to be redone and the whole chain repeated. | Send the passport page on day one and have the translator take the spelling from the passport, never from the Thai document. |
| Using an old copy instead of a freshly issued one | Many destinations accept documents issued within the last 3–6 months only, and some require a clean, legibly sealed reissue. | Typically adds 5–15 working days for the trip back to the district registrar. | Check the destination's freshness rule first, then request several certified copies in a single visit. |
Deep timeline: what can run in parallel
The windows below are approximate and depend on each authority's queue. Stages marked as parallel can start alongside the previous stage — that is where the total calendar time is actually reduced.
- 1. Identify the registrar with jurisdiction1 working day
The competent district depends on domicile and record type, so confirm before travelling.
- 2. Request freshly certified extracts1–5 working dayscan run in parallel
Ask for several certified sets in one visit so you never repeat the trip.
- 3. Translate and certify as the destination requires3–10 working days
Translation format and certification chain differ by destination country.
- 4. File with the receiving bodyper appointment
Re-check validity before the filing date; some bodies count age at filing, not at issue.
Note: all windows are general estimates, not guarantees. Actual timing depends on how complete your file is and on the queues at the authorities involved.
We work as advisers, not only as a document-running agency
Our team has worked on documents, translation and legalisation for more than 15 years, combining notarial attorneys licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand with translators the receiving authorities accept. Every case starts with advice on the correct route and only then moves to execution — we do not simply run whatever is handed to us.
Before we start — mapping the document route
We confirm whether your file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy, whether a freshly issued copy is required, and which form of translation the receiving authority accepts. This is where most time is saved, because it is where most people choose wrongly and restart.
While preparing — consistency checks
We match the spelling of your name against the passport, check the issue date against the validity window the destination applies, verify stamps and signatures, and confirm the translation matches the original line by line.
While filing — coordination with the authorities
We file in the order each authority expects, follow the queue, and report status as it moves. If an authority asks for more paperwork, you hear about it immediately, together with the options for fixing it.
After delivery — practical guidance
We explain which bodies this set can be filed with, how to store the originals, and how many certified sets to request up front if you expect to use them again, so you do not repeat the whole chain later.
Cases where advice up front changes the outcome
- The name on an older document does not match the current passport because of a name change or a different transliteration.
- Documents are needed for several countries at once, each with a different order of certification.
- A file was already returned once and the real cause has to be identified before refiling.
- The destination only says "certified translation" without stating which form of certification it accepts.
If you are unsure which route your case takes, send photos of the documents and name the destination country or authority. We map the sequence and the paperwork first; you then decide whether to run it yourself or hand it over.
