How long does a full document legalisation chain take?
When the Apostille Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027, documents moving between Thailand and other member states will need only a single Apostille certificate, with no embassy counter-legalisat
What to understand before preparing documents: When the Apostille Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027, documents moving between Thailand and other member states will need only a single Apostille certificate, with no embassy counter-legalisation. Until then, plan around the date the document will actually be lodged and use the route the destination accepts on that day. Bundle with NAATI certified translation, Notary Public certification and Police Clearance in a single file to save weeks.
Quick facts
- Current status: Thailand still uses consular legalisation today; the Hague Apostille Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027.
- Turnaround: Standard legalisation 3–5 business days · Express 1–2 business days · Full chain (translation + MFA + destination embassy) 5–7 business days
- Office: Legalisation Division, Department of Consular Affairs, Chaeng Watthana Road, Bangkok · Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30 · nationwide document pickup by post or messenger
Related questions
- → What is an Apostille and how does it differ from consular legalisation?
- → Can Thailand issue an Apostille yet?
- → When does the Apostille Convention enter into force for Thailand?
- → How are Thai documents legalised before the Apostille route starts?
- → Does an Apostille certify the contents of a document?