Legalising Thai Documents for Germany (2026)

Obtain a certified extract from the issuing authority (district office, school, court or DBD) → Translate into the language the destination requires, with the translator named and signing a statement of accuracy → File for legalisation of the translation and/or the official signature at the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs → Follow the German Embassy's current requirement for that document type, then have a sworn translator in Germany prepare the translation

Yes. Germany is a party to the HCCH 1961 Apostille Convention, but Thailand is not yet bound until 28 February 2027, so Thai documents still need MFA legalisation plus attestation at the Germany mission in Thailand.

Once the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027, Thai public documents used in this country will need a single Apostille from the Department of Consular Affairs instead of embassy attestation, subject to any extra requirements the receiving body sets on translation format or document age.

German authorities usually accept only translators sworn before a German regional court (see justiz-dolmetscher.de), and civil-status documents are often required to be under six months old at the appointment date.

Spousal reunification, marriage at the Standesamt, qualification recognition, naturalisation

Using a Thailand-based translator instead of a sworn German one · Short-form birth records without both parents named · Documents older than six months

Certified translation 1–2 working days; MFA legalisation 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express when filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp); the destination embassy queue is separate and typically 3–10 working days. Sworn translation in Germany adds 7–14 working days.

The Legalization Division's practice is to start from a fresh certified extract issued by the source authority, translate that, and then file the translation with the original. Translating an old photocopy is the most common cause of rework.

Yes. We work from a power of attorney bearing a THB 10 duty stamp together with certified copies of the grantor's and agent's ID. If you are outside Thailand, a Thai embassy or consulate must witness your signature first.