Legalising Thai Documents for United Arab Emirates (2026)
Apostille Convention status of United Arab Emirates: party. The Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027.
Certification chain (before 28 February 2027)
- 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
- Attest at the UAE Embassy in Bangkok and complete MoFA attestation in the UAE where required
Timeline and fees: 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.
Destination-specific requirements
Employment documents such as degrees and police certificates typically pass through Thai legalisation, the UAE Embassy, and UAE MoFA in that order.
What these documents are used for
Work and Golden visas, marriage in the UAE, degree attestation for employment, free-zone company setup
Common reasons for rejection
- Skipping UAE MoFA attestation
- Arabic translations not from a UAE-approved translator
- Documents older than the employer accepts
When the Apostille Convention applies to Thailand
The Convention has applied to the UAE since 2023 and takes effect for Thailand on 28 February 2027, though some UAE bodies still add their own in-country attestation step, so confirm with the employer or receiving authority.
FAQ — documents for United Arab Emirates
What are the steps to legalise a Thai document for use in United Arab Emirates?
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 → Attest at the UAE Embassy in Bangkok and complete MoFA attestation in the UAE where required
Is United Arab Emirates a party to the Apostille Convention?
Yes. United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates mission in Thailand.
What changes once the Convention applies to Thailand?
The Convention has applied to the UAE since 2023 and takes effect for Thailand on 28 February 2027, though some UAE bodies still add their own in-country attestation step, so confirm with the employer or receiving authority.
Any specific requirements from the destination authority?
Employment documents such as degrees and police certificates typically pass through Thai legalisation, the UAE Embassy, and UAE MoFA in that order.
What can these documents be used for?
Work and Golden visas, marriage in the UAE, degree attestation for employment, free-zone company setup
Why are documents commonly rejected?
Skipping UAE MoFA attestation · Arabic translations not from a UAE-approved translator · Documents older than the employer accepts
How long does it take and what does it cost?
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.
Should the document be translated before or after legalisation?
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.
Can your team file on my behalf?
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.
Other destination countries
Sources: consular.mfa.go.th · mofa.gov.ae · hcch.net — information current as of August 2026. Thai legalisation steps and fees follow the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs; Apostille Convention status follows hcch.net (in force for Thailand on 28 February 2027). Always confirm current requirements with the embassy and the receiving authority before filing.