Legalisation of Export Documents (Invoice & Certificate of Origin) (2026)
Source document: Commercial invoice, packing list and Certificate of Origin (issued by the Department of Foreign Trade or the Thai Chamber of Commerce)
Certification chain
- Issue the C/O via the Department of Foreign Trade or the Thai Chamber of Commerce
- Chamber certification of trade documents as required by the buyer or the letter of credit
- MFA legalisation
- Importing-country embassy legalisation (common for Middle East markets), or an Apostille where the destination accepts one
Timing and fees: 1–2 working days for translation; normal MFA legalisation takes 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express if filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp). Destination embassy queues are separate.
What it is used for
Destination customs clearance, letter-of-credit drawdowns, preferential tariff claims and foreign public tenders.
What to prepare
- A trade set whose figures and weights match across every document
- Company affidavit and specimen signatures of the authorised signatory
- The buyer's or bank's requirement for how many certified sets are needed
Common rejection causes
- Invoice figures that disagree with the packing list or bill of lading
- Filing too close to the shipping date — allow 3–7 working days for embassy queues
- Some importing countries require chamber certification before the consular step
Apostille timeline for this document
Until 28 February 2027 Thailand still uses the two-step chain (Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy in Thailand). Once the Hague Convention enters into force for Thailand, a single Apostille replaces the embassy step for member states; non-member destinations still require embassy legalisation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps for legalisation of export documents (invoice & certificate of origin)?
Issue the C/O via the Department of Foreign Trade or the Thai Chamber of Commerce → Chamber certification of trade documents as required by the buyer or the letter of credit → MFA legalisation → Importing-country embassy legalisation (common for Middle East markets), or an Apostille where the destination accepts one
Which authorities accept this document?
Destination customs clearance, letter-of-credit drawdowns, preferential tariff claims and foreign public tenders.
What do I need to prepare?
A trade set whose figures and weights match across every document · Company affidavit and specimen signatures of the authorised signatory · The buyer's or bank's requirement for how many certified sets are needed
Why do these documents get rejected?
Invoice figures that disagree with the packing list or bill of lading · Filing too close to the shipping date — allow 3–7 working days for embassy queues · Some importing countries require chamber certification before the consular step
How long does it take and what does it cost?
1–2 working days for translation; normal MFA legalisation takes 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express if filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp). Destination embassy queues are separate.
Can I use an Apostille from Thailand yet?
Until 28 February 2027 Thailand still uses the two-step chain (Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy in Thailand). Once the Hague Convention enters into force for Thailand, a single Apostille replaces the embassy step for member states; non-member destinations still require embassy legalisation.
Can an agent file the legalisation on my behalf?
Yes. The agent needs a power of attorney with a THB 10 duty stamp plus certified ID copies of both the principal and the agent. If the principal is abroad, a Thai embassy or consulate should verify the signature first.
Where is legalisation filed, and is an appointment required?
Filings are made at the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs on Chaeng Watthana Road and at its announced regional offices. Walk-in and advance appointments are both accepted; 08:00–11:30 is the busiest window. Our team files door-to-door from Phuket and nationwide.
How is certified translation different from legalisation?
A certified translation attests that the translation matches the original. Legalisation is the Department of Consular Affairs verifying the signature and seal of the issuing or certifying official so the document has effect abroad. They are separate steps and usually performed in sequence.
Legalise other document types
Information current as of August 2026. Procedures and fees follow the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th); Apostille status follows hcch.net (in force for Thailand on 28 February 2027). Always confirm requirements with the receiving authority before filing.