Legalisation of a Power of Attorney (2026)
Source document: A power of attorney signed before a Notarial Services Attorney licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand
Certification chain
- Draft the POA to the receiving authority's exact requirements
- Sign before a Notarial Services Attorney
- MFA legalisation verifying the registered attorney's signature
- Destination embassy, or Apostille once the Convention applies
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
Selling or transferring property abroad, litigation, estate administration, closing bank accounts and corporate filings.
What to prepare
- The destination's prescribed form or wording (banks, land registries and courts often have their own)
- The principal's original passport
- Full details of the attorney-in-fact and a clearly scoped mandate
Common rejection causes
- A mandate that is too broad or too narrow for the receiving authority
- Pre-signing the document — it must be signed in the attorney's presence
- Omitting an expiry date or governing-law clause the destination requires
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 a power of attorney?
Draft the POA to the receiving authority's exact requirements → Sign before a Notarial Services Attorney → MFA legalisation verifying the registered attorney's signature → Destination embassy, or Apostille once the Convention applies
Which authorities accept this document?
Selling or transferring property abroad, litigation, estate administration, closing bank accounts and corporate filings.
What do I need to prepare?
The destination's prescribed form or wording (banks, land registries and courts often have their own) · The principal's original passport · Full details of the attorney-in-fact and a clearly scoped mandate
Why do these documents get rejected?
A mandate that is too broad or too narrow for the receiving authority · Pre-signing the document — it must be signed in the attorney's presence · Omitting an expiry date or governing-law clause the destination requires
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.