Foreign Documents, Translation and Legalization for Work Permits
Applicants relying on degrees, experience letters or police clearance certificates issued abroad.
Filing order at a glance
Authenticate the document in the issuing country → translate into Thai or English as required → have the translation legalized by the Department of Consular Affairs → submit with the application.
Conditions you must meet
- Foreign documents generally need authentication in the issuing country and by the relevant embassy before the translation is legalized in Thailand.
- Thailand has acceded to the Apostille Convention, which enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027; until then the traditional legalization chain still applies.
- Translations must match the original exactly and spell names as in the passport.
Documents to prepare
- Degree certificate, transcript and experience letters.
- Police clearance certificate where the role or authority requires it.
- Certified translation together with a copy of the passport.
Process
- Confirm with the receiving authority which language and level of certification is required.
- Complete authentication abroad, then translate and legalize in Thailand.
- Submit the bundle with the work-permit application.
Common pitfalls
- Self-translating or using an uncertified translation, which leads to rejection.
- Name spellings in the translation not matching the passport.
- Certificates older than the receiving authority accepts.
Deciding authority
Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Employment.
Talk to our team
Ask about scope, documents and timelines by phone, LINE or email. We cannot guarantee an authority's decision, but we review your file before submission to reduce the risk of rejection.
Contact our teamOfficial sources
Information as of August 2026. Confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before acting.
Other routes
Work Permit with an Ordinary Thai Company (Non-B)BOI Work Permits and the One Stop Service CentreWork Permits for Foreign Teachers and LecturersRepresentative Offices and Regional OfficesSMART Visa and LTR — Routes Replacing the Standard Work PermitOccupations Prohibited or Conditionally Open to ForeignersRenewals, Changing Employer and Notifying Changes
More: Work Permit FAQ · All Thai visa types