Using UK Documents in Thailand: Apostille & Consular Legalisation Guide (2025 Edition)
Introduction
If you need to use UK documents in Thailand—such as a UK marriage certificate, degree certificate, or company incorporation papers—you must complete a two-step legalisation process:
1️⃣ UK Apostille legalisation (FCDO)
2️⃣ Thai Consular Legalisation at the Royal Thai Embassy in London
What is a UK Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It verifies the authenticity of signatures, stamps, or seals on UK documents.
- Public documents (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, court papers) → can be sent directly to FCDO.
- Private documents (e.g. passport copies, degree certificates, corporate records) → must be certified by a UK solicitor or notary before Apostille.
Legalisation Process for Thailand
To make a UK document valid in Thailand, you must complete both:
- UK Apostille – confirms the document’s authenticity.
- Thai Consular Legalisation – confirms the Apostille is genuine.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Document Type
- Official UK documents (e.g. birth/marriage certificates) → go straight to Apostille.
- Other documents (e.g. degree, company documents) → require solicitor/notary certification first.
Step 2: Obtain the UK Apostille
- Apply online via the GOV.UK Legalisation Service.
- Post the original or solicitor-certified copy to the FCDO Legalisation Office.
- Receive the Apostille attached to your document.
Step 3: Apply for Thai Consular Legalisation
Required documents:
- Original Apostilled document
- Photocopy of the Apostilled document
- Completed application form (available from the Embassy)
- Prepaid return envelope (if applying by post)
Where to submit: Royal Thai Embassy, London.
Processing Time & Fees
| Step | Processing Time | Government Fee |
|---|---|---|
| UK Apostille (FCDO) | Few working days | £45 per document |
| Thai Legalisation | 3–4 working days | £10 per document |
Payment methods: Cash or card.
Opening hours: Mon–Fri, 09:00–12:00 (submission only).
Key Notes
- Photocopy required: Always include a copy of the Apostilled document.
- Bundled documents: The Thai Consulate accepts bundles (e.g. corporate documents).
- Translations: Some Thai authorities may require Thai translations—check with your recipient in advance.
Royal Thai Embassy – Consular Section (London)
📍 Address: 29–30 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5JB
📞 Phone: 020 7589 2944
📧 Email: legalisation.lon@mfa.go.th
🌐 Website: https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/index
Summary
For UK documents to be accepted in Thailand, you must complete:
➡️ Step 1: Apostille at UK FCDO
➡️ Step 2: Consular legalisation at the Royal Thai Embassy London
Plan ahead and confirm with the receiving authority in Thailand if certified translations are also required.
Why Choose Ginkgo Advisory
Led by a practising solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and registered with the UK FCDO Legalisation Office, Ginkgo Advisory provides:
- Solicitor certification
- UK Apostille service
- Thai Embassy consular legalisation
- Bilingual English–Chinese client support
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7388 833283
💬 WeChat: GinkgoAdvisory
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