MARRIAGE REGISTRATIONS IN THAILAND

We receive many inquiries in our practice from Foreign (non-Thai) nationals planning to marry in Thailand, either to a Thai national or, in many instances, two foreign nationals wishing to marry in Thailand. Both marriage of a foreign national to a Thai national or, the marriage of two foreign (non-Thai) nationals is permitted in Thailand provided that the proper documentation is provided.

For a Foreigner marrying a Thai

Documents and Procedures

 

Thai Citizen

1. Thai ID Card
2. Tabien Baan (Household Registration Book)

Foreigner

1. Valid Passport
2. An affidavit of single status executed before a Consular Officer at your home country Embassy in Thailand. The notarial charge varies at different Embassies. At the U.S. Embassy, for example, it is $50 for each notarial signature.
3. An affidavit of particulars of divorce for each past divorce executed before a Consular Officer. You should have copies of your final decree(s) of divorce available.

Procedure:

1. After completing the English language affidavit(s) at the Embassy, the affidavits must be translated in to the Thai language. We will do these translations for you.
2. The original English language affidavit(s) and Thai translations must be taken to the Thai Foreign Ministry for “legalization”. Our staff can take care of this step for you.
3. The couple may go to any Amphur (District Office) and register their marriage. If you wish for one of our staff to accompany you, we prefer to use Bangrak Amphur which is close to our office.

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For a Foreigner Marrying a Foreigner

Documents and Procedures

 

Both Foreigners

1. Valid Passport
2. An affidavit of single status executed before a Consular Officer at your home country Embassy in Thailand. The notarial charge varies at different Embassies. At the U.S. Embassy it is $50 for the each notarial act.
3. An affidavit of particulars of divorce for each past divorce executed before a Consular Officer. You should have copies of your final decree of divorce available.

 

Some Embassies in Thailand, notably the Vietnamese Embassy and the Indian Embassy, will not perform this service. They will, however, cross stamp or certify a government issued certification of single status issued in the home country. This is satisfactory for Thai marriage purposes.
NOTE: For these countries, it is very important that the single status letter or document issued in the home country have certain specific information. See below for additional details.

 

Procedure:

1. After completing the English language affidavit(s) at your home country Embassy in Bangkok, the affidavits must be translated in to the Thai language. We will do these translations for you.
2. The original English language affidavit(s) and Thai translations must be taken to the Thai Foreign Ministry for “legalization”. Our staff will also take care of this step for you.
3. After legalization by the Thai Foreign Ministry, the couple may thereafter go to any Amphur (District Office) and register their marriage. If you wish for one of our staff to accompany you, we prefer to use Bangrak Amphur which is close to our office.

 

For Foreigners whose Embassies in Thailand will not provide the necessary single affidavit but will cross stamp single certificates issued in the home country, please note that such home country documents must include the following information. Any item missing and the Thai Amphur will not accept the documents for purposes of registering a marriage. Also, please note that the legal age to marry in Thailand, without parental consent is 20 years of age. If one or both of the parties is under 20, parental consent is also required.

 

Required contents of single certification or affidavit issued in the home country:

1. Full name, including family name (surname)
2. Nationality
3. Father and Mother’s names
4. Occupation or Career and annual income (or annual salary). Please note, unemployed and zero income are ok, if that’s the case, but the information, whatever it is, has to be stated.
5. Status (single, divorced, widowed)
6. A statement that: “_________________ is qualified and eligible to marry a Thai or Foreigner according to the Thai Civil and Commercial Code.”
7. Names and addresses of two (2) personal references.

 

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Governmental Costs

 

1) Thai Foreign Ministry legalization of documents:

400 baht/page + 600 baht for miscellaneous expenses

 

2) Embassy notarization of Affidavit of Ability to Marry:

Varies but, the U.S. Embassy is typical at $50 per notarial act.

 

3) District Office (Amphur) for registration of the marriage:

No official fee.

 

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Attorneys Fees

 

If our firm is representing you in either a prenuptial agreement or in a U.S. Immigration case, we will assist you with your Thai marriage registration, in Bangkok, at no additional professional charge. For those clients who wish assistance with ONLY their Thai marriage registration, our customary fee is 12,000 Thai Baht + 7% VAT