Are you preparing a marriage with a Thai spouse or another procedure in Belgium? Thai documents must be translated from Thai and, crucially, legalised in a chain because Thailand does not apply the apostille. Here is how to build an accepted file.
📖 See also: apostille or legalisation · legalisation guide · immigration to Belgium · sworn translation
Which Thai documents to have translated?
Depending on your procedure (marriage, residence, family reunification), the Belgian administration requires a sworn translation of the Thai records. The most requested:
- Thai birth certificate.
- Certificate of single status (very much requested for a marriage in Belgium).
- Marriage certificate and, where applicable, divorce certificate.
- Kor Ror family register (Kor Ror 2 / Kor Ror 3 depending on the status).
- Criminal record extract from Thailand.
TranslateBE
Thai documents to translate for Belgium?
Sworn Thai-French translation of your records, names transliterated correctly. Quote within 1 hour.
Chain legalisation: no apostille for Thailand
Thailand is not a member of the Hague Convention on the apostille. Your documents therefore cannot be apostilled: they must follow a consular chain legalisation. In practice, the record is first legalised by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Bangkok, then by the Belgian embassy in Thailand. To understand the difference between the procedures, consult our guide apostille or legalisation and the detailed legalisation guide.
Thai and the transliteration of names
Thai records are written in Thai: the sworn translator must transliterate your surname and first name in a way consistent with your other documents (passport, Belgian residence permit). A divergent spelling between the records frequently leads to a rejection. Always indicate the Latin spelling already used on your passport.
In short: Thai documents are legalised in a chain (MFA then the Belgian embassy), then sworn translated into French or Dutch depending on the region, with consistently transliterated names. No apostille for Thailand.
Common case: marriage in Belgium with a Thai spouse
Mixed Belgian-Thai marriages are frequent. The municipality generally requires a birth certificate, a recent certificate of single status and, depending on the situation, the Kor Ror family register. Each record must be legalised in a chain in Thailand and then translated by a sworn translator. Confirm the exact list and the target language with your municipality before starting the procedures.
How to proceed
- Gather your recent Thai records and confirm the list with the Belgian administration.
- Have the documents legalised in a chain (Thai MFA then the Belgian embassy).
- Entrust the sworn Thai-French translation to a sworn translator.
- Specify the Latin spelling of your name as it appears on your passport.
TranslateBE · Certified Agency
A consistent and accepted Thai file
Sworn translation of your records, certificate of single status and Kor Ror register, with data aligned with your Belgian documents.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can a Thai document be apostilled?
No. Thailand is not a party to the Hague Convention, so the apostille does not exist. Your records must follow a consular chain legalisation (Thai MFA then the Belgian embassy). See our apostille or legalisation guide.
Which documents for a marriage in Belgium with a Thai spouse?
Most often a birth certificate, a recent certificate of single status and sometimes the Kor Ror family register. Each record must be legalised in a chain and then translated by a sworn translator. Confirm the list with your municipality.
Into which language should I translate in Belgium?
Into French or Dutch depending on the region and the service. Ask the administration for the target language before ordering.
My Thai name is transliterated differently on the documents, is that a problem?
Yes, it may lead to a rejection. Indicate to the translator the Latin spelling appearing on your passport to ensure consistency. See our sworn translation guide.
Urgent Thai procedure to complete?
Express available for your Thai records. Sworn translation ready for the Belgian administration.