Thai Embassy Document Request · Rule

DTV Document Translation & Legalization (Thai or English Only)

Need DTV document translation? Learn how certified English/Thai translation and legalisation work, and avoid visa rejection with our expert guide for the Thai embassy.

DTVDTVThaiVisa 11 min read

You’ve received a “Request for Further Documents” from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General, asking for translation and legalisation of your supporting documents. This can feel daunting, but we’ll guide you exactly how to respond correctly. Our step-by-step guide explains the difference between certification and legalisation, shows you how to get it done, and helps you avoid the common mistakes that lead to rejection. Let’s turn this request into your approval.

A professional translator's desk with documents, stamps, and a laptop showing an e-visa portal, illustrating the document translation and legalisation process for Thailand's DTV.

What the embassy asked

This request means your supporting documents are not in Thai or English, so the embassy requires certified translations and government legalisation to verify them.

“A English translation of your original marriage certificate and it must be certified or legalised by the relevant embassies in London please.”

Why the embassy asks for this

All Thai visa documents must be in Thai or English so the reviewing consular officers can read them accurately. When your original document is in another language, translation alone isn't enough—the embassy needs official proof that the translation is a true and accurate copy. Legalisation by a relevant authority (such as a Thai embassy/consulate or a foreign ministry), or an apostille where both countries accept it, adds a recognised seal and signature that gives the document international legal standing.

How to provide it correctly

Identify every supporting document in your application that is NOT already in Thai or English.
Obtain a professional, certified English translation from a qualified human translator—full, word‑for‑word, not a summary.
Have the translation certified with a signed statement (e.g., "I certify that this is a true and accurate translation") by the translator or their professional body.
Submit the certified translation to the relevant authority for legalisation/authentication—the Royal Thai Embassy in your jurisdiction or the competent government office (e.g., Chinese MFA for mainland China).
Upload both the original document and the legalised English translation together to the Thai e‑visa portal in the requested file format (usually PDF).
If applying from China, use the dual‑authentication process (双认证): notarise by a Chinese notary public, then authenticate by the local Chinese MFA office.
Never submit the translation alone; always include clear copies of the original and the certified + legalised translation.

Close-up of a certified and legalised English translation of a marriage certificate, showing official stamps and signatures, ready for DTV submission.

Common mistakes that cause rejection

Assuming a certified translation alone is enough—both certification and legalisation are required.
Using a machine translation (Google Translate, ChatGPT, DeepL) instead of a professional human translator.
Submitting only the translation without the original document for verification.
Legalising at the wrong authority (e.g., trying to legalise a UK document at the Thai Embassy in Beijing).
Translating into the wrong language; default to English unless the request specifically asks for Thai.
Confusing notarisation or apostille with Hague‑compliant legalisation—they are not the same.
Delaying translation and legalisation until after receiving the request, leading to missed deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between certification and legalisation?

Certification is a professional statement (usually signed by the translator or their body) confirming the translation is accurate. Legalisation is an official government/embassy authentication added afterwards, with a seal and signature, proving the certification itself is genuine.

Can I use Google Translate or another AI tool to translate my documents?

No. Machine translations are not accepted by Thai embassies. You must use a professional, qualified human translator and have the translation certified.

My marriage certificate is in French. Do I need to translate it to English or Thai?

The embassy accepts Thai or English. Unless your specific country’s request mentions Thai, translate to English—the standard for DTV applications worldwide.

I’m applying from the UK. Which embassy legalises my translated documents?

The Royal Thai Embassy in London legalises English translations of your documents. You must submit them there or use an embassy-approved agent.

I’m in mainland China. How do I get my documents legalised?

Use the Chinese dual-authentication process (双认证): have a Chinese notary public notarise the original, then submit it to your local Chinese MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) office for authentication. The result is a document with both notary and MFA stamps.

Is notarisation the same as legalisation for the Thai embassy?

No. Notarisation alone (a notary confirming a signature or copy) is not full legalisation. You need authentication by a competent authority — typically consular legalisation by the Royal Thai Embassy/consulate or your foreign ministry, or an apostille where both countries accept it. Always follow the exact wording in your own request email.

Can I submit the original document in my home language without a translation?

No, unless the original is already in Thai or English. Any document in another language must be professionally translated and then legalised before submission.

Get this document right the first time

Let our team prepare and check your response to the embassy — apply from $139, with a 100% refund if denied (with the optional Denial Protection add-on).

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General guidance only — not legal advice. Thai embassy requirements vary by office and change over time; always confirm the exact wording in your own request email, or let our team check it for you.