Marriage Registration in Thailand is a legal process that ensures your union is recognized by government authorities. Professional assistance minimizes potential complexities in the process and helps you avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Regardless of your nationality, you can get married in Thailand if you meet the following requirements:
Legalization
The process of registering your marriage in Thailand will require you to get certain documents legalized. These include the Affidavit of Freedom to Marry, which certifies that you are single and able to marry, as well as a translated copy of both your passports. These documents must be taken to a reputable translation office before they are legalized. It is also recommended to have a professional handle these documents on your behalf as mistakes can delay the process.
Once these documents are legallyized they can be presented to the District Office, where a local official will register your marriage. Both parties must attend this appointment, which is normally conducted in the afternoon. The Registrar will ask both spouses questions and they will need to provide answers in English or Thai, depending on their background.
Both spouses must be at least 17 years old in order to be married, unless the law enforced by their home country imposes a higher age limit. In this case, the couple will need a court’s approval to marry before they reach that age.
Application
The first step of the marriage registration process in Thailand is to apply for an affirmation of freedom to marry at your Embassy or Consulate. This document, which varies by country, is necessary for all foreigners marrying in Thailand.
This document must be signed by two witnesses who are not family members and can provide proof of their identity. It is also important to bring copies of the couple’s passports and arrival cards. In addition, a certified translation of all documents into Thai should be presented to the District Office.
If either spouse has been married previously, a divorce decree or death certificate must be provided. Additionally, the female spouse must present a medical certificate to confirm that she is not pregnant.
If your country is a member of the Hague Convention, you may be issued a shortened form of the affirmation document. However, countries not adhering to the Convention require Authentication certificates. These are more complex and often take longer to obtain. This can incur additional fees.
Documents
A marriage registration in Thailand is necessary for a legal wedding. A government officer will review the documents and sign them in your presence to complete the process. During the meeting, you may want to ask for help from a Thailand family lawyer. This will save you time and money. You should also make sure to prepare a prenuptial agreement. This will be important in the event of divorce or spousal death.
In order to marry in Thailand, you must meet the following criteria: Both parties must be at least 17 years old, unless they have parental consent. They must not be direct blood relatives, such as brothers or sisters, unless a court permits an exception. Both must be mentally capable of understanding the nature and consequences of marriage.
If you are a foreigner, the first step is to obtain an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from your embassy in Bangkok or your home country. You must then have it translated into Thai by a reputable translator. Once the translation is completed, you can take it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for authentication.
Witnesses
When it comes to marrying in Thailand, there are specific legal stipulations that must be followed. This is especially true for non-Thai couples, who may need to prove their identity and have a Single Status Certificate. The stipulations differ by nationality, and it is important to consult with a Thai law firm.
The first step in the process is to submit a marriage notification at the district office (known as amphur). Our team can help you with this. We will also verify your eligibility to marry in Thailand, which includes ensuring you meet the legal age requirement and that you are not closely related to one another.
You will also need to present proof of your current address, a copy of the Affirmation of Freedom to Marry and two witnesses. The witnesses should be Thai citizens and have their ID cards. The documents will need to be translated into Thai and authenticated by DFAT. Our team can assist you with this, as well as booking your Embassy appointment. We can also assist you with post-marriage services such as name changes and visa adjustments.
Fees
Getting married in Thailand can be a complicated process, and the costs vary depending on what documentation you require. Foreigners require an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from their Embassy in Bangkok or home country, which is then translated and notarized before being filed with the Amphur office in order to obtain a Thai marriage certificate.
It is also necessary to provide proof of divorce, dissolution or annulment from your previous marriage if applicable. If either party has a child from their previous relationship, it is also required to submit this child’s birth certificate.
Many foreigners also require a notarized letter from their doctor stating that they are medically fit to marry in the presence of two witnesses. In addition, any documents in a foreign language will need to be translated and legalized before submission. Our firm handles all of these steps on your behalf and booking several weeks in advance is recommended to secure Registrar availability. In most cases, the whole registration process will take 1-2 weeks to complete from initial embassy appointment to filing with the Amphur office.
