Marriage Registration in Thailand is explained here. A legal marriage in Thailand consists of both parties registering the marriage in person with a local Thai District Office or “Amphur”. This is a process that can take several days to complete. When a foreigner decides to marry in Thailand, the marriage registration process starts with a visit to your embassy. A foreigner wishing to marry a Thai citizen or another foreigner should follow the method below and make certain that their prospective spouse follows a similar but separate procedure at his/her respective embassy in Thailand.
Marriage Registration in Thailand
But, not too fast, there are certain qualifications for couples who are wishing to marry in Thailand.
- – Both should not be less than 17 years of age or should be in of mature age in accordance to the law imposed from your home country.
- – Either of them should not be mentally ill person or state to be incapable.
- – Should not be in blood relations or brother/ sister of full or half blood.
- – Both of them should not have the same adoptive parents.
- – Either of them should be eligible and not have a spouse at the time of marriage.
So then it starts with getting the affirmation or affidavit from your embassy in Thailand confirming not only your citizenship but also that you are single, divorced or widowed. If you were previously married, you will need to produce your original divorce decree or the death certificate of your late spouse in order to obtain the so called “Affirmation of Freedom to marry”. This is an important document that will allow you to get married in Thailand. See the US visa process as well as the UK visa process on this website.
Embassy procedures
The Embassy procedures would vary, but they will charge a fee for notarizing the affirmation. Once the documents obtained from your embassy, it should then be translated into Thai language and to be verified by Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the MFA has a nominal fee for verifying and legalizing the documents which will enable you to register you marriage in Thailand. Fees to have the documents officially translated into Thai also vary.
The final step of your marriage registration can take place at any district office of your choice. The legalized documents from the Ministry have to be taken to the local district office called the “Amphur” to register your marriage. And the marriage registration ends with the issuing of a Thai marriage certificate.
Marriage Requirements
In summary, a foreigner wishing to register their marriage in Thailand needs to provide the following documents at the local district office.
- 1. Affidavit or Affirmation of Freedom to Marry
- 2. Certified Copy of your passport
- 3. Original Divorce or Death Certificate of previous spouse
If marrying a Thai national, the following documents are needed:
- 1. National ID Card
- 2. Household Registration Book/ Certificate
- 3. Original Divorce or Death Certificate of previous spouse
- 4. Name Change Certificates
Thai marriage registration is not overly complicated, however, the paperwork needed might feel too much for some. We assist in registering your marriage and offer our fast and hassle-free marriage registration service.
We would be very glad to assist you on your Thai Legal Marriage Registration.
