What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is an official authorized to certify the authenticity of documents, signatures, and declarations, ensuring their legal validity both domestically and internationally. Notary certification enhances the credibility of documents related to business, legal transactions, visa applications, and work permits for use in foreign countries.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Notary Public

1. Signature Notarization – Verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring that the individual has signed the document voluntarily.
2. Certified True Copy – Certifying that a copy of a document is identical to the original.
3. Declaration Notarization
   1. General Declarations – Certifying general statements or facts that do not require an oath, often used for business or legal documentation.
   1. Affidavit & Oath Certification – Certifying statements made under oath, typically required for legal proceedings or court-related documents.
4. Apostille & Legalization – Certifying documents for international use, making them valid for submission to embassies or foreign government agencies.

Why Do You Need Notary Certification?

• Enhances the credibility of business and legal documents, ensuring acceptance by government agencies and organizations abroad.
• Required for visa and work permit applications.
• Necessary for certifying business-related documents such as company registration certificates, employment contracts, and power of attorney documents.

For investors and individuals seeking employment in Thailand, notary certification is a crucial legal step to comply with both Thai and international regulations.

Steps for Notary Certification in Thailand

Notary certification is essential for verifying the authenticity of documents used in international legal transactions, especially those required for submission abroad.

1. How to Prepare Documents for Certification

Before requesting notary certification, ensure that your documents are properly prepared:

Identify the required documents
Commonly notarized documents include:

• Business contracts
• Power of attorney
• Company registration certificates
• Passport copies and other personal documents
• Documents required for use abroad, such as educational certificates, marriage certificates, and birth certificates

Translation (if applicable)
If the document is in Thai and needs to be used internationally, it should be translated into English or the official language of the destination country by a certified translator.

Prepare originals and copies

• Submit the original documents along with clear, accurate copies.

Bring identification documents

• The applicant must present valid identification, such as a passport, national ID card, or work permit (if applicable).

2. Notary Certification Process

1. Visit a Notary Office – Go to a notary office, law firm, or the embassy of the destination country.
2. Document Verification – The notary reviews the documents for accuracy and completeness.
3. Sign in the Presence of the Notary – The applicant signs the document in front of the notary.
4. Notary Seal and Signature – The notary certifies the document by affixing their official seal and signature.
5. Receive the Certified Document – The applicant receives the notarized document upon completion of the process.

3. Where to Get Notary Certification in Thailand

Notarial Services Attorneys

Thailand does not have a traditional “Notary Public” system like some other countries. Instead, certain attorneys certified by the Thai Lawyers Council provide notarial services. These services are available at:

• The Lawyers Council of Thailand
• Private law firms authorized to provide notarial services

Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For documents required abroad, additional certification from the Department of Consular Affairs may be necessary before submission to embassies or foreign institutions.

• Location: Department of Consular Affairs, Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok
• Website: www.consular.go.th

Foreign Embassies in Thailand

For documents used abroad, additional certification from the respective foreign embassy may be required, such as:

• U.S. Embassy
• UK Embassy
• Australian Embassy
• etc.

Ensuring that documents are correctly prepared, submitted to authorized offices, and properly notarized is critical for legal compliance and smooth processing in both Thailand and foreign jurisdictions.

Business Documents That Require Notary Certification for Investors and Foreign Workers in Thailand

Individuals seeking to invest or work in Thailand must obtain the appropriate visa and work permit, which often require notarized documents for submission to relevant authorities.

1. Visa & Work Permit Applications

Notarized documents are commonly required for:

• Employment and experience certificates from foreign countries
• Passport and visa copies
• Investment certification or business-related documents
• Legal documents such as power of attorney
• Additional authentication from embassies or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be required for international use.

2. Business Visa (Non-Immigrant Visa “B”)

The Non-Immigrant Visa “B” is issued to individuals traveling to Thailand for:

• Employment under a Thai-registered company
• Business negotiations, trade discussions, or investment activities
• Attendance at business conferences, seminars, or corporate events

Visa Types and Validity

1. Single-Entry Visa – Valid for 3 months from the issue date, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
2. Multiple-Entry Visa – Valid for 1 year, allowing multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry.

3. Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa)

The LTR Visa is designed to attract high-potential individuals to Thailand by offering long-term residency for up to 10 years, along with special privileges. Eligible applicants fall into four main categories:

1. Wealthy Global Citizens – Individuals with assets worth at least USD 1 million.
2. Wealthy Pensioners – Retirees aged 50+ with a stable pension or regular income.
3. Work-From-Thailand Professionals – Remote employees working for multinational corporations.
4. Highly-Skilled Professionals – Experts in key industries working for businesses, research institutions, or Thai government agencies.

LTR Visa Benefits

• 10-year residency in Thailand
• Work permit eligibility
• Reduced personal income tax rate of 17% for skilled professionals
• Fast-track immigration services
• Dependents (spouse and children under 20) can receive LTR visas (up to 4 dependents per applicant)

4. Work Permit Requirements & Application Process

After obtaining the appropriate visa, a work permit is required to legally work in Thailand under the Ministry of Labor’s regulations.

Key Requirements

• The applicant must hold a valid visa (e.g., Non-B or LTR).
• The employer must have a registered business meeting capital and staffing criteria.
• The job position must not be restricted for foreign workers.

Work Permit Application Process

1. The employer submits the application on behalf of the employee.
2. Required documents include:
   1. Work permit application form
   1. Passport and visa copies
   1. Company registration documents
   1. Employment contract with salary and job details
3. Approval process takes approximately 7–10 business days.

A work permit is typically valid for up to 5 years and can be renewed. LTR visa holders can work immediately upon obtaining the work permit.

Get Expert Assistance for Notary, Visa & Work Permit Services

Navigating notary certification, visa applications, and work permits in Thailand requires careful planning and adherence to legal procedures.

At Trinity & Co Legal, our experienced legal team specializes in handling these processes efficiently.

📩 Email: contactus@trinitycolegal.com
📞 Phone: +66 96-798-6396
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