Is an apostille enough for Thailand?

Not yet. Thailand joined the Apostille Convention on 30 June 2026, but it only enters into force on 28 February 2027. Until then documents are legalised through the full chain from DVV to the Thai Embassy.

How long does legalisation for Thailand take?

The Helsinki stages (DVV, MFA and the embassy) are in practice typically completed in 2–3 working days when appointments are available and the documents are in order.

Which documents are legalised for the O-A retirement visa?

Typically the medical certificate plus bank, pension and proof-of-funds statements. We handle the whole set at once, and, if you wish, the visa application itself.

What about marriage in Thailand?

For marriage you usually legalise the certificate of no impediment and a Population Information System extract. In Thailand the documents are then translated into Thai and certified locally, we explain the steps up front.

Legalisation · Thailand

Document legalisation for Thailand

Thailand still requires full legalisation, an apostille will only be enough from 28 February 2027.

We legalise documents bound for Thailand from start to finish, most often O-A retirement visa attachments and certificates needed for marriage. The Helsinki stages are typically completed in 2–3 working days.

Send a document for assessment

Process

The legalisation chain for Thailand

01
DVV (notary)
A notary confirms the signature or document at DVV, an original with a handwritten signature is required.
02
Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA)
The MFA certifies the DVV confirmation (documents accepted Mon–Wed).
03
Thai Embassy
The Embassy in Helsinki legalises the document, official fee €15 per document.
04
Use in Thailand
Thai authorities may additionally require a Thai translation and local certification, we advise per document.

Documents

Most common documents for Thailand

Medical certificates (O-A retirement visa)
Bank, pension and proof-of-funds statements
Certificate of no impediment for marriage
Birth certificates and Population Information System extracts
Criminal record extracts
Degree and employment certificates

Apostille change coming 28 February 2027

Thailand acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on 30 June 2026, and it enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027. Until then the full legalisation chain is required, and even after that we confirm the receiving authority's practice before starting.

The price consists of official fees (incl. embassy €15/document) and our service fee. See the legalisation price list.

Legalisation prices

Good to know

Legalising for Thailand in practice

O-A visa and marriage document packages

Most of our Thailand legalisations relate to the O-A retirement visa: the medical certificate and proof-of-funds or pension statements are legalised before applying. The other common case is marriage to a Thai citizen, where the certificate of no impediment and a population register extract are legalised.

Remember the handwritten original: DVV will not confirm a document carrying only an electronic signature. Where needed we ask the bank or doctor for a signed version, removing the most common cause of delay right at the start.

A fast chain in Helsinki, and what changes in 2027

We pre-book the DVV and MFA appointments (the MFA accepts documents Monday to Wednesday) and visit the embassy right after certification, which is why the Helsinki stages are typically done in 2–3 working days.

Thailand's apostille accession enters into force on 28 February 2027. After that many documents should need only a DVV apostille (€38), we track the transition and always use the lightest accepted route.

FAQ

Questions about legalisation for Thailand

Information verified on July 18, 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing times can change without notice. We confirm the current requirements for every assignment.

Official sources: Ulkoministeriö (um.fi) · Thaimaan suurlähetystö, Helsinki · HCCH — apostille-sopimuksen tilataulukko

Wondering what happens after you order? The stages, the timings and who handles what are on one page.

See how your order progresses