Thai company affidavit (DBD) for overseas use
The DBD certificate of incorporation with an English translation, legalised at the Department of Consular Affairs and, where a foreign bank, counterparty or registry requires it, further certified by the destination embassy as proof that the company exists and who may sign for it.
The certificate of incorporation is issued by the DBD registrar and states the company name, 13-digit registration number, incorporation date, registered capital, registered office, the list of directors and — most important for a foreign counterparty — the binding-signature condition: which director or combination of directors may sign for the company and whether the company seal is required.
Foreign recipients usually require a recently issued certificate. That window varies by recipient; three or six months is common, but Thai law sets no expiry for the certificate itself, so confirm the requirement with the recipient before ordering rather than reusing an old copy.
The DBD issues the certificate in Thai and also offers an English-language certificate service. If you use the Thai version, it must be translated and the translation certified by the Legalisation Division of the Department of Consular Affairs. That certification confirms the signature and seal of the issuing officer — it says nothing about the company's finances or creditworthiness.
Where the destination is a country covered by an exemption arrangement, or once the Apostille Convention is in force for Thailand, the chain shortens. Before that date, follow the traditional order: Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy.
Documents to prepare
- A recently issued DBD certificate of incorporation (from a DBD office or the DBD e-Service system)
- An English translation of the certificate if the Thai version is used
- Thai ID card or passport of the signing director
- A power of attorney if a representative files on your behalf, with a copy of the representative's ID
- Details of the destination recipient — bank, registry or counterparty — so the correct embassy step can be identified
Order of steps
- Order a freshly issued certificate from the DBD and check that the binding-signature condition matches the person who will actually sign
- Prepare an English translation faithful to the original, especially the company name, registration number and signing-authority wording
- File for translation certification and legalisation at the Legalisation Division, Department of Consular Affairs
- Take the legalised set to the destination country's embassy or consulate in Thailand if that step is required
- Send the set to the recipient and keep certified copies in the company file for future reference
Pre-filing checklist
- The English company name in the translation matches the name registered with the DBD exactly
- The 13-digit registration number is correct and legible on every copy
- The signing-authority condition matches whoever will sign the destination contract or form
- The issue date falls within the window the recipient requires
- Confirm with the destination embassy what format it accepts after consular legalisation and whether an appointment is needed
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Thai company affidavit valid?
Thai law sets no expiry date for the certificate itself. Recipients abroad — banks, registries, counterparties — usually impose their own limit, commonly three or six months from the issue date, so confirm the requirement before ordering.
Can the DBD issue the certificate in English?
The DBD offers an English-language certificate service; the channels and conditions are set by the department and can change, so check with a DBD office or the e-Service system. Alternatively, use the Thai version and have the translation certified by the Department of Consular Affairs.
Is the embassy step always required?
No. It depends on the recipient. Some countries and transactions accept consular legalisation alone; others require embassy certification as well. Ask the recipient in writing before starting the chain.
When will the Apostille shorten this process?
The 1961 Hague Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 according to HCCH. Until then the traditional order applies: Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy.
How does a foreign director abroad sign?
The director signs before a notary public in their own country, then follows that country's legalisation chain and, where required, certification by the Thai embassy before the document is used in Thailand. The exact order varies by country of origin.
Can a director-certified copy replace the original?
For legalisation intended for overseas use, the registrar-issued document is normally required rather than a self-certified copy — unless the recipient states explicitly that a lawyer- or notary-certified copy is acceptable.
Want our team to review the corporate file before submission? Contact LINE @nycli, phone +66-83-249-4999 or email nycli@ilc.ltd and we will confirm the steps and a realistic timeline for your case.