Salary certificates and proof of income
A salary certificate comes from the employer, not the bank. What receivers check is consistency between the stated salary, the credits in the account and the tax documents.
A salary certificate is issued by the employer to the employee and states the position, start date and salary, signed by an authorised signatory of the company under its internal rules. It is not a government document, so receivers usually cross-check it against other evidence.
Supporting evidence that actually proves income includes payslips, a bank statement showing the salary credited each month, and withholding tax certificates issued under the Revenue Code. Consistency across all three matters more than a high figure.
For freelancers and business owners the evidence set is different: the company registration certificate from the Department of Business Development, financial statements, tax filings and business account statements. Check with the receiver which set it accepts.
Where a salary certificate is used abroad, some receivers require the signatory's signature to be certified by a Notarial Services Attorney before the translation is legalised at the Department of Consular Affairs, because the document is private, not governmental.
Documents to prepare
- A salary certificate signed by an authorised signatory of the employer
- Payslips covering the period the receiver specifies
- Bank statements showing the salary credits
- Withholding tax certificates
- A copy of the employee's Thai ID card or passport
- The employer's company registration certificate if the receiver asks for it
Step order
- Request the certificate from HR, stating the language required
- Assemble payslips, statements and tax documents so they agree with each other
- Have a Notarial Services Attorney certify the signatory's signature where required
- Translate and legalise at the Department of Consular Affairs if needed
- Obtain destination-embassy endorsement where that country requires it
Pre-filing checklist
- The salary figure agrees with the bank credits and the tax documents
- Position and start date are clearly stated
- The signatory is authorised under the company's own rules
- The employee's name matches the passport spelling
- The issue date is within the receiver's accepted window
Practical tips
- Ask for a bilingual certificate if the employer can issue one; it removes a translation step
- Give HR advance notice of your deadline, as the authorised signatory may not be available immediately
- Order the bundle in the sequence the receiver's notice specifies
Common pitfalls
- A stated salary higher than the actual credits with no explanation
- A signatory who is not authorised under the company registration record
- Letterhead with no company address or contact details, leaving the receiver unable to verify
Frequently asked questions
Who issues a salary certificate?
The employer, signed by a person authorised for the company under its internal rules. A bank does not issue this document.
Should payslips be attached?
Most receivers ask for payslips or bank statements so the stated salary can be reconciled with the credits actually received.
What do self-employed applicants use instead?
Typically a company registration certificate from the Department of Business Development, financial statements, tax filings and business bank statements. Confirm with the receiver first.
Does the signature need lawyer certification?
It does where the foreign receiver requires it, because the document is privately issued. Signature certification is performed by a lawyer authorised as a notarial services attorney under Lawyers Council regulations.
Does an English salary certificate still need translation?
Only if the destination country uses another language. If English is accepted no further translation is needed, though certification may still be required.
Can a former employer issue one after I resign?
That depends on the ex-employer's policy; many issue an employment certificate stating the period and position instead. Ask the HR department directly.
For a document review before you file, contact us on LINE @nycli, call +66-83-249-4999 or email nycli@ilc.ltd. Our team will confirm the steps, any missing documents and a realistic timeline for your case.