Affirmation of freedom to marry from the embassy
The foreign partner's starting document: the home embassy or consulate issues an affirmation of freedom to marry, which is then translated into Thai and legalised at the Department of Consular Affairs before the district office will register the marriage.
Thai district offices have no way to verify a foreigner's marital status from Thai records, so they rely on a certificate issued by that person's embassy or consulate in Thailand. The name varies by country — Affirmation of Freedom to Marry, Certificate of No Impediment, Single Status Certificate, Nulla Osta — but the legal function is identical: confirming there is no subsisting marriage.
How the document is obtained is entirely the embassy's internal procedure. Some issue it on the spot against a sworn declaration and passport, others require an appointment, and several ask for a divorce decree or a former spouse's death certificate first. We do not publish a fixed procedure on the embassy's behalf; we check your list against that embassy's current published requirements before your appointment.
Once issued, the affirmation must be translated into Thai and the translation legalised by the Legalisation Division of the Department of Consular Affairs. The registrar decides on the legalised Thai translation — a foreign-language original alone is not sufficient for registration.
Name spelling is where most files fail. The name on the affirmation must match the passport character for character, and the Thai transliteration must stay consistent across the whole bundle. Anyone who has changed name or been married before must attach the supporting evidence so the paper trail connects.
How long the affirmation stays acceptable is at the registrar's discretion and varies between district offices. Do not obtain it far in advance without first asking the specific office where you intend to register.
Documents to prepare
- Foreign partner's passport (original plus a copy of the bio page)
- Affirmation of freedom to marry / certificate of no impediment from the home embassy or consulate
- Thai translation of that affirmation, legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs
- Evidence that any earlier marriage ended: divorce registration, court judgment or death certificate (if applicable)
- Thai partner's national ID card and house registration
- Change-of-name evidence for either party (if applicable)
Order of steps
- Obtain the affirmation of freedom to marry from the foreign partner's embassy or consulate in Thailand
- Have it translated into Thai by a translator who takes responsibility for the translation
- Submit the translation for legalisation at the Legalisation Division, Department of Consular Affairs
- Register the marriage with two witnesses at any district office (amphur) or khet office
- Request certified copies of the marriage register (Kor.Ror. 2) and marriage certificate (Kor.Ror. 3) for the next steps
Pre-filing checklist
- Latin-script names match the passport on every document
- Thai translation already legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs
- Two witnesses with ID available on the day
- Confirmed with the specific district office whether it wants anything extra
- Both parties are at least 18, as required under the law now in force
Frequently asked questions
Can we register at any district office?
Yes. A marriage may be registered at any amphur or khet office in Thailand regardless of where either party is registered as resident. Queueing, appointment and interpreter practice differ between offices, so call ahead.
Do we need an interpreter on the day?
If the foreign partner does not understand Thai, the registrar may require an interpreter to confirm the party understands what is being signed. This is at each office's discretion — ask before the appointment.
Can a single-status certificate issued back home replace the embassy one?
It depends on the office and the issuing country. A document issued abroad normally has to be authenticated under that country's rules and by the Royal Thai Embassy, then translated and the translation legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs.
Can same-sex couples marry in Thailand?
Yes. The marriage-equality amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code (Act No. 24, B.E. 2567) came into force on 22 January 2025, allowing any two persons to register a marriage under Thai law.
How much does it cost?
Every file differs by page count, language pair and which certification steps apply. Please contact our team by phone, LINE or email for a figure that matches your documents.
For a document review before filing, contact us by LINE @nycli, phone +66-83-249-4999 or email nycli@ilc.ltd.