Relationship evidence for family and dependant visas

Family and dependant visas assess two things together: the legal relationship and the genuine, ongoing relationship. Registration documents such as marriage certificates and birth certificates prove the first; communication history, photographs, transfer records and shared-address evidence support the second.

Thai registration documents must be translated into the destination language and legalised at the Department of Consular Affairs before the embassy stage. Foreign registration documents intended for use in Thailand must be certified in the issuing country first, then translated into Thai and legalised for the Immigration Bureau or a district registrar.

Where a child travels with one parent or alone, many countries require a consent letter from the other parent with copies of that parent's identity documents. Consent letters executed in Thailand usually need signature certification by a Notarial Services Attorney before the consular stage.

Where custody is governed by a court order or by the agreement recorded on a divorce registration, attach those documents with translations, because the receiving officer must see who holds legal custody before allowing the child to travel or reside abroad.

Thailand still uses the traditional legalisation chain. The 1961 Hague Apostille Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027, after the deposit of its instrument of accession on 30 June 2026 (source: HCCH). Until then, visa supporting documents must still pass through the Department of Consular Affairs and the destination embassy.

Supporting-document requirements vary by visa category, nationality and the embassy or consulate receiving the file, and they change over time. Always check the current checklist published by the receiving authority before you start.