Relationship evidence for family and dependant visas
Marriage records, children's birth certificates, parental consent letters and cohabitation evidence — the set used for spouse, dependant and family-visit 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.
Documents in this family
- Marriage registration and marriage certificate
- Children's birth certificates
- House registration showing a shared address
- Parental consent letter for a child travelling abroad
- Custody court order or the agreement recorded on the divorce registration
- Supporting relationship evidence such as photographs, message history and transfer records
Order of steps
- Obtain fresh certified extracts from the registration office
- Draft the consent or relationship letter and certify the signatory's signature
- Translate into the destination language with a certificate of accuracy
- Legalise at the Department of Consular Affairs
- Legalise at the destination embassy and submit with the application
Preparation checklist
- Spouse and children's names match their passports exactly
- The consent letter states the travel period and destination clearly
- Copies of the consenting parent's identity documents are attached
- Relationship evidence is arranged chronologically and easy to follow
- Registration documents are newly issued certified extracts
Frequently asked questions
We married abroad — can the certificate be used in Thailand directly?
It must first be certified under the issuing country's system, then by that country's embassy in Thailand or the Royal Thai Embassy abroad, then translated into Thai and legalised at the Department of Consular Affairs before Thai agencies will accept it.
How is a child travel-consent letter prepared?
Draft it naming the child, the consenting parent, the destination and the travel period, then sign before a certifying officer — typically a Notarial Services Attorney — before translation and legalisation as the destination requires.
Does all relationship evidence need translating?
Official records generally do. For supporting material such as photographs or message logs, some embassies accept the originals with a short explanation. Check the receiving embassy's guidance.
We live together but are not married — is that acceptable?
It depends on the visa category and the destination's rules. Some countries have an unmarried-partner route with its own cohabitation evidence requirements, so check that country's criteria directly.
Visa approval rests solely with the embassy, consulate or immigration authority. For a review of your document set, send scans to our team by phone, LINE or email.