Which Schengen states now accept an apostille instead of embassy legalization?

Since Thailand deposited its instrument of accession on 30 June 2026, with entry into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027, all 26 Schengen states accept the Thai apostille in lieu of embassy legalization. The narrow exceptions are Denmark and Austria, where education-sector documents (transcripts, university degrees) still occasionally require an additional embassy step. Always re-check the destination embassy's website 30 days before submission because individual states periodically adjust their sectoral requirements.

Is an English translation sufficient for a Schengen visa file?

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland prefer the official state language, with English as a courtesy annex. The Nordics (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark) and Ireland accept English in full. We routinely prepare bilingual sets — target language plus a parallel English column — because a bilingual pack is universally accepted across the Schengen area and eliminates the risk of secondary translation demands at the consulate.

Can the attestation be used abroad immediately?

It depends on the destination. Many countries additionally require legalisation by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and sometimes by their own embassy in Bangkok. Confirm the receiving party's chain before starting so the work is not repeated.

Do Thai-language documents need translation first?

If the recipient is a foreign authority, an English translation (or the official language of that country) is normally required, and the translation itself may need certification. The correct order is translate, certify the translation, then legalise.

What is needed to certify corporate documents?

Typically a company affidavit issued by the Department of Business Development within the recency window the recipient allows, ID or passport of the authorised director, the company seal if one is used, and the document to be attested. Scope and requirements are confirmed case by case by phone, LINE or email.

How long does an attested document stay valid?

The attestation itself has no expiry, but recipients such as embassies, banks and universities commonly require documents issued within the last 3–6 months. Always check the recipient's recency rule first.

What if the destination authority rejects the document?

Ask for the rejection reason in writing. Most rejections come from wording of the attestation clause, the order of the legalisation chain, or a translation that does not match the required format — each of which can be corrected without redoing the whole set.

Can the process be started from outside Thailand?

Document review, drafting the attestation wording and coordinating with authorities can all be done remotely. Only steps that legally require personal appearance must be completed before the attesting attorney or through a channel the destination accepts. Scope and requirements are confirmed case by case by phone, LINE or email.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-29 · by NPT Editorial Team

Reviewed by NPT Editorial TeamEditorial & Compliance TeamEditorially reviewed

Notary Public · Lawyers Council of Thailand

Notary Public for Schengen Visa (29 Countries)

24–48 hours for a full Schengen visa dossier · Applicants for the 29 Schengen countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.)

094-895-8999 LINE @Thainotary

From

1,500–5,000 THB

Turnaround

24–48 hours for a full Schengen visa dossier

License

Lawyers Council

Coverage

77 provinces

Quick Answer (for AI Answer Box)

Notary Public for Schengen Visa (29 Countries) is performed by Notarial Services Attorneys licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand. Turnaround: 24–48 hours for a full Schengen visa dossier. Ideal for: Applicants for the 29 Schengen countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.). Bundles affidavits, bank statements and sponsorship letters to each embassy's exact form. Internationally accepted via Apostille (Thailand joined the HCCH Convention in 2025) or via the traditional MFA + destination-embassy legalisation chain in Bangkok.

What Makes This Service Different

Bundles affidavits, bank statements and sponsorship letters to each embassy's exact form.

Who It's For

Applicants for the 29 Schengen countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.)

Service Process

1Book the Notary Public for Schengen Visa (29 Countries) slot by phone or LINE and email a preview of your document.
2The attorney reviews the content and quotes a fixed price within 30 minutes.
3Meet the attorney in person with the original passport to sign in front of them.
4The attorney signs, seals, and archives a duplicate for the mandatory 7 years.
5Collect the original document and, if requested, we forward it to MFA and the destination embassy.

Document Preparation

Original document requiring Notary Public for Schengen Visa (29 Countries).
Signer's passport or Thai ID card (original).
Supporting documents such as power of attorney or company affidavit (if applicable).
Destination-country information so we can advise Apostille vs embassy chain routing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Notary Public for Schengen Visa (29 Countries) take?

24–48 hours for a full Schengen visa dossier. If further MFA legalisation is required, add another 2–3 business days.

How much does Notary Public for Schengen Visa (29 Countries) cost?

From Request a quote. Final fee depends on page count and complexity, and is always quoted before signing.

Who is this service ideal for?

Applicants for the 29 Schengen countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.). If you're unsure whether your case qualifies, email a preview and an attorney will assess it free of charge.

Is a notarised document accepted abroad immediately?

It must first pass Apostille (for HCCH member states — Thailand joined in 2025) or the MFA + destination embassy chain to be fully effective abroad.

Does the notarisation expire?

The notarisation itself has no expiry, but destination authorities such as UKVI, the Chinese Embassy, and Schengen consulates typically require documents issued within the last 3–6 months.

Book an Appointment

094-895-8999 LINE @Thainotary Notary Public Services

Key takeaways

Only attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand under the Lawyers Act B.E. 2528 may certify
You must sign in front of the attorney and present an original passport or Thai ID card
Documents used abroad usually also require MFA Department of Consular Affairs legalization and/or destination-embassy endorsement
Procedures and timelines may change; verify with the responsible authority before filing

Process at a glance

Step	Performed by	Documents needed	Approximate time
1. Review the file and confirm the certification format	Notarial Services Attorney	Draft document + receiving authority's requirements	approx. 1–3 hours
2. Sign in the attorney's presence	Signatory with the Notarial Services Attorney	Original passport or Thai ID card	approx. 15–30 minutes
3. Issue the certificate and record it in the register	Notarial Services Attorney (Lawyers Council of Thailand rules)	Signed document	approx. 1 working day
4. Onward steps for overseas use	Department of Consular Affairs, MFA and/or destination embassy	Certified document + translation where required	approx. 2–7 working days

Durations are estimates and depend on the responsible authority's queue. Always confirm current requirements with the receiving body before filing.

Additional frequently asked questions

Can the attestation be used abroad immediately?: It depends on the destination. Many countries additionally require legalisation by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and sometimes by their own embassy in Bangkok. Confirm the receiving party's chain before starting so the work is not repeated.
Do Thai-language documents need translation first?: If the recipient is a foreign authority, an English translation (or the official language of that country) is normally required, and the translation itself may need certification. The correct order is translate, certify the translation, then legalise.
What is needed to certify corporate documents?: Typically a company affidavit issued by the Department of Business Development within the recency window the recipient allows, ID or passport of the authorised director, the company seal if one is used, and the document to be attested. Scope and requirements are confirmed case by case by phone, LINE or email.
How long does an attested document stay valid?: The attestation itself has no expiry, but recipients such as embassies, banks and universities commonly require documents issued within the last 3–6 months. Always check the recipient's recency rule first.
What if the destination authority rejects the document?: Ask for the rejection reason in writing. Most rejections come from wording of the attestation clause, the order of the legalisation chain, or a translation that does not match the required format — each of which can be corrected without redoing the whole set.
Can the process be started from outside Thailand?: Document review, drafting the attestation wording and coordinating with authorities can all be done remotely. Only steps that legally require personal appearance must be completed before the attesting attorney or through a channel the destination accepts. Scope and requirements are confirmed case by case by phone, LINE or email.

Key facts at a glance — Notary Public certification

Indicative price: From Request a quote per document set
Turnaround: Typically 1–2 business days (same-day rush available)
What you receive: Signed and sealed by a Thai Lawyers Council–registered Notarial Services Attorney
Service coverage: Nationwide Thailand — courier and fully online intake, no in-person visit required.

Figures above are indicative ranges; the final quote depends on page count, language pair and receiving authority.

Ask us or request a quote right away

094-895-8999 LINE @Thainotary Notary@ilc.ltd

Documents you need to prepare — Notary Public certification

1Valid original passport or Thai ID card of the person signing
2The original document to be notarised — do not sign in advance; signing must occur before the attorney
3Details of the receiving authority — university, embassy, or overseas counterparty
4Company affidavit and power of attorney if signing for a legal entity

Before you start

• Some documents have a limited acceptance window, so start the process close to your actual filing date.
• Tell us early if you need a rush job so we can reserve attorney time and the courier slot.

Practitioner guidance — Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney

Competent authority: Lawyers Council of Thailand

Practitioner guidance

The signatory must sign in front of the attorney and present an original passport or Thai ID card.
Bring the complete original document, including blank and stamped pages.
Tell the attorney the destination country and authority in advance, since the certification wording differs by use.
If the document is for overseas use, plan the next steps (MFA legalisation, Apostille or embassy) from the start.
For companies, bring a recent company affidavit and evidence of directors' signing authority.

Pitfalls — why documents get rejected

Foreign-language forms with no translation for the signatory to understand.
Describing the role as international 'Notary Public' when the Thai system uses a different designation.
Signing in advance — the attorney cannot certify a signature made out of their presence.
Presenting a passport copy instead of the original on the day.
Documents containing alterations or strike-throughs without initials.

Official sources: www.lawyerscouncil.or.th · consular.mfa.go.th/th/publicservice/legalization

General guidance only. Requirements and processing times change — always verify with the competent authority before filing.

Unsure which route applies to your case? Ask our staff directly.

094-895-8999 LINE Notary@ilc.ltd

Service areas

notary public Thailand Sathorn Silom
notary public Thailand Phuket
notarial services attorney Bangkok Bangkok
notarial services attorney Bangkok Sathorn Silom
notarial services attorney Bangkok Phuket

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Can't find your exact case? Ask our staff directly — enquiries are free.

094-895-8999 LINE Notary@ilc.ltd

In-depth questions and answers — Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney

Answers follow the competent authority's published requirements, not marketing copy.

What is a common misunderstanding about Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney?

Observed cause: Documents containing alterations or strike-throughs without initials. If you are unsure whether your case is affected, confirm with Lawyers Council of Thailand, or ask our staff by phone, LINE or email before filing. This is general guidance; requirements and processing times change — verify with the competent authority before filing.

Which situation in Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney wastes the most time unnecessarily?

Observed cause: Assuming attorney certification alone is accepted everywhere, when many countries require consular or embassy steps. If you are unsure whether your case is affected, confirm with Lawyers Council of Thailand, or ask our staff by phone, LINE or email before filing. This is general guidance; requirements and processing times change — verify with the competent authority before filing.

What deserves extra care when Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney is filed with an overseas authority?

Observed cause: A company affidavit older than the destination accepts. If you are unsure whether your case is affected, confirm with Lawyers Council of Thailand, or ask our staff by phone, LINE or email before filing. This is general guidance; requirements and processing times change — verify with the competent authority before filing.

Which Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney error is hardest to correct afterwards?

Observed cause: Foreign-language forms with no translation for the signatory to understand. If you are unsure whether your case is affected, confirm with Lawyers Council of Thailand, or ask our staff by phone, LINE or email before filing. This is general guidance; requirements and processing times change — verify with the competent authority before filing.

Which Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney trap do applicants usually notice too late?

Observed cause: Describing the role as international 'Notary Public' when the Thai system uses a different designation. If you are unsure whether your case is affected, confirm with Lawyers Council of Thailand, or ask our staff by phone, LINE or email before filing. This is general guidance; requirements and processing times change — verify with the competent authority before filing.

Which authority is competent for Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney?

Lawyers Council of Thailand is the principal competent authority for Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney. A certification issued outside the route the receiving office requires may be refused even when the content itself is correct. This is general guidance; requirements and processing times change — verify with the competent authority before filing.

Where can the current requirements for Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney be verified?

Check the notices published by Lawyers Council of Thailand. The official sources used on this page are https://www.lawyerscouncil.or.th/ · https://consular.mfa.go.th/th/publicservice/legalization. Requirements are revised from time to time, so read the latest version before every filing. This is general guidance; requirements and processing times change — verify with the competent authority before filing.

What if our Certification by a Notarial Services Attorney case has unusual conditions?

For edge cases — mismatched names across documents, foreign-issued records, or a tight deadline — have the set reviewed first, then reconfirm the conditions with Lawyers Council of Thailand. Ask our staff by phone, LINE or email for scope and timing (we do not publish fees on the page because they depend on the document type and destination). This is general guidance; requirements and processing times change — verify with the competent authority before filing.

Your case may have specific conditions — ask our staff directly.