Overview of Marriage Registration
Marriage registration in Thailand is a civil procedure conducted at a District Office (Amphur or Khet in Bangkok). For a marriage to be legally recognized in Thailand, it must be registered with the civil authorities. Religious or traditional ceremonies alone do not create a legal marriage.
When one or both parties are foreign nationals, additional documentation is required to prove identity, legal capacity to marry, and that no legal impediments exist.
Legal Requirements to Marry in Thailand
- Age: Both parties must be at least 17 years old (parental consent required if under 20)
- Mental capacity: Both parties must be of sound mind
- Not currently married: Neither party can be married to another person
- No prohibited relationships: Cannot marry close blood relatives or certain in-laws
- Consent: Both parties must freely consent to the marriage
The Marriage Registration Process
Registering a marriage involving a foreigner in Thailand typically involves multiple steps and several government offices. Allow adequate time to complete the process.
Obtain Affidavit of Freedom to Marry
Visit your country's embassy or consulate in Thailand to obtain an affirmation or affidavit stating you are legally free to marry. This document confirms you are single, divorced, or widowed and have no legal impediments to marriage.
- Schedule an appointment with your embassy (often required)
- Bring your passport, any previous marriage/divorce documents
- Swear an oath before a consular officer
- Pay the embassy fee (varies by country)
Translate Documents into Thai
All foreign documents must be translated into Thai by a certified translator. This includes the affidavit, passport data page, and any divorce or death certificates from previous marriages.
- Use a translator certified by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Keep original documents and translations together
- Translation cost: approximately 300-500 THB per page
Legalize at Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Take the translated documents to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Legalization Division for certification. This authenticates both the original foreign documents and their Thai translations.
- MFA Legalization Office: Chaengwattana Government Complex, Building B
- Processing: Same day if submitted early, or next business day
- Fee: 400 THB per document
- Operating hours: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday-Friday
Register at District Office (Amphur)
Both parties must appear in person at a District Office to register the marriage. You can register at any District Office in Thailand, not just the one nearest to your residence.
- Both parties must be present
- Bring all original documents and certified translations
- Two witnesses are required (can be staff or friends)
- Registration fee: 100 THB
- Receive marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3) upon completion
Required Documents for Foreign Nationals
Document requirements vary slightly depending on your nationality and marital history. The following is a comprehensive checklist.
For the Foreign Spouse
- Valid passport (original and copies of data page)
- Affidavit/affirmation of freedom to marry from your embassy
- Thai translation of affidavit (certified)
- MFA legalization of affidavit and translation
- If previously married: divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse (certified, translated, and legalized)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Current Thai visa page (copy)
For Thai Spouse
- Thai ID card (original and copies)
- House registration (Tabien Baan)
- If previously married: divorce certificate (Kor Ror 7) or death certificate of former spouse
- Passport-sized photographs
- If under 20: Parental consent form
Both Parties
- Two witnesses (Thai nationals preferred, but not required)
- Witnesses' ID cards or passports
Embassy Requirements by Country
Each embassy has slightly different procedures for issuing affidavits of freedom to marry. Here are requirements for major nationalities.
United States
- Schedule appointment online
- Bring valid US passport
- Complete affidavit form
- Fee: approximately $50 USD
- Same-day issuance
- If divorced: bring decree (optional but recommended)
United Kingdom
- Appointment required
- Valid UK passport
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or affirmation
- Fee: GBP 50+
- May take several days to process
- Divorce absolute required if previously married
Australia
- Appointment via online booking
- Australian passport required
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
- Fee: approximately AUD 90
- Statutory declaration form
- Divorce papers if applicable
Germany
- Appointment at German Embassy
- Ehefaehigkeitszeugnis (Certificate of Marriageability) preferred
- Or sworn declaration at embassy
- Valid German passport
- Birth certificate (recent issuance)
- Divorce/death certificates if applicable
France
- Certificat de capacite a mariage
- Appointment at French Embassy
- Valid French passport
- Birth certificate (recent)
- Proof of residence
- Processing may take several weeks
Other Countries
- Contact your embassy directly
- Most require appointment
- Passport always required
- Fees and processing times vary
- Some countries require documents from home
- Allow extra time for less common nationalities
Timeline and Costs
The marriage registration process typically takes 1-2 weeks when all documents are properly prepared. Complex cases or missing documents can cause significant delays.
Typical Timeline
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Embassy affidavit | 1,500-3,000 THB (varies by country) |
| Document translation (3-5 pages) | 1,000-2,500 THB |
| MFA legalization (per document) | 400 THB each |
| District Office registration fee | 100 THB |
| Copies and miscellaneous | 100-300 THB |
| Total Estimate | 3,500-7,000 THB |
If you use a service agency to handle the process, expect to pay an additional 5,000-15,000 THB in service fees, but this can save significant time and hassle.
After Registration: Marriage Certificate
Upon successful registration, you will receive a Thai marriage certificate called "Kor Ror 3" (or in Thai script). This is your official proof of marriage in Thailand.
What to Do with Your Certificate
- Keep the original safe: Store it with other important documents
- Make certified copies: The Amphur can provide certified copies for a small fee
- Translation: Have it translated into English or your language if needed for foreign use
- Apostille/legalization: If you need to use the certificate abroad, you may need MFA legalization and your embassy's authentication
Registration in Home Country
Many countries require or recommend registering foreign marriages with your home country's authorities. This typically involves:
- Submitting certified/legalized marriage certificate to your embassy
- Completing registration forms
- Paying applicable fees
- Processing time varies by country
Common Issues and Solutions
Previous Marriage Not Properly Dissolved
If you were previously married, you must prove that marriage has legally ended. This requires either a divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse, properly certified and translated.
Name Discrepancies
Ensure all documents show consistent name spelling. Discrepancies between passport, affidavit, and other documents can cause delays or rejection. If you have legally changed your name, bring proof of the change.
Embassy Does Not Issue Affidavits
Some smaller embassies may not have the capacity to issue affidavits. In such cases, you may need to contact the nearest embassy that does, or obtain documentation from your home country directly.
Language Barriers at Amphur
Staff at District Offices may not speak English fluently. Bringing a Thai-speaking friend, your Thai partner, or a professional translator can help ensure smooth communication.
Document Validity Periods
Some documents have expiration dates. Embassy affidavits are typically valid for 3-6 months. If you experience delays, you may need to obtain fresh documentation.
Prenuptial Agreements
Thailand recognizes prenuptial agreements (sometimes called antenuptial agreements) that are registered at the same time as the marriage. These can specify how property will be divided in case of divorce.
Requirements for Valid Prenup
- Must be in writing
- Must be signed by both parties
- Must be registered at the District Office during marriage registration
- Cannot be against public order or good morals
- Should be prepared with independent legal advice for each party
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I marry on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can legally register a marriage in Thailand while on a tourist visa. However, to subsequently obtain a marriage visa extension, you will need to apply for or convert to a Non-Immigrant O visa.
Which Amphur should I go to?
You can register at any District Office in Thailand. Many couples choose one convenient to their location. Some offices are more experienced with foreign marriages than others.
Do we need an interpreter at the Amphur?
There is no legal requirement for an interpreter, but if neither of you speaks Thai, having someone who can communicate with staff is highly recommended.
How quickly can we complete the process?
With all documents prepared in advance and good timing, the entire process can be completed in about one week. Rushing increases the risk of errors or omissions.
Is our Thai marriage recognized in my home country?
Most countries recognize marriages legally performed abroad. However, you may need to register the marriage or provide proof of validity. Check with your home country's authorities.