Destination guide
Translating Thai documents for South Korea
Check the Korean Embassy's current checklist for your visa or civil procedure before translating Thai documents. The accepted language and authentication chain depend on the document and receiving authority. Do not assume that a Thai document can use an Apostille merely because South Korea participates in the Convention.
Usual language: Korean, or English · Last reviewed 2026-10-07 · Rules change; always confirm with the receiving authority.
Where these translations are used
- Marriage-migrant visas (F-6)
- Student visas (D-2, D-4)
- Work visas (E-series)
- Alien registration in Korea
Thai documents we translate most often
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Police certificate
- Degree certificates
- Health certificates
Things to watch out for
- Some categories require the translation itself to be notarised
- Police certificates have a short validity period
Typical sequence
- Check the visa checklist of the embassy or HiKorea
- Confirm the authentication chain for documents issued in Thailand with the Thai Department of Consular Affairs and Korean Embassy
- Translate into the language required by the receiving authority
- Notarise the translation only if the checklist requires it
Frequently asked questions
Does an Apostille replace embassy legalisation for Korea?
Not automatically. Check whether the Convention applies between the issuing and receiving countries on the date of use, whether the document qualifies, and what the receiving authority requires. Otherwise follow the applicable consular authentication chain.
Official guidance to check
Status checked on 9 October 2026: Thailand deposited its instrument of accession on 30 June 2026, but HCCH lists entry into force for Thailand as 28 February 2027. Do not yet assume that Thai-issued documents can use an Apostille instead of consular legalisation. Recheck the status and the receiving authority's requirements before proceeding.
overseas.mofa.go.kr/th-en and hikorea.go.kr · These links are starting points, not confirmation that all documents follow one rule. Check the receiving authority's current checklist for your particular purpose.
Other destinations
Send your documents for a check first
Tell us where the documents will be used and send clear scans. We review the chain before starting. No approval outcome is guaranteed.