Marriage registration in Thailand is not just a romantic milestone, it’s a legal act that establishes your status as a married couple in the eyes of Thai law. Whether you’re a Thai citizen, a foreign national, or an international couple, official marriage registration ensures your relationship is recognized by government authorities, secures your legal rights, and protects your interests in property, inheritance, and family matters.

Unlike a ceremonial wedding, a marriage in Thailand is only legally valid when registered at a local District Office. This process is governed by the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, which outlines strict requirements for eligibility, documentation, and procedures.

Thailand’s legal framework allows both Thai-Thai and Thai-Foreign couples to marry legally, provided all requirements are met. With proper legal assistance, marriage registration in Thailand can be a smooth and efficient process even for foreigners navigating embassy paperwork and document translation.

Whether your marriage is personal, strategic for long-term visa purposes, or to protect joint property, the legal registration is essential.

Legal Conditions and Restrictions for Marriage in Thailand

Under Thai law and relevant sections of the Civil and Commercial Code, the following conditions must be met for a valid marriage registration:

1. Minimum Age Requirement (Section 1448)

• Both parties must be at least 17 years of age.
• However, the Court may permit marriage at a younger age if justified by appropriate reasons.

2. Legal and Mental Capacity

• Neither party must be an insane person or one who has been adjudged incompetent by the court.

3. Prohibited Relationships (Sections 1449–1451)

• Marriage is not allowed between individuals who:
  • Are direct ascendants or descendants (e.g., parent-child, grandparent-grandchild)
  • Are full or half siblings
  • Share the same adoptive parents

4. Marital Status (Section 1452)

• Neither party may be currently married to another person. Bigamy is prohibited under Thai law.

5. Waiting Period for Women After Divorce or Widowhood

A woman whose marriage has ended by divorce or death of her spouse may only remarry after a waiting period of 310 days, unless:

• She gives birth during this period
• She remarries her former husband
• A certified medical doctor issues a certificate confirming she is not pregnant
• The court grants permission to marry before the waiting period ends

Thailand welcomes a wide range of couples to legally register their marriage whether both are Thai nationals or one or both are foreigners. However, specific rules apply depending on the nationalities and legal status of each party.

Thai-Thai Couples

Thai citizens may register their marriage at any District Office if they meet the legal conditions under the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, including:

• Being of legal age and sound mental capacity
• Not within prohibited blood or adoptive relationships
• Not currently married to another person

No additional approvals or translations are required.

Thai-Foreigner Couples

Marriage between a Thai national and a foreigner is fully legal in Thailand. However, the foreign party must provide:

• Proof of legal capacity to marry, issued by their embassy in Thailand
• Valid passport and visa page
• Translated and legalized documents (English → Thai)

This ensures the foreign party is not currently married and is legally allowed to marry under the law of their home country.

Foreigner-Foreigner Couples

Two foreign nationals can also legally register their marriage in Thailand, provided that:

• Both provide affirmations of freedom to marry from their respective embassies
• All documents are properly translated into Thai and legalized
• The marriage is registered at a Thai District Office

📌 Important: Some embassies require proof of residence in Thailand or specific appointments for issuing documents. Legal support is recommended.

To legally register a marriage in Thailand, both parties must present specific documents at the District Office. The requirements differ slightly between Thai nationals and foreign nationals, especially when foreign documents must be translated and legalized.

1. Documents for Thai Nationals

• Thai National ID Card
• House Registration (Tabien Baan)
• Certificate of Divorce (if previously married)
• Death Certificate of Former Spouse (if widowed)

2. For Foreign Nationals

• Passport and arrival/departure card (TM.6)
• Affirmation of Freedom to Marry

Issued by the applicant’s embassy in Thailand

• Thai Translation of the Affirmation

Translated by a certified translator and legalized at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

• Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (if previously married)

Must be translated into Thai and legalized

• Name Change Certificate (if applicable)

Note: Each foreign national must follow the procedures of their own embassy. Some embassies require appointments, proof of residence, or additional documentation before issuing the affidavit.

Step-by-Step Marriage Registration Procedure in Thailand

Foreigners who wish to legally marry in Thailand must follow a formal process governed by Thai law. The marriage becomes legally valid only when registered at a District Office. Religious or private ceremonies are not recognized under Thai law unless the civil registration is completed.

To ensure a smooth and legally compliant registration, here are the essential steps to follow:

1. Pre-Registration Process for Foreign Nationals

Foreigners must first obtain official confirmation from their embassy that they are legally free to marry.

1. Visit Your Embassy in Thailand
   You must appear in person with:
   • Valid passport
   • Arrival card (TM.6)
   • A completed Affidavit of Freedom to Marry, which certifies you are single and legally able to marry.

⚠️ Important:
Some embassies may require you to obtain a Single Status Certificate from your home country before you travel to Thailand. This document must be submitted to the embassy in Thailand for verification.

2. Translation into Thai
   The completed affidavit must be taken to a licensed translation office to be accurately translated into Thai.
3. Legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
   The translated affidavit, along with a copy of your passport, must be submitted to the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs. The Ministry will authenticate the embassy official’s signature

2. Marriage Registration at the District Office

Once all preliminary documents are completed and legalized, both parties must appear in person at the District Office to formally register the marriage.

Under Thai law, a marriage becomes legally binding only when:

• Both parties publicly declare their intention to take each other as husband and wife before the registrar, and
• The registrar records the declaration in the official marriage register

Consent to Marriage, How It Is Given

Consent to the marriage must be provided at the time of registration. According to the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, it may be given through one of the following forms:

1. Affixing a Signature in the Marriage Register
   This is the most common method and is done directly before the registrar at the District Office.
2. Written Consent Document
   A separate document stating the names of both parties and signed by the person giving consent (used in special cases such as when a parent or guardian must approve the marriage).
3. Verbal Consent Before Witnesses
   In cases of necessity, consent may be given verbally in the presence of at least two witnesses.

Important Legal Note:
Once consent has been given by signature, written document, or verbal declaration, it cannot be revoked.

3. Marriage Certificate and Translation

After registration is complete:

• The couple will receive an official Thai-language Marriage Certificate
• Our service includes translation of your marriage certificate into English for submission to embassies, immigration, or any other official purpose
• We also provide notarial certification if required for international use

At KTP Legal Advisory, we understand that navigating the marriage registration process in a foreign country can be overwhelming especially when dealing with embassies, document translations, and legal procedures. Our team of experienced Thai lawyers and bilingual legal staff are here to ensure your marriage registration in Thailand is legally valid, stress-free, and internationally recognized.

Our Comprehensive Legal Services Include:

Document Preparation

• Guidance on all required documents for both Thai and foreign nationals
• Reviewing and organizing divorce certificates, passports, single status affidavits, and more

Embassy & Consular Coordination

• Scheduling embassy appointments for affidavits of freedom to marry
• Advising on embassy-specific requirements, including single status certificates from your home country

Translation & Legalization

• Certified Thai translations of foreign documents
• Legalization of documents at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
• Fast-track document processing when needed

Marriage Registration Assistance

• Accompanying you to the District Office for registration
• Ensuring a valid declaration of consent and full compliance with Thai Civil Law
• Advising on special cases like prenuptial agreements or name changes

International Support

• English-language marriage certificate translation
• Notarial services and consular legalization for use abroad
• Support with embassy or immigration submissions in your home country

Why Choose KTP Legal Advisory?

• ✔️ Experienced with international and mixed-nationality couples
• ✔️ Efficient and fully compliant with Thai marriage law
• ✔️ Personalized support from start to finish

Marriage registration in Thailand is a legally binding process that requires careful preparation  especially for foreign nationals. Whether you’re a Thai-Thai couple, Thai-foreigner couple, or two foreign nationals, registering your marriage through the proper legal channels is essential for protecting your rights, both in Thailand and internationally.

At KTP Legal Advisory, we offer full-service legal support from document preparation to registration, translation, and legalization. With our expertise in Thai family law and international coordination, we ensure that your marriage is not only valid under Thai law but also recognized abroad.

Legal certainty. Hassle-free process. International recognition.

Let KTP Legal Advisory be your trusted partner in making your marriage legally sound so you can start your future together with confidence.