Regardless of whether you are marrying a fellow expat or a Thai national, it is important that your marriage is legally recognised in Thailand. This can only be done through marriage registration in Thailand.
Before you begin the process, ensure that all supporting documents are translated to English by a certified translator. Your embassy will also need to authenticate your documents.
Legality
The marriage registration process can be complicated and confusing for foreign couples. It is important to understand the legal implications and seek guidance from experienced professionals. This will help to ensure a smooth transition and a legally binding union recognized by the government and in your home country.
If you are a citizen of another country, your marriage can be registered in Thailand under certain conditions. First, you will need a letter of affirmation of freedom to marry from your embassy. This is usually translated to Thai and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You will also need proof of your single status, copies of your passports, and self-attested ID cards for 2-3 witnesses. In addition, the foreign spouse must be of at least 17 years of age.
If you have been married before, the new marriage will not be recognised unless at least 310 days have passed since the end of your previous marriage. If a woman has been married before, she will have to complete the divorce procedure and change her last name in her passport and household registration. She will also need to file for a new identification card.
Requirements
A marriage ceremony in Thailand is legally binding, but the wedding must be registered to be recognized as valid and enforceable in both your home country and in Thailand. This is why it is important to follow the correct legal procedures and ensure that all documents are properly prepared and translated. Some Thai districts offices have recently become stricter due to instances of document fraud and falsification, so it is best to check with your embassy in advance to be sure that you are aware of the requirements.
Couples must both present their valid Thai ID cards and have two witnesses. Copies of your passport and arrival card are also required for registration, along with any documents that may prove previous marital status. If you are a woman, the district office will require proof that at least 310 days have passed since your last marriage, unless there has been a pregnancy or childbirth during this time. You will also be required to provide documentation stating that you are not related by blood to your partner, and that you have not previously been married to a close relative.
It is also a good idea to obtain a prenuptial agreement. This should be signed in front of the registrar at your registration appointment, and copies should be made for everyone involved.
Fees
After all the preparation and expense of your big day, you’ll need to register your marriage in order to make it legally binding. This will take place at a district office, known as an amphur (outside Bangkok) or khet (in the capital).
The process is identical for Thai citizens and foreigners, but you’ll need to bring your passports, an arrival card, and your home country’s official certification that you are free to marry. This is normally issued by the embassy of your country in Thailand, but each embassy has its own procedure for this.
You will also need a statutory statement from the Ministry of Justice, which will cost 1,000 baht per person. This is a requirement for all couples, whether or not you plan to have children. This will give you legal rights to the equal management and ownership of your property, and it can help when claiming financial support from your spouse in case of separation or divorce.
You’ll also need to have any documents that aren’t in English or Thai translated and authenticated by a professional translation service. This will cost around $100 – but it’s well worth the investment to ensure that your documents are valid and recognized in Thailand. This may help you in the future if you want to apply for a visa to live with your wife in the country where you registered your marriage.
Timeline
The process to register a marriage in Thailand for foreign nationals can be lengthy, and it is recommended that couples seek professional legal assistance. This reduces the risks of errors that may jeopardize the legitimacy of their union. It also helps them navigate any potential complexities.
Couples must first obtain clearance from their embassies before starting the process. This will involve submitting certified copies of their passports and their home country’s Single Certificate. Then, the documents must be translated and legally authenticated by a local authority. Once these documents are ready, the foreigners must take them to their local District Office (Amphoe) to complete registration. The local offices are experienced with processing foreign marriages and have an international staff that can assist them.
Following the initial approvals, couples must attend a brief interview at the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok. The interview is usually short and formal, but it is crucial that you be prepared with any questions that the committee might have for you.
Once all the necessary paperwork has been submitted, it will take a few weeks to receive a marriage certificate from the Amphoe. After that, the foreigners must bring their official documentation to their home country’s embassy in order to report their marriage. Once this is done, their marriage will be recognized by governmental bodies in both countries.