Guide
Two foreigners,
married in Thailand.
It is possible and it happens often, but the process depends far more on your own embassies than on the Thai side.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Requirements differ by nationality, by embassy and by district office, and they change. Always confirm with your own embassy and the relevant Thai authorities.
01
Start at your embassies
Many nationalities need a document from their own embassy or consulate confirming they are free to marry. Its name, the procedure and the time it takes differ from one embassy to another, and some do not issue such a document at all.
Where an embassy does not issue one, the route changes — worth checking before you book flights.
02
Translation and legalisation
Documents from an embassy or consulate are usually translated into Thai and then legalised. How long that takes depends on the offices involved and how busy they are, so we plan buffer time rather than promise a number of days.
03
No residency requirement
Thailand does not require you to have lived here for any period before registering, but you must be in the country lawfully on a valid visa or entry stamp.
04
After the registration
You receive the marriage certificate in Thai. Many countries then want a certified translation and further legalisation for use at home; we can arrange that too.
Last reviewed — 03/09/2026
Written from hands-on experience and reviewed by our team. It does not state requirements for any specific nationality. Please confirm your own situation with the official sources below and with your own embassy or consulate.