Planning to operate a company in Thailand? Your ASIC Certificate of Incorporation and related corporate documents require attestation from both DFAT and the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra.
Here’s why embassy verification is essential, and how to get it done correctly.
Why Attend to ASIC Certificates for Thailand?
Thailand is not a member of The Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Documents (Hague Apostille Convention). That means Australian companies cannot rely on Apostille. Instead, they must authenticate documents through a multistep process.
ASIC certificates are private corporate documents. To be valid in Thailand for business set up, banking or licensing, they must be:
- Notarised by a Notary Public in Australia
- Authenticated by DFAT to issue an authentication certificate
- Legalised by the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra through a final stamp
Without embassy legalisation, your ASIC certificate will not be accepted by Thai authorities, leading to delays or rejection.
Step by Step Attestation Workflow
1. Draft and Prepare Corporate Documents
Ensure your documents (ASIC Certificate of Incorporation, company’s constitution, director ID and shareholder resolutions) are original or copies notarised by a Notary Public in Australia.
2. Notarisation by a Notary Public
Have an Australian Notary Public review the documents and issue a Notarial Certificate. This verifies authenticity and makes the documents eligible for DFAT authentication.
3. Authentication by DFAT
Submit the notarised documents to DFAT in your state or territory. DFAT will issue an authentication certificate, confirming signatures, seals or stamps. This replaces the Apostille in countries like Thailand that do not accept it. DFAT’s services are available through Passport Offices in state capitals.
4. Embassy Legalisation in Canberra
Once authenticated, documents must be legalised at the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra. The embassy verifies the DFAT authentication and issues its own stamp. As of November 2024, it no longer accepts Apostille and insists on this embassy attestation process.
5. Submit to Thai Authorities
Use the embassy legalised ASIC certificate and related paperwork as part of your Thailand business registration, bank licensing, or immigration process.
Common Pitfalls That Cause Rejection
- Skipping Notarisation: DFAT will refuse to authenticate non notarised private documents.
- Submitting Through Apostille Channels: Thailand does not accept Apostille as Australia and Thailand are not Hague members.
- Not Verifying with Thai Authorities: Requirements vary; confirm whether corporate documents need additional certification or notarisation by Thai ministries.
- Relying on Photocopies: Documents must be original or notarised copies; scans or uncertified copies are invalid.
How Authentifier Simplifies the Process
At Authentifier, we offer complete attestation service for ASIC certificates and Australian corporate documents destined for Thailand.
Our workflow includes:
- Ensuring your documents are original or notarised correctly
- Managing DFAT authentication to issue the official authentication certificate
- Coordinating submission to the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra for embassy legalisation
- Delivering embassy attested documents to you quickly, often within five business days
- Providing regular updates through their easy online system
The package features express processing, transparent pricing and support from an experienced Australian Notary Public team, helping you avoid rejection and unnecessary delays.
