Step 1: Document Translation and Certification
- Bring the marriage registration document according to Swiss law (Extrait de l’acte de marriage / Auszug aus dem Eheregister / Estratto dell’atto di matrimonio / Extract from record of marriage / Certificación en extracto de matrimonio) to be legalized by the Swiss government. Detail of document certification locations can be found here.
- Translate the marriage registration document into Thai. Only by a translator certified by the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern. The list of certified translators is available here.
- Submit the original marriage registration document certified by the Swiss authority, along with the translation, for legalization at the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern. Additional details can be found here.
For further inquiries regarding document certification, please contact: 031 970 3428.
Monday to Friday, 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00 (excluding public holidays).
Step 2: Procedures in Thailand
A. For individual Conducting Procedures Personally:
(1) Take the document certified by the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand for legalization. Additional details can be found here.
(2) Request a change of surname and correction of family status records at the district office or municipal office where your name is registered in the household registration. This must be done in person, and you must sign the documents in front of the official.
Note: If your spouse does not travel to Thailand together, you must submit an Agreement to use surname at the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern before traveling (both spouses must sign the documents in front of the official).
B. For Those Granting Power of Attorney:
You must prepare 3 copies of the power of attorney letter, as follows:
(1) Copy of Power of Attorney: To apply for certification at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Additional details can be found here.
(2) Copy of Power of Attorney: To request a change of surname and correction of family status records at the district office or municipal office where your name is registered in the household registration.
(3) Copy Agreement to use surname: To be submitted to the district office or municipal office.
To prepare the power of attorney letter, please send the documents by post to the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern for advance consideration at Royal Thai Embassy Kirchstrasse 56, 3097 Liebefeld-Berne, specifying "Power of Attorney" on the envelope corner. This will allow the staff to prepare and review the documents prior to your appointment.
Documents for the Grantor:
- Letter specifying the purpose of the power of attorney, along with name and contact number for follow-up.
- 4 Copies of Thai ID card.
- 4 Copies of Thai house registration (page showing house number and name of the grantor).
- 4 Copies of biodata page of Thai passport.
- 4 Copies of name change document. (if applicable).
- 3 Copies of marriage registration certified by Swiss authority, along with certified translation into Thai by the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern.
- 2 Copies of biodata page of spouse’s passport.
Documents for the Grantee:
- 4 Copies of Thai ID card.
- 4 Copies of Thai house registration (page showing house number and name of the grantee).
- 4 Copies of name change document (if applicable).
For further inquiries regarding the power of attorney letter, please contact number: 031 970 3425
Monday to Friday, 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00 (excluding public holidays).
Step 3: ID Card/Passport Application Process
Once you have received the necessary documents showing the name change registration,
- You can apply for an ID card at the district office/municipal office where you filed for the correction. You can also request a new passport from the Department of Consular Affairs or other Passport Offices throughout Thailand. Additional details can be found here.
- You can schedule an online appointment to apply for an ID card and new passport at the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern.
Please click to view supporting documents and schedule an appointment:
ID Card: https://www.thaiembassy.ch/Content/Embassy/112.html
Passport: https://www.thaiembassy.ch/Content/Embassy/89.html
You can apply for both the ID card and passport appointment on the same day, but you must schedule the ID card appointment at least 30 minutes before the passport appointment.
