How can I provide a proof of domicile readable in French to renew French passport as a US permanent resident, US domiciled, and currently in Thailand?
I am a French citizen, permanent resident in the United States and currently in Thailand, where I'd like to renew my passport because some airlines require it to be in pristine condition.
I read on https://th.ambafrance.org/Passeport-d-un-majeur-renouvellement-en-cas-de-pages-epuisees-modification-etat I have to provide the following document, in addition to a few others, to get a new passport:
Justificatif du domicile lisible en langue française
Proof of domicile readable in French
My proofs of domicile (e.g., rent contract or utility bill) are all written in English, since my domicile is in the United States.
How can I provide a proof of domicile readable in French to renew a French passport as a US permanent resident domiciled in the US and currently in Thailand?
Am I supposed to do the translation myself (quite tedious) or use some translator approved by the French bureaucracy? If I translate it myself or some non-official translator, do I have to get the translation certified and if so by whom? Since many English words are similar to French, does English count as "readable in French"? etc.
Best Answer
Relaxed's answer based on their experience in Europe is correct: unlike what https://th.ambafrance.org/Passeport-d-un-majeur-renouvellement-en-cas-de-pages-epuisees-modification-etat states, the French Embassy in Bangkok does accept proofs of domicile that are written in English. No need to translate it.
As a side note, the French Embassy in Bangkok has a photo booth to take passport pictures (200 THB, cash only, even though the appointment' email states one cannot take passport pictures inside the embassy), a photocopier (non-free, I forgot the price but probably cheaper to do outside the embassy) and 2 cash dividers (500/1000 -> 100 THB, and 20/50/100 -> 5 THB) but no printer and phones/iPad/bags cannot be brought inside (confiscated at the security gate, free of charge). Everything is paid cash, in THB, and no change is given. The contact information (https://th.ambafrance.org/-Contactez-nous-688-) responds to messages within 24 hours on weekdays (typically the morning).
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What do I need to renew my French passport?
To renew your passport you will need to present the old passport as well as some proof of status such as a green card, employment authorization form or a valid U.S. visa. You must include two recent passport photos. They can be in color or in black-and-white.How early can I renew my French passport?
You can renew your passport either before or after the expiry date. If you renew before your current passport has expired, the validity period on your new passport won't be reduced.Can a French citizen become a US citizen?
Those that have lived and worked in France for five years, or those who have been married to a French citizen for more than three years, can apply for naturalization.How long does it take to receive French passport?
It can take up to 4 weeks to issue passports as they are produced in France. A text message will let you know when your passport is ready for collection. Please be aware that you have 3 months to collect your passport or it will be destroyed.More answers regarding how can I provide a proof of domicile readable in French to renew French passport as a US permanent resident, US domiciled, and currently in Thailand?
Answer 2
You will need to provide a certified translation in French provided by a translator acceptable to the French authorities. Many countries have similar requirements for documents in a foreign language.
A Google search for 'Certified Translators in Bangkok' threw up a number of places that might be able to help, but whether they can handle an English to French translation is something you'd have to ask them.
A call to the French embassy might get you a list of translators that are a) able to do the work, and b) acceptable to the French authorities.
You can ask the embassy if they can accept an English language document. Don't be surprised if they refuse.
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