Guide to Residency in Thailand

Obtaining a residency visa in Thailand is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Thailand gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Understand the Types of Residency Status
  • Permanent Residency: Allows you to live in Thailand permanently with no need to apply for a visa extension.
  • Temporary Residency: Requires annual visa extensions and can be obtained through various visa types such as business, education, marriage, retirement, or investment.
• Determine Eligibility
  • Permanent Residency: Must have held a non-immigrant visa for at least 3 consecutive years and meet specific criteria related to business, investment, employment, or family.
  • Temporary Residency: Requirements vary depending on the visa type.
• Gather Required Documents
  • Passport with at least 18 months validity.
  • Non-immigrant visa.
  • Three 4x6 cm photographs.
  • Other documents specific to the type of residency (e.g., work permit, marriage certificate, bank statement).
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the Thai Revenue Department website (https://www.rd.go.th/publish/17.html) and download the tax registration form (Phor.Ror.Dor.01).
  • Fill out the form and submit it to the Area Revenue Branch Office along with your passport and a copy of your visa.
  • Wait for the tax ID card to be issued.
• Open a Bank Account
  • Visit a Thai bank with your passport, visa, and work permit or resident visa.
  • Fill out the application form and make an initial deposit.
  • Wait for the ATM card and internet banking credentials to be issued.
• Obtain a Medical Certificate
  • Visit a Thai hospital or clinic and undergo a medical examination.
  • Obtain a medical certificate stating that you are in good health and free from prohibited diseases.
• Submit the Residency Application
  • Visit the Thai Immigration Bureau website (https://www.immigration.go.th/en/form) and download the residency application form.
  • Fill out the form and gather all required documents.
  • Submit the application and documents at the Immigration Division 1 Office in Bangkok or at the provincial immigration office.
• Attend the Interview
  • If your application is approved, you will be scheduled for an interview.
  • Attend the interview at the specified date and time.
  • Answer questions honestly and provide any additional information or documents if required.
• Wait for the Decision
  • The processing time for residency applications varies.
  • You can check the status of your application by contacting the immigration office where you submitted your application.
• Receive the Residency Permit
  • If your application is approved, you will receive a residency permit.
  • Pick up your residency permit at the immigration office where you submitted your application.
• Report to Immigration Every 90 Days
  • All foreign residents in Thailand must report their address to the immigration office every 90 days.
  • This can be done in person, by mail, or online at the Thai Immigration Bureau website (https://www.immigration.go.th/en/90-days).

Notes

The Thai government may change the requirements, fees, and processing times for residency applications without notice. It is recommended to consult the official Thai Immigration Bureau website or contact a reputable immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information.

Thai culture places a strong emphasis on respect and politeness. Dress appropriately and behave courteously when dealing with Thai officials.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Thailand?

"The process of applying for a visa to Thailand involves filling out an application form as well as providing a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and proof of financial funds sufficient to cover your stay. After securing a tourist visa, the applicant must travel to Thailand within a three months period. Upon arrival, the applicant needs to present their visa at the immigration checkpoint and may be asked to show proof of onward travel or financial funds. The process for applying for residency in Thailand can be done through applying for a Non-immigrant B visa and then applying for a long-stay permit or ‘extension of stay’. Applying for a Non-Immigrant B visa requires similar documentation as the tourist visa, but with the addition of a request letter from the Embassy or Immigration Bureau and proof of sufficient financial funds from your stated residence in Thailand. Once you are approved for the Non-Immigrant B visa, the applicant must pick up the permit at the local Immigration Bureau. After the applicant obtains the long-stay permit, they will be eligible to stay in Thailand for up to one year with the possibility of subsequent extensions," commented one member living in Thailand.

"I am on a retirement visa for 1 year with extensions. Thailand rules change each year but with my visa I only need to check in with immigration every 90 days and do not have to make a border run," mentioned one expat living in Thailand.