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How to apply for Thai Citizenship?
25/01/2024
Living in Thailand as a foreigner can be a fulfilling experience, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges. From navigating visa extensions to owning properties and starting businesses, foreigners encounter obstacles that can make living in Thailand difficult. However, one way to overcome these hurdles is by obtaining Thai citizenship through the process of naturalization.
In this blog post, we will explore the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and everything you need to know about obtaining Thai citizenship.
Key points
- Thai Citizenship offers many advantages including the ability to own land, no longer needing any kind of visa or work permit, can own over 49% of the shares of a limited company and can apply for loans and mortgages from the bank.
- To apply for citizenship applicants must satisfy eligibility criteria including, age, duration of residence in Thailand, income requirements and having an understanding of Thai language.
- Applicants are awarded points based on their application, typically 50 to 100 points are required to be able to apply for citizenship.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for Thai Citizenship?
Before embarking on the application process for Thai citizenship, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria. The requirements for becoming a Thai citizen include:
Age: Applicants must be 20 years old.
Residence: Applicants holding Work Permits must maintain permanent residence for at least 5 years before applying. Applicants who are married to Thai citizens do not need to obtain permanent residence before applying
Occupation and Income: Stable occupation with a work permit and a minimum income threshold based on the applicant’s relationship with Thailand.
Personal Income Tax: Evidence of personal income tax payment for at least three years.
Good Conduct: A clean criminal record verified through a background check by a relevant government authority.
Thai Language Proficiency: Demonstration of Thai language proficiency, including the ability to speak and understand the Thai National Anthem and Thai Royal Anthem.
What is the Scoring Criteria for Thai Citizenship?
The Thai authorities assess applicants for Thai citizenship based on a scoring system. In practice, the required points or score required to qualify for citizenship is 50-100. The scoring criteria considers various factors, including:
Age (10 points): Applicants between the ages of 40 and 50 receive the maximum number of points.
Education (15 points): Higher levels of education, such as a Ph.D., receive the maximum points.
Monthly Income and security of job (25 points): Income levels must meet the minimum thresholds based on the applicant’s relationship with Thailand.
Length of Residence (20 points): The length of residence in Thailand, as indicated on the House Registration Book and Alien Certificate, contributes to the scoring
Thai Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the Thai language, including speaking, reading, and writing, is assessed.15 points are available for this section.
Knowledge of Thailand (10 points): General knowledge about Thailand, including its history, culture, and symbols, is considered.
Personality and Appearance (5 points): Applicants’ personality traits, appearance, and attitude towards Thailand are evaluated.
What is the Thai Citizenship Application Process?
The application process for Thai citizenship involves several steps and requires submitting the necessary documents. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Determine Eligibility
Before starting the application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned earlier. Assess your qualifications, residence status, income, and language proficiency to determine if you qualify for Thai citizenship through naturalization.
Gather Required Documents
To submit a complete application, you will need to gather the necessary documents. The specific documents may vary depending on your circumstances, but some common requirements include:
- Passport copies
- Alien Book copies
- Residence Certificate copies
- House Registration copies
- Work Permit copies
- Personal Income Tax documents
- Marriage and/or birth certificates (if applicable)
- Identity documents of two Thai citizens who can vouch for you
Submit Application
Submit your application for Thai citizenship at the appropriate government office. The submission locations vary depending on your domicile:
- Bangkok residents: Department of Provincial Administration
- Residents of other provinces in Thailand: Provincial Office
- Foreign residents: Thai embassy or Royal Thai Consulate in your area
Ensure that you have completed the application forms (Sor Chor) relevant to your situation and include all required documents.
Application Processing and Verification
After submitting your application, the verification and consideration process begins. The timeframe for processing is typically 90 days. If you submitted your application outside of Thailand, the process may take up to 120 days. The officers may request extensions if necessary.
During this period, immigration officers may visit your residence to verify the information provided in your application. It is essential to ensure that your documentation and personal details are accurate and up to date.
Thai Citizenship Approval and Oath
If your application is approved, you will receive a certificate of naturalization as a Thai citizen. At this stage, you will need to take the Citizenship Oath, which usually takes place at the Police Headquarters. The ceremony may involve reciting the oath and signing official documents.
What are the Benefits of Thai Citizenship?
Obtaining Thai citizenship offers numerous benefits that can enhance your life in Thailand. Some of the key advantages include:
Property Ownership
As a Thai citizen, you can own land and property without restrictions, enabling you to invest in real estate and establish a permanent residence.
Business Ownership
Thai citizens can own more than 49% of shares in a Thai company, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and business expansion.
Immigration Simplification
Thai citizens do not need to go through the hassle of visa extensions or re-entry permits, making travel in and out of Thailand more convenient.
Work Permission
With Thai citizenship, you can work in Thailand without the need for a work permit, giving you greater flexibility in employment opportunities.
Access to Bank Products
Thai citizens have easier access to various banking products, including loans, mortgages, and investment accounts.
Is Dual Citizenship legal in Thailand?
One common concern for those considering Thai citizenship is the possibility of dual citizenship. The Thai government allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold both Thai citizenship and the citizenship of another country. This flexibility enables individuals to maintain their existing nationality while enjoying the benefits of Thai citizenship. However, it is essential to check the regulations in your home country, as some countries do not recognize dual citizenship.
What visas are eligible for citizenship?
Here’s a breakdown of visa eligibility for citizenship in Thailand:
Eligible visas for Thai citizenship:
- Marriage Visa (Non-Immigrant O): Spouses of Thai citizens can obtain permanent residency after fulfilling specific requirements and residing in Thailand for several years. This opens the door to future citizenship applications. Foreigners married to Thai citizens do not need to obtain permanent residence before applying for citizenship.
- Non-Immigrant B Visa + Work Permit holders: Employees with a valid visa, work permit and have paid income tax are eligible for permanent residency after the criteria has been met. Only after holding valid permanent residency for a specific period (usually 10 years) can they apply for citizenship.
- Retirement
- Permanent Residents: Foreigners who have obtained permanent residence may apply for citizenship after the criteria has been met.
Ineligible visas for Thai citizenship:
- Tourist visas: Short-term visas intended for temporary visits, like tourist visas (TR), and visa on arrival (VOA).
- Retirement visa:
- Education visa: Education visa holders apply for citizenship. Education visas primarily serve as a temporary permit for individuals studying in Thailand. Education visa holders are not eligible for permanent residency which is required for citizenship.
- Thailand Elite visa
- LTR visa
What is the Legal Process for Obtaining Thai Citizenship?
The available routes for Thai citizenship can be divided into the following 3 cases:
- Being married to a Thai national.
- Foreigners requesting Thai citizenship with no connection or relationship with Thailand.
- Foreigners requesting to regain nationality (People of Thai nationality who renounced their nationality in order to marry a foreigner or people who previously has Thai nationality but lost it e.g. their parents surrendering they Thai nationality before reaching the age i.e. becoming an adult)
What is the Full Process for Submitting an Application for Thai Citizenship?
The guidelines for considering applications for Thai citizenship are as follows:
- Be of legal age according to Thai law and the law of which the person has nationality.
- Have a record of good behaviour. Applicants will be required to provide a criminal background check.
- Evidence that the applicant has a qualifying source of employment. Applicants must provide a certificate of employment and a valid work permit in Thailand.
Applicants must have income not less than the following:
3.1 In the case of the applicant not being related to Thailand i.e. married to a Thai spouse or being born in Thailand, must have income of not less than 80,000/month with a salary/income certificate being provided as evidence. Applicants must be able show evidence of paying taxes for not less than 3 years, or paying personal income tax in the year before the year in which the application for citizenship has been submitted.
For example, the applicant submits an application for citizenship in February 2024, proof of tax payment for the year 2021-2023 would be required). A certificate of income earned from employment for the current year (January – February 2024) would also be required.
3.2 In the case of being related or related to Thailand, such as being married to a person of Thai nationality, having children of Thai nationality or having graduated from a higher education institution in Thailand, must have an income of not less than 50,000/month by presenting a salary/income. Applicants must be able to show evidence of paying taxes for the past 3 years and must have a certificate of salary/income dated at the time of submitting the application.
Remark:
– Foreigners married to Thai nationals and have children together are subject to reduced requirements: To qualify the applicant must:
- Have a marriage registered for no less than 1 year,
- has an income of no less than 40,000/month,
- showing evidence of continuous tax payment for not less than 3 years.
- Alien identification card (pink ID card)
- Evidence from the civil registration (Tor Ror 13) or (Tor Ror 14) in the case where the homeowner is the one who notifies the resident status of the applicant.
- Be a person permitted to have residence in Thailand according to the immigration law. This can be done by showing proof of residence certificate and alien identification card (Pink ID Card) or evidence from the civil registration department (Tor. 14) that confirms that the applicant has had continuous domicile in Thailand for not less than 5 years.
- Applicants must have knowledge of the Thai language. Applicants will be required to undertake a speaking and listening test. Applicants must be able to speak/understand Thai and be able to sing the Thai national anthem and the royal anthem.
- The applicant must present documents submitted and certified by the embassy or consulate of their nationality, which expresses the intention of the person applying for Thai citizenship to renounce their original nationality upon receiving citizenship.
- Applicants obtain a total of no less than 50 points in order to be considered.
What Documents are Required?
Evidence required to support the application according to the Nationality Act, Section 10 Type 1:
- Identification card (except in cases where the age is not yet required to obtain an card)
- Occupation certificate from the Foreign Labor Administration Office or Provincial Employment Office
- In the case of children, a copy of the birth certificate is required.
- Alien identification card or evidence from the civil registration (Tor Ror 14)
- Educational evidence (if any)
- Evidence of occupation
- Certificate of salary/income with an income of not less than 80,000 baht per month (in the case that the applicant for Thai nationality has no relationship or related to Thailand).
- Certificate of salary/income with an income of not less than 50,000 baht per month (in the case that the applicant for Thai citizenship is related or related to Thailand)
- Evidence of paying income tax for at least 3 years.
Documents for submitting the application
- For a foreign women married to a Thai male who wishes to apply for Thai citizenship, they must Submit form SorChor.1 along with other supporting documents such as an ID card, Marriage certificate and photograph, etc.
- Foreigners who want to convert their citizenship to Thai must submit Form S.C.2 along with other supporting documents such as ID card, photograph, and evidence of work. Evidence of educational qualifications, etc.
- Those who wish to apply for citizenship for foreigners who are incapacitated, minors, or who are adopted children of Thai nationals must submit form Sor Chor. 3 together with other supporting documents, such as a copy of the court order appointing a guardian. or evidence of being incapacitated
What are the Fees for Applying for Citizenship?
- Thai citizenship for adults is 10,000 THB.
- The citizenship for minor children of a naturalized person is 5,000 THB.
- The cost of the Thai citizenship certificate is 1,000 THB.
- The fee for reinstatement of Thai nationality is 2,000 THB.
How can Belaws help?
For more information about obtaining Thai citizenship, why not talk to one of our experts now?
Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Our consultations last for a period of up to 1 hour and are conducted by expert Lawyers who are fluent in English, French and Thai.
Consultations can be hosted via WhatsApp or Video Conferencing software for your convenience. A consultation with one of our legal experts is undoubtedly the best way to get all the information you need and answer any questions you may have about your new business or project.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it difficult to become a Thai citizen?
It can be challenging, particularly for those without a pre-existing connection to Thailand (marriage, children, etc.). You’ll need to meet specific criteria like residence duration, income, and language proficiency, and score at least 50 points on the points-based system.
Do I need to renounce my original citizenship to become Thai?
Yes, Thailand requires applicants to renounce their previous nationality upon receiving Thai citizenship. You’ll need to submit documents from your embassy or consulate confirming your intention to do so.
Are there different application processes for different situations?
Yes, the process varies depending on your relationship to Thailand. It’s easiest for spouses of Thai citizens and those born/raised in Thailand, while those with no prior connection face stricter requirements.
How long do I need to live in Thailand before applying for citizenship?
Generally, you must be a permanent resident for at least 5 years, with specific exceptions for spouses of Thai citizens (1-3 years depending on circumstances).
How much income do I need to have to be able to apply for Thai Citizenship?
The minimum income requirement depends on your connection to Thailand. Those with no connection need 80,000 baht/month, while those with children or marriage connections need 50,000 baht/month.
Do I need to speak Thai fluently?
Yes, you’ll need to demonstrate basic Thai language proficiency, including speaking, understanding, and singing the national and royal anthems. You may need to take a test to assess your skills.
How do I qualify for a Thai passport?
Thai citizenship is the primary requirement for obtaining a Thai passport. Once you become a Thai citizen, you can apply for a passport through the Immigration Bureau. The process involves submitting an application form, passport photos, and supporting documents like your Thai ID card and proof of citizenship.
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