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The Ultimate Guide to Permanent Residency in Thailand
23/03/2023
If you’re considering making Thailand your permanent home, one of the most important things to consider is your residency status. Permanent residency is a popular option for individuals who want to live and work in Thailand long-term.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the key points you need to know about permanent residency in Thailand, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
Key points
- Except in specific situations where Permanent Residency can be revoked, it is permanent and does not expire.
- Holders of Permanent Residency are eligible for many benefits, such as no need to do visa extensions or 90-day reports.
- Permanent Residency applications are limited to 100 applicants from each country per year.
- After holding permanent residency for five years, the holder can apply for Thai citizenship.
What is Permanent Residency in Thailand?
Permanent residency in Thailand is a legal status that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Thailand long-term. It grants the individual most of the rights and privileges of a citizen, with some exceptions, such as the right to vote or hold public office.
What are the benefits of Permanent Residency in Thailand?
The benefits of permanent residency in Thailand include the ability to work and live in the country long-term without renewing your visa frequently. Essentially, except in specific situations where Permanent Residency can be revoked, it is permanent and does not expire.
Holders of Permanent Residency can take advantage of the following advantages:
- There is no need to worry about extensions of stays, 90-day reports, or any other requirements associated with Non-Immigrant visas.
- Holders of Permanent Residency can be included in the Thai house book (Tabian Baan); this makes dealing with the local authorities, banks, etc, a lot easier.
- Eligibility for bank loans at the same rate as Thai nationals (in theory).
- When purchasing a condo, the Permanent Resident can complete the purchase without needing to use money remitted from abroad.
- It is also worth noting that after holding permanent residency for five years, the holder can apply for Thai citizenship.
What are the eligibility Requirements for Permanent Residency in Thailand?
To be eligible for permanent residency in Thailand, you must have held a non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years, be able to demonstrate a minimum income requirement, and you’ll also need to pass a Thai language test or provide proof of Thai language proficiency.
Applicants must be able to satisfy one of the following criteria:
Employment:
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- You have held a Thailand Work Visa and Work Permit for at least three years;
- You have an Extension of Stay based on Employment at the time of application;
- You have worked at your current company for at least one year at the time of application;
- You had a monthly salary of at least 80,000 Baht for two consecutive years, or you filed a tax return for an annual income of at least 100,000 Baht for two consecutive years.
Investment:
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- You have invested at least 10 Million Baht in Thailand.
- in a Limited Company or Public Limited Company;
- in bonds issued by the government or a state enterprise in which the Ministry of Finance or Bank of Thailand is a guarantor;
- in shares or other instruments in the Thai stock market which have been certified by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- You have invested at least 10 Million Baht in Thailand.
Family:
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- You are a close family member of a Thai citizen (parent, child, or spouse)
Expert:
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- You have at least a BA Degree and are employed in a position you have held for at least three consecutive years (academic category).
Language:
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- You must be able to have some communication skills in Thai.
What is the application process for Permanent Residency in Thailand?
The application process for permanent residency in Thailand involves submitting an application and providing supporting documents, such as your passport, proof of income, health certificate, copy of your diploma, and a police clearance certificate. You’ll also need to attend an interview with the immigration authorities, where you’ll be asked questions about your background, education, and employment history.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a permanent residency book, which you must present when entering and leaving the country. A more detailed breakdown can be seen below:
Step 1: Application (2 to 4 Weeks)
Begin by collecting all the necessary documents, as many are typically required. Given the limited time when applications are accepted, gathering them in advance is advisable. Applications for Thai Permanent Residency are usually accepted between October and December. Submit your application at your local Immigration Department office during this period.
Step 2: Interview (3 to 4 months)
You will need to attend an interview with a panel of immigration officers who will ask you some basic questions in Thai. Our team can assist you in preparing for the interview. Pay the non-refundable processing fee of 7,600 Thai Baht and submit your fingerprints. Upon completion of these steps, you will receive a 180-day extension of stay, enabling you to remain in Thailand legally while your application is processed.
Step 3: Approval (18 to 20 months)
Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive your house registration, a Blue Book (Tabian Baan). Your place of residence in Thailand must be registered at the local district office or Amphur.
Applicants of Permanent Residency should note that a government fee of 191,400 THB will be paid if permanent residence is granted to the applicant. However, if the applicant is a minor under 20, the fee is 95,700 THB.
When can you apply for Permanent Residency in Thailand?
Thailand has an annual quota for granting permanent residency. The quota is set at a maximum of 100 persons per nationality annually.
The application period for permanent residency typically starts from October to the end of December each year.
How can Belaws help?
If you have a question about Permanent Residency in Thailand, please speak directly with one of our experts.
You can browse our visa services here.
To provide the most accurate and reliable advice for your needs, Thai Visa Belaws offers a visa Consultation Service with our visa expert.
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
How can i get permanent residency in thailand
To get permanent residence in Thailand, you must hold a non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years, meet the minimum income requirement, and pass a Thai language test or provide proof of Thai language proficiency. You also need to satisfy criteria based on employment, investment, family connections, or expertise.
How much does it cost to get permanent residency in Thailand?
The cost for permanent residency in Thailand includes a non-refundable processing fee of 7,600 Thai Baht. If the application is approved, there’s a government fee of 191,400 THB for adults or 95,700 THB for minors under 20 years of age.
Can a foreigner stay in Thailand permanently?
Yes, a foreigner can stay in Thailand permanently by obtaining permanent residency status, which allows them to live and work in the country long-term without frequently renewing visas.
Can you get Thai residency by buying property?
While purchasing property in Thailand can make it easier to obtain residency by meeting the investment criteria, it does not automatically grant residency status. You still need to meet other eligibility requirements for permanent residency.
Can I live on $3000 a month in Thailand?
Yes, $3000 a month is a comfortable amount to live on in Thailand, as the cost of living is generally lower compared to Western countries. However, your lifestyle and location will significantly impact your expenses.
What is the fastest way to get permanent residency?
The fastest way to get permanent residency in Thailand is by meeting the eligibility requirements, such as holding a non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years, meeting the minimum income requirement, and passing a Thai language test or providing proof of Thai language proficiency.
Who is eligible for permanent residence?
Those eligible for permanent residence in Thailand must hold a non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years and satisfy criteria based on employment, investment, family connections, or expertise. They must also meet the minimum income requirement and pass a Thai language test or provide proof of Thai language proficiency.
Can foreigners get Thai citizenship?
Yes, foreigners can apply for Thai citizenship after holding permanent residency for five years. However, they must meet additional requirements, such as income, language proficiency, and knowledge of Thai history and culture.
What are the benefits of Permanent Residency in Thailand?
The benefits of permanent residency in Thailand include not needing to worry about visa extensions or 90-day reports, eligibility for inclusion in the Thai house book (Tabian Baan), easier dealings with local authorities and banks, eligibility for bank loans at the same rate as Thai nationals, and the ability to purchase a condo without needing to use money remitted from abroad. Additionally, after holding permanent residency for five years, you can apply for Thai citizenship.
What are the key points of Permanent Residency in Thailand?
Key points of permanent residency in Thailand are: it is permanent and does not expire except in specific situations where it can be revoked, holders are eligible for various benefits, applications are limited to 100 applicants from each country per year, and after holding permanent residency for five years, the holder can apply for Thai citizenship.
When can you apply for Permanent Residency in Thailand?
You can apply for permanent residency in Thailand typically between October and December each year. The country has an annual quota for granting permanent residency, set at a maximum of 100 persons per nationality.
What is the application process for Permanent Residency in Thailand?
The application process involves submitting an application and providing supporting documents, attending an interview with immigration authorities, and, if approved, receiving a permanent residency book. The process includes three steps: 1) Application, 2) Interview, and 3) Approval. The whole process can take around 20 to 24 months to complete.
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