How to Obtain Permanent Residence in Thailand

Relocating to Thailand to enjoy its sunny climate, affordable prices, and abundant opportunities sounds like an enticing idea. However, the constant need to renew your visa and prove your right to stay in the kingdom can be a drawback. The solution is to obtain a permanent residence permit. While obtaining one may require time, effort, financial investment, and knowledge of the Thai language, it ultimately pays off many times over.

A permanent resident status allows you to stay in the country for as long as you like. To obtain it, you will need to navigate the Thai requirements for foreigners, gather the necessary documents, manage to fit the process within the time frame of your allowed residency, and consistently go through all the stages.

• What Are the Benefits of Permanent Residence?
• Step One: Non-Immigrant Visa
• Four Categories of Foreigners Eligible for Permanent Residence
• The Necessary Papers
• Applying: Where to Apply and How Much to Pay
• The Interview
• Reply from Ministry of Interior
• Obtaining Procedure
• Travelling with Thai Residency
• Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand
• F.A.Q.

What Are the Benefits of Permanent Residence?

A permanent residence permit in Thailand does not expire, unlike a visa, and can only be annulled in exceptional situations. The country offers various types of visas, but with a permanent residence permit, you will not have to change or renew it annually to prolong your stay in the country. You will also be free from submitting reports and dealing with unnecessary bureaucracy.

Holders of a permanent residence permit in Thailand become part of the Tabien Baan system, just like Thai citizens. This system issues a blue house book that lists all individuals registered at a specific place of residence in the country. Having an official address of residence is a strict requirement for various purposes, including opening a bank account and addressing government agencies.

After five years of residence as a permanent resident, a foreigner can apply for Thai citizenship. However, if you want to retain your original passport, staying with a permanent residence permit may be a better choice. The reason is that Thai citizens are not allowed to hold dual citizenship. With an almost complete set of privileges, a permanent residence permit requires less from its holder.

Step One: Non-Immigrant Visa

To obtain a permanent residence permit, you must live in the country for more than three years with one of the Non-immigrant visas and demonstrate that you do not pose a threat to national security, have not committed crimes, and adhere to local laws and traditions. On average, Non-immigrant visas are valid for one year, after which you can renew the status. The table shows the most popular types of Non-immigrant visas:

Not all non-immigrant visa holders can apply for permanent resident status in the future. For instance, applicants with visas for students or retirees cannot do this. To be eligible to apply for permanent residency, you should have a visa related to work or business.

Four Categories of Foreigners Eligible for Permanent Residence

Thais have a rather practical approach to hosting foreigners: the country values those who contribute to its economic well-being. Having a stable source of permanent income, employment, and a high salary increases your chances of successfully obtaining a residence permit in Thailand. There are four categories of foreigners eligible to apply for permanent resident status.

Permanent residence for work. Such foreigners must have a work permit and a valid visa for at least three consecutive years, have been officially employed by the same company for at least one year, and have received a salary of at least 80,000 baht ($2,400) per month for the two years prior to applying.

Permanent residence for investors. The conditions are almost the same as those for obtaining a residence permit for work. However, you will need to provide more documents to confirm your investments in the Thai economy over the past few years.

Permanent residency due to family reasons: This method of obtaining a residence permit is available through marriage or close blood relation to a citizen or permanent resident of Thailand. The main advantage of this approach is that the document submission fee is half as much. However, the applicant will have to collect papers about themselves and their partner or parent. They will also need to provide complete information about their income, work, taxes, etc. If they have children, a DNA test may be required to confirm the relationship.

Permanent residence for highly qualified specialists. In addition to the basic set of documents and confirmation of income, before applying, you need to write a letter confirming your qualifications and value as an employee. Being a 'specialist' is a vague concept, so you need to clearly and convincingly convey your expertise in your field to the Immigration Service.

For your application to be approved, you must have a work permit, a valid visa, and regular taxable income. The best and easiest way to apply is under the category 'for work.' The requirements for the quantity of documents and their execution for other categories of foreigners are stricter, so most people who want to get a permanent resident card follow the simplest and most comprehensible way. It will also be easier for the Immigration Bureau as there will be less paperwork to verify. Therefore, it is more likely that your application will be processed faster.

The Necessary Papers

The full list of paperwork required to apply for permanent resident status in Thailand is listed on the website of the Thai Bureau and may vary depending on the circumstances. However, some documents are common to all categories of permanent residence applicants in the kingdom:

• A copy of your national passport and international passport.
• A valid visa.
• Income statements for the last three years.
• Your birth certificate.
• A work permit.
• A certificate of no criminal record.
• A tax history and certificate of no debts.
• A document on education.

All papers must be legalised in Thailand. This country is not one of the states that accept the universal international apostille stamp, which complicates the procedure. Documents must be certified by a notary, translated into English (the translation also needs to be attested before legalisation).

When applying for a permanent residence permit, a foreign citizen must, in some cases, prove their financial independence and security. Therefore, it is a good idea to collect business registration documents along with documents confirming, for instance, bank accounts.

Applying: Where to Apply and How Much to Pay

The Immigration Bureau handles applications for permanent resident status. You need to keep an eye on the time when the department announces that they are starting to accept papers from applicants (the deadline depends on the decision of the Minister of Interior of Thailand). Most often, the application window is open between November and December, and it can last from several months to several weeks. The kingdom has an annual quota for issuing permanent residence permits: no more than a hundred people from each country in the world.

It could be beneficial to contact the Immigration Bureau's public relations department employees in advance as they can help you organise the collection of documents. This is especially true for investors, experts, or spouses of Thai citizens, as they need to collect more documents.

Make sure you apply for permanent residency on time as officials are more meticulous about the applications submitted in the last days of admission. You can apply at the Bangkok immigration office or at the place of residence.

The entrance fee when submitting documents is about 7,600 baht ($230). If the application is approved, you will need to pay an additional 191,400 baht ($5,630). For spouses of Thai citizens and applicants under the age of twenty who have a parent with Thai citizenship or a residence permit, the fee is significantly lower, only 95,700 baht ($2,810). This is the main advantage of getting a permanent residence permit for family reasons.

The Interview

A few months after the successful submission of the application, the applicant needs to undergo an official interview at the Immigration Bureau. Typically, about five months pass between submitting an application and being invited for an interview. During the interview, a group of ten officials from various related ministries communicate with foreigners in a semi-formal conversation. The conversation is conducted in Thai. Based on its results, the officials give recommendations to the Minister of Interior on each of the applications.

During the interview, the foreigner will be asked about their background and the reasons why they want to stay in Thailand. At the same time, the conversation also serves as a test of Thai language proficiency: the level should be good enough to confidently maintain a conversation.

The meeting takes place in a room equipped with video cameras, and the whole process is recorded. If the officials do not have many questions for the applicant, the conversation takes only 5 to 10 minutes. After that, all the applicant has to do is wait for the official approval from the current Minister of Interior.

Reply from Ministry of Interior

After you submit the application to the Immigration Bureau and pass the interview, the next stage is waiting for the reply from the Ministry of Interior. There are no strict regulations in terms of deadlines for the signing of the permit. It completely depends on the minister: there were cases when it took up to six years to obtain the permit. Now, the results are usually in after 18 to 20 months.

Despite the uncertainty that arises during the wait, there is a positive side to it: while the applicant is waiting, their permission to stay in the country is automatically renewed every six months.

More often than not, the application is eventually approved. If the applicant has officially worked, contributed to the economy of the kingdom, and sufficiently mastered the language, there will be no good reasons for refusal. The chances of successfully obtaining a permanent residence permit are increased by having a good education, loyalty to Thailand as a State, and a sincere desire to make it your home.

Obtaining Procedure

Once the Thai Interior Minister approves and signs the application, the Immigration Bureau will invite the foreign national to receive a letter of approval. After paying the remaining fee, the staff will provide instructions on how to obtain a certificate of residence (Thai Blue Book) and a house card indicating the owner of the property and the people residing there (House Book).

A week later, an application for a foreigner's registration book is submitted at the local police station. It needs to be updated every five years for a minimal fee at your local police station. Now a foreigner officially has the privileges of a permanent resident: they can purchase real estate without transferring money from abroad, become the general manager of a public company, apply for an extension of stay for non-Thai family members, and more.

Travelling with Thai Residency

One of the specific aspects of a permanent residence permit in Thailand is that the unlimited permission to stay in the country is valid only if you do not leave the territory of the State. To travel freely, you need to obtain a special permit for one year: for a single trip, it costs 1,900 baht ($56), and for multiple trips, 3,800 baht ($112). Additionally, you need to apply to confirm the emigrant's book of residence for one year, which will cost you another 1,900 baht.

Without following these rules, the residence permit will lose its validity upon departure, and to regain it, you will have to go through the entire procedure again. The same situation occurs if you leave Thailand for more than 364 days. There is no way to retrieve your permanent residence permit other than going through all the stages of the procedure again. Therefore, to avoid trouble and be prepared for any potential travel outside the kingdom, most permanent residence permit holders register and renew their re-entry permit every year.

Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand

Permanent residence in Thailand gives its holder the following benefits:

• No need to renew the visa annually.
• The period for staying in the country is increased to 365 days a year.
• You get the right to take out a loan from banks in Thailand.
• A permanent residence permit is an important step towards Thai citizenship.

Moreover, a permanent residence permit will allow you to enjoy the beauty of Thailand, its warm subtropical climate, picturesque beaches, and lush green jungles all year round: summer lasts for 12 months a year here. However, you have to be prepared for tropical rains and the need to use air conditioning frequently. Thailand may not be suitable for those who cannot tolerate the heat and humidity. It is also not the best place for those who are afraid of insects, as they thrive in the local climate and are abundant in the region.

The kingdom is rich not only in natural landscapes but also in cultural heritage, boasting famous Buddhist temples, palaces, and the Muang Boran ethnographic park. This makes the country an attraction for both pilgrims and connoisseurs of historical sites.

Thailand is often referred to as the "land of a thousand smiles," and for a good reason. The hospitality of the Thais and their friendly mentality make it easy for newcomers to quickly adapt. The country is also renowned for its low crime rate, boasting one of the highest levels of security in Asia.

Life in Thailand is quite affordable, and the currency exchange rate is stable. The average salary in the country is around $2,900. The cost of renting and buying property here is low, and local markets offer a wide variety of fresh foods at affordable prices. Utilities are also inexpensive. However, it may take some time to find familiar European foods, and once you do, you may notice that they are not as cheap as local fish and seafood, for example.

Thailand boasts a high level of medical care with private clinics that prioritise patient comfort. These clinics have qualified specialists and offer foods familiar to Europeans. The single rooms are well-equipped with all necessary amenities. However, it is essential to note that the prices in these private clinics are on par with those in Western Europe. Another advantage is that the staff in these clinics usually speaks English, which makes communication easier for international patients.

Public hospitals in Thailand also offer medical services, but their conditions are not as luxurious as private clinics. The food served in public hospitals is typically Thai, and communication with the staff might require knowledge of the local language. Moreover, public hospitals may have up to 30 beds in one room, which means a more crowded environment compared to private clinics. However, the significant advantage of public hospitals is that their prices are much lower than those in private clinics.

The opportunity to become a tax resident of Thailand with its favourable conditions makes the country attractive for migrants from all over the world. There is no wealth tax in the kingdom, and the VAT rate is just 7%.

A foreigner becomes a tax resident of the state if they live on its territory for more than 183 days a year. That is why Thailand is often the destination of choice for freelancers who can afford to work remotely from anywhere in the world.

F.A.Q. 

Do you need to know the Thai language perfectly to get a permanent residence permit in Thailand?

To succeed in the interview, having a conversational level of Thai is generally sufficient. There is no need to take a dedicated language test. Basic knowledge of Thai will be enough to handle the interview effectively, as well as for daily activities like shopping, dealing with local services, and socialising with neighbours. It shows your willingness to integrate into the local community and helps you navigate through daily life in Thailand.

Is it possible to get a permanent residence permit in Thailand for investment?

Investment programmes offer an opportunity to obtain a long-term non-immigrant visa. As of 2022, making an investment of $500,000 in government bonds or real estate can grant you a 10-year visa, provided that the applicant's annual income is $80,000. While this option does not grant permanent residence, it can be advantageous when applying for one in the future.  

Does the quota for 100 permanent residents per year from one country reduce my chances of obtaining a permanent residence permit?

Despite the limitation on the number of applicants, in reality, only India or China may provide that many candidates per year.

Do permanent residents of Thailand have to apply for a visa every year?

No, after receiving a permanent residence permit, a foreigner acquires an indefinite right to stay in the kingdom. You only need to periodically renew your re-entry permit in order to leave Thailand for business trips or vacations without any problems.

Is it more beneficial to be a permanent resident of Thailand if you want to keep your first citizenship?

That's correct, Thailand does not permit dual citizenship. If you wish to maintain your original passport while enjoying the benefits of residing in the country, obtaining a permanent residence permit is a preferable option.

Does living on a non-immigrant visa give you the right to receive a permanent residence permit after three years of living in the country?

Yes, but not all categories of non-immigrant visas apply. A student or retiree visa, for instance, does not entitle you to apply even after several years of residence in Thailand. It is better to get a non-immigrant visa for those who work or do business in the country.

How long will it take to receive a response from the Ministry of the Interior after submitting an application?

Presently, the average waiting time for a response to an application for a permanent residence permit is 20 months. In the 2000s, applicants had to wait up to six years, but after the change of government, the wait times became noticeably shorter and more stable.

In a Nutshell

Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Thailand is undoubtedly a complex, time-consuming, and costly procedure. However, the investment in terms of resources, time, and finances is well worth it. Having a permanent residence permit grants you the freedom to stay in the kingdom for an indefinite period without the hassle of renewing your visa repeatedly. It can serve as a stepping stone toward Thai citizenship and a passport or simply offer you a convenient opportunity to reside in the country and enjoy all its benefits without stringent limitations. 

Obtaining permanent residency in Thailand demands patience and a financial commitment to the country's prosperity through a legal income and tax contributions. To gain approval, applicants should possess basic knowledge of the Thai language, have resided in the country for at least three years, and hold a stable job with a steady income. If you appreciate the hot climate and affordable accommodation prices, Thailand can be an ideal immigration haven for you.

Cover photo: Bangkok, Thailand (Unsplash)