How to Become a Thai Citizen
Everything you need to know about Thai Citizenship application.
Thai citizenship
Obtaining Thai Citizenship is a long and tiring process. It requires you to submit mountains of paperwork and a complex bureaucratic system. However, those who have chosen to call Thailand their home will find that it’s worth the effort. Thai citizenship comes with the perks of owning any type of business, buying any type of property, and applying for any kind of job. In addition, you can also fast-track through the airport.
So, if you’re thinking of obtaining Thai Citizenship, here’s what you need to know.
Key Points
- The process of obtaining Thai citizenship is not easy, but it’s worth the effort.
- There’s a points-based system to decide whether you are fit to receive Thai Citizenship.
- Your personality matters when it comes to deciding whether you are fit to receive Thai a citizen.
Thai citizenship qualifications
You can apply for a Thai citizen if you meet the following criteria:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You have a clean criminal record and no history of trouble with the police.
- You have lived in Thailand as a permanent residence for at least five years.
- You are employed in Thailand.
- You can speak and write Thai.
- You can sing the Thai National Anthem.
- You acquired at lest 50 points (out of 100) on the Points Based System (more on this later).
However, some of the above qualifications will not be required if:
- You are the husband of a Thai wife.
- You are the spouse or child of someone who received Thai Citizenship through naturalization.
- You at one time held Thai Citizenship
- You have performed a duty that’s benefitted Thailand.
In these cases, you should be able to get a Thai citizen after three years of living on visa extensions without having to obtain a Permanent Residency.
Thai citizenship scoring criteria
As we mentioned above, there’s a points-based system to decide whether you are fit to receive a Thai citizen. Here are the criteria of the scoring system:
- Age: Those between 40 and 50 years old will receive the maximum number of points in this category.
- Education: Ph.D. holders will receive the maximum points in this category.
- Monthly income.
- The type and duration of residence: Those who have been a resident for a long time and hold a House Registration Book will receive maximum points.
- Thai language knowledge level.
- Knowledge of Thailand.
- Personality: The officers in charge of handling your application will asses how you talk, act, and dress.
Prepare the documents well in advance to make the process faster and smoother.
Documents required to apply for Thai citizenship
The documents you need to submit for Thai citizenship can change for every situation. The authorities at the Police Headquarters where you apply will provide you with a checklist. In general, the required documents to apply to be a Thai citizen include:
- Copies of your passport.
- Copies of your Residence Certificate.
- Copies of your Alien Book.
- Copies of your House Registration.
- Copies of your Work Permit.
- Certificate of legal age, translated into Thai and certified by your embassy.
- 12 pictures (2×2.5 inches) of yourself. Men must be dressed in a suit with a necktie, while women must be dressed politely.
- Proof your education and any of your children. Overseas certificates/degrees have to be certified by the relevant authority in your home country.
- Letter that confirms employment, which includes your position, salary information, and length of time you’re employed.
- Proof of employment or company ownership.
- Proof of personal income tax return for the past 3 years.
- Proof of corporate tax reture for the past 3 years.
- Marriage and/or birth certificates if you are married/have children.
- Copies of the identity documents of two Thai citizen (your guarantors).
- Any additional documents you are required to bring.
How to submit Thai citizenship application
You have to apply for Thai Citizenship at a Special Division of the Police Headquarters in Bangkok or where you live.
Here’s what the process generally looks like:
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- Approach the Special Division of the Police Headquarters in Bangkok or your local area to receive a document checklist.
- When submitting documents, be polite and respectful as the outcome can depend on the handling officer. If there are any issues, be prepared to submit additional documents.
- If your application is accepted, pay the processing fee and have your fingerprints taken.
- Next, attend an interview (in Thai) at the Ministry of Interior.
- Following the interview, immigration officers will visit your home to verify details.
- Finally, if approved, take the Citizenship Oath at the Police Headquarters, swearing allegiance to the King and Thailand.
Although the application process is daunting, Thai Citizenship comes with a host of benefits.
The cost of Thai citizenship
Here are the application costs:
- 10,000 THB per application for applicants who over the age of 18.
- 5,000 THB per application for the children of applicants (per child).
- 1,000 THB for the Certificate of Naturalization.
- 2,000 THB per application for Recovery of Thai Nationality.
The benefits of Thai citizenship
- You can buy and own property under your name.
- You don’t need to renew your visa.
- You can apply for any kind of job.
- You don’t need to apply for a Work Permit.
- You can hold over 49% of the shares in a Thai company.
- You don’t have to apply for a Re-Entry Permit every time you leave and come back to Thailand.
Additional considerations
While the official requirements for Thai Citizenship seem straightforward, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, fluency in Thai is essential. Not only for the interview and singing the anthem, but also for daily life in Thailand. Demonstrating a genuine effort to integrate into society can go a long way in your application’s success. Finally, be prepared for the wait. Processing times can take up to a year, so ensure all documents are in order and be patient throughout the process. Remember, obtaining Thai citizenship is a significant life decision, and careful planning can significantly improve your chances of success.
Remember, obtaining a Thai citizen is a significant life decision. While the process can be lengthy and involve a fair amount of preparation, the benefits are undeniable. Thai citizenship grants you the freedom to fully integrate into Thai society, own property and businesses without limitations, and enjoy a more streamlined experience when travelling and working in the country. If you’re serious about making Thailand your permanent home, then pursuing Thai citizenship is certainly a worthwhile endeavour.