Permanent Residence: Most Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Eligibility Criteria For Thailand’s Permanent Residency?

Not everyone can apply and obtain permanent residency in Thailand. You must fulfill one of the following criteria to be eligible to receive a Thailand Permanent Residence Permit:

Employement Category
You have held a Thailand Work Visa and Work Permit for at least three years before submitting your application, and:

• You have worked at your current company for at least a year when applying for permanent residency.
• You have an Extension of Stay based on Employment.
• You had a monthly salary of at least 80,000 Baht for two consecutive years or filed a tax return of annual income of 100,000 Baht or more for two consecutive years.

Business Category
You have been an executive officer and a signatory of a business registered in Thailand for at least one year, and:

• The company that employs you must have a registered capital of at least 10 million.
• You have earned at least 50,000 Baht per month for two consecutive years before you apply.
• Your company’s business must be deemed as in an area of interest to the Thai economy.

Investment Category
You have invested at least 3 million Baht in a limited or public company in Thailand, a Thai estate enterprise’s security corp, a Thai state-issued security corp, or the Thai stock market.

Expert Category
You have at least a Bachelor’s Degree or higher education and work in a role that requires you to work in Thailand for at least three consecutive years.

Family Category
You have been married to a Thai national. Or you are the parent or child of a Thai citizen.

Other backgrounds and circumstances will be considered by the Thai Immigration Department on a case-by-case basis.

How Can You Apply For Permanent Residency in Thailand?

All applications for a Thai Permanent Residency must be made at a Royal Thai Immigration Office. The application process is as follows:

• Prepare the required documents – To apply for Permanent Residency in Thailand, there’s a large number of documents you need to submit. It is best to gather the documents in advance because there’s a timeframe when the immigration office accepts the applications.
• Wait for the opening dates – You can only submit for permanent residency during the time specified by the immigration office. Usually, they accept applications from October to December. Keep in mind that there’s also a maximum annual quota of 100 persons per country.
• Submit the application – When the application is open, you should submit your application at the local immigration office. You will have to attend an interview and take a multiple-choice test (both are in the Thai language). You will also have to pay a processing fee and submit your fingerprints.
• Wait for your application to be processed – During this time, you will be given a 180-day extension of stay, which lets you stay in Thailand as a legal resident while your application is being processed.
• Receive your house registration book– Once your application has been approved, you will receive a house registration book or the blue book (Ta Bian Ban).
• Register your place of residence – After you receive the blue book, you have to register your place of residence in Thailand at the local Amphur.
• Apply for an alien book – The last thing you need to do is apply for an alien book (red book) at the local police station. This book will be your equivalent of the Thai national ID card. You have to re-register it every year.

Your Thai Permanent Residency never expires. However, it can be revoked. Note that you still have to apply for a re-entry permit if you leave and re-enter Thailand.

What Documents Do You Need To Prepare To Apply For Permanent Residency in Thailand?

The documents required to apply for Permanent Residency depend on your specific circumstances and category. Therefore, it is best to contact the immigration office to ask them which documents are required. You can also talk to an experienced lawyer to help you with the process.

In general, you will have to prepare the following documents:

• Your passport and a copy of all the relevant pages, such as the personal information page, previous Thai Visas, entry and exit stamps, and issue/expiry date.
• 12 passport-size pictures (4×6 cm) of yourself taken within six months of your application. Make sure the photo has a white background. In addition, your entire face should be visible, and you must be staring ahead with a neutral facial expression.
• Completed and signed Permanent Residence application form (TM.9).
• Your original House Registration Book (yellow Tabien Ban) and a copy of it.
• The fee for the application, in cash.
• A copy of your monthly income tax form.
• A copy of your Work Permit.
• Any other documents the Immigration Department requires you to present.