Guide to Obtaining Thai Permanent Residency: Eligibility, Steps, and Benefits

Thailand’s welcoming atmosphere, affordable cost of living, rich cultural experiences, and investment opportunities attract travelers and expatriates, making the Land of Smiles a place they revisit and want to call home. If you have been living in Thailand for a few years or are thinking of relocating there, you may consider applying for Thai permanent residency.

Achieving permanent residency in Thailand involves navigating a complex process. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to obtain Thai permanent residency, detailing the eligibility criteria, application categories, required documents, and necessary procedures to hold this status.

About Thailand Permanent Residency

Obtaining the Thailand Permanent Residency status offers numerous benefits that enhance the quality of life of expatriates. With this status, individuals can enjoy several key advantages, such as:

• Visa-Free Stay: You can stay in Thailand indefinitely without any visa renewals

• Work Opportunities: Easier access to employment and business opportunities.

• Property Ownership: Ability to own property in Thailand.

• Family Benefits: Easier process for family members to obtain residency.

• Pathway to Citizenship: You can apply for Thai citizenship after 5 years.

Check if you are eligible before applying

There is an annual quota for granting Thai permanent residency by the Royal Thai Immigration Commission. A maximum of 100 persons per nationality and 50 stateless persons will be granted residency each year. The application submission period typically opens from October to December each year. To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• Length of Stay: The applicant must hold a passport with a Thai non-immigrant visa stamp for at least three consecutive years prior to the day of application submission.

• Valid Visa: The applicant must maintain their annual visa extension at the time of application.

• Financial Eligibility: The applicant must meet certain financial requirements as specified by each qualification category.

• Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required for applicants aged 14 and above.

Which qualification categories fit you?

Once you have checked your eligibility, it’s time to choose the application category that matches your qualifications.

• Investment Category: You have invested a minimum of 3-10 million baht in Thailand.

• Business Category: You hold an executive position earning at least 50,000 baht per month at a Thai-registered company with 10 million baht in capital for at least two consecutive years.

• Work Category: You have held a Thai work permit for at least three consecutive years, while earning 80,000 baht per month or have been paying at least 100,000 baht in personal income tax for at least two consecutive years.

• Humanitarian Reasons Category:

1. You are a legal husband or wife of a Thai national or a Thai PR holder. 

2. You are a legal father or mother of a Thai national or a Thai PR holder. 

3. You are a child or young adult under 20 years old who is a supporter of a Thai national or a Thai PR holder parent. 

4. You are an expert with a bachelor’s degree and at least three consecutive years of work experience, with proof of service. 

If you do not meet any of the listed categories, your application may still be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially if you’ve made contributions that benefit Thailand.

What are the documents you need to prepare?

Now that you’ve checked your eligibility and selected your qualification category, use the checklist of required documents below to help you prepare and start the application process smoothly:

1. A valid passport

2. Completed TM.9 application form (download from the Immigration Bureau website)

3. Completed personal information sheet (download from the Immigration Bureau website)

4. Passport-sized photos

5. Proof of income

6. Copy of educational certificate

7. Letter of employment history

8. Letter of employment certificate

9. Copies of three years of annual personal income tax (e.g., P.N.D 50)

10. Health certificate (issued by a Thai hospital)

11. Certificate of no criminal record (police clearance certificate from the applicant's home country and from Thailand)

12. Proof of address in Thailand

Please note that you must provide a Thai-translated copy of all documents submitted. For a detailed list of specific documents required by each application category, you can check the full list on the Immigration Bureau website.

For an additional list of specific documents required by each application category, you can check the full list at the Immigration Bureau website.

A step-by-step procedure for application submission      

With a complete list of documents, you can follow this step-by-step procedure to begin your Thai permanent residency application process smoothly:

1. Gather all your documents for application submission.

2. Submit all your documents in person at the Thai Immigration Bureau office.

3. After the application is accepted, you will get an interview appointment with the immigration officer. The interview includes a Thai language speaking and listening test.

4. Your passport and criminal records will be checked by Thailand’s Criminal Record Division and the Immigration Bureau.

5. After all documents are checked by the officials, your application will be submitted for consideration by The Immigration Commission.

The timing for granting Thai permanent residency varies each year, depending on the policy of The Immigration Commission and The Ministry of Interior. After successfully submitting your application, you will be granted permission to stay in Thailand for 180 days each time until the result is officially announced.

If your application is approved, a “blue book” of residency will be issued to you to register your place of residence in Thailand. You will then be able to apply for an “alien book,” which is equivalent to a Thai ID card.

Application fees and related fees: 

• A non-refundable application fee is 7,600 baht. Applicants are liable to pay this fee whether the permanent residency is granted or not. 

• If the application is approved, the fee for the residence permit is 191,400 baht.