Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining Permanent Residency in Thailand

Permanent Residence in Thailand

Thai Permanent Residency

If you want to stay in Thailand for a long time or even permanently without worrying about your visa expiring, consider applying for Thai permanent residency. Becoming a permanent resident eliminates the need for visa runs and simplifies owning property or establishing a company in Thailand. Additionally, if you aim to become a Thai citizen through naturalization, obtaining permanent residency is a crucial step towards achieving your goal.

Annual Quota and Application Timeframe

There is an annual quota and a specific timeframe to apply for Thai PR. The quota is usually 100 people of each nationality and 50 persons for stateless applicants. Applications can be submitted from October to December annually. In 2023, the dates were from October 16th to December 28th. Interested applicants are advised to start preparing early in the year due to the extensive requirements. The annual quota is published in the Royal Gazette, which provides official confirmation of the application period.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Hold a passport with a Non-immigrant visa stamp and have permission to stay in Thailand for at least 3 consecutive years on an annual visa extension basis until the day of submission. Holders of multiple non-immigrant visas cannot apply.
• Applicants 14 years and older must undergo a criminal background check through fingerprint and identity records.
• Disclose information regarding income, assets, professional knowledge, and family status with a Thai national, or other relevant information.
• Basic proficiency in speaking and understanding Thai is required, and this will be assessed during the interview process.

Application Categories

Applicants must select one of the following categories based on their circumstances:

• Investment Category
• Business Category
• Work Category
• Humanity Reasons Category, including:
  • Spouse providing patronage or being under the patronage of a Thai national or Thai PR holder
  • Child providing patronage or being under the patronage of a Thai national or Thai PR holder
  • Parent providing patronage or being under the patronage of a Thai national or Thai PR holder
• Expert Category
• Others (to be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Criteria for Each Category

Investment Category

Investment of at least 10 million Baht in Thailand, with evidence from a Thai commercial bank. The investment must benefit the Thai economy, with proof of investment. Present proof of investment to the immigration committee within September each year for 3 consecutive years.

Business Category

Hold an executive position in a Thai-registered company with at least 10 million Baht in capital, authorized as a signatory for at least 1 year until submission. Earn at least 50,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until submission, with evidence of income tax payment. The business must be of interest to the Thai economy, with specific conditions applied.

Work Category

Permission to work in Thailand (Work Permit) for at least 3 years until submission. Employed by the same company for at least 1 year until submission. Earn at least 80,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until submission or have paid personal income tax of at least 100,000 Baht for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until submission.

Humanity Reasons Category

• Spouse providing patronage: Legally married for at least 2 years with a biological child, or 5 years if childless (with medical evidence if infertile). Must have adequate income of at least 30,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until submission, with proof of tax payment.
• Child providing patronage to Thai parent(s): Must be the biological child of the Thai parent(s).
• Parent providing patronage to Thai child: Must be the biological parent of the child and hold a birth certificate. The child must be single and under 20 years old. If over 20, a valid reason such as being an undergraduate student or suffering from an illness must be provided. Must earn at least 30,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until submission, with proof of tax payment.

Expert Category

Bachelor’s degree minimum with abilities beneficial to Thailand. Certification from a related government authority. Work certificate showing at least 3 consecutive years of service until submission.

Case-by-case Category

Applicant must have produced benefits to Thailand or the Thai government or been selected by a nationally recognized institution for works of national interest. Other qualifications as deemed appropriate by the Immigration Committee.

Application Process and Interview

After submitting the application, the applicant will receive permission to stay in Thailand for 180 days each time until the result is announced. An interview will be scheduled to assess Thai language proficiency. Failure to attend the interview on the scheduled date without a valid reason will result in the application’s cancellation. The interview includes a test of understanding Thai language: speaking and listening. Applicants over 14 years old must undergo criminal background checks, including fingerprinting, blacklist checks, and checks for foreign warrants.

Application Fees

• Application fee: 7,600 Baht (non-refundable, whether permission is granted or not)
• Residence permit fee: 191,400 Baht
• Reduced residence permit fee for spouse, parent, or child under legal age (under 20 years) of a Thai national or Thai PR holder: 95,700 Baht

Submission Locations

In Bangkok: Sub-division 1, Immigration Division 1, The Government Complex, Building B, 2nd Floor, Counter D, 120 Moo 3, Chaeng Wattana Road, Thungsonghong Sub-District, Bangkok 10210 (in other provinces at its local Immigration office).

Application Guidelines and Requirements for Each Category

Detailed information and documents required for each category can be obtained at Sub-Division 1, Immigration Division 1, or the provincial immigration offices. Applicants must submit the applications in person and bring all required documents together with all their passports. Documents in foreign languages must be officially certified by the applicant’s national embassy in Thailand, translated into Thai, and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Conclusion

The process of obtaining Thai permanent residency is complex but highly rewarding, offering numerous benefits that enhance your life in Thailand. For personalized guidance and professional assistance, please contact us. With the right preparation and support, your journey towards Thai permanent residency can be smooth and successful.