What is TM30? Thailand's Address Notification Explained

If you live in Thailand as a foreigner, sooner or later someone will ask you for your TM30 receipt, usually at the worst possible moment, such as at the immigration counter during a visa extension. Here is what TM30 is and how to stay on top of it.

What is TM30?

TM30 is the Notification of Residence for Foreigners. It tells Thai Immigration where a foreign national is staying. The requirement comes from Section 38 of the Immigration Act, and the form is officially called "Form TM.30".

Who has to file it?

The duty is on the owner or manager of the place where you stay, not on you as the foreigner:

• Hotels and guesthouses file it automatically when you check in.
• Rented condos and houses: the landlord or building management files it.
• Staying with a Thai partner, family or friend: the house owner (the "house master") files it.
• Your own condo: you are the owner, so you file it yourself.

Even though the landlord is responsible, in practice the problems land on the foreigner: without a TM30 receipt, immigration may refuse to process your application.

When must it be filed?

Within 24 hours of the foreigner starting to stay at the address. Many immigration offices also expect a new notification after you come back from abroad, or when you move to a new address. Practice differs between provinces, so check with your local office or ask us.

How is it filed?

• Online, through the Immigration Bureau's TM30 online service, once the owner has registered an account.
• In person at the local immigration office, with the owner's ID card or passport, the house registration (Tabien Baan) or condo title deed, the lease, and a copy of the foreigner's passport.
• By post in some provinces.

Keep the receipt slip. It is your proof that the notification was made.

What happens if it is not filed?

The person responsible can be fined, commonly in the range of 800 to 2,000 baht. More importantly for you, a missing TM30 can hold up:

• visa extensions (retirement, marriage, education and others)
• 90-day reports
• re-entry permits and some work permit procedures

TM30 and the 90-day report are not the same thing

TM30 is filed by the owner to say where you live. The 90-day report is filed by you to confirm you are still at that address. You usually need a valid TM30 before you can do your 90-day report. Use our free 90-day report calculator to work out your next due date.

Need help?

Rules and document requirements change and differ between immigration offices. If your landlord has not filed your TM30, or you are not sure whether it is still valid, contact Pro Visa Bangkok. We can check your situation and handle the filing for you.