Permanent Residence Thailand

If you want to stay in Thailand indefinitely without ever having to worry about your visa expiring again, consider applying for permanent residency in Thailand. By becoming a permanent resident, you will no longer have to agonize over frequent visa runs or meeting complex immigration requirements, and performing certain activities in Thailand such as establishing a company, will become much simpler.

In addition, if you are looking to one day become a Thai citizen through naturalization, having permanent residency is a key step on the path that will help you achieve your goal.

Thailand Permanent Residency Benefits

Acquiring a Residence Permit or Permanent Resident status in Thailand offers other benefits beyond the ability to stay in the country indefinitely. These benefits include:

• There is no requirement to apply for an extension of stay
• No yearly visa renewals
• You can have your name on a house registration document (a requirement for many official purposes)
• It’s easier to obtain a work permit
• You have the ability to buy a condominium in Thailand without needing to transfer money from abroad

It's important to note that you cannot directly own land under your name, not even if you have Permanent Resident status. On the other hand, you can buy condos, own structures on land owned by Thai people, or own land through a Thai limited company of which you are a shareholder.

Thailand Permanent Residency Requirements

While the specifics may vary depending on your reasons for applying (investment, business, expertise, employment, family ties), here’s a general list of documents you would need for a Thai Permanent Residency application:

• A completed application form
• Copies of every page of your valid passport
• A non-immigrant visa that you’ve held and renewed for at least 3 consecutive years prior to applying for Permanent Residency
• Departure and arrival cards
• Personal Data Form
• A health certificate not older than 3 months
• Proof of funds:
  • Bank statements showing a stable and adequate income
  • Letter from the bank confirming your account and balance
  • Salary slips (if employed)
  • Tax statements, specifically a tax return (Por Ngor Dor 91) and a receipt for the tax payment

Depending on the reason for the application, you will be required to provide additional documents and meet certain criteria.

For applications based on investment

• Must have an investment in Thailand of at least 10 million THB with evidence issued by a Thai commercial bank that the investment had been transferred to Thailand from abroad.
• The investment must benefit the Thai economy by some means with proof of investment.

Once Permanent Residency is obtained, you must present the proof of investment to the immigration committee or assigned officer by September of each year for 3 consecutive years.

For applications based on business

• Must hold an executive position in a company registered in Thailand with at least 10 million THB in capital and is authorized as a signatory for at least 1 year prior to the submission date.
• Must earn at least 50,000 THB per month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years prior to the submission date and must present evidence of income tax payment.
• Such business must be of interest to the Thai economy with specific conditions applied.

For applications based on employment

• Must have permission to work in Thailand for at least 3 years prior to the submission date.
• Must have been working in the company stated in the application for at least 1 year prior to the submission date.
• Must earn at least 80,000 THB per month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years prior to the submission date or have been paying personal income tax of at least 100,000 THB for a minimum of 2 consecutive years prior to the submission date.

For applications based on expertise

• Must have graduated with a bachelor’s degree at minimum and possess abilities that are needed or deemed beneficial to the Kingdom.
• Must provide certification from a related government authority.
• Must provide a work certificate with proof of service of at least 3 consecutive years prior to the submission date.

For applications based on family ties

For spouses providing patronage or being under the patronage of the Thai spouse:

• In the case the person providing patronage works in Thailand:
  • Must be legally married for at least 2 years and have a biological child. In case of infertility, medical evidence from the hospital must be presented. Without the evidence, they must have been legally married for at least 5 years prior to the submission date.
  • One party or both parties together must have adequate income to provide patronage of at least 30,000 THB per month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years prior to the submission date and must present proof of tax payment.
• In case the person providing patronage is an elderly:
  • Must be at least 50 years of age at the time of application submission.
  • Must be legally married for at least 2 years prior to the submission date.
  • Must earn at least 65,000 THB per month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years prior to the submission date.

For children providing patronage or being under the patronage of the Thai parent(s):

• In case the child provides patronage to the Thai father or mother:
  • Must be a biological child of the Thai parent(s).
  • The father or mother must be at least 50 years old at the time of submission
  • Must earn at least 30,000 THB per month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years prior to the submission date with proof of tax payment.
• In case the child requests to be under the patronage of the Thai parent(s):
  • The father or mother must be the biological parent of the child and hold a birth certificate.
  • Must be single and under 20 years of age. If the child is over 20 years old on the date of submission, there must be a valid reason to be under the parent’s patronage such as being an undergraduate student or suffering from an illness. Related evidence must be provided.
  • Must earn at least 30,000 THB per month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years prior to the submission date with proof of tax payment.

For the father or mother providing the patronage or being under the patronage of the Thai child:

• In case the father or mother provides patronage for a Thai child:
  • The father or mother must be the biological parent of the child and hold a birth certificate.
  • The child must be single and under 20 years of age. If the child is over 20 years old on the date of submission, there must be a valid reason to be under the parent’s patronage such as being an undergraduate student or suffering from an illness. Related evidence must be provided.
  • Must earn at least 30,000 THB per month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years prior to the submission date with proof of tax payment.
• In case the father or mother requests to be under the patronage of the Thai child:
  • Must be a biological parent of the child.
  • The father or mother must be at least 50 years old at the time of submission.
  • Must earn at least 30,000 THB per month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years prior to the submission date with proof of tax payment.

For applications based on case-by-case

• Must have produced benefits to Thailand, the Thai government or have been selected by a nationally recognized institution as having accomplished works that are of interest to the country with related evidence.
• Other qualifications as deemed appropriate by the Immigration Committee.

Thailand Permanent Residency Application Process

There is an annual quota and a specific timeframe to apply for Thailand Permanent Residency. The quota is usually 100 persons of each nationality and 50 persons for stateless applicants. The application is inclined to open from October or November until the last day of December each year.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be scheduled for an interview appointment where you will have to showcase your Thai language proficiency. If you fail to be present on the appointed date with no valid reason, your application will be canceled.

Once approved, the Blue Book of Residency will be issued to you. You can then register your place of residence in Thailand and proceed to apply for an alien book which is equivalent to a Thai ID card.

Start Your Application With Siam Legal International

When applying for permanent residency in Thailand, it is recommended that you retain the services of an experienced immigration lawyer to guide you through this difficult and competitive process.

Siam Legal International’s team of immigration experts will do whatever it takes to maximize your application’s chance of approval. We will evaluate your eligibility, then prepare, review, and submit your application on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and swift journey toward your new life in Thailand.

Should you have any further questions regarding permanent residency in Thailand or Thai visas, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost for Thailand Permanent Residency status?

The application fee is 7,600 THB. Upon approval, you will need to pay an additional 191,400 THB for the Residence Permit. However, if you are related to a Thailand Permanent Residency holder or married to a Thai national, you will have to pay only 95,700 THB for your Residence Permit.

Are there Thailand Permanent Residency alternatives?

If you are looking for a Thai Permanent Residency alternative, the closest you can get is a long-term visa that can be continually renewed. Fortunately, you have several options.

• If you are married to a Thai national, consider applying for a Thailand Marriage Visa. 
• If you are 50 years of age or over, you can apply for a Thailand Retirement Visa. 
• However, if you have plans to work in Thailand long-term and meet certain financial requirements, the LTR Visa Thailand may be the best fit for you. 
• If you want a long-term visa that comes with a wealth of extra benefits and minimal immigration obligations, consider the Thailand Elite Visa that’s offered under the Thailand Privilege program.

Do I have to learn and speak Thai to get permanent residency in Thailand?

Yes, you will need to display a certain level of proficiency in Thai to qualify for permanent residency in Thailand.

Can I own land with permanent residency in Thailand?

No, you cannot directly own land under your name in Thailand, even with Permanent Resident status. However, you can still buy property in Thailand of certain kinds. You’ll be able to buy condos, own structures on land owned by Thai people, and own land through a limited company in which you are a shareholder.

Can I apply for permanent residency again the following year if I was denied?

Yes, you can apply for permanent residency again the following year from October or November until the last day of December.

The preparation process and required documents for Thailand permanent residency are complex but worth an effort as a successful applicant will gain many benefits which will make your life in Thailand much more convenient. Please contact us for inquiries or professional assistance.