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How To Get Permanent Residency In Thailand

27-Mar-2023

5 min read

If you plan to stay in Thailand for the long term, the Permanent Resident Visa might be the perfect option. This visa allows you to stay in Thailand permanently. If you wish to apply for this visa, you'll have to apply at the Thai Immigration Department in person. However, I'll cover the application process in depth in this post.

How much is a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa? 7 600 Thai Baht.

Permanent Resident visa validity: Permanent.

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What Is A Thailand Permanent Resident Visa?

A Thailand Permanent Resident Visa is a visa that allows you to live in Thailand permanently. The Thai government issues this visa to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a work permit or investment in Thailand. The Thailand Permanent Resident Visa allows individuals to live and work in Thailand without needing to renew their visa or leave the country periodically, as is required with other types of visas.

Only 100 people per country are granted the Permanent Resident Visa each year.

Benefits Of A Thailand Permanent Residence Visa

With a Thailand Permanent Resident visa, you can:

  • Stay in Thailand indefinitely without having to apply for visa extensions.
  • Work and invest in the country without obtaining a work permit
  • Purchase property
  • Bring your family members to live with you in Thailand.

Additionally, you'll have access to Thai healthcare and education facilities, and you'll be eligible for a Thai driving license.

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What Are The Eligibility Criteria for Thailand Permanent Resident Visa?

To be eligible for the Thailand Permanent Resident Visa, you must:

  • Have held a Thailand Work Visa and Work Permit for at least three years and have an Extension of Stay based on Employment at the time of application.
  • Have worked at your current company for at least one year at the time of application.
  • Have a monthly salary of at least 80,000 Baht for two consecutive years, or you filed a tax return for an annual income of at least 100,000 Baht for two consecutive years.
  • Have invested at least 3 Million Baht in a limited or public company in Thailand (Thailand pr by investment).
  • Be a close family member of a Thai citizen (parent, child, or spouse).
  • Have at least a BA Degree and are employed in a position where you must work for at least three consecutive years.

What Are The Documents Required for Thailand Permanent Resident Visa?

You need to submit certain travel documents when you apply for your visa. The mandatory documents required for a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa include:

  • Your passport, along with a copy of all the relevant pages of your passport.
  • Passport-size pictures of yourself (include about 12).
  • A completed and signed application form for Permanent Residence in Thailand (TM.9).
  • A copy of your Thailand Work Permit.
  • A Certificate of Work Background issued by the Alien Occupational Control Division of the Department of Employment.
  • A copy of your monthly income tax form.
  • A copy of your financial statements for the previous 3 years.

Additional documents may be required based on your application type. Please take a look at the list of required documents provided by the Immigration Bureau

What Are The Passport Photo Requirements For A Permanent Resident Visa For Thailand?

When submitting your passport photo, you need to make sure that your photo meets the requirements. The requirements are as follows:

  • The photo must have been taken within the last six months.
  • Dimensions: 4 x 6 cm.
  • Your photo must have a white background.
  • You must be staring ahead with a neutral facial expression.
  • Your entire face has to be visible.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required For A Thai Permanent Resident Visa?

You need at least 20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family. Only original Bank statements and Bank Solvency letters are acceptable.

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How To Apply For A Thailand Permanent Resident Visa?

The application process for the Thailand Permanent Resident Visa can be lengthy and complicated. However, by following the steps below, you can make the process more manageable:

Note: You have to apply for a Thailand Residence Permit at a local Thai Immigration Office.

Step 1: Gather the required documents

If you forget one of the required documents, your visa will be rejected. So, you have to start gathering them in advance, especially because there is a timeframe when applications are accepted.

Step 2: Wait for the opening dates

There is a window of time during which you can submit your application. Usually, this is from October to December. You can only apply for your visa during this window. So, make sure you know exactly when it is and that you have everything ready.

Remember that they only give the visa to the first 100 people to apply from every country.

Step 3: Submit the application to your local Immigration Department

Next, you have to submit your application during the time frame. While submitting your application, you have to:

  • Attend an interview as well as take a multiple-choice test, both of which are in the Thai language.
  • Pay the Permanent Residence for Thailand processing fee.
  • Scan your fingerprints.

Step 4: Wait for the processing

While the Immigration Department processes your visa, you will receive a 180-day extension of stay, which allows you to remain a legal resident in Thailand.

Landmark pagoda in doi Inthanon national park at Chiang mai, Thailand

What Are The Thailand Permanent Resident Visa Fees?

The Thailand permanent residency cost is 7 600 Thai Baht. However, keep in mind that there might be additional fees you have to pay (service fees).

How Long Can I Stay In Thailand With A Permanent Resident Visa?

A Thailand Permanent Resident Visa allows you to stay in Thailand permanently.

How Long Does It Take To Process A Permanent Residence For Thailand Application?

The processing time for a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa is around 5 to 6 months. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all necessary documents are submitted and that the application is complete to avoid delays in the processing time.


That's It!

Now you're ready to become a Thai permanent resident! By following the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and using a trusted visa application platform such as Atlys, you can make the process of applying for a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa more straightforward and stress-free.

The information in this post are from reliable sources like the Thailand Immigration Bureau website.

The information in this post is fact-checked and written with AI assistance.

Written By: Laliq Schuman
Fact Checked By: Nikhita Rathod

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Country Has The Easiest Permanent Resident Visa?

The ease of obtaining Permanent Resident Visas varies from country to country. However, some countries known for having relatively easy Permanent Resident Visa processes include Canada, Australia, and the United States.

Can I Work In Thailand With A Thailand Permanent Resident Visa?

Yes, you can work in Thailand with a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa. However, you must obtain a work permit from the Thai government to work legally in Thailand.

Can I Bring My Family With Me To Thailand On A Thailand Permanent Resident Visa?

Yes, you can bring your family on a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa. In addition, your spouse and unmarried children under 20 years old are eligible for dependent visas.

Do I Need To Speak Thai To Be Eligible For A Thailand Permanent Resident Visa?

No, speaking Thai is not a requirement for a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa. However, it may be helpful to learn some basic Thai in order to navigate daily life in Thailand.

Can I Travel In And Out Of Thailand With A Thailand Permanent Resident Visa?

Yes, you can travel in and out of Thailand with a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa. However, it is important to ensure that your visa remains valid and that you comply with any immigration requirements upon your return to Thailand.

Can I Appeal A Rejection Of My Thailand Permanent Resident Visa Application?

Yes, you can appeal a rejection of your Thailand Permanent Resident Visa application. However, the appeal process can take several months, and it is recommended to consult with a Thai immigration lawyer for assistance.

How Long Do I Need To Live In Thailand Before I Can Apply For Citizenship?

You need to live in Thailand for a minimum of 5 consecutive years before you are eligible to apply for Thai citizenship. However, other requirements must be met, such as passing a Thai language and culture test, having a work permit, and being of good character.

What Are The Different Types Of Thailand Visas?

There are several types of visas available for Indian citizens who wish to travel to Thailand. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Tourist Visa: The tourist visa allows you to visit Thailand for tourism purposes. It is valid for up to 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days.
  • Business visa: This visa is another type of Non-Immigrant Visa, which is specifically designed for individuals who are visiting Thailand for business-related purposes. This type of visa is typically issued for a period of up to 90 days and can be extended once for an additional 90 days if necessary.
  • Non-Immigrant Visa: The non-immigrant visa is for those who wish to visit Thailand for business, work, or study purposes. There are several categories under the Non-Immigrant Visa, including B (business), ED (education), and O (retirement).
  • Transit Visa: This type of visa is for those who are passing through Thailand on their way to another destination.
  • Elite Visa: This is a long-term visa that is valid for up to 20 years. It is designed for high net worth individuals who wish to live and invest in Thailand.

It is important to note that visa requirements and regulations can change over time, so it is always a good idea to check with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in India for the most up-to-date information.

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