Apply for Residence Certificate in Thailand

 

Do you want to apply for a Thai Certificate of Residence? Before you do so, do you know what are the other names of this document? It is also known as Yellow Tabien Baan or Yellow House Book! However, it will be more important for you to know about its necessity in Thailand. Also, correct information on the process of application and obtaining a Thai Certificate of Residence is also necessary. This is indeed one of the most sought-after information for foreigners in Thailand.

Before sharing the details of obtaining a Thai Certificate of Residence, let us clear some misconceptions. We often encounter such statements when we interact with people applying for Permanent Residence in Thailand. 

1. A Thai Certificate of Residence may not be a Permanent Residence Certificate by mandate. There are semi-permanent provisions also in this case. Consult with the embassy or a leading Thai immigration agency to have clarity.
2. Please don’t confuse the TM30 receipt with a Certificate of Residence. It is simply a receipt! It is no more than an acknowledgment subject to verification and validation.
3. If you are from the US, your application fee will be different from that your friend from Australia might pay. The cost of application for a Thai Certificate of Residence varies on the basis of the policies of each Consulate.
4. You will never be able to apply for a Thai Certificate of Residence without finishing your 90-day reporting period. Don’t allow agents or agencies to misguide you on this. They often claim that they can help you get the certificate without submitting the 90-day report.
5. You can never use your Thai Certificate of Residence as a Visa. Although it can facilitate the process for you to obtain a Visa, yet, it is not a Visa.

Read ahead to have a clear understanding of the process and concept of a Thai Certificate of Residence.

What is a Thai Certificate of Residence?

A Thai Certificate of Residence is also known as a “Tor Mor 13” or “TM.13” certificate. It is a legal document from the Thai government that attests to a foreigner’s legal right to stay in Thailand.

Who is eligible to apply for a Thai Certificate of Residence?

Although there are various conditions applicable, yet, the following types of persona can apply for a Thai Certificate of Residence:

• Retirees who are at least 50 years old and meet the necessary financial requirements.
• Investors who meet the criteria set by the Board of Investment (BOI) or other relevant government agencies.
• Experts and Skilled Workers working in Thai companies or organizations.
• Spouses and Dependents of eligible foreigners.
• There are other special categories of individuals holding certain types of visas who may be eligible for the Certificate. The details of the special categories are regularly updated by the Thai Immigration Bureau.

What are the benefits of having a Thai Certificate of Residence?

Having a Certificate of Residence can make various administrative processes in Thailand more convenient. You can use this to open a bank account or obtain a driver’s license. Following is the list of several benefits of a Thai Certificate of Residence:

• Legal Residency: It serves as proof of legal residency in Thailand, which can be essential for foreigners living in the country for a longer period.
• Access to Services: Having a Certificate of Residence enables access to various government services and benefits, such as healthcare, education, and certain social welfare programs, that are available only for Thai citizens and legal residents.
• Property Ownership: It is useful during the purchase of certain types of property or land in Thailand. Foreigners can ease certain property ownership restrictions through this certificate.
• Banking and Financial Transactions: Some banks and financial institutions may require a Certificate of Residence for opening accounts, obtaining loans, or engaging in financial transactions.
• Work and Business: It can be beneficial for individuals working or doing business in Thailand, as it may be necessary for work permits, visas, and other legal requirements.
• School Enrollment: Foreign children residing in Thailand may need this certificate to enroll in local schools and access educational facilities.
• Long-Term Stay: For those seeking a long stay in Thailand, this certificate can facilitate the renewal of long-term visas.
• Documentation: It serves as an official document of your residence address in Thailand, which can be useful for various administrative purposes.

It’s important to note that the specific benefits and requirements of a Thai Certificate of Residence may vary depending on your immigration status, the region within Thailand, and government policies. 

How can I apply for a Thai Certificate of Residence?

The application process may vary depending on your eligibility and location. It’s generally advisable to contact the Immigration Bureau in Thailand or consult with a Thai legal advisor for guidance on the application process.

What documents will you need to Apply for a Thai Certificate of Residence?

To apply for a Thai residence certificate, you will typically need to provide several documents. Keep in mind that specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the local immigration office’s policies. However, here is a general list of documents that you will need to apply for a Thai residence certificate:

• Application Form: You will need to complete the application form provided by the local immigration office.
• Passport: A valid passport with a non-immigrant visa.
• Proof of Address: You may need to provide proof of your current address in Thailand, such as a rental agreement or a utility bill in your name.
• Income or Financial Documents: Some immigration offices may require proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself while residing in Thailand. This can include bank statements, a letter from your employer (if you’re employed in Thailand), or evidence of a pension or retirement income.
• Health Insurance: Some regions in Thailand may require proof of health insurance coverage that meets their specific criteria.
• Criminal Background Check: Depending on your visa type and nationality, you may be asked to provide a police clearance certificate or a criminal background check from your home country.
• Passport Photos: Typically, you will need recent passport-sized photos of yourself.
• Additional Documents: Depending on your specific situation, the immigration office may request additional documents, such as marriage certificates (if applicable), birth certificates, or evidence of any dependents.
• Translation and Notarization: If any of your documents are not in Thai, you may need to have them translated into Thai and notarized.

What is the fee to apply for a Thai Certificate of Residence?

Yes, there is typically a fee associated with obtaining a Certificate of Residence. The fee may vary depending on the type of residence permit you hold and other factors. In general, it is THB 1500 but can vary depending upon the policy of your Consulate.

How long does it take after Applying for Thai Certificate of Residence?

The processing time can vary, but it may take several weeks or even months to receive a Certificate of Residence. It’s advisable to apply well in advance if you have plans that require this document.

Can I use a Thai Certificate of Residence for Visa purposes?

While it may be helpful in certain visa applications, the Certificate of Residence itself is not a visa. You should consult with Thai immigration authorities or your embassy/consulate for visa-related matters.

What if I lose my Thai Certificate of Residence?

If you lose your Certificate of Residence, you should report it to the authorities and follow the necessary steps to obtain a replacement.

The Bottomline

We hope that by now you have a clear understanding of the purpose of a Thai Certificate of Residence along with the process to obtain the same. 

To sum up, an official document with your present address is called a residency certificate, which can be permanent or semi-permanent in nature. In the case of semi-permanent identity, it will be subject to renewal. You can receive the certificate from the neighborhood immigration office or the embassy that is in charge of representing your native country. Please be aware that a TM30 receipt is not a certificate of residence.
Feel free to contact us for more details on the same and to avail of our professional support to apply for Thai Certificate of Residence, email us at officer@konradlegal.com. Our team of expert Thai immigration specialists will communicate back within 1 Thai working day.

Work Permit in Thailand from Board of Investment (BOI)

 

The Board of Investment (BOI) is a government agency in Thailand that promotes and facilitates investment in the country. If you are looking to obtain a work permit in Thailand through BOI, it is typically related to employment with a company that has received BOI privileges and incentives. Through a Board of Investment (BOI) approved company, you can apply for a business visa in Thailand along with a work permit to start a business and relocate to Thailand. This article will guide you through the process of applying for and obtaining a BOI Thailand Work Permit.

Why Apply for BOI Thailand Work Permit?

A firm approved by Thailand’s BOI may have 100% foreign ownership and do physical business in Thailand. Whereas, conventional Thai companies have foreign ownership restrictions to a maximum of 49%. In addition, depending on location and type, a BOI firm may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate for the first 8 years of operation as well as an exemption from V.A.T. for importing machinery.

Unlike conventional Thai companies, BOI companies are not constrained to a 4:1 ratio. Therefore, this makes it easier for BOI-promoted companies to bring in foreign employees. Owing to this reason, the process of obtaining a work permit becomes easier.

In the process of obtaining a BOI Thailand Work Permit, your pre-requisite is holding a Non-immigrant B Visa. You can apply for the same from Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Thai Consulates located in your country.

Without this, obtaining a BOI work permit in Thailand as a foreigner is not possible. Note that, the exact requirements may vary depending on your specific situation and the policies in place at the time of your application. 

Steps to obtain a BOI Thailand Work Permit: 

Find Employment

You need to secure a job with a company that has received BOI privileges. BOI privileges are often granted to companies operating in certain industries, such as manufacturing, technology, and services. Make sure your potential employer is eligible for these privileges.

Apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa

Once you have a job offer from a BOI-promoted company, you’ll need to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa (Type B) at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need various documents, including an employment contract and a letter from the BOI-promoted company confirming your employment.

Arrive in Thailand

After receiving your Non-Immigrant Visa, you can enter Thailand. You must do this within a certain timeframe after obtaining the visa.

Submit Work Permit Application

Your employer will need to submit a work permit application on your behalf to the Department of Employment within the Ministry of Labor in Thailand. This application will include various documents such as your employment contract, educational qualifications, and medical certificate.

Medical Checkup

You may be required to undergo a medical checkup at an approved hospital or clinic in Thailand. This is to ensure you are in good health and not carrying any infectious diseases.

Police Clearance Certificate

You may also need to provide a police clearance certificate from your home country or the country where you have lived in the past.

Work Permit Approval

Once your work permit application is approved, you will receive a work permit book.

Notification of Stay

You will need to report your place of residence to the local immigration office within 24 hours of your arrival in Thailand and whenever you change your address.

Renewal and Reporting

Work permits typically need to be renewed annually. You and your employer will need to ensure that all reporting requirements are met throughout your employment in Thailand.

Please note that immigration and work permit requirements in Thailand can change, and it’s essential to check with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or consult with a legal advisor who specializes in Thai immigration and labor laws for the most up-to-date information and guidance regarding the BOI work permit process.

The process can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s advisable to seek professional assistance to navigate the application successfully. Therefore, once you receive a job offer from a prospective BOI company in Thailand, you can contact us for the rest of the procedure. Email us at officer@konradlegal.com to steadfast your process of obtaining a BOI Thailand work permit.

How to Apply for Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand?

 

Do you have a plan to live and work as a digital nomad in Thailand? Or perhaps you want to go to Thailand to work remotely for multinational corporations. In either case, you should know about and apply for a Thai Remote Working Visa to work and live as a digital nomad in Thailand. 

In response to the rise of remote employment, Thailand has introduced a digital nomad visa to tempt foreigners who seek to work and live in the country for an extended period of time. In this article, we'll cover all you need to know about the Thai Remote Working Visa, such as how to apply, what requirements you must meet, how helpful the visa is, and what it's like to live and work as a digital nomad in Thailand.

Remote Working or Digital Nomad Visa

The "digital nomad visa," a recently established visa category in Thailand, enables citizens of any nation to dwell and conduct business there. The validity period is one year while working online. Independent contractors and remote workers can benefit from this visa. Applicants must fulfill many requirements in order to be eligible for this visa. Also, it may take a few weeks to finish the application procedure. If the applicants complete the necessary requirements, the visa may be renewed for another year.

Who can get a Remote Working Visa in Thailand?

These requirements allow digital nomads to stay and work in Thailand for up to a year. People can benefit from the local way of life while working remotely. The fact that any foreign national can qualify for Thailand's Digital Nomad Visa is the best part. Applicants must meet a number of requirements, including:

• Have employment or a reliable source of income from overseas that pays at least 50,000 Baht per month. 
• Hold a passport that is still valid for at least another year 
• Should not have any type of criminal record.
• Must be able to show proof of health insurance throughout their stay in Thailand. The insurance must cover both COVID-19 and general medical care.
• Obtain a COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of leaving for Thailand and complete a health examination.
• Must agree to abide by Thai laws and regulations. This includes reporting to immigration officials every 90 days and giving them 24 hours notice of any change of address.

Do you meet all the prerequisites and conditions? You may now be interested in learning how to apply for a Thai Remote Working Visa. It's all covered in the following portion of this post!

How to Apply for a Thai Remote Working Visa?

• Complete all necessary paperwork. This includes the current passport, evidence of health and travel insurance, and a criminal background check. Additionally, documentation of a job or self-employment as a digital nomad is also mandatory.
• Complete the online application form and pay the application fee.
• Send in your application, and then wait for the Thai government to assess it. This procedure could take up to 30 days.
• You will be given a Certificate of Entry if your application is accepted. Henceforth, you can come to Thailand and apply for a visa here.
• You must renew the visa at the neighborhood immigration office every 90 days for a maximum of one year of validity.

You can apply for your Thai Digital Nomad Visa and start working remotely in Thailand now that you are aware of the procedures. But it will always be wise to go for a consultation with the best immigration professionals and lawyers in Thailand. Simply email us at officer@konradlegal.com to get the best services to facilitate your application for a Thai Remote Working Visa.

Cost of Thailand Long-term Resident Visa 2023

 

Sometimes it is for business, whereas, sometimes for a peaceful life after retirement – these are the primary reasons why many foreigners approach us for Thailand Long-term Resident Visa. The volume of applications for long-term visas increased greatly after the COVID restrictions got lifted up last year. A few reasons why foreigners prefer a long-term visa in Thailand are as follows:

1. A visa with 10-year validity that you can extend further
2. The requirement to report to immigration once a year instead of every 90 days
3. Avail fast track service at international airports in Thailand
4. Obtain multiple re-entry permit
5. Permission to work in Thailand on a digital work permit
6. Personal income tax rate reduction to 17% for highly skilled professionals
7. Exemption from the four Thais to one foreigner employment requirement ratio

Apart from these reasons, we come across many other requirements that the Thai long-term visa addresses effectively for foreigners.

If you know the details already, to know the Cost of Obtaining a Thailand Long-term Resident Visa straight – Click Here!

The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn made a great announcement recently, which is as follows:

The new long-term resident visa is aimed at enhancing Thailand’s attractiveness to ‘high-potential’ foreigners as a regional hub to live and do business. Also, it will embrace a crucial role to promote Thailand as a ‘Remote Worker Friendly’ destination and help us tap this targeted segment. It is expected to attract foreign talent and expertise that can contribute to domestic spending and support economic growth. With the long-term resident visa, the Thai government wants to bring one million wealthy and talented foreigners to Thailand in the next five years.

Source: TATNews, Thailand

Doesn’t this announcement makes the long-term visa for remote workers and digital nomads a great option to immigrate to Thailand? 

So, if you  are a businessperson, retire, remote worker, digital nomad, or investor, you can apply for a Thai long-term resident visa if you hold the following qualifications:

Wealthy Citizens, Investors, or Business Persons

• Hold total assets of not less than US$1 million
• Must have a personal income of not less than US$80,000 per year in the past two years
• Potential to invest in Thailand to the value of not less than US$500,000

Retirees

• Must be at least 50 years old 
• Have investment worth US$250,000 in Thai Government bonds
• Have a minimum annual income of at least US$40,000 or a pension of at least US$80,000

Remote Workers or Digital Nomads

• Have a personal income of at least US$80,000 per year in the past two years
• Hold a work experience of not less than five years
• Work for a legally registered company that has an income of at least US$150 million

Skilled Workers

• Have a personal income of not less than US$80,000 per year
• Hold the necessary skills to address the requirements of the Thai target industries
• Have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in the same domain

Along with the above, applicants have to satisfy any of the following 3 conditions:

• Subscribe for health insurance with coverage worth US$50,000 for at least the first 10 months of their stay in Thailand; or,
• Have a social security certificate covering medical expenses; or,
• Make a cash deposit of at least US$100,000 in a domestic or foreign bank account for the 12 months preceding the visa application.

Now if you fall into any of these categories and meet the eligibility criteria, then you must know about the cost of a Thailand long-term Resident Visa. When we talk about the cost, there is good news for all applicants.

A new long-term resident visa with price revision was declared by the Thai government in May 2022. Foreigners with LTR visas are only partially subject to income tax while they are in Thailand or if they choose to work there. The cost of a 10-year long-term resident visa will be reduced by half, from 100,000 baht to 50,000 baht, according to a statement from the Thai Cabinet. By doing this, the kingdom hopes to entice “high potential” foreigners to live there.

High potential, refers to the potential to invest or the potential to work and contribute to the growth of the Thai economy. Therefore, if you have the funds, skills, or mindset of adding some positive values to the economic growth and development of the Thai Economy, you can go for a long-term visa in Thailand. 
For any and all types of assistance in the process of issuance of a Thailand Long-term Resident Visa, feel free to contact us at officer@konradlegal.com. 

Elite Visa vs Permanent Residence in Thailand

Many people desire to settle permanently in Thailand. It’s one of South East Asia’s most sought-after travel destinations. Foreigners who travel to the Land of Smiles frequently will eventually look for places to stay for an extended period of time. They enquire as to whether long-term visas are available or if they can apply to become Thai Permanent Residents. If this describes you, we will now address all of your concerns.

There are two options for long-term visas: the Elite Card Membership and long-term residency. They are not the same thing, though. In Thailand, there are different requirements for applying for and maintaining legal permanent residency than there are for Elite Card membership.

• What is Elite Visa or Elite Card Program in Thailand?
  • Benefits of Thai Elite Visa
  • Work Permit for Thailand Elite Visa
• Permanent Residence in Thailand
  • Benefits of Permanent Residence in Thailand
  • How to Become a Permanent Resident in Thailand?
• Long-term Residence in Thailand: Recent Updates
• Difference between Permanent Residence and Elite Card in Thailand
• Permanent Residence or Elite Visa in Thailand?

What is Elite Visa or Elite Card Program in Thailand?

A long-term visa in increments of 5, 10, 15, or 20 years can be obtained by enrolling in Thailand’s Elite Card program. It begins at 500,000 baht for five years and rises to 2,000,000 baht for twenty years. There are eight different membership options, each of which offers different advantages.

The holder of this five-year multiple-entry visa, known formally as a “Privilege Entry Visa,” is applicable to enter and exit the country without obtaining further authorization. An annual stay is valid with each visa entry. At the Thai immigration office, visa holders who don’t wish to leave Thailand within a year can prolong their stay.

Those who don’t fall into a specific category yet wish to stay in Thailand permanently can benefit from this visa. For instance, they don’t meet the requirements for a retirement visa, don’t have business interests in Thailand, don’t have a Thai spouse, don’t want to attend school in Thailand, etc. These persons benefit from the Elite card. The Thailand Elite Visa enables the user to take advantage of a protracted stay in Thailand without worrying about extra costs like returning and forth to extend the validity of the visa or applying for a visa at each arrival.

Thailand Elite provides international travelers with the greatest national membership program. It is the only country membership program that provides rewards for business, leisure, and immigration. Thailand Elite can provide members amenities when they arrive in Thailand because it is a state-owned organization and a division of the Thai Tourism Authority.

Benefits of Thai Elite Visa

From the moment you arrive, you will benefit from VIP services and benefits as a member of Thailand Elite. These benefits are available to Thailand Elite members:

• Elite Personal Assistant service for airports
• Exclusive fast-track immigration lanes for arrival and departure
• Exclusive arrival/departure lounge
• Elite Personal Liaison to handle government requirements like the 90-day report and driver’s license submission and processing
• Opening bank accounts assistance
• 24/7 Elite Member Contact Center to help Thailand Elite members with service bookings, questions, and emergency contacts
• Legal, insurance, real estate assistant
• Discounts and booking at Thailand Elite partner hospitals, spas, restaurants, golf courses, and department stores, including King Power duty-free

Work Permit for Thailand Elite Visa

Thailand Elite may apply for work permits through the Elite Flexible Plus program.

The New Flexible Plus Program for Thailand Elite is for members who are willing to work and invest in Thailand. A minimum 10-year Thailand Privilege Card membership comes with a 1-million-baht membership fee.

Permanent Residence in Thailand

One may apply for permanent residence in Thailand after a specific period of time in the visa and work permit status. Once granted permanent status, one is free from the need for additional visas. You have to renew your non-immigrant visa on an annual basis. These visas consist of business, marriage, education, and retirement visas.

Despite being perpetual, it does not grant authorization to work. However, for each new job, you still need a work permit, even if you have permanent status. The rules for work permits are more lenient for permanent residents.

The residence permit is perpetual. However, it is revocable. However, re-entry permission (endorsement) is mandatory if you plan to leave and enter Thailand again.

If you have been a Permanent Resident for ten years, you can apply for Thai Citizenship.

Benefits of Permanent Residence in Thailand

Thailand offers a number of advantages for permanent residents, including:

• Without requesting an extension, you are permitted to remain in Thailand permanently.
• You can purchase a condo without a bank transfer by using your name on the paperwork for registering your home.
• Having permanent residency makes it simpler to obtain a work visa.
• Thai public business directors are electable.
• You are able to naturalize as a Thai citizen.
• For non-Thai family members, you can even seek a stay extension and permanent residency.

There is a quota on the annual number of applications from each nationality under the existing system of permanent residency in Thailand. Each year, Thailand allows 100 permanent citizens from each nation. Additionally, there is a “window” of time during which they accept applications for permanent residence before it shuts until the next year.

How to Become a Permanent Resident in Thailand?

To become a permanent resident of Thailand, you must fulfill the following conditions:

• You must have held a Thai non-immigrant visa for three years prior to applying. Three additional annual extensions must be consecutive.
• You must fit one of these categories:
  • Working/Business: Investment (minimum 3-10M Baht in Thailand).
  • Humanity Reasons or support a family category: You must be related to a Thai citizen or immigrant who already has a residence visa as a husband, wife, father, mother, or guardian of a Thai kid under 20.
  • Academic/Expert category: Those who want to work in Thai state universities, government research institutes, or state training institutes. To qualify as a foreign specialist (expert), the applicant must provide a Thai or foreign employment contract. In addition, before applying for a long-term visa, they must also have worked in “designated industries” for at least five to ten years.

You’ll get a blue book after the approval of your application for permanent residency in Thailand. After that, register your Thai address at the neighborhood Amphur to receive a house card. After a week, you can go to the neighborhood police station to apply for an alien (red book), which is the Thai national ID card equivalent. For this ID, re-registration is mandatory every year.

Long-term Residence in Thailand: Recent Updates

The cost of a long-term residency visa was cut in half by the Thai cabinet to 50,000 baht. However, this visa is for foreigners who are “competent” and desire to stay in Thailand for ten years. So, foreigners with high levels of skill can now apply for visas and pay 50,000 THB to live in Thailand for ten years. Additionally, they can also have up to four kids with their partners (under 20).

However, one needs to demonstrate that they have an income of $80,000 or more annually for at least two years before applying in order to get recognition as a high earner.

Those who participate in the program must have medical insurance with a minimum face value of $50,000 and a minimum term of ten months. Furthermore, a social security certificate that covers their medical costs in Thailand may also be provided. Please note that the applicant may alternatively utilize a $100k cash deposit held for 12 months as a substitute in a domestic or overseas bank account.

Difference between Permanent Residence and Elite Card in Thailand

In Thailand, there are different requirements for applying for and maintaining legal permanent residency than there are for Elite Card membership.

Once granted permanent residency, a person is no longer required to leave the nation and has few legal responsibilities. With the Elite card, such is not the case. While Elite cards do not expire, permanent residency does. Permanent residency, however, is reversible.

Like a protracted tourist visa, the Elite Card. Although elite status can persist for a long time, it is not a right to live there permanently in Thailand.

A visa is not a status of permanent residence. To obtain it, one must already have a visa.

Elite card status is not a prerequisite for seeking Thai citizenship; permanent residency is. It is not regarded as residency and is therefore one of the requirements to seek naturalization Thai citizenship because it is essentially a very lengthy tourist visa.

Obtaining a work permit while in Elite status depends on the situation and necessitates dealing with immigration once more. Work authorization is required with permanent residency as well, but the procedure is much simpler.

In contrast to Elite status, which does not require a re-entry permit (endorsement) to enter or exit the country, permanent residency requires specific actions to exit the country.

How to Decide whether a Permanent Residence or Elite Visa in Thailand?

The said documents serve a specific set of purposes. Whether you need a Permanent Residence or an Elite Visa in Thailand, completely depends on your objective to move to Thailand. After going through the previous section of this article, you must have been able to identify the difference between the two types of documents. For example, if you are seeking to have Thai citizenship in the future, you must apply for Permanent Residence, as in that case, Elite Visa is not going to help you.

Therefore, if you are planning to have any of the said documents, feel free to consult us as we will be able to provide you with the following support in your application process:

• Complete the documentation on your behalf.
• Translation of the documents.
• Notarization of your documents.
• Assist you in obtaining the tax documents.
• Linguistic support, if you are unable to communicate in the Thai language, many issues may turn up.

There may be many more perspectives and options on which we can support your Permanent Residence or Elite Visa application in Thailand. Therefore, book a free round of consultation with us today by emailing your requirement to officer@konradlegal.com.

TM 9 Form in Thailand for Permanent Residence

 Are you planning to stay in Thailand permanently? It will be a great decision! It is because Thailand is highly favorable and attractive in terms of food, climate, culture, nature, and people for people from anywhere in the world. Obtaining a Permanent Residence Visa in Thailand is the simplest way to stay in Thailand longer. This eliminates the liabilities of a visa renewal or extension. For that filing the TM 9 Form correctly for Permanent Residence in Thailand is a very crucial factor.

But, to have this accomplished, you must know about the Documentation process of the same. The most important part of the document preparation process is filling up the TM9 form correctly.

• Qualification to Fill Up TM 9 Form
• How does the Thai Government consider TM 9 Applications?
• Fees for Permanent Residence Application
• Important Points to Remember – TM 9 Application Filing
• Role of Immigration Lawyer

Mandatory Qualification to Fill Up TM 9 Form in Thailand

A foreign national may qualify to apply for a residence permit if he/she –

1. holds a passport of his/her current nationality, which was granted a NON-IMMIGRANT VISA. Additionally, he/she has permission to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand on the basis of a one-year visa extension. This must be for at least 3 consecutive years up to an application submission date. 

2. holds personal qualifications that fit one of the following categories: 

• Investment Category 
• Working/Business category 
• Humanity Reasons category: He/she must have a relationship with a Thai citizen or an alien who already holds a residence permit as the followings: 
  • A legal husband or wife. 
  • A legal father or mother. 
  • A child who is under 20 years of age up to the application submission date must be single. 
• Expert Category 
• Extra circumstances on a case-by-case basis – For more information

Process of Considering TM9 Applications in Thailand

1. The applications will be submitted for consideration by The Immigration Commission which consists of representatives from The Ministry of Interior, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Royal Thai Police Headquarters, The Ministry of Labour, the Office of the Attorney General, The Board of Investment of Thailand, The Secretariat of the National Security Council, The Tourism Authority of Thailand, and The Immigration Bureau with the final approval by The Prime Minister and The Minister of Interior. 
2. To grant approval for the residence permit application, The Immigration Commission will take into its consideration the applicants’ qualifications in terms of income, assets, knowledge, professional expertise, relationship with a Thai citizen, national security, personality, health, the understanding of Thai language, and other appropriate conditions due to current economic and social surroundings, and government policy. 
3. Timing for the consideration process varies each year, depending on the policy of The Immigration Commission and The Ministry of Interior.

Fees for Permanent Residency in Thailand

A non-refundable fee for each application is 7,600 baht. The application fee is not refundable irrespective of the grant of the PR permission. 

After the approval of an application, the fee for the residence permit is 191,400 baht. However, the residence permit fee for spouses and children (under 20 years of age) of aliens who already had a residence permit or Thai citizens is 95,700 baht. 

Now if you are eligible according to the mentioned guidelines, capable of paying the fees, and have no records of bankruptcy, legal blacklisting, or contempt of court in your nation, you are free to move forward with the TM9 Application Form for Permanent Residence in Thailand.

To start with, let us make the form available for you! Download the TM9 Form for Permanent Residence in Thailand from the section below.

2.5แบบ-ตม.9Download

What to keep in mind while filling up TM 9 Application Form for PR in Thailand?

1. Your TM 9 application form is incomplete without the complete set of documents required with the form.
2. All the details that you provide in the form must have documental proof.
3. All documents that you submit with the TM 9 form in Thailand must be issued not more than 3 months earlier than your date of application for the PR.
4. Documents that you submit must have a translated Thai copy with it along with notarization.
5. Primarily, you must be able to produce the following documents along with your TM 9 application form –
   • A medical certificate issued by a hospital in the 3 months prior to the application date.
   • Proof of no criminal record from your home country and certified by your embassy. If your country has criminal record checks with and without fingerprints, you’ll probably need the one with a fingerprint check.
   • Maps in the Thai language of your place of residence and work.
   • Photographs of the exterior and interior of your home and workplace.
   • Copies of annual personal income tax forms with receipts for the previous 3 years.
   • Copy of each month’s personal income tax forms with receipts (PND 1) from January of the year of application until the month before applying.
   • Copy of Value Added Tax (VAT) registration of the company.
   • List of company shareholders.
   • Company balance sheets and income tax with receipts (PND 50) for the previous 3 years.
   • Copy of passport showing 3 years of travel history to Thailand.
   • Copy of work permit.
   • Personal Information sheet and the applicant’s portfolio, which includes detailed information about family background, knowledge and ability, working experience, special ability, social work, workplace, and residence together with a photo.

It is highly recommended that you consult an Immigration Law Firm to guide you throughout the process of acquiring permanent residence in Thailand. 

Do you need an Immigration Lawyer?

It is completely your decision whether to take assistance from an Immigration Law firm or not. Although there is no assurance that the assistance of an immigration law firm will be able to help you get approval for the PR. However, statistics signify that consulting a law firm increases your chance of getting approval.

At Konrad Legal Company Limited, we have an experienced and professional legal team who can give you free consultation pertaining to PR applications. And will assist you all the way to your application should you decide to avail yourself of our legal assistance. Moreover, with lots of document work, you may get exhausted running from one public office to another, especially if you have your job to do during the daytime. 

Some of the major reasons that make it necessary for you to hire an Immigration Lawyer – 

1. Lawyers can evaluate your qualifying chance for Permanent Residence. Additionally, your precious time won’t be wasted reading through the different categories and the associated qualifications and requirements. Immigration lawyers of a reputed firm like Konrad Legal have all the information at their fingertips.  

2. The documentation and application process to obtain a Permanent Residence in Thailand is very cumbersome. Additionally, you will need legal support in fulfilling the notarization, translation, and attestation tasks. Therefore, to put the right papers in the right place, you will need an immigration lawyer. 

3. If you are not of Thai nationality, language is going to create a hindrance in your process of applying for a Permanent Residence Visa in Thailand. You have to interact with officials during the application process which includes your visits to the tax office, revenue office, or immigration booth. Nevertheless, not all officials may be comfortable speaking in English. So a local Immigration Lawyer or Law Firm will make things simpler for you in this regard.

Additionally, it is very tiresome to keep yourself updated with all the announcements and news related to the PR Visa. A seasoned immigration law firm, being in the industry, always stays updated in the process.

If you are seriously thinking to settle permanently in Thailand, express your interest to us. Therefore, email us at officer@konradlegal.com to get complete assistance on Permanent Residence Visa, from application to issuance, in Thailand.