Many foreigners stationed in Thailand for many years find themselves really comfortable and they want to secure their stay in Thailand. A perfect option for them is to obtain the status of Permanent Resident. PR in Thailand has many advantages. It allows you to live permanently in Thailand, with no requirement to apply for an extension of stay. You will be able to buy a condominium without making a bank transfer from abroad. And getting a work permit is also made so much easier once you have PR status.
Eligibility Criteria for Permanent Residency in Thailand
In order to be eligible to receive a Thailand Permanent Residence Permit, you must fulfill one of the following criteria:
- Employment:
- You have held a Thailand Work Visa and Work Permit for at least three years;
- You have an Extension of Stay based on Employment at the time of application;
- You have worked at your current company for at least one year at the time of application;
- You had 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.
- Investment:
- You have invested at least 10 Million Baht in Thailand.
- in a Limited Company or Public Limited Company;
- in bonds issued by the government or a state enterprise in which the Ministry of Finance or Bank of Thailand is a guarantor;
- in shares or other instruments in the Thai stock market which have been certified by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- You have invested at least 10 Million Baht in Thailand.
- Family:
- You are a close family member of a Thai citizen (parent, child or spouse)
- Expert:
- You have at least a BA Degree and are employed in a position in which you have to work in for at least three consecutive years (academic category).
- Language:
- You must be able to have some communication skills in Thai - Basic Skills will work
What Are the Benefits of being a Permanent Resident in Thailand?
If you get Permanent Resident status in Thailand, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- You can get a Work Permit more easily;
- You do not need to get a Thai Visa Extension every year;
- You do not have to submit a 90-Day Report;
- You can buy property in Thailand without having the funds transferred from abroad. No FET (foreign exchange transfer) required;
- You can get an Alien Registration Certificate;
- If you have children in Thailand, your children will get Thai citizenship;
- You get your name in the house registration Blue Book (Tabian Baan)
- You can become a director in a Thai Public Company
- You can apply for Thai Citizenship by naturalization after five years
Here Is What You Need To Know About PR In Thailand
The annual quota for granting permanent residency in Thailand is a maximum of 100 persons per nationality. We have a very good relationship with immigration specifically in the PR department and we can usually get your application in for review during the same year. The application period for Thai PR usually starts from October to the end of December of every year.
Government and Administration Fees
Application Fee: (non Refundable) 7,600 THB
Government Approval Fee: 191,400 THB (upon approval of PR)
Documents Required To Apply for Thai Permanent Resident?
When you apply for Permanent Residency in Thailand, you must have several documents which support your application. The documents differ depending on the type of visa you held at the time of making the application. Don’t worry too much we are here to help you through this process:
- Your passport along with a copy of all the relevant pages of your passport (personal information page, issue/expiry date, previous Thai Visas as well as entry and exit stamps)
- Passport-size pictures of yourself, taken within the last six months (include about 12), with the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 4 x 6 cm
- White background
- You must be staring ahead with a neutral facial expression
- Your entire face has to be visible
- Application Form for Permanent Residence in Thailand (TM.9), completed and signed
- Your House Registration Book (Yellow Tabien Baan) as well as a copy of it (if available)
- A copy of your Work Permit
- A Certificate of Work Background, issued by the Alien Occupational Control Division of the Department of Employment.
- Copy of your annual income tax form
- A copy of your financial statements, such as balance sheets, profit, and loss statements, etc. of the previous 3 years.
- The fee for Permanent Residence application processing
- Any other documents that the Immigration Department requires us to submit.
Permanent Resident Application Process
Patience is extremely important when applying for PR. Also be advised that we are here to help throughout the process.
Time Frame:
(Step 1) Application - 2 to 4 Weeks
(Step 2) Interview - 3 to 4 months
(Step 3) Approval - 18 to 20 months
Step 1 - The application
Gather the required documents. There is usually a large number of documents that we have to submit for Permanent Residence Permit applications. So, we have to start gathering them in advance, especially because there is a timeframe when applications are accepted.
Wait for the opening dates. There is a window of time during which you can submit a Thai Permanent Residency application. Usually, this is from October to December. Submit the application at your local office of the Immigration Department.
Step 2 - The interview
You will be interviewed by a panel of immigration officers who will ask you some basic questions in Thai. It is relatively simple and our Team can prep you. Pay the Thai Permanent Residence Permit processing fee (7,600 Thai Baht). Its Non Refundable. Submit your fingerprints. You will receive a 180-day extension of stay, which allows you to remain as a legal resident while your application is being processed.
Step 3 - The approval
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your house registration (Tabian Ban). It is also referred to as a Blue Book. We must register your place of residence in Thailand at the local district office, “Amphur”.
Important Reminders For Permanent Resident Holders
Once you have received your house registration we can then help you to apply for an alien book (red book) at the local police station. Your alien book will be your equivalent of the Thai National ID card and it must be re-registered every year.
Your Thai Permanent Residence Visa never expires unless it is revoked, but if you leave and re-enter Thailand without a re-entry permit your visa may be revoked.
SUMMARY - The process and documentation required in order to obtain Permanent Resident status in Thailand is relatively simple. The waiting period is usually the biggest concern. BUT if you are patient, the wait is worth the effort. Professional Corporate Services is available if you need help with any visa issue so please consider contacting our knowledgable Visa staff. And remember the 1st consultation is totally FREE! Go ahead use the contact us form below. We are here to serve you!
Contact PCS
Our Address
253 Sukhumvit 21 Road (Asoke), 25th Floor
Email Us
contact@pcsthai-1.com
Call Us
+66 2 109 5160