Certificate of Permanent Residence

This is how to obtain the certificate of permanent residence in Thailand. Thailand has always been a popular destination in Asia. Below we have covered the permanent residency in Thailand as well as other schemes such as PR in Singapore and Malaysia. We have covered Thailand before when it comes to settling in the country and we try to compare some of the features that are on offer. The process for the certificate of permanent residence below is a basic overview. 

Firstly for many of you who are looking at Thailand permanent residency by marriage then read further on this website. Lastly also see the article on the Thailand PR process as well. Likewise if you wish to live in Thailand you will need to see the criteria as well as the process. This is a time consuming process as you will see. Likewise see the Thai citizenship as well. See the breakdown of the eligibility requirements:

Overview of the Criteria

Employment:

If you did not know that employment was the fastest way to PR status. You will only need to ensure that you have 3 back to back work permits then you can then apply for PR after that. Note that you must be working in Thailand for a Thai company with its business registration and not an informal business. So you will need to have a work permit for Thailand.

Investment:

In you don’t have an investment, then you can also read the 10 year retirement visa Thailand for another option to live in Thailand for 10 years. Another way to obtain PR is with an investment. The investment can be invested in a company or buying Thai government bonds or using this by other means. Note the option options in Thailand as well if you wish to invest at least 10 million THB (approximately USD 300,000) in the economy.

Family:

If you are married to a Thai national, see the article on the Thailand marriage requirements for foreigners to ensure that it is correctly completed. Likewise you would have had to have held your marriage visa for a least three back-to-back visas that had been extended. Likewise you can read the article that we wrote on the marriage visa Thailand for more information on this. Lastly if you are not married then you can read the article on the Thailand marriage visa application form for more assistance.

Expert Qualifications:

If you are a professionals with expertise in specific fields that benefit Thailand. Likewise those people who are academics and work in specialized industries. You might also need to look at your visa status. You will note that you only need three back-to-back work permits or extended visas qualify you for this. Lastly if you wish to live in Bangkok then read the article on how to obtain permanent residency in Thailand as well.

Age, Financial, and Legal Standing Requirements

Age:

You will need to be older than 18 when you apply. Other than that there are not any age requirements like the retirement visa. You can see more of that on the retirement visa Thailand for more information.

Financial Requirements:

Note that you will need to show that you are able to look after yourself so you must exceed the financial requirements. So you will need a stable income. The income requirement varies based on the applicant’s category. Likewise as an example if you have employment, a minimum monthly income of 80,000 THB (approximately USD 2,500) is often required. You will need to keep this income for a least two consecutive years before applying. Likewise look at qualifying if you have filed an annual tax return of at least 100,000 Baht (approximately USD 3,200) for two consecutive years. Rule change so always check for any changes.

Legal Standing:

You will need to have a clean criminal record. There have always been questions about the DUI charges, Speak to us about any of these types on questions. You will also need to check from home as well from Thai Police. Lastly they will check if you overstayed your visa before or any type of immigration violation.

Lastly also see the article that we wrote on the permanent residence Thailand fee as well as the retirement visa.

Business Investment:

If you are doing a business investment for permanent residency. Then you will need to invest in at least a minimum of 10 million THB. There are a number of options when it comes to the types of investment. Many take on Thai government bonds or another type of investment such as a business. This investment needs to be maintained for a minimum period as the state will allow for this.

Expert:

If you are an expert you will need to prove that you are qualified and that you are an expert. You might need assistance from an academic with supporting letters. The application in Thailand is not very common unless it is from a teacher in the country.

Dependent of a Thai Citizen:

Should you be married then you should have your Thai marriage registered. You will need to provide that you are married to a Thai national as well as show financial stability. Check your marriage visa in Thailand is at least 3 cycles though and that you can show you have the financial ability.

Preparation:

Firstly ensure that you meet the criteria for the permanent residency. You will need to collect your documents as well as ensure that your visa status is also correct.

Document Submission:

Likewise the applications for PR are normally submitted in Bangkok at the Immigration Office. The application period is typically open once a year. This is usually at year end.

Application Forms:

You will need to ensure that all your documents are correct. Ensure that all the dorms for the visas status change is correct.

Interview and Language Test:

Lastly also note that you will need to pass a basic Thai language test. There is also an interview for the change in status. They are going to see if you can speak basic Thai and also also understand Thai culture and customs. You will need to provide this to immigration.

Police Clearance and Health Check:

Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their home country and a medical certificate confirming that they are free from certain diseases, including tuberculosis and drug addiction. Likewise also see the medical certificate for Thai work permit as well. 

Submission of Required Fees:

Note that the non-refundable application fee is required. Should you be approved you will then receive a PR card which also needs to be paid for.

Approval:

Likewise once the interview is done. The interview and submission of all required documents, the application will be reviewed. Lastly should it be approved then you will receive your residency book (red book), which is proof of their PR status in Thailand.

Required Documents, Fees, and Processing Times

Required Documents:

• – Your current valid passport and copies of all pages
• – Likewise the current non-immigrant visa
• – Should you have a work permit (for employment category)
• – Additionally for those who are married, the marriage certificates (for family category)
• – You will need to prove your investment (for investment category)
• – Police clearance certificate
• – Medical certificate
• – Evidence of financial stability (e.g., bank statements, employment letter)

Certificate of Permanent Residence Fees:

– Application fee: Approximately 7,600 THB (non-refundable)
– PR book issuance fee: Approximately 191,400 THB (if approved)

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Language Barrier:

You will need to speak some level of Thai since the interview and test are conducted in Thai. Likewise you are going to need to learn basic Thai language skills.

Incomplete Documentation:

Some common issues are incorrect or incomplete documents before submitting it. Always double-check all documents before submission and consider hiring an immigration lawyer to review your application.

Maintaining Non-Immigrant Visa Status:

Likewise as an applicant you must maintain their non-immigrant visa status during the PR application process. Ensure your visa is renewed on time, and do not overstay. Lastly see also the page on the Bangkok permanent residency on here,

Holding PR is a stepping stone to acquiring Thai citizenship. Note that after holding PR status for at least 5 years. You will then be able to apply for Thai citizenship. Additionally citizenship provides additional rights, including the ability to vote and hold a Thai passport. Lastly also see other options in Thailand such as the long stay visa Thailand as well. 

Conditions Under Which PR Can Be Revoked

Your PR can be revoked. This occurs should you violate immigration rules or commit serious crime. Note that should you leave Thailand for more than a year with no re-entry permit. Then the PR will also be cancelled.

Requirements for Re-Entry Permits

Before you leave Thailand you will need to ensure that you have a re-entry permit. This must be done before departure. Note that much like other visas should you not have a re-entry permit then your PR status is also lost.

Comparison with Other Southeast Asian Countries

If you are looking at living in the region then we can look at a basic comparison.

Thailand vs. Malaysia

You will note that Malaysia offers a Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. This is a well known long-term visa. This is however not PR and you will need to have an income as well. The Thai version for many are more easier to complete. 

Thailand vs. Singapore

The PR process in Singapore is more difficult than the Thai version. Much like Singapore, Thailand is also looking to attract high-net worth people. The competition between all these Asian countries had however not made the PR easier. The cost of living in Singapore is also much higher.

Thailand vs. Indonesia

Indonesia offers a long-term stay visa called the KITAS and a permanent stay permit called KITAP, mainly to investors, retirees, and those married to Indonesian citizens. The process is somewhat similar to Thailand’s but requires substantial investments or spousal connection.

If you are wondering which country to choose, then consider location as well as the cost of living in the country. Thailand still has many advantages over its neighbors in the foreseeable future.

The information contained in our website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advices. For further information, please contact us.