Requirements for Permanent Residency

What are the requirements for Permanent Residency? If you wish to live in Thailand permanently then you can apply for Thai residency. There are requirements for this and the permanent residence Thailand benefits are explained elsewhere on this website. Below you will see what the requirements are to have this status in Thailand. Many who do apply for this, have lived in Thailand for several years. This can be on a work permit or a marriage or retirement visa.

Requirements for Permanent Residency

Requirements for Permanent Residency

Thai Permanent Residency

Non-Immigrant Visa: Before applying for your PR status in Thailand. Note that you should have held your non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years. This can be a marriage visa or a retirement visa for Thailand. Likewise there is also a work permit path. Note that the marriage visa also needs a copy of the marriage registration in Thailand as well. 

Financial Requirement: Likewise, you will also need to meet the income requirement for this. See more of this below.

Criminal Record: Should you apply you will need to have a criminal record clearance for this process. This is explained further down the page.

Health Certificate: Likewise this needs to be issued by a designated hospital in Thailand. This medical certificate has to confirm that you are free from any diseases. There is a list below as well. This certificate should be recent, typically not older than three months.

Thai Language: Note that this may be difficult as you will need to pass a Thai language test. So, you will need to then provide proof of Thai language proficiency.

It’s recommended to check with the local immigration office or immigration lawyer in Bangkok for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How long does it take to get Permanent Residency in Thailand?

Note that the processing time for Permanent Residency status in Thailand may differ from person to person. Likewise note that these are approximate timelines at the time of writing. It is highly recommended that you check with Thai immigration or a Thai lawyer for the latest information. 

Likewise note that as a student in Thailand. You could face some difficulties when applying for Permanent Residency (PR) status in Thailand. Thai Immigration typically requires that those who apply have to have held a Non-Immigrant Visa for at least three consecutive years before applying for PR. Note that this visa is usually associated with employment, investment, or being a spouse. Therefore, it’s recommended to check with the local immigration office or a law firm in Bangkok.

Can I work in Thailand with Permanent Residency status?

Yes, as a Permanent Resident (PR) in Thailand, you are allowed to work. However, even with PR status, you are not a Thai citizen. Hence you will still need a work permit in Thailand to be employed.  Always check that you speak to us first for the latest information on the requirements for Permanent Residency in Thailand.

What financial requirements are needed for Permanent Residency?

For Permanent Residency in Thailand- financial requirements:

Your Source of Income: You will need to show a stable source of income.

Income Requirement: The following is the current minimum income requirement. You will note that there are two options. There is the, at least 80,000 baht (Single) or 30,000 baht (Married) monthly income.

Investment: Likewise should you have invested at least 3 million baht in a limited or public company in Thailand, this may also satisfy the financial requirements.

 

The health status for Permanent Residency in Thailand

Health Certificate: You will need to provide the immigration department with a health certificate issued by their recommended hospitals in Thailand. Note also that this certificate should confirm that you do not have any prohibited diseases as explained below.

Please note that these are general requirements and the specifics might slightly vary based on your reasons for applying. It’s recommended to check with the local immigration office or a legal professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the requirements for permanent residency. 

 

Prohibited diseases for Permanent Residency in Thailand?

The prohibited diseases or conditions for obtaining Permanent Residency in Thailand are as follows:

  • Leprosy
  • Tuberculosis
  • Elephantiasis
  • Drug Addiction
  • Third phase of Syphilis

Please note that these are general requirements and the specifics might slightly vary based on your reasons for applying.

 

How to obtain a health certificate in Thailand

Booking an Appointment: Firstly, book an appointment with the hospital.

Medical Examination: Likewise during your visit, you will undergo a comprehensive medical examination. The doctor may ask you questions and check your arms and legs for needle marks.

Receiving the Medical Results: After the examination, you will receive the medical results.

Submitting the Medical Certificate: Finally, you submit the certificate as part of your application.

Please note that the specifics might slightly vary based on your reasons for applying. It’s recommended to check with the local immigration office. Also, remember to bring your passport and a photograph when you go for the medical examination.

 

Authorized hospitals for health certificates in Thailand?

There are several hospitals and clinics in Thailand that are authorized to issue health certificates. Some of these include:

  • • Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital
  • • Ramathibodi Hospital
  • • Synphaet Srinakarin Hospital
  • • Manarom Hospital
  • • Thai Red Cross Society
  • • Chulalongkorn Hospital
  • • Siriraj Hospital

Please note that the specifics might slightly vary based on your reasons for applying. It’s recommended to check with the local immigration office or a legal professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Also, remember to bring your passport and a photograph when you go for the medical examination.

 

What documents are needed for the medical examination?

When going for the medical examination for Permanent Residency in Thailand, you should bring the following documents:

Personal Information: This includes your basic personal details.

Passport: This is to verify your identity.

Medical History: A full copy of your medical history.

Vaccination and Immunization Records: If available.

Previous Chest X-Rays: If available

Doctor’s Letter: If you have a health condition, it’s advisable to bring your regular doctor’s letter outlining a treatment plan.

Please note that these are general requirements and the specifics might slightly vary based on your reasons for applying. It’s recommended to check with a law firm in Bangkok for more information.

Language requirements for Permanent Residency?

So, the language requirements for Permanent Residency in Thailand is explained. You will need to meet the following Thai language requirements:

Thai Language Proficiency: Likewise you will need to pass a Thai language test. This or provide proof of your Thai language proficiency. In addition this could be a primary school certificate from Thailand.

Interview: Lastly thw language proficiency is usually assessed through an interview conducted by the Thai authorities.

 

Format of the Thai language test?

The Thai language test for Permanent Residency in Thailand is usually an oral test. The test is normally done through an interview with a Thai immigration officer. The officer will assess your ability to communicate in Thai.

Alternatively, should you have completed at least primary education in Thailand. You can provide certificates from the Education Ministry as proof of your Thai language proficiency.

 

What is the passing score for the Thai language test?

The passing score for the Thai language test for Permanent Residency in Thailand is usually 50 out of 100. Please note that these are general requirements and the specifics might slightly vary based on your reasons for applying. It’s recommended to check with a Thai lawyer.

 

Do criminal offenses impact Permanent Residency?

Impact of DUI on Permanent Residency Application.

Having a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) as they would call this in America. This can potentially impact your Permanent Residency application. If you have a DUI conviction, it would be particularly important to seek legal advice before applying.

Several criminal offenses can impact your Permanent Residency (PR) application in Thailand. These include, but are not limited to:

Imprisonment or Punishment: If a person was ordered to imprisonment or punishment by a local or foreign court.

Physical and Mental Incapability: If a person is unable to earn income due to physical and mental incapability.

Blacklisted or Red Notice: If a person is subject to being blacklisted under the Immigration Act or has had a red notice issued by Interpol.

Petty Offenses: These may include public intoxication, obstruction of justice, or things such as indecent exposure or assault in public.

Public Peace or Safety: If a person is a wanted person or is likely to jeopardize the public peace or safety of Thailand. This or with an arrest warrant issued by a government.

Engaging in Prohibited Activities: If a person is prone to engaging in prostitution, fraud, drug or human trafficking, customs duty evasion, or any activity contrary to public order.

 

Number of Permanent Residency applications accepted each year?

You will note that Thailand has a quota per year to grant permanent residence. This with up to 100 applicants per country each year. Therefore, the visa application is generally only accepted from October to the end of the year. Talk to us about the specific dates. 

Moving to Thailand

If you are moving to Thailand after your permanent residency you should also consider the following issues. If you are retired and wish to also consider the Thai retirement visa for married couple. If you are single then the most common retirement is the retirement visa Thailand which is also explained. Likewise those who wish to build their own house, which is common here. See also the construction law in Thailand for guidance. Lastly also see the main article on permanent residence Thailand on this website.