How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Thailand

If you’re planning to make Thailand your long-term home, applying for a residence permit is a crucial step. While the process might seem complicated, breaking it down into manageable steps can help you feel more confident about navigating it. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide on how to get started.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a Thai residence permit, you need to meet a few basic requirements:

Visa Status: You should have a Non-Immigrant Visa and have been living in Thailand for at least three consecutive years using one-year visa extensions.
Background Check: If you’re 14 or older, a criminal background check is required.
Personal and Financial Details: You’ll need to show information about your income, assets, work history, and family connections in Thailand. Authorities may also consider other factors, like national security.
Language Skills: Basic Thai language skills are necessary for the interview process.

Application Categories

Your application will fall into one of these categories:

Investment
Employment
Humanitarian Reasons: If you’re married to a Thai citizen or have Thai children, you may apply under this category.
Expertise
Special Cases: Determined individually.

How the Process Works

The Ministry of Interior sets a yearly quota for residence permits, which is published in the Government Gazette. Once announced, you can submit your application at the Chaengwattana Immigration Office in Bangkok or at your local provincial office. Applications must be submitted in person.

What to Expect After Submitting

Once your application is accepted, you’ll be given an initial 180-day stay extension, followed by another 180-day extension until your application is fully processed. During this period, you may receive a visit from immigration officers, and you’ll need to attend an interview to confirm the details provided in your application.

Fees

There’s a non-refundable application fee of 7,600 THB. If your application is approved, the residence permit fee is 191,400 THB. If you are the spouse or child (under 20) of a Thai citizen or a foreigner with a residence permit, the fee is reduced to 95,700 THB.

How We Can Help

Navigating the application process for a residence permit can be overwhelming. With over 30 years of experience, Sukhothai Interlaw is here to provide the professional guidance you need. Our team will handle all the legal details, so you can focus on settling into your new home in Thailand.

For more information or to get started, contact us:

Sukhothai Interlaw
17 Chan 35, Chan Road, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Phone: +662 212 6866-7
Fax: +662 213 3124

Let us help you every step of the way as you build your future in Thailand.

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