Permanent residency in Thailand and other countries, is a legal status that allows a person to live and work in a country indefinitely, without the need for a visa. Permanent residents are typically granted the same rights and privileges as citizens, with the exception of the right to vote and hold certain government positions.
The requirements for permanent residency vary from country to country, but typically include a minimum period of residence in the country, a clean criminal record, and a basic knowledge of the local language. In some cases, applicants may also be required to invest a certain amount of money in the country or have a certain level of education.
The process of applying for permanent residency can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to consult with a law firm having experience in the field to ensure that you meet all of the requirements and that your application is processed correctly.
These are my 2 old books for my permanent residency.
You travel with the blue one. But you renew every 5 years with the red one.
Here are some of the benefits of permanent residency:
• You can live and work in Thailand without a visa.Every 5 years, you will need to go at the police station to renew your 5 years red book.
• You can bring your family to Thailand with you.
• You are not subject to the same restrictions on owning land and property as foreigners.
• You are eligible for some government benefits, such as healthcare and education.
• You do not need to do the 90 days’ notice to report your address
• You do not need to do TM 30 notifications
• You can enter at the airport in the line of Thai passport even if you are not a citizen
• And others, like when buying a condominium, you do not need to prove that money was transfer in foreign currencies from abroad.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Thailand is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals.
There are other benefits depending on the countries and we will talk about Thailand a little bit further in this text.
Here are some of the drawbacks of permanent residency:
• You are not a citizen and do not have the same rights as citizens.
• You may have to pay taxes in both Thailand and your home country.
• You may not be able to vote in Thai elections.
• You may or not be able to hold public office in Thailand.
• The application process can be complex and time-consuming. It also involved some costs and you might or not decide to hire a law firm as it is a complex.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to apply for permanent residency is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals.
There are 5 categories of applicants for permanent residency in Thailand:
• Employment: Applicants who have been employed in Thailand for at least 3 years.
• Investment: Applicants who have invested a number of amount of money in the country and this is not in real estate but normally in Thai bonds. There are other conditions explained below.
• Family: Applicants who are married to a Thai citizen or who have Thai children. There are also requirements that you marriage is registered in Thailand and you must apply only after a certain amount of time explained below.
• Expert: Applicants who are experts in a particular field and have made significant contributions to Thailand. An example could be a university teacher.
• Family of a permanent resident: A family member of a Thai permanent resident can also receive permanent residency.
The requirements for each category vary, so it is important to consult with an immigration lawyer to determine which category you qualify for. For each category, applicants must also be able to speak and read Thai and have a clean criminal record.
The application process for permanent residency in Thailand can be complex and time-consuming.
Here are the key differences between permanent residency and citizenship in Thailand:
• Right to vote: Citizens have the right to vote in Thai elections, while permanent residents do not.
• Holding a public office: Citizens have the right to hold public office in Thailand, while permanent residents do not.
• Ownership of land: Citizens have the right to own land in Thailand, while permanent residents can’t. But there are always exceptions like for the BOI investors or some new rights like the Sap Ing Sith right.
• Work without a work permit: Citizens can work in Thailand without a work permit, while permanent residents must have a work permit.
• Travel with a Thai passport: Citizens can travel with a Thai passport, while permanent residents must use their passport from their home country.On top, they must filled some documents to travel abroad that
In addition to these key differences, there are a number of other benefits and drawbacks to both permanent residency and citizenship in Thailand. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.
Here are some additional things to consider when making your decision:
• Your reasons for wanting to live in Thailand. Are you looking for a place to retire, raise a family, or start a business?
• Financial situation. Can you afford the cost of living in Thailand? The fees to apply, the time it takes and the legal fees to hire a law firm?
• Language skills. Do you speak Thai? If not, are you willing to learn?
• Cultural fit. Are you comfortable with Thai culture?
Here are the steps involved in applying for permanent residency in Thailand:
1. Gather all of the required documents.
2. Fill out the application form.
3. Pay the processing fee.
4. Submit your application to the Thai Immigration Bureau.
5. Immigration will make some research and might contact people around you.
6. Attend an interview with the Thai Immigration Bureau.
7. Wait for the investigation and process.
8. If your application is approved, you will be issued a residence blue book.
9. Later, you need to apply to put your name in a blue ta bian baan and receibe a red book from your local police.
Just to give you an example, in order to apply for permanent residency in Thailand under the family category, you must meet the following requirements:
• You must be a legal spouse, child, or parent of a Thai citizen. Buddhist marriage or marriage abroad without being registered in Thailand are not accepted. The delays is 5 years if you do not have a Thai child.
• They give you points depending on your Thai language skills, the longer you have been in Thailand and if you have paid taxes in Thailand. All of that is important. If you get 50 points on 100, you get PR.
• You must have a clean criminal record.
• And you must be able to support yourself financially.
• And others.
Here are some of the documents that you will need to submit with your application:
• A copy of your passport
• including your Thai visa
• a copy of your marriage certificate or birth certificate (if you are applying as a spouse or child of a Thai citizen)
• Police clearance certificate within a specific date of your applications and translated in Thai and legalized
• Letter from your employer (if you are applying for permanent residency based on employment)
• Another letter from your bank (if you are applying for permanent residency based on financial means)
• There are also interviews, maps, language tests and other steps to follow.
The processing time for permanent residency applications in Thailand can vary, but it typically takes several months, sometimes years. If you pass and get permanent residency, you will get two books (a blue and a red).
For any category, there is a processing fee of 7,600 Thai Baht which is not reimbursable.
Once you have permanent residency in Thailand, you will be able to live and work in Thailand without a visa. You will also be able to bring your family to Thailand with you. But for working, you still need a work permit.
It is important to note that the Thai government reserves the right to deny any application for permanent residency. If your application is denied, you will not be able to appeal the decision.
For investors, it is totally different. Here are the requirements for permanent residency in Thailand for investors:
• Having a non-immigrant visa.
• Invested at least 10 million baht in Thailand but they normally asked that this amount be in Thai bonds.
• Able to speak and read some Thai.
• Clean criminal record.
• Valid passport.
• Bank statements showing that you have enough money to support yourself in Thailand.
Here are the requirements for permanent residency in Thailand for the category working:
• Must have a non-immigrant visa.
• Must have been employed in Thailand for at least 3 years with continuous extension based on working with at least a salary of 80,000 baht per month.
• Valid work permit.
• Able to speak and read Thai at a basic legal.
• Clean criminal record.
• Valid passport.
• Bank statements showing that you have enough money to support yourself in Thailand.
The work permit must be in a skilled position and must be sponsored by a Thai company. The applicant must also be able to speak and read Thai at a basic level. Many documents will be required and we really suggest to hire a law firm. Not only do you have to give these documents to immigration, but some documents have delays. Additionally, other documents must be submitted with on special form. You can read how I got permanent residency in Thailand below. My file was about 130 pages.
If you are interested in applying for permanent residency in Thailand, you should contact us to discuss your options.
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