As a Permanent Resident, you are no longer required to make frequent visa runs or fulfill complex immigration requirements
Permanent Residence Thailand (Thai Permanent Residency)
To live indefinitely in Thailand without the worry of visa expirations, consider applying for permanent residency. As a permanent resident, you’ll eliminate the need for frequent visa runs and navigating complex immigration requirements. Furthermore, certain activities, such as establishing a company, become significantly easier.
In addition, if you are looking to one day become a Thai citizen through naturalization, having permanent residency is a key step on the path that will help you achieve your goal.
Thailand Permanent Residency Benefits
Acquiring a Residence Permit or Permanent Resident status in Thailand offers other benefits beyond the ability to stay in the country indefinitely. These benefits include:
- There is no requirement to apply for an extension of stay
- No yearly visa renewals
- You can have your name on a house registration document (a requirement for many official purposes)
- It’s easier to obtain a work permit
- You have the ability to buy a condominium in Thailand without needing to transfer money from abroad
- It’s important to note that you cannot directly own land under your name, not even if you have Permanent Resident status. On the other hand, you can buy condos, own structures on land owned by Thai people, or own land through a Thai limited company of which you are a shareholder.
Thailand Permanent Residency Requirements
While the specifics may vary depending on your reasons for applying (investment, business, expertise, employment, family ties), here’s a general list of documents you would need for a Thai Permanent Residency application:
- A completed application form
- Copies of every page of your valid passport
- A non-immigrant visa that you’ve held and renewed for at least 3 consecutive years prior to applying for Permanent Residency
- Departure and arrival cards
- Personal Data Form
- A health certificate not older than 3 months
- Proof of funds:
- Bank statements showing a stable and adequate income
- Letter from the bank confirming your account and balance
- Salary slips (if employed)
- Tax statements, specifically a tax return (Por Ngor Dor 91) and a receipt for the tax payment
Depending on the reason for the application, you will be required to provide additional documents and meet certain criteria.