A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Immigrate to Thailand

Attracted by the amazing hospitality of the Land of Smiles, many foreigners want to move permanently to Thailand. Obtaining a permanent residence status in Thailand can be difficult, but not impossible. The country allows only 100 people each year to be permanent residents. After living for five years as a permanent resident, you can apply to become a naturalized citizen of Thailand. To get a permanent residence status in Thailand, you must hold a non-immigrant visa for at least three years.

Here is the step-by-step breakdown. 

Step 1: Obtain a non-immigrant visa

You need to have a non-immigrant visa for at least three years before applying for permanent resident status. This visa must be valid at the time of application. If you have multiple non-immigrant visas, you are not eligible. To qualify, you must display at least three consecutive yearly extensions of your non-immigrant visa. The visa should be in any of the following categories. All visa applications are processed by the Royal Thai Embassy.

• Investment category (You must be able to show an investment of 3 to 10 million Baht investment in Thailand.)
• Working/Business category
• Humanity reasons category: This category is also known as the family support category. To get this, you must have a relationship with a Thai citizen or an alien with a permanent residence permit. The relationship status should be husband or wife, father or mother, or a legal guardian of a Thai child below 20 years of age.
• Expert/academic category
• Other categories as deemed fit by Thai immigration

Step 2: Become a permanent resident

You will have to provide certain documents while applying for a permanent residency in Thailand. The documents will also depend on the type of non-immigrant visa you are holding. Some documents are common with all visa types. These include:

• Your passport and copies of all the relevant pages of your passport (It should consist of your personal information page, issue date, expiry, entry & exit stamps, and previous Thai visas.)
• A passport-sized photograph (within the last six months)
• Completed application form for Permanent Residence in Thailand (TM. 9)
• The House Registration Book (Yellow Tabien Baan) and a copy of it
• You will have to present a copy of your work permit
• You need a certificate of work background (It is issued by the Alien Occupational Control Division of the Department of Employment.)
• A copy of your monthly income tax form
• The fee for a permanent residence application
• A copy of your financial statement
• Any other document the immigration department wants you to submit

Step 3: Become a naturalized citizen of Thailand 

Once you have lived as a permanent resident for at least 5 years, you can apply to be a Thai citizen. Based on your application, you will be assigned points. You have to get at least 50 out of 100 points to be eligible for a permanent residence status.

• You will have to approach the police headquarters in Thailand with your application.
• You need to submit the required documents.
• If the documents are in order, your application will be lodged. You need to pay the processing fee and provide your fingerprint.
• Visit the Ministry of Interior for an interview in Thai and sing the Thai National Anthem.
• Wait for the processing of your application. (It can take up to 6 to 12 months)
• If the application is approved, you need to take the Thai citizenship oath at the police headquarters.

 Buying a property in Thailand

You can own a freehold condominium. As per Thai law, up to 49% of the unit area can be owned by a foreigner. After a certain period, the condominium unit can be fully and legally titled to the foreigner. You can also buy branded residences in the 49-51 percentages.

However, a foreigner generally cannot own a landed property in Thailand. The only way you can do that is by setting up a Thai company limited. This company must have Thai shareholders making legitimate investments. This is the common process of buying villas or for foreign developers who want to acquire land plots in Thailand. You can also obtain properties on long-term leases of 30 years at least.

The process is simplified once you get Thai citizenship. At all times, you should stay in touch with a Thai real estate agent to seal the deal. Your real estate agent will explain the procedure in detail.

IBG property is a trusted real estate agency based in Phuket, Thailand. We will help you get condominiums and villas in Phuket. We will look after the entire process from property research to finalizing the deal.