PR IN THAILAND

To obtain permanent residency (PR) in Thailand, you must first hold a non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years under categories such as investment, employment, or marriage. The application window for Thai PR is typically open for a limited period, usually from October to December, with a quota of up to 100 people per country annually. Eligibility requirements Your specific eligibility requirements will vary depending on the category you apply under, but general requirements include: Holding a valid non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years with yearly extensions. Demonstrating Thai language proficiency during an interview. Providing proof of consistent income or assets for at least two years prior to applying. Having a clean criminal record in both Thailand and your home country. Being at least 14 years old. Application categories You must apply under one of the following categories, each with its own financial and professional requirements: Investment: Involves an investment of at least 10 million Thai Baht (THB) in a limited or public company, state-owned securities, or the Thai stock exchange. Employment: Requires a monthly income of at least THB 80,000 for two consecutive years (or paying at least THB 100,000 in income tax per year for two consecutive years) and a valid work permit for three consecutive years. Business: Reserved for executives and directors in companies with a capital of at least THB 10 million. Expert: For those with a bachelor's degree or higher and skills beneficial to Thailand, certified by a government authority. Family: Based on relationships with a Thai citizen or a current permanent resident. Different income and marriage length requirements apply for spouses, children, or parents. Application process The application is handled by the Royal Thai Immigration Commission and generally follows these steps: Gather documentation. Prepare all necessary documents, which will vary based on your application category. Submit your application. File the application at the Immigration Bureau office within the annual submission window (typically October–December). The non-refundable application fee is THB 7,600. Await processing. Your application is reviewed and you may receive 180-day stay extensions while it is being processed. Complete an interview. You will be scheduled for an interview and a Thai language test. Pay the fee and register. Upon approval, you will pay the permanent residency fee, which is THB 191,400 (or THB 95,700 for spouses or family members of Thai citizens). You will then receive a Residency Blue Book and register for an Alien Book at the local police station. Benefits of permanent residency Obtaining PR status in Thailand offers several key advantages: Indefinite stay: You no longer need to apply for annual visa extensions. Simplified work permit: It becomes easier to obtain a Thai work permit. Property ownership: You can more easily purchase condominium units. Local registration: You are eligible for a Thai House Registration Document and an Alien Registration Certificate. Path to citizenship: After holding PR status for five years, you may apply for Thai citizenship.