The Thailand Permanent Residency Visa.

Getting a Thai Permanent Resident Visa.

A much coveted and worthwhile visa for expat foreigners in Thailand is that of the “Permanent Resident” visa. However, this visa is not easy to qualify for as the criteria and approval process are quite rigorous.

For anyone thinking of making an application for a residency visa based on expertise, there are certain criteria which are quite specific for qualification of a business visa in the expert category.

Whilst the process itself is not inherently problematic, it is quite rigorous and as such takes some prior planning and careful consideration of the criteria involved.

Here are some factors that need to be taken into consideration as prerequisites for qualification of a Permanent Residency Visa in Thailand. Whilst this is not intended to be a comprehensions list, it does provide an indication and as such, if you cannot satisfy these elements then you may be wasting your time considering a Thai Permanent Residency Visa.

1.   You will need to be considered an “expert” in your field; What is your area of expertise?
2.   What are your formal qualifications (degrees, diplomas, PhD, etc.)?
3.   Would you be working in the private sector or be employed by a Thai government agency?
4.   Do you have any letter of offer of employment or statement of interest from any prospective employer or Thai  government agency?
5.   Do you currently have saving of at least USD 100,000 held in a Thai or overseas bank account (no less than 12 months seasoning is required before the date of application).
6.   Do you have adequate knowledge and ability in Thai language reading, writing and speaking?

The criteria for qualification in this visa category is quite strict and the process of application is not simple and requires several interviews before a panel of interview officers. Furthermore, there is an annual quota for granting a Thai Permanent Residence permit of a maximum of 100 persons per country and thus the application and selection process can be quite rigorous.

All applicants need to have held a Thai Non-immigrant class of visa for three (3) consecutive years prior to application, and moreover, there is a Thai government, non-refundable application fee of 7,600 THB for a permanent residency permit, and a further government fee payable of 191,400 THB if permanent residence is granted to the applicant. These fees may vary from time to time and thus need to be reconfirmed prior to proceeding.

Here are some further points for consideration to provide a clearer picture of the process and prerequisites for qualification for a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa.

1. Educational Qualifications and Skill: 

• • Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Possess a skill or ability that is in demand and will benefit the country for at least three years.

2. Travel Documentation:

• • Hold a valid passport from your current nationality.
  • Possess a Thai non-immigrant visa allowing a continuous stay in the Kingdom for at least three (3) years.

3. Background Checks:

• • Complete a criminal record check.
  • Undergo a review of financial, family, social status, employment, and educational history.

4. Health Insurance and Financial Requirements:

• • Provide a health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000 for medical expenses in Thailand. The coverage should extend for at least 10 months from the date of application.
  • Alternatively, demonstrate savings of at least USD 100,000 in a Thai or overseas bank account for a minimum of 12 months before applying.

5. Employment Documentation:

• • Produce an employment contract or service agreement with a business in Thailand or abroad.
  • For foreign specialists, demonstrate at least 5 years of work experience in one of the targeted industries, unless you hold a PhD or higher degree in a relevant field.

6. Income Requirements:

• • Have a personal income of at least USD 80,000 per year for the past 2 years.
  • In case of an income between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 per year in the past 2 years (or before retirement), possess a Master’s degree or higher in science and technology or specialized expertise relevant to the job in Thailand.

7. Exemption for Certain Roles:

• • No minimum income requirement for foreign workers intending to work in government higher educational institutions, research centers, specialized training centers, or government agencies.

Provided that the foreigner has held a Thai non-immigrant visa consecutively for a minimum of three years, the foreigner may then apply for permanent residence in Thailand Applications for Permanent Residency in Thailand must be made each year between October 1^st and December 31^st., and as previously mentioned, the annual quota for granting a Thai Permanent Residence permit is a maximum of 100 persons per country.

If you require assistance in applying for a Thailand Permanent Residency Visa, please contact us via email as we would be pleased to discuss the matter and then if applicable , assist you in the process to assure your application is well structured and positioned to achieve a positive outcome. Our rates are reasonable and our expertise and direct support reliable. If you’re in Thailand, you can give us a call on 098-987-9280. Our general office hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday but we can accommodate urgent or pressing needs on weekends if required.