If you want to live in Thailand and apply for a residence permit, you will need a Certificate of Residence in Thailand. So what is this Thailand residence certificate and how is it obtained? In this article, we will share with you all the details of getting a residence certificate in Thailand.
First, let's explain what a residence certificate (TM.16) is. A residence certificate is a document that proves your official address in Thailand and is required for many transactions. Your home, apartment, hostel or hotel room can be shown as your residence address.
So who needs a residence certificate?
Those who want to open a bank account
Those who will apply for a driver's license
Those who will apply to the Ministry of Labor for a work permit
Those who will apply for a house registration book (yellow tabien baan) for foreigners
Those who will purchase a vehicle
Those who will apply for a permanent residence permit in Thailand
Those who will apply for other legal processes
These documents must be obtained from the Thai Immigration Office (preferably your local office) or your country's Embassy.
Where is the Residence Certificate obtained from?
If you live in Bangkok, you will need to apply to the main Immigration Bureau in Chaeng Wattana. If you are outside of Bangkok, you should be able to get it from your local immigration office (TM.18 Application form). However, I recommend that you get it from your country's Embassy.
What are the required documents for a Residence Certificate?
Your passport and a copy of the photo page
Copy of visa
Copy of TM 6 Departure Card
2 passport-sized photos
Copy of rental agreement/house registration book (yellow Tabien baan)
Copy of address notification receipt
How is a Residence Certificate obtained in Thailand?
Wherever you apply, you will need to provide the documents mentioned above, submit the completed application form and your passport photos to the immigration officer. The officer will check your documents and collect a fee of around 200 Baht (don't forget to bring extra money with you). After completing the procedures, you will receive a receipt and you can collect your residence certificate with this receipt within a few hours. It takes 1 business day to obtain your residence certificate.
Note: If you have a Work Permit or a Yellow House Registration Book with your name in it, you no longer need a Residence Certificate. These documents can also be used as proof of address.
What is the fee for a Residence Certificate?
As of the date of writing, the fee payable to the immigration office for a residence certificate is 200 Baht. This price is the same at other immigration offices in the country.
How long does it take to get a residence certificate in Thailand?
After submitting your application and documents in full, in most cases a receipt will be given and your certificate will be mailed to you or you will need to collect it at a future date or within 2 weeks. A residence certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Note:
I recommend that you prepare more copies of documents than specified. Regulations and requirements may vary from immigration office to office. To prevent your signature from being erased or the documents being used inappropriately, all documents must be signed in blue ink at a point outside the actual image, not on the image itself. Additional documents may be required depending on your reason for needing a residence certificate for Thailand.
This checklist may seem a bit complicated, but the process itself is quite simple as long as you have the specified documents and copies. The vast majority of immigration officers are extremely helpful and polite and will be happy to assist you if you need it.
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