Residence in Thailand: permits and requirements
Living legally in Thailand is possible through 6 permit types: work, retiree, family, investment, study, digital nomad. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B - Extension)
Residence type #1 of 6
Non-immigrant visa extension for foreigners with a work permit in Thailand. Renewed within the country.
Requirements
- Valid Work Permit issued in Thailand
- Employment contract with a registered Thai company
- Minimum salary of 50,000 THB/month (for employees; 25,000 THB for certain professionals)
- Medical certificate
- The company must meet the Thai-to-foreigner ratio (4 Thais per 1 foreigner)
- Criminal record certificate
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Form TM.7 (visa extension application)
- Original work permit
- Employment contract
- Company business license (Affidavit and corporate documentation)
- Company location map
- Medical certificate (Thai health certificate)
- Passport-size photos (4x6 cm)
- Photos of the company's office
- Corporate tax returns (PPT 20)
Frequently asked questions about residence in Thailand
How many types of residence permits are there in Thailand?
Thailand offers 6 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, retiree, family, investment, study, digital nomad. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Thailand last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 year renewable annually; 1 year renewable (O-A); 5 years (O-X for selected countries); 1 year renewable; 5, 10 or 20 years depending on the Privilege program. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Thailand be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Thailand (6 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Thailand?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport; Formulario de solicitud; Passport-size photos; Certificado médico; Certificado de antecedentes penales. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Thailand lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 years (with permanent residence). The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Thailand.
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Anything to correct or add about Thailand?
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