Can I change my residential address and become a tax resident in Thailand immediately after arriving on a DTV visa?

Nov 14, 2024
a month ago
So I am wondering if one individual getting a DTV visa can move their residential address to Thailand, and if so how long after moving in can they do that.

So imagine I am arriving to Thailand on the 1st of January 2025 and I want to update my bank/broker/insurance residential address asap, and I also want to update my previous country of (tax) residence that I moved to Thailand and I am a tax resident there. Of course this detail will be important for banks and brokers too.

When can I do that? Day 1? July 1st (after 180 days +1)? Never?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
You can change your residential address to Thailand as soon as your banks and brokers allow it, even on your first day. For tax residency, you will be considered a tax resident only after spending 180 days in Thailand. However, updating your address for banking purposes does not require you to wait for tax residency status. It’s recommended to obtain proof of residency from Thai immigration and have it officially translated to meet KYC requirements for financial institutions.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Sefton ********
There is no waiting period. You only become tax resident after 180 days in a cal year but that does not delay changing banking etc information to start your clock.

The part of this which can cause issues is that modern KYC (know your customer for financial services) asks for utility bills or bank statements (or government correspondance), and many western banks do not like overseas residents and some even close accounts if you change to a Thai address. Secondly Thai utilities dont come in english text or with tennants names on them (internet bills do).

One step around this is to go and get a letter of residence proof from immigration as soon as you do your TM30, and then go to a certified translator to have that officially translated. If you can change bank statement do so also and finally if you rent a house and get broadband that can be easily in a western name. Those things working together usually passes KYC.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sefton *******
awesome thanks. Usually a rental contract was enough for my banks/brokers in the past when leaving outside of the west, but every time I had to do that I also had a resident visa of some sorts, whereas this time I would be moving in with a tourist visa, hence my doubts on whether I should prove I was not a tourist by staying > 180days. Good call on getting a letter of residence proof from immigration!
Sefton ********
Anonymous participant last winter we did all this for my brother, firming up all his financial accounts and cutting ties to the west.

There's still the days per year tests to be fully compliant but it's a strong start
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sefton *******
with what visa did he move to Thailand?
Michael *******
I am looking for the same than you.

Bank/broker in my country tell me okay if I provide new TIN and prove of residency, and that I complete exit of my country.

I go see lawyer here soon in thailand to setup tin and tax form yearly soon, soon I have more informations.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael ******
Michael would you be so kind to update me once you know more? i hear getting TIN can be difficult at times
Michael *******
Participant(e) anonyme I update when I have info, getting tin is mandatory when you spend more than 6 month a year in thailand, so I will be surprised if it is complicated to get ( but I already stay this year more than 6 month, maybe you need to make this before register for tin, I don't know )
Kool *******
@Michael ******
is not mandatory to get a TIN is you've been in Thailand more than 180 days. That is not true at all.
Michael *******
@Kool ******
you need to report tax, I guess tin is mandatory to report tax, no ?
Kool *******
@Michael ******
You are confusing doing work in Thailand with working remotely. Thailand believes you will pay your taxes in your home country, or the country you do the remote work in.
Michael *******
@Kool ******
you are wrong if you stay more than 6 months in thailand ( in a year ) you are tax resident in thailand and need to report tax ( maybe it will be 0 baht depending of your situation ).
Kool *******
@Michael ******
that is nothing new. That has been the law for over 20 years that I am aware of personally. Lots of people are completely misinterpreting the simple change that happened January 1st
Michael *******
@Kool ******
I never say it is new, I say it is law
Michael *******
And you miss the topic here, is to be taxed only in thailand and not in the other country
Greg ********
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Greg ********
If your banks are fine eith an overseas address you can change it as soon as they allow. No need to be tax resident etc. For tax residency you need to read the Thai Revenue Department guidance. A visit to your local office is required unless accountants, lawyers do it for you.