Can I obtain a residency certificate with a visa exempt stamp in Thailand?

Mar 27, 2023
2 years ago
Bob ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. Is it possible to get a residency certificate with a visa exempt stamp? I have a long-term house rental agreement which I know I will need. Thx.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Obtaining a residency certificate in Thailand with a visa exempt stamp varies by location. In Chiang Mai, it's generally easier, requiring only a TM30 and a fee, while in Bangkok, you cannot get a residency certificate as a tourist until after filing a 90-day report. Some embassies may also issue residency certificates. Experiences shared by users indicate the process can differ widely and often depend on specific administrative rules at various immigration offices. Additionally, some banks may allow account openings without a formal residency certificate.
Ally ************
Sharing my personal experience at Chiang Mai immigration just last week.. my TM30 registration was same day no problem.. but this process simply acknowledges your residence in a private home.. it is not the 'certificate of residence' needed to open a bank account.. which you have to apply for separately on the 2nd floor of the main building.. and Bangkok bank made it very clear to me that i couldn't open an account without the pukka certificate.. the immigeation clerk told me that it would arrive in the post by 20 April.. and when i queried why that was 27-days away i was informed that that's how long it takes.. and there was no 'express' service available to me.. eg. upon payment of a higher fee.. so i simply have to grin and bear it.. no doubt others have had different experiences with different outcomes.. it seems to me that it's all a bit of a lottery.. in the words of forrest gump.. you never know what you're gonna get!
Bob ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
fyi Kasikorn bank opened an account for a friend of mine without a certificate of residency. She has a long-term house lease and a passport. I don't know which branch she used, but it was in CM. Seems to frequently be at the bank officer's discretion.
Ally ************
@Bob **********
I went into numerous banks in CM in the hope of opening an account with just my TM30 slip and my passport.. i have a Thai wife who accompanied me and produced her ID and the blue book for the marital home as well.. but was told that only Bangkok bank could open accounts for foreigners (meaning non-citizen) now.. regardless of our documentation.. and they said 'no' without the formal certificate of residency !!
Bob ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for that Ally. You're right. We're still guests there after all, and if they make us wait a month for some piece of paper - well, it could be worse.
Paul *******
From your embassy, yes, depending on the embassy. Each one has their own rules. From immigration - depends. You greatly increase your chances if you're willing to pay for it and explain the purpose (for example, to open a bank account, apply for a driver's license or purchase a vehicle). Each immigration office has their own rules, but I'd imagine they'd be willing to issue one if you explain you need it to open a bank account, which in turn is needed to apply for an extension of stay (for marriage, retirement etc.)
Bob ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you!
Phil ********
Yes
Brandon ************
It depends on where you live. Each office has different policies.

For example in Chiang Mai you can get a residence certificate on any stay, only need a TM30 and 500 baht to pick it up next day.

In Bangkok you can ONLY get a residence certificate after you've filed your first 90 day report, which you cannot do as a tourist and therefore cannot get a residence certificate in Bangkok as a tourist.
Bob ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. I live in Chiang Mai. It's tough sometimes to navigate the various rules!
Brandon ************
@Bob **********
go to the main office by the airport with your TM30, a passport size photo, and a few other documents that I don't remember. Have to arrive before lunch. Ask for "express" which means 500₿ for pickup the next day.

If they're not offering express when you're there, wait until there's less people in line or until the tattletale immigration officer leaves the area and go back and ask again.
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