Answered4 years ago
How can I obtain a residence certificate and open a bank account in Thailand without a long-term visa?
I am unable to open bank account in Bangkok, tried many banks, they said if did not purchase condo, cannot open bank. I have went to Bangkok Bank,, they said I must have my embassy to certify my passport. I went to embassy did it but over one month, the certify letter still not available. Already left Thai now. Before I leave, another bank staff said I can apply residence certifcate for opening bank account. Is there anyone can teach me how to get the residence certificate from immigration department? Is there anyone have send email to immigration department by asking how to get the retirement visa regarding the required document and procedures, and how long they replied. Without bank account, I cannot apply the retirement visa, so exhausted!
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Answer summary
The user is experiencing difficulties opening a bank account in Thailand due to the need for a residence certificate, which in turn requires a long-term visa. They are seeking guidance on how to obtain the residence certificate from the immigration department as well as information on the required documents and procedures for applying for a retirement visa. The comments reveal that while some banks may require specific documentation, others may allow account opening with minimal paperwork, especially if one has a Thai resident accompanying them or if one pays for an agent's assistance. It appears that different branches of the same bank might have varying requirements, making the process inconsistent.
134 repliesnewest first
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Vivian ******
@Chan *****
May I know if you managed to eventually open a bank account? If yes, please share how u did it. Thanks!
Chan ******
OP@Vivian *****
sorry, not yet
Shane ********
*******************************************************
Alex *********
@Shane *******
These guys charge 21,000 baht to open a bank account...Shane ********
if you go to bank of bangkok directly and tell them you will get that 3k insurance package, then they will do it with tourist visa
Chinpoh ******
Go to the bank with someone with Thai ID card.
Sandra **********
We bought life insurance at Bangkok bank was cheaper than the fee and then they gave both my husband and myself free bank accounts. Before we got this tip they refused to open a. Account unless we paid approx 7k each.
Chan ******
OP@Sandra *********
Whch branch please? Is it in Bangkok, thank you.
Gordon *******
@Sandra *********
Yes, most people have to go down this route. Not easy to open a bank account regardless what people say
Steven **********
I went to 5 banks telling them I needed to open an account in order to get my retirement visa. Each one insisted that I had to provide a copy of my work visa! Huh?
I ended up paying an agent 3000 baht for some kind of certificate which a bank accepted for opening an account. A lot, right?
Going to apply for my retirement visa next week.
I ended up paying an agent 3000 baht for some kind of certificate which a bank accepted for opening an account. A lot, right?
Going to apply for my retirement visa next week.
Steve **********
Steven Clements it's a game, a constant , never ending game !
Incognia **********
@Steven *********
Thailand always finding solution for new economy(agency) haha
Thailand ***************
@Steven *********
on what visa did you enter Thailand? Because normally, when you enter on a non-imigrant-O visa, you should be able to open up a bank account.Steven **********
@Thailand **************
It was the STV (special tourist visa), 90 days, renewable 2x, but can’t be converted to a non-resident O. I was told otherwise, unfortunately, by my local immigration office.
Ivan ************
Steven Clements dm you, please check.
Gordon *******
Lots of lads use agents for visa and bank accounts. Certainly much easier.
Been there, done it.
Been there, done it.
Chan ******
OP@Steven *********
Good to hear that you can open bank account finally, are you open in Bangkok or which provinces please?Steven **********
@Chan *****
I had to go to Roi Et as I had a contact there who introduced me to the agentChan ******
OP@Steven *********
thank you
Edward ******
Come to chiang Rai I will help you to open a bank account for
Chan ******
OP@Edward *****
Thank you so much.
Rog ***********
Talking about residential certificate, how do you get it? Also, how to get Thai driving licence? Do you need to get both car and motorbike driving licence? I have a retirement visa but no fixed address
Robert **********
@Rog **********
Unique car and motorbike driving licenses if you drive both. If you have a current license from your country and an international driving permit attached to it, that is easiest. You will need the residents letter we speak of here about bank accounts. I use an agent, fat boys in Bangkok, for my driving license. You can do it yourself, but I find the process bewildering.Rog ***********
@Robert *********
can you share fat boys address, please? thanksRobert **********
@Rog **********
depending on your passport, some embassies will give you a certificate just saying that you were affirm you live at the address. US embassy does it, it cost $50 and takes a month for appointment. You can get it from immigration offices but you may be required to have a TM 30 and have filed 1-90 day report.Agencies can sometimes help. Which country is your passport, and we are in Thailand do you live?Rog ***********
@Robert *********
i move around between Krabi, bkk and chiang mai. so no fixed address.
Michael *******
I will never understand why Thailand banks make it so hard to open an acct It’s not like we are asking for credit cards Stupid system
Robert **********
@Michael ******
It seems like Thai bank tellers are polite, but they are taught to be downright hostile to foreigners without work permits opening accounts. They may be afraid you’re earning money in Thailand, not paying taxes, and they are somehow responsible.Incognia **********
@Michael ******
also They dont let WISE sends money to other countries.
Alistair **********
@Michael ******
tax evasion & money laundering? You know how easy it would be to get a fake passport to hide money here in a different name not attached to a real person. Hence why most require proof, eg. Embassy letter, immigration letter, legal firm ect.Rog ***********
@Michael ******
try opening a bank account in Spore
George *********
Go to Bangkok bank, soi 43 Sukhumvit road.
I guarantee you success
I guarantee you success
Chan ******
OP@George ********
Thank you, may I know why? Is that someone did it recently?George *********
@Chan *****
I opened an account a year ago with no problem. I congratulated the lady on ease of opening. But they still did have to make copies and I had to sign many forms.They speak good English. I only had to show my rental contract, passport etc.They did NOT ask for a work permit..but Bangkok bank at Khao San turned me down because of no work permit.
Chan ******
OP@George ********
Thank youGeorge *********
@Chan *****
it's possible. It's only for bank use, not immigration purposes.Chan ******
OP@George ********
Thank you. If live in relative's condo but they are foreigner too and not live in Thailand, not sure if I should need to ask them prepare a rental contact for me, 555
Anthony ********
Answered this question many times. You simply take a thai resident with. With their house papers it is a very easy process. I've had a Bangkok bank account for many years without any problems
Chan ******
OP@Anthony *******
Thank you. Sorry that I did not have any Thai resident can bring along with.Anthony ********
@Chan *****
ok but if you know anyone thai they are usually only to eager to help.
Lisa ****
Just use an agency and you won't have any issues. I paid an agency 500 baht to open my account in Chiang Mai.
Don't believe anyone who says that you have to pay several thousand or buy insurance from the bank. Not true.
Don't believe anyone who says that you have to pay several thousand or buy insurance from the bank. Not true.
Siddhartha *********
@Lisa ***
hi will you please refer me agency that?Chan ******
OP@Lisa ***
Thank you. Good to know you did it! I will be in Bangkok next time. Sorry I never visit Chiang Mai. 555, I tried to ask some agents, they quoted the price at 10,000-*****
baht just for opening bank account, crazy price in compare with yours.Lisa ****
@Chan *****
they are trying to rip you off. You might have to get a residency certificate which an agency would usually charge 1-2k to organize for you and opening the actual account should be cheap.Chan ******
OP@Lisa ***
Yes, you are right. That's why I typed this post and try to find solution/advice/agent's contact to help with reasonable price.
Niklas ***********
Remember that even if you go in to a Bangkok Bank office and they don’t let you open a bank account, you can go to next Bangkok bank office and they maybe will open a account for you.
Looks like all office have different rules.
Looks like all office have different rules.
Chan ******
OPI sent email to Bangkok Bank yesterday by asking but not yet receive their reply.
Chan ******
OP@Niklas **********
I tried 3 bangkok bank branches in Bangkok and called their hotline to ask, they said cannot if I do not have working permit and ba ba ba...........
Otto *********
You might try such banks like UOB or CIMB, which are originally from Singapore. And maybe, there are some American banks in town.
Che ********
@Otto ********
problem with these is they are not accepted when applying for a visa that required a local account. I've had a UOB Thai bank account for 10 plus years but not accepted when applying for a retirement visa.Otto *********
@Che *******
Uuh, too baad!
Luc ********
It’s a joke isn’t it. Probably the best way is to pay an agent. In reality, there are no rules why to not allow a bank account… but business is business I guess..
Dieter *********
If u are usa or English Siam legal will get ur visa and take u to open bank account. For a fee not much. Cost is worth not having hassle
Hall *************
Hi sis ,
@Siam ************************************************************
2000 thb onlyChan ******
OP@DrCatherine ***********
Do you have this company email, I search their website, after clicked the link, my anti-virus blocked it because the link is unsafe, have virus, thank youHall *************
@Chan *****
I just message youChan ******
OP@DrCatherine ***********
Thank you.Chan ******
OP@DrCatherine ***********
Thank you, will try
Josh *******
@DrCatherine ***********
can you message me details ?
John ********
Go to the main Bangkok bank silom Rd bang rak Bangkok with a letter from immigration or your embassy and lots of money to put in the account and they will be happy to help
Henry *******
Chan ******
OP@John *******
: Thank you. Would you please explain what letter from immigration please?
Peter *********
@Chan *****
residence letter -John ********
@Chan *****
sorry for delay I've been out and Yes residential letterChan ******
OP@Peter ********
Thank you
Michael *********
@John *******
letter saying what? I doubt my embassy will help
Ben *****
I used siam legal international, I believe it was 3000 baht or so to open an account at bangkok bank
Sean ********
Yes Siam Legal will do it for 5000 baht as they quoted me recently. Which country are you from? If you are a US citizen the notarization should have been when you visited so no wait if you gave them the proper form. You do need to have a permanent address in Thailand and so can rent an apartment on a tourist visa while having all of your bank/long stay visa stuff taken care of.
Chan ******
OP@Sean *******
: Thank you. I am from Hong Kong.Ben *****
@Sean *******
I'm from the US but got denied at a few banks and didn't want to waste any more time. It seems they raised their rates.Incognia **********
@Sean *******
if get student card from any School Government Saving bank opening accountSean ********
@Ben ****
yeah I hear you I only got lucky because the school I was taking classes in issued me a letter which a K Bank Branch accepted as proof of my intent to stay (I am not on an educational visa). I got denied by I think 7 banks (BB, KB, SB, different branches so just got lucky after seeing if my school could do anything to help). 5000 baht is definitely worth just having Siam do it if I were to try this again having not known otherwise.Chan ******
OP@Ben ****
Thank you. I will try to ask.
Andy **********
Go to bank with a Thai who has an account and get them to vouch for you. I went and they sorted it in 15mins at Bangkok Bank.
Russell *******
If it's any help , I opened Bangkok Bank account in Chiang Rai with a resident certificate from immigration. 🙏
Ruth *******
@Russell ******
How would someone have a resident certificate if they are still on a tourist visa? I'm very confused by the process.Russell *******
@Ruth ******
everywhere you stay should be registering you within 24 hours. This is enough for the resident certificate.Ruth *******
@Russell ******
Yeah, I've seen that. It's surprising.Russell *******
@Ruth ******
it's a lot easier then you think. Once you get the bank account open it's just photo copies for everything else. It's a little tedious, but when you get it all sorted it's amazing value . The first 15 months will cost you 3900 baht and 1900 baht for every coming year . The TM 30 is a legal requirement by your hotel , landlord or friend as I understand it but you can always ask before you except the accommodation.
Ask them if they are happy to provide you with a TM30 a copy of there ID and copy of there blue book. As you have probably heard, opening a bank account is easier in bigger cities and most seem to have success in shopping malls for some strange reason 🙂
Ruth *******
@Russell ******
thank you so much. I’m getting very close (hopefully early-mid 2023) and I’ve been a bit overwhelmed with the process, especially concerned with the people who say their landlords will not give the the TM-30. Also, the whole…can’t get a bank account until one has a permanent visa but need a permanent visa to get a bank account, lol. Thanks for the clarification.Russell *******
@Chan *****
yes that's correct. Very easy in Chiang Rai 🙏Chan ******
OP@Russell ******
: thank you, so that use tm30 to get the residence certificate
Noppakhun ***************
Residence certificate but you still need to certfiy it with your embassy
Nick ************
@Noppakhun **************
you need long term Visa for residence certificate and even then your Visa must come from same province.Stuart *********
@Nick ***********
Not quite. In Bangkok that’s true but elsewhere like Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and others you don’t need any form of long term visa or visa even. You will need to show a filed TM30 to show that you’re “resident” in that province.Stuart *********
@Nick ***********
put a shout out for a local “agent” in a Facebook group for your area. Quite often they know what “wheels to grease”.Nick ************
@Stuart ********
I want to buy a car but as you say it is idiotic. Nakhon Phanom IO certainly dont regard it as irrelevant. They will not give me a residence certificate. I was told to leave. Can there be a more uncooperative IO?Stuart *********
@Nick ***********
sorry, but that’s just idiotic. People are allowed to move around Thailand at whim. To show that you can now interact with immigration in a specific province you show a TM30 that you’re “resident” in that province. The fact that you got an extension at some point prior in a different province should be irrelevant. Unfortunately local offices can enforce their own rules and there’s probably not much you can do about it. An alternative would be to go to somewhere like Phuket. Stay in a hotel and ask them for their filing of the TM30 and then do it there. May not help if the reason for the residence certificate needs to show what province you’re in but it may be a workaround for some.Nick ************
@Stuart ********
I have done my TM 30 in Nakhon Phanom but local IO refuse to give me a residence certificate because my Visa came from Bangkok. So if you move home you are stuffed until your next Visa extension.Chan ******
OP@Noppakhun **************
Thank you. Would you please teach me how to get the residence certificate? Simply go to Embassy or immigration please?Robert **********
@Chan *****
it depends on your citizenship. The US, British, and some other western embassies no longer issue the resident certificates. That lose you with the immigration department. And some provinces, as others have mentioned here, you can go and fill out the form and pay them and they’ll give you the certificate on the spot. Bangkok however, requires you to have done at least 1 90 day report, and then you have to have theresidency certificate posted to you, they don’t give it to you over-the-counter.VaiAna **********
I opened a thai bank account in Chang Mai on a tourist Visa @ Bangkok Bank in July 2022 , very easy process .
Steve **********
@VaiAna *********
had a friend on holiday go to my Bkk at Chang Khlan opened an account and got an ATM debit card.Nick ************
@VaiAna *********
the problem is that it is not an easy process everywhere.VaiAna **********
@Nick ***********
, I don't know about other places , I only know that in Chang Mai it was very easy . 2 of my friends also on tourist visa were able to open bank accounts in Chang Mai .Chan ******
OP@VaiAna *********
Thank you. You need to bring what documents for opening account please?VaiAna **********
@Chan *****
, this is in Chang Mai . I went to the Immigration and obtained a letter of residence for 500 baht . I filled out a form at Immigration with the following copies , passport page , visa , 1 photo , TM30 and 500 baht . I picked it up the next day . At Immigration , there's an office on the property where you can get the TM30 . You just need to bring your contract or receipt from the hotel where you're staying . You should be in their system . Anyway I took that letter to Bangkok Bank . That's what they require in order to open an account . Did you ask the bank what they needed from you in order to open an account ? That's what I did in Chang Mai . I went in and there was a sign posted at the bank . The 500 baht fee is for the lady to expedite the letter . My friend opened an account in Chang Mai without the letter . She went to Kasikorn Bank .Chan ******
OP@VaiAna *********
Thank youVaiAna **********
@Chan *****
, residency of certificate is easy to obtain . You can get that from Immigration . Just take the necessary paperwork with you as mentioned in my previous reply .Chan ******
OP@VaiAna *********
Thank you so much.VaiAna **********
@Chan *****
, good luckChan ******
OP@VaiAna *********
Thank you. Bangkok bank asked me to provide letter to certify my passport from embassy and another branch asked me to prepare residency certificate.
Glyn **********
I went to immigration and got a letter from them for 500baht and I'm on a tourist visa.
Tito *********
@Glyn *********
which immigration office? What did you ask them exactly? You said you needed a residency letter to open a bank account? Thank you :)Chan ******
OP@Glyn *********
Thank you. When you apply, you need to bring what documents please?Glyn **********
@Chan *****
I obviously took my passport. I also took residency contract with rental receipts. There was not much to it and $500baht.
Native ****************
******************************
%2030%20Notification%20of%20Residence%20for%20Foreigners%20[rev.1].pdfNative ****************
*************************************************************
Native ****************
@Chan *****
For a simple opening of bank account you need to bring your Passport and form TM30 (Proof of Residence) signed by the owner of the place you rent... Plus, before giving you the Residence Certificate letter (300 to 500 Bahts), Immigration might also ask for Lease Agreement with the Owner's name as the Landlord OR if you own a condo, bring the house registration book. For the Retirement Visa application, Immigration will definitely ask for the LEase Agreement and House Registration Book with the Owner's name that is on the Lease Agreement. Hope this helps and I added the link below tha explains about the TM30 form. You can get the BLANK TM30 online and just print 3 copies to get signed.Chan ******
OP@Native ***************
Thank you so much, very detail
Aoaoa **************
Kasikorn
Chris ******
Pay a visa agent , they all have “contacts” at branches that can open an account …. Saves you a lot of time going around all the different banks !
Chan ******
OP@Chris *******
Thank you. Do you have agent suggestion which charge below 5000 baht in Bangkok please? or other cities please?
Peter *******
@Chan *****
passport and take a Thai national with you 😉Gordon *******
@Chan *****
Pattaya 3500-4000b for bank account with agentPeter *******
@Chan *****
you don’t need agent. Pattaya, soi Buakhao, Bangkok Bank no problemGordon *******
@Chan *****
There are lots in Pattaya who will be able to assist you for this priceChan ******
OP@Gordon ******
Thank you, may I get agent's name or his contact please
Klaus ***********
Just go to a rural town bank
Stuart *********
Classic Catch-22. You need a bank account for a long term visa but Bank Manager says you can’t open an account without a long term visa.
There is nothing in Thai law that prohibits a foreigner from opening a bank account - with or without a long term visa or work permit. That said each branch of each bank has its own rules and some won’t allow it yet some will. If one branch won’t allow it walk along to the next one. Try shopping mall branches, or ones close to an international school who are well used to people needing an account but have no long term visa.
If you’re in a major city or tourist centre then you’ll more likely have luck at some branch. Ask in a local Facebook group for that area who’s had success and what bank/branch. If you’re in the boondocks in Nakhon Si Nowhere then you may be out of luck.
Some banks/branches will ask you to take out a insurance policy to open an account. You may get away politely refusing, as they know it’s not mandatory, but probably won’t.
Some may want a “proof of residence” from an embassy or immigration. Again another classic Catch-22. A number of immigration offices will only issue this is if you’ve done a 90 day report, but you need a long term visa to have done a 90 day report. You may have better luck at your embassy, but don’t hold your breath.
Taking a Thai friend along may help in some instances, but no guarantee you’ll get an easier acceptance.
Perhaps show a wad of cash and say I need to deposit this somewhere. Again it may not help.
Unfortunately it’s just hit and miss.
Failing any luck yourself put a shout out for an agent to help. Generally visa agents offer a bank account opening service. Expect cost to be circa 5,000 baht.
There is nothing in Thai law that prohibits a foreigner from opening a bank account - with or without a long term visa or work permit. That said each branch of each bank has its own rules and some won’t allow it yet some will. If one branch won’t allow it walk along to the next one. Try shopping mall branches, or ones close to an international school who are well used to people needing an account but have no long term visa.
If you’re in a major city or tourist centre then you’ll more likely have luck at some branch. Ask in a local Facebook group for that area who’s had success and what bank/branch. If you’re in the boondocks in Nakhon Si Nowhere then you may be out of luck.
Some banks/branches will ask you to take out a insurance policy to open an account. You may get away politely refusing, as they know it’s not mandatory, but probably won’t.
Some may want a “proof of residence” from an embassy or immigration. Again another classic Catch-22. A number of immigration offices will only issue this is if you’ve done a 90 day report, but you need a long term visa to have done a 90 day report. You may have better luck at your embassy, but don’t hold your breath.
Taking a Thai friend along may help in some instances, but no guarantee you’ll get an easier acceptance.
Perhaps show a wad of cash and say I need to deposit this somewhere. Again it may not help.
Unfortunately it’s just hit and miss.
Failing any luck yourself put a shout out for an agent to help. Generally visa agents offer a bank account opening service. Expect cost to be circa 5,000 baht.
Chan ******
OPBy the way, is TM30=residence certificate please?
Vladimír *****
@Chan *****
should be done by LANDLORD *******************************************************************************
Chan ******
OP@Vladimír **************
Thank you
George *************
@Chan *****
You apply for a Certificate of Residence at immigration by filling in a TM-30.Stuart *********
@Chan *****
Check with @Thai *****************************
and see what prices they quote. May perhaps depend on nationality (no idea why but many things here are).Chan ******
OP@Stuart ********
Oh, I see. So the bank staff provided wrong information!Stuart *********
@George ************
If you’re in Bangkok they won’t issue one unless you’ve filed at least one 90 day report.Chan ******
OP@Stuart ********
: Thank you so much, I tried in EM quartier, still failed. Staff just rejected and did not ask me to purchase insurance. Regarding agent, should there be any suggestion with lower than 5000 baht in bangkok or other cities. 555, I asked some agents, they charge at 10,000 to 15,000 baht for just opening a bank account. I need help!
David *******
@Chan *****
in Pattaya agents charge 3500-3700 baht to open account for you.David *******
@Chan *****
I don’t usually post details publicly but this one is all over Facebook so as an example: @https://www.facebook*********************
Chan ******
OP@David ******
Thank you, may I get their name or contact please?Stuart *********
@Chan *****
Ouch. Not being based in Bangkok I’m not familiar with agents around that offer that service. Others here should be able to help.Activity
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