Answered12 days ago
What are the new requirements for obtaining a certificate of residence in Chiang Mai?
New requirement for a certificate of resident in Chiang Mai.
Takes about 20 days to pick up or 23 days if you want to send per Air (60 baht).
Takes about 20 days to pick up or 23 days if you want to send per Air (60 baht).
Answer summary
The new requirement for obtaining a certificate of residence in Chiang Mai has sparked considerable discussion among expats. It reportedly takes around 20 to 23 days to receive the certificate, depending on whether you choose to pick it up or have it sent by air. Many expats expressed frustration over the seemingly excessive paperwork required and the lengthy processing times, suggesting that the immigration process is unnecessarily complicated and encourages the use of agents for expedited service. Some comments pointed out inconsistencies in documentation requirements across different locations in Thailand, while others criticized the bureaucratic inefficiencies contributing to growing dissatisfaction among foreign residents.
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ฌ็อง ***************
Last time I got one was in 2016. I remember as I got fined for not having a TM30!
Steve **********
another game.... someone's getting a stipend... yep.. let's call it what it is. and the prime minster says he's attacking corruption. he's on the club circuit now.
Steven ********
Do i need to show them my high school diploma?
Steven ********
Thai Bureaucrats crazy in 2026 😂
Richard **************
I got mine earlier this year and have a choice of having it Mailed to me within two weeks or, by going across the street and using an agent, getting it the next day for 500 baht. Document requirements were minimal. I was not in a hurry so they mailed it to me and it Arrived within 2 weeks
Peter **********
Never saw a country with a bigger lack of self-confidence; a total display of inferiority complex :-(
Jens **********
Ah yes, Thailand. I've already changed my plan to live there full time.. they really want to make it hard for genuine people that live and spend in local communities and families which they are a part of.
Frederic *********
They will add death certificate next year.
Gerald *********
It's quite a process here but here's a story to cheer you all up.... I needed a recent copy of my marriage certificate from Canada for a Schengen visa. Had to apply online NS vital statistics blocked overseas access (so my sister did it from Canada) it took 4 months. We got it after we returned from Europe. We used our 20 year old certificate which the embassy graciously allowed. The exact requirement is a marriage certificate updated within 6 months. When it takes 10,000 thb and 4 months to obtain, it would take very careful planning to actually comply or a thick wallet to keep a current certificate applying every 2 months to have a current copy on file.
BJ *****
count yourself lucky... in Korat they ask for the personal home house book and ID card of your landlord in addition to the pictured list. great fun when your landlord lives in Bangkok 555
Bob ********
Jobs for the boys! 😂
Christopher ********
Is this for Chiang Mai only?
Tim *********
I got a residents certificate in January from them to buy a car. It was very difficult to say the least. As well as all the stated documents, they wanted a copy of the new cars log book, and a written letter from myself stating why I wanted to buy the car from Bkk. After that, I waited 3 weeks to finally go and collect the certificate in person. I really dont understand why the process is so difficult?
Brandon *************
Why would someone need this ? I'm new just got my 5 year looking at apartments and houses what's this for
Reimund *******
You have to provide the documents the immigration want to see. If not, you will not get what you need. Simple as that.
Charlie *********
The land of paper……….
Cédric *******
And what is the new requirement here ? Nothing new from what i see.....
Saklan *********
These are not new requirements, its been like this for years and it does not take 20 or 23 days. Its literally same day and costs 500 baht. 1000 baht if you use an agent. OP is wrong.
Carille *********
Saklan Meechok In Chiang Mai, it is mailed in approx 20 days. Just did it this month
Jukka ***********
Saklan Meechok do you get an official receipt about the 500 Baht?
When I got mine couple of months ago the option was either pick up or get mailed in about 3 weeks.
When I got mine couple of months ago the option was either pick up or get mailed in about 3 weeks.
Saklan *********
Jukka Schärlund yes you get an official receipt. I just did it a couple weeks ago and got 2 of them to renew my driver's and motorcycle license. 500 baht each. Got them both within 30 minutes but depends on how busy they are. Can take up to a couple of hours.
Darral ********
Saklan Meechok you wasted 500 baht because if for same thing (licenses) renew on same day one original of CoR and a copy is sufficient. Unless that rule has changed too.
Brandon ************
@Saklan ********
to be fair I last did it during Covid. But before that it had been next day for yearsSaklan *********
@Brandon ***********
hmm, next day huh. I have never experienced anything other than same day and I have done it at least 6 times in the last 4 years here in chiang mai.Brandon ************
@Saklan ********
interesting. It used to be next day pickup for 500 baht.
James ********
First one earlier this year took 1 hour. 2 months ago too 3 days. Now Bangkok Bank says they need one just to update my address and new retirement visa. It's getting more difficult......
Ef *****
Here in Hua Hin just need a Passport Copy, copy with the latest Visa Stamp and a signed copy of the rental agreement or hous book, 2 passport pictures 😂
Nigel **********
Just to make everyone aware..if you enter on the Visa Exemption scheme for what is now 30 days, and then extend your stay at your local Immigration Office you are cooking up a problem for the future.
Do not extend, unless you really must. And if you do, plan on staying well away for at least a year.
Do not extend, unless you really must. And if you do, plan on staying well away for at least a year.
Conor ****
Who's a good boot licker? photocopy of the ownership history page and tm30 alone is tyrannical Heaps of better countries within a 6 hour flight radius that don't require any documents. Even rich first world nations don't require paperwork like this.
Jérôme **********
One thing that strikes me as ironic is that they specify a white background picture only. I just did some identity pictures to renew my French passport and there the background can be any light color... as long as it's not white. I think it perfectly illustrates how arbitrary administrations are
Trent *******
Yep this is why my car is staying on Bangkok plates lol
Anna ****
Trent Morey I kept the original plates for all my cars. No problem, no stress 😂
Kevin *********
Trent Morey what has Bangkok played gotta do with transfer of ownership? Didn't you and the previous owner go to the dmv to do the transfer?
Trent *******
Kevin Fonseka it has everything to do with the transfer.
Jan ******************
Got it in two days
Nick *********
is that paperwork requirement really a big deal? very easy to prepare, a matter of minutes. Get a life ffs
Chuck ********
It’s not difficult.
There is no charge except for the postage stamp.
I understand the THIM App may eventually make it easier.
There is no charge except for the postage stamp.
I understand the THIM App may eventually make it easier.
Robert **********
Chuck Conrad , what is the THIM App?
Caroline *******
@Rob***
- here's the link on Apple's store - ***********************************************************************
**********
*****
*****
I think it has several bugs to iron out though..
Chuck ********
Robert McGregor it is a working development by Thai Immigration to provide services via online methods. So far, it handles the TDAC (arrival card).
Ant ***********
It’s weird
Maybe they need more staff !!
Hua Hin 👇
Same day - 30 minutes - 500 baht
Or wait 5 days - FREE
Maybe they need more staff !!
Hua Hin 👇
Same day - 30 minutes - 500 baht
Or wait 5 days - FREE
Markus *********
Better oll go out, i looks for a other place in asia
Gerry *********
It’s getting impossible
Shin ******
They really take you through it don't they? Oh well, I will certainly comply!🤗
Steven *******
Typos on government documents are inspiring 😢
Uwe ***********
Foreigners living in Thailand should and can have a yellow house book which is proof of residence. This is a totally unnecessary redundancy created for whatever reason. I used to extend my drivers license with the yellow house book, not accepted anymore.
Anna ****
Uwe Unverzagt yellow book is often not accepted. Why should they accept an official government document?
Gray *******
Uwe Unverzagt Some government agencies still demand a Certificate of Residence with a yellow book and pink ID. They might just be trying to work less. Financing a car required two CoR even with a yellow book, the bank demanded one and the department of land transportation.
Neville *******
Uwe Unverzagt Did mine two months ago, Yellow house book accepted, I did show my pink id card but I was told not needed.
Do the online questions go in do the reaction tests and walked out with both car and bike licences.
Do the online questions go in do the reaction tests and walked out with both car and bike licences.
Matthew ******
More or less same in Nakhon Ratchasima now too.
Roberto ************
The Thai government has been asleep at the wheel and has failed to meet its obligations over the last few decades! As a result, they’ve ended up with "trashy" tourists and criminals on their soil! Now they think they can fix it all in five minutes , are they hoping to catch "richer forrigners" this way ??
Cassandra ********
Amadou ******
Too many papers....
Mike ******
Thailand doesn't do simple. I've submitted 22 years' worth of the same or similar documents. Then they wonder why they've lost 10 million tourists during Anutin's time in office!
Mango *******
All digital Thailand.
Gerar ********
Just got a proof of residence today from my immigration office.Only copy passport name page and last visa extension together with TM30 and 2 pictures.Took all in all 15 mins
IamSpar********
I think in near future the THIM app will make most of this more easier
Greg ***********
and since you can only use the CoR for 4 weeks, what sense does it make you have to wait for it for 20 - 23 days ? Giving you only 1 week to use it for the purpose it got issued
ThaiE******
Next year they want photo with buffalo.
Steven ***************
This is why I live in a small town far away from the major cities and Ex-Pat communities. Local immigration office, everyone there know Me, in and out for pretty much any business in just a few minutes.
John *********
Steven L. Daugherty Likewise
ThaiE******
Next year they want photo with buffalo.
Katherine *******
ThaiElite50 oh no 😱 can I just bring a photo with my duck?
ThaiE******
😂
Nick *******
ThaiElite50 but you will need a resident certificate to buy the buffalo 🤔😆
Craig *******
Got me rooted why any of you whingeing assholes live in Thailand. Not one of you has anything good to say about it. if you don't like it, pack up, piss off and find somewhere else more to your liking.
Brook ********
Is this really new, or is it the same as it was?
Martin ********
Brook Powers looks the same to me
Jossy *******
Martin Fucile items 4 are new, I didn’t have to provide the copy of my lease last year.
Brunski ****
That's idiotic. Clearly got monkeys on the job.
THENA******
Going out of their way to push foreigners out of TH... Can't wait for the tourism to go even further down and this whole market to crash...
Garrett ***********
And they still can't spell correctly
Dean ******
All this is bypassed by the convenient same day fast track certificate of residence which just requires moneyyy
Greg ***********
and since you can only use the CoR for 4 weeks, what sense does it make you have to wait for it for 20 - 23 days ? Giving you only 1 week to use it for the purpose it got issued
Brandon ************
@Greg **********
I assume it'll be dated the day they mail it out. But I'm sure they still offer the fast service though maybe the price has increased from 500 to 1000 since now they're saving you 3 weeks instead of 1 week 😅Dave ********
@Brandon ***********
it is dated the day it’s mailed. I got mine from chiang mai immigration after 20 days
IamSpar********
I think in near future the THIM app will make most of this more easier
Ba *****
IamSparticus777 Seriously? Do you really believe the app will add a feature that forces people to go to imigration and pay an illegal 1,000 baht fee, a bribe of sorts, just to save time?
Greg ***********
and WHERE does it tell you what you need to show for a certificate of residence for getting a Thai bank account opened ?
Christian ********
In Hua Hin you need passportkopie with the last entry stamp and 2 fotos.
Gerar ********
Just got a proof of residence today from my immigration office.
Only copy passport name page and last visa extension together with TM30 and 2 pictures.
Took all in all 15 mins 😊
Only copy passport name page and last visa extension together with TM30 and 2 pictures.
Took all in all 15 mins 😊
Cameron *******
Lucky you
TruthfulCr***********
Gerar Teuben Where? Not Chiang Mai I guess.
Didier **********
TruthfulCrocodile2896 khon kaen 10 minutes
Gerar ********
TruthfulCrocodile2896 Hua Hin
TruthfulCr***********
Gerar Teuben So not really relevant to the op.
I last got one from khon khaen last year. Only stayed a couple of nights in a hotel. Received the letter from immigration in 30 minutes plus 500 baht.
I last got one from khon khaen last year. Only stayed a couple of nights in a hotel. Received the letter from immigration in 30 minutes plus 500 baht.
Austin ******
Gerar Teuben and how much did you pay...?
Kurt ********
Yes, if you want it faster, top up the fee a little.
Gerar ********
Kurt Keller top up the fee for something which should be for free in the first place. 😳
Gerar ********
Austin Bigi 500 😳
Chris ********
Went the other week and it was just copy passport stamp visa photo tm 30 and purchase receipt for car. Said rental etc not needed. But guess it changes depending on weather lol
Oliver **********
Everyone knows they make it a super long and difficult process so that you'll be forced to use an agent. There's literally zero reason this should take 20 days and requre this much paperwork - which they already have on file. Why do you even need a certificate of residence? What purpose does it serve? It might as well be a certificate of being alive
Odin ******************
Thay make so much stress for us expats. So many expats move from Thailand now to Vietnam and Philippines.
Odin ******************
Thay make so much stress for us expats. So many expats move from Thailand now to Vietnam and Philippines.
IamSpar********
Odin Johnny Karlsson
So many border runners have gone. Those without true visa stays.
Those with long term visas are staying.
So many border runners have gone. Those without true visa stays.
Those with long term visas are staying.
Brenton ******
IamSparticus777 don't be so sure of that one.
Roberto ************
IamSparticus777 ... right and their document requires paperwork will becom more difficult every year !
Oliver **********
Everyone knows they make it a super long and difficult process so that you'll be forced to use an agent. There's literally zero reason this should take 20 days and requre this much paperwork - which they already have on file. Why do you even need a certificate of residence? What purpose does it serve? It might as well be a certificate of being alive
Christopher ********
Oliver Benjamin for one thing, the document is needed to start a bank account. I don't know for what else.
Jossy *******
Oliver Benjamin I agree with you, and what makes no sense is that if you have a long term visa a lease that is over a year long, why is the certificate only valid for 30 days? And why do you have to have different certificates of residence for buying a vehicle or opening a bank account…. Is a scam to get more money.
Toby ******
@Oliver *********
you need it for many things-- for example to buy a motorbikeOliver **********
@Toby *****
yes of course. My question is why do they make you jump through these hoops? Surely proof of a long stay visa and a TM30 should be enough
Graeme *******
Funny making it harder but happy to have us all as tax residents sfter 180 days
Curt **********
They just hate trees in Thailand, don’t they?
Renewal of residence permit in EU countries like the Netherlands is paperless. My last extension of retirement in Thailand was almost 100 pages of mostly unnecessary paperwork.
If it’s to show your residence , why not just require a copy of the passport pages of your visa and activity since then plus the blank page after that?
What’s the point of 40+ pages of travel going back up to nine years, especially since you’ve already provided that multiple times , in duplicate every time you applied for or extended a visa.
Make it make sense.
Renewal of residence permit in EU countries like the Netherlands is paperless. My last extension of retirement in Thailand was almost 100 pages of mostly unnecessary paperwork.
If it’s to show your residence , why not just require a copy of the passport pages of your visa and activity since then plus the blank page after that?
What’s the point of 40+ pages of travel going back up to nine years, especially since you’ve already provided that multiple times , in duplicate every time you applied for or extended a visa.
Make it make sense.
Sergio ******
What about the 500 thb fast document process?
Jossy *******
@Sergio *****
I don’t think they do it during high season, that happened to me last year in the month of December, they wouldn’t do the “express service “, but then I went to the agent agency across the street and they did it for an additional 300 THB on top of the 500 extra THB…. All a scam!🤣🤣🤣
Ba *****
@Sergio *****
it was a 1000 bath already… just smile and pay with respect :)))Robert **********
How do you access the 500 thb fast document process? Is there a form to fill out? Do you get a receipt?
Sergio ******
Ba Wan but can I ask them properly? Or it’s a sketchy thing lol
Ian *****
lets make things easy for farangs !!! not
De ******************
Thailand is losing his mind..🤦🏻♂️
Intelligent***********
Golly gee whizakers! It's almost like they want people to use agents. I wonder why?
Jukka ***********
The interesting point is: the immigration has all these documents and they are updated once a year during extension of stay.
Josh ********
Jukka Schärlund are you trying to use logic here in Thailand?
Jukka ***********
Josh Stiles ?????
John ********
Surprised there are any trees left 😂
Brandon ************
@Jukka **********
I'd imagine a lot of residence certificates are for people who haven't done an extension.
Mikkel *******
Jukka Schärlund imagine the warehouse where all these papers get stored 😂
Honestly thought, when you think about it, it is ludicrous.
Most of the information comes from some digital source, that has to be printed, signed, stamped, etc, and paper forms filled in with blue ink, for it to then again be scanned and saved digitally by them for storage purposes. 😂
It is what it is.
Honestly thought, when you think about it, it is ludicrous.
Most of the information comes from some digital source, that has to be printed, signed, stamped, etc, and paper forms filled in with blue ink, for it to then again be scanned and saved digitally by them for storage purposes. 😂
It is what it is.
Brook ********
Mikkel Kruse What most people don't know is that Thailand generates almost all its electricity by using these papers as fuel for generators.
Mikkel *******
Brook Powers interesting but also not true. More than half of Thailands electricity comes from natural gas,. and then around 17% is imported. The remainder is around 15% coal and lignite (where that paper would be a percentage), 11% renewables, and 3% domestic hydro power.
Ismo **********
Jukka Schärlund Helkkari, tuo show minulla edessä 😐
Jukka ***********
Brook Powers interesting, however it is not mentioned when reading about the energy mix.
You will find updated figures using Google.
You will find updated figures using Google.
Jukka ***********
Mikkel Kruse yes. It is what it is.
Thai immigration stores all received documents three years.
Banks for example, have to keep every single document ten years. True, there are huge warehouses.
Thai immigration stores all received documents three years.
Banks for example, have to keep every single document ten years. True, there are huge warehouses.
Keith *******
Use an agent if you are in a hurry. 24 hour turn around.
Shayne **********
Maybe take your bank passbooks, your utility bills, your mother's original birth certificate, your high school diploma, your trophy from U6 football club, and 17 other forms of identification and 3 Thai people who have known you 8 years.
Rob ********
@Shayne *********
You missed the blood test.
Denis ************
@Shayne *********
as well as a stool test for helminth eggsGerry *********
@Shayne *********
and the he restRoberto ************
@Shayne *********
...u forgetted birth certificat from your gran-granpa and his circulum in 1th WW !Jukka ***********
@Shayne *********
and all these in two copies signed with blue ink.
Primož *******
Jukka Schärlund Notarized....😂
Sean ********
Primož Rutar by the ministry in Bangkok.... 😜🤣🤣🤣
Jukka ***********
Primož Rutar it will come. I'm in a good position: my neighbour is notary.
Matthew *****
Jukka Schärlund and signed in the presence of the Amphur of your village, don't forget the receipt or its all invalid.
Shayne **********
This is stupid!
GiftedAp*********
That's ridiculous, why are they trying to make it more difficult 🤔
Robert *************
GiftedApricot3724 because they don't like us being here
Matthew *****
GiftedApricot3724 Why?? you know the answer to that question.
Tim ***********
We just love foreigners here in Thailand
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