Answered6 years ago
What are the requirements and costs for obtaining Permanent Residency in Thailand, and is it better to apply directly or through a lawyer?
Can anyone who has been successful in obtaining Permanent Residency here share their experience, i.e, what were the requirements, what was the cost, did you apply directly to Immigration, or use a Lawyer,
that if you were satisfied with his service, and fees, you might like to recommend to me.
Thanks in advance.
that if you were satisfied with his service, and fees, you might like to recommend to me.
Thanks in advance.
Answer summary
Several users shared their experiences regarding the process of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Thailand. They emphasized the importance of having thorough documentation, particularly if one has three years of unbroken extensions of stay based on legal employment, and noted that applying directly to immigration can be manageable without a lawyer. However, using a lawyer may simplify the process, albeit at a higher cost, typically in the range of 80,000 to 100,000 baht, alongside a government application fee of 7,600 baht. Some recommended resources include forums and podcasts, while others shared their frustrations and thoughts on the complexity of the process.
19 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
George *************
Highly recommend listening to this podcast and checking out the excellent site run by the guest linked below.
*******************************************************************************************************
********************************
Wayne ********
permanent residency if i think what you referring to is next to
impossible and they only allow 20 a year i seem to recall .. if you
like jumping through hoops try good luck
impossible and they only allow 20 a year i seem to recall .. if you
like jumping through hoops try good luck
Greg ********
@Wayne *******
Are you not thinking of citizenship not PR?Wayne ********
@Greg *******
yes 100 pct to me sounds similar but obviously some like myself have long term TE visas for residing here x
Garrett ***********
@Wa***
Wrong 
Rattapon **************
@vanda
Tod *********
Also the people in Section D out at Chaengwattana (the PR application section) are crazy good at taking time with people to make sure you know what you're doing to apply.
IF you have the 3 years of unbroken extensions of stays based on Legally working here with a work permit, paying into the social security system, filing taxes, making donations, etc you shouldn't have any problem getting your documents together on your own.
IF you have the 3 years of unbroken extensions of stays based on Legally working here with a work permit, paying into the social security system, filing taxes, making donations, etc you shouldn't have any problem getting your documents together on your own.
Terary **********
@Tod ********
how much does an agent charge for that?Tod *********
@Terary *********
I've seen prices in 80K to 100K range for paper pushers to get your documents together and they have NO better chance of your application being accepted than you do IF you go about it step by step and in a logical fashion in getting your documents together. The actual application FEE is 7600 baht when you turn in your application.
If you're approved and single you pay 191K baht and change, and if you're married to a thai you pay 90K baht and change.. ..
years ago agents were the way to go because it was a "buy PR" sort of scheme but now it's pretty by the book and certainly NOT beyond the ability of someone who is motivated and takes their time compiling their documentation
Bobby ********
Terary Apellido. How does an agent gain access to your work permit and tax details? Do you let them into your home and allow them access to all your documents? I'd have thought it's easier and more secure to do all this yourself?
Tod *********
There is an ANCIENT thread on the (now offline) thai visa - nation news forums in the Thai visas residency and work permit sub-forum called Cameratas Guide to Permanent Residency
It goes thru the process, ONCE the site comes back up, read the first couple pages THEN go to the end of the thread and read the last ones back so you can see what people are doing NOW
******************************************************************************************
*****
-cameratas-guide-to-the-permanent-residence-process/It goes thru the process, ONCE the site comes back up, read the first couple pages THEN go to the end of the thread and read the last ones back so you can see what people are doing NOW
Stan *******
@Tod ********
Off topic, but yeah, I suddenly noticed yesterday that Thai Visa had disappeared. Any idea why?It did the same a while back and I gather they hadn't renewed some certificate or other. It was on the next day or quickly afterwards, but I wonder what's going on.
Today, I just get this
Steve *******
@Stan ******
been down for 17 hours for maintenance or at least that’s the message 
Falcon *******
forget it...
Phill ******
20 year elite visa , much cheaper .
Tod *********
Sadly
@Phill *****
that is a complete and total FAIL :( Phill ******
@Tod ********
, why , it doesnt look like he has 20 years left in him .
Rich *****
Have a look at this.
****************************
Ryan ******
With the right lawyer, very easy, but not cheap. It is not impossible without a lawyer, but if you are serious, and have the funds, it can't compare to playing the lottery.
Activity
15 joined15
people
Related
25What are the visa options and requirements for retirees considering moving to Thailand from China?
7.4k471224mo
Can I apply for the DTV in Thailand without holding the required 500k baht for 3 months?
2.2k19205mo
What are the best visa options for working offshore and residing in Thailand?
2.3k2438mo
What are the current requirements for obtaining an O-A visa for retirees in Thailand?
2.2k13249mo
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a Muay Thai training visa in Thailand?
5964310mo
What are the requirements for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand from Italy?
2.1k17131y
What documents do I need to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
5.8k51391y
What are the requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Thailand as a Brazilian expat married to a Thai national?
1.1k3121y
What are the bank statement requirements for applying for the DTV in Thailand?
931412y
What are the experiences and requirements of obtaining the DTV visa in Thailand?
18.4k1062092y
Do you need to have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank for a retirement visa application in Thailand?
4.1k39202y
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a DTV visa as a business owner in Thailand?
16.2k1012072y
Can I move around Thailand after obtaining a retirement visa in Hua Hin or must I stay there?
1.8k10233y
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand after entering on a Non-immigrant O visa based on marriage?
14.3k1291346y
What has been the experience of others with the Thai Elite visa?
3k22287y
What is the Thai Elite visa and what are its requirements?
1.4k1057y
What are the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa for Thailand?
654188y
What documents are required to extend a non-O single entry visa in Thailand?
697428y
What are the requirements for obtaining an Investment Visa in Thailand?
1.1k858y
What are the requirements and pros and cons of a permanent resident visa in Thailand?
4.1k38248y
How do I apply for an ED visa at the Thai embassy in Hong Kong?
2.2k2188y
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a retirement visa (Non-OA) to retire in Thailand?
1.1k689y
Is it true that the Thai government will offer a ten-year visa, and what are the requirements to obtain it?
2.8k27109y
What are the current requirements for obtaining an ED Visa in Thailand?
1.1k489y
What should expats know before applying for a tourist visa at the Thai consulate in Phnom Penh?
13.2k1221129y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served