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What are the requirements and costs for obtaining Permanent Residency in Thailand, and is it better to apply directly or through a lawyer?

Permanent ResidencyThailand VisasVisa RequirementsImmigrationThai Visa ProcessLawyer Assistance for VisaCosts of Permanent ResidencyThai Elite Visa
Mar 9, 2021
4 years ago
Peter *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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.
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TLDR : 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.
George *************
Highly recommend listening to this podcast and checking out the excellent site run by the guest linked below.

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4 years ago
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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
4 years ago
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Greg ********
@Wayne *******
 Are you not thinking of citizenship not PR?
4 years ago
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Wayne ********
@Greg *******
 yes 100 pct to me sounds similar but obviously some like myself have long term TE visas for residing here x
4 years ago
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Wayne ********
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Garrett ***********
@Wa***
 Wrong
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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Rattapon **************
@vanda
4 years ago
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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.
4 years ago
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Terary **********
@Tod ********
 how much does an agent charge for that?
4 years ago
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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
4 years ago
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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?
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
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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

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-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
4 years ago
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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
4 years ago
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Steve *******
@Stan ******
 been down for 17 hours for maintenance or at least that’s the message
4 years ago
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Steve *******
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Falcon *******
forget it...
4 years ago
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Phill ******
20 year elite visa , much cheaper .
4 years ago
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Tod *********
Sadly
@Phill *****
 that is a complete and total FAIL :(
4 years ago
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Phill ******
@Tod ********
 , why , it doesnt look like he has 20 years left in him .
4 years ago
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Phill ******
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Rich *****
Have a look at this.

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4 years ago
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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.
4 years ago
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Ryan ******
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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