What documents do I need to obtain a certificate of residence in Samui, and what are the penalties for not being registered by my landlord?

May 24, 2018
6 years ago
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello friends, I'm currently living in Samui on SETVs (+extension) and am renting a condo from a friend (Thai citizen). For insurance purposes back home I now need a certificate of residence. I read in earlier posts that it's quite easy to get one valid for one month, but I prefer to have one valid until the the end of our rental agreement.

What documents are currently required at Samui immigration to get such a certificate?

In researching this, I learned that the owner of the condo did not yet register me with immigration. What would be the penalties for that and is this registration even required to obtain the certificate of residence?

In case the registration is required, how would that process work?

Thanks so much in advance!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat in Samui is seeking information about obtaining a certificate of residence needed for insurance purposes and the related requirements, including necessary documents and the implications of not being registered by their landlord with immigration. Comments provide insights on required documents, the process at the Samui immigration office, and information on the penalties for non-registration. It is suggested that a lease agreement, passport, and possibly the landlord's ID are sufficient for obtaining the certificate. Additionally, guidance is given on acquiring a Thai driver's license using the certificate.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry to open this up once more, but this just crossed my mind: some of you mentioned the certificate as a means to get a thai drivers license. This wasn't an issue for me so far as i have an international DL issued from my home country. But it's about to expire and I won't be back for a while. How long would that thai DL be valid (reminder: I'm on SETV) and would it be valid in all of Thailand?

I guess certificate of residence for that would need to be issued in Thai?

Thanks so much again
Warren ********
I just went to local clinic and got the cert yesterday for 60baht. Blood pressure test and wieght, height and pulse. They asked my partner if i had any chest surgury and that was it. About 5 mins. Just take along your passport.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ahhh the "clinics"... ๐Ÿ˜‰ alright thanks a bunch!
Tod *********
@Jo**
you don't need to go to a hospital, any health clinic will sell it to you..
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
The medical certificate can be obtained in any reasonable hospital within the country I presume?
Tod *********
to get a thai drivers license (without taking the computerized multiple choice test or doing the practical driving test) you need:

certificate of residence

medical certificate

your valid license from your home country (written in english)

your passport

You'll get a temporary thai drivers license that's good for 2 years. It's valid country wide. IF you hold a motorcycle and a car endorsement from your country you will get TWO thai drivers licenses, one for a motocy and one for a vehicle
Juandre **************
I passport sized photo, address of residence written on a bit of paper and 500 baht, takes about 40 minutes
Warren ********
Take along two photos also. I got a certificate of residence today. Required 2 photos same size as you use for extension of visa. They pit a stamp over the photo.
Tod *********
I googled around and it seems that your passport and your address written on a piece of paper was enough for Samui immigrations to issue you a residence certificate last year.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Re your second post: That certificate from Pattaya was sufficient in my home country.

So as for Samui, what documents do I need to get that 'short-term' certificate, even if I have to renew it monthly?
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks! Correction: I looked up the copy of that certificate from Pattaya and it only mentions my entry date and "permission to stay in Thailand until". I had that wrong in mind. Thanks again!
Tod *********
@Jo**
make a copy of it (ft&bk), and have them sign the copy.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And it's ok to just borrow the ID, I don't need to drag the owner with me (in case I even need it, pertaining to your follow up post) ?
Tod *********
Your lease, your passport, (maybe the thai i/d of the owner) should be enough at the samui immigration office.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Tod ********
, I did get a certificate for 6 months in Pattaya about 2 years ago, but I don't remember the details and the condo was rented via an agency.
Ron *******
Jomtien date them valid for 30 days.
Tod *********
The certificates of residence I've gotten from the immigration office don't have expiration dates on them. It's up to the individual office you're giving it to on how long they'll accept it after it's issued.
Tod *********
A certificate of residence is used to show proof of address to get a drivers license or open a bank account here in thailand. It might not even be valid in your country.

Your best bet is to do a standard notarized affidavit from your consulate stating your information and that you intend to reside at the address you're renting for a year.

That would for sure be valid in your country
Tod *********
There is no certificate of residence that is valid that long. They are issued from the immigration office in Samui,

At this time I believe that the Samui immigration office does NOT require a TM.30 form <- the form the landlord files with the immigration office
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