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What is a residence certificate and how is it different from a TM30 in Thailand?

Jun 9, 2025
a year ago
Gao *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anyone have an explanation for a residence certificate that I've been told is required to open a bank account. This isn't a TM30 I've been told....🙏🏼
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A residence certificate is necessary for various official actions in Thailand, such as opening a bank account, buying or selling vehicles, and obtaining a driver's license. It is obtained from the immigration office and requires specific documentation, including proof of address and TM.30 receipt. This certificate can only be applied for if you are properly registered with a TM.30. Banks might request this certificate as part of their requirements, although having a long-term visa may not be sufficient on its own.
Simon *******
Even with a certificate of residence it doesn't guarantee you can open a bank account ,I was refuse with a certificate.
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Martin **********
Would all banks ask now that certificate of residence? As a long-term visa in your passport not tells it all, always go for everything to madhouse in Jomtien. Or issue a card, everyone can read, that you are resident, or accept drivers license
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Gao *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks guys much appreciated 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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Nongnuch ********
You seem to be confusing standard procedures.

*** a TM30 is the registration of your arrival and presence in an accommodation. It must be submitted to the TM30 online system of the Thai Immigration by the landlord or hotel within 24 hours of the arrival of you in the premises. If you or your landlord misses it, you can get fined 2000 THB on Immigration

*** and only if you are already properly registered by a TM30, you can visit Immigration and apply for a “certificate of residence”

The Certificate of Residence is need for many official procedures, like opening a bank account, registering a vehicle, or making a Thai driver’s license, etc.

*** the purpose for which the COR is being issued is explicitly mentioned on it. The COR has a limited period within which in can be used, normally for 4 weeks
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Jimmy **********
@Nongnuch *******
I took my TM30 to get my Thai driver's license and they said it was the wrong form to use. Said I had to go back to immigration and get the right form from them. Sorry can't remember the form name. This is after dealing with them for 5 days, doing everything they asked. I got fed up and gave up. I would rather pay the fines then deal with them again.
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Nongnuch ********
@Jimmy *********
for the application to adriver's license, you need the "certificate of residence" from Immigration. It will specify for which purpose (driver's license) it got issued, and is valid for use on the DLT for 4 weeks. In order to apply for a certificate of residence, you need to be TM30 registered at your accomodation.
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Jimmy **********
@Nongnuch *******
I did not know there was a difference. Thank you
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Jimmy **********
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Darren ******
I was fined 1600b in jomtien for no registration of address by my then land lady.. she was supposed to do it with in 48 hours , I asked her but she didn't give it.

On the day , I went to immigration and they called her ask why she didn't do it.

They didn't offer me an alternative.. they took1600b

My landlady refunded me later that day.
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Paul *********
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Paul *********
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Mark ******
You get it from Immigration office
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Alastair ********************
List of requirements and documents needed to obtain a Certificate of Residence (TM.16 or TM.18) from Thai Immigration:

Documents Required

1. Application Form (TM.18 or TM.16)

Available at immigration offices or downloadable online

Some offices label it TM.18 (both forms are accepted)

2. Passport (Original + 2 Copies)

Photo page

Current visa page

Latest entry stamp

TM.6 departure card (if you received one on arrival)

Sign each copy in blue ink

3. Two (2) Passport-Size Photos

4. Proof of Address in Thailand (choose one)

A. Rental Agreement or Lease Contract signed by tenant and landlord.

Full address must match TM.30

B. If staying with someone (friend or family); copy of house registration book (Tabien Baan)

Copy of homeowner’s Thai ID card

Some immigration offices also request:

Copy of the property title deed

5. TM.30 Receipt (Notification of Address)

Proof that your landlord or property owner registered your stay.

Obtainable online (if they used the e-TM30 system)

6. 90-Day Report Receipt (only if you've stayed 90+ days)

Not always required but often requested.

7. Application Fee usually 200 THB, some offices charge 500 THB for same-day service
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Steve **********
A residency certificate is a standard requirement for all of the following. Open bank account. Buy or sell, car, motorcycle or boat. Generally need a long term visa
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Peter ***********
You can get one from immigration office
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Peter ***********
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