What is the difference between TM30 and a residence certificate in Thailand?

TM30 Residence Certificate Thai Visa Regulations Immigration Requirements Expatriate Information Thailand Residence Documentation

Aug 20, 2022

2 years ago

Dimitris ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi is TM30 and residence certificate the same thi g? Once i have the TM30 what can I do with it? Take it to immigration for some reason?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The TM30 and residence certificate are not the same. The TM30 is a receipt confirming your registration at a specific address with immigration, often done automatically when staying in hotels. It becomes necessary for interactions with immigration. In contrast, a residence certificate, which requires the TM30, is an official document used for legal purposes such as obtaining a driver's license or purchasing a vehicle in Thailand.

Stephen *******

Don't be stupid 🙂. TIT. A TM30 is just some piece of bureaucracy that they can fine you for if you don't have it. It records your address and could be used as proof of address but that would be too easy. Instead you need a Residence Certificate that costs 500 baht and can be used once for a specific purpose, car licence, motorcycle licence (but not both), buy or sell a car. Meanwhile in Australia to change your address for a car, licence, etc, you log onto the internet and change it. They send you a bunch of stickers to put on your licence and documents with the new address. TIT!

2 years ago

Philip *********

@Stephen ******

Great response. Don't forget you also need a Residence Certificate to open a bank account even if you are already an existing customer and account holder at the branch of the bank and are merely wanting to open a second account to put some funds into....TIT!

2 years ago

Will ************

@Philip ********

you dont need a residence cert to open a bank account.

Philip *********

good luck with that!

Will ************

already have a Thia bank account, no residence cert needed. Just walked in said I needed a bank account for longterm visa and got one there and then.

2 years ago

Philip *********

@Will ***********

I bet it wasn't the Bangkok Bank!

2 years ago

Reply to

Philip *********

Garrett ***********

No, you need a tm30 to get a certificate of residency.

A tm30 receipt is simply a receipt that you've been registered at an address with immigration as required by law. Everytime you stay in a hotel, a tm30 is done online for you automatically (or it should be).

A certificate of residency is a paper issued by immigration or your embassy certifying your residency status/ address in Thailand.

2 years ago

Stuart *********

They’re not the same thing. A TM30 is really only used if you need interaction with immigration for whatever reason.

A residence certificate is used when you want to do stuff like get a driving license or buy a motorcycle or car.

2 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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Can I complete a TM30 and apply for a Certificate of Residency at a police station in Thailand?

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