What is the process for applying for Permanent Residency in Thailand as a UK citizen married to a Thai national?

Question

Permanent Residency question
I’m considering applying for PR. What is the full process - I’m married to a Thai National. As a UK citizen, what’s the process for notarising (and apostille) for education certificates. Anyone know a company in Bangkok that can handle the process for a fee (and police report)

Ask Thailand · Answer

The process for applying for permanent residency (PR) in Thailand requires that you have lived in the country legally for three consecutive years, with a valid visa such as the Non-O or a work visa. As a UK citizen married to a Thai national, you can potentially apply directly for Thai citizenship, which may bypass the PR step. Document legalization (not apostille, as Thailand is not part of the Hague Convention) must be done through the Thai embassy in your home country and verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Any necessary documents need certified translations and specific forms for submissions at immigration. It’s essential to have a good understanding of the Thai language to converse with immigration officers during the application process. There are also companies and services in Bangkok that can help with document notarization and police report requirements.

Ian ********** · Answer

best to research it yourself first

Craig ********** · Answer

You can do it by yourself...I would apply through your local immigration office as they will provide initial guidance and timelines...the application fee for Thailand Permanent Residency in 2026 is 7,600 THB for submission and 95,700 THB upon approval...you'll have a brief sit down during the application process where you will have a little back and forth convo in Thai language with the immigration staff...nothing major...you don't need to know how to speak fluently, nor read and write, but if you can do a little reading and writing it will be a bonus in your favor...your local immigration staff should know you from check ins etc so be nice to them and establish a rapport over time...you may even want to catch up where they go for lunch etc so you can further their connection to you...good luck

Jessie ****** · Answer

I heard

That if u become a Thai citizen

U need to give up your other nationalities citizenships ?

Is that true ?

John ********* · Answer

First you have to have 3 years here on a Non-O or similar. 3 years of work history with a minimum income. Applications are only accepted in November and December.

Karl ********* · Answer

You can try this from for Apostle service in the UK [email redacted]. They handled some UK documents for me and they were great.

Ian ********** · Answer

UK documents can only be apostilled in the UK

Robert ********** · Answer

For PR or citizenship you need to be working for three years amongst other requirements.

If you are married you can go directly for citizenship and skip PR

Your documents need to be translated and in my experience certified by the Thai embassy in your home country then verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

There is a specialist Facebook ground for handling PR & citizenship questions

[mention redacted]

Dca ***** · Answer

> [url redacted]

Alexander ************* · Answer

Firstly Thailand is not connected to Haag convention (apostille). Any documents have to be legalized. Secondly, you have for being able to apply being living legally for three consecutive years. Applying time is limited and only 100 permits a year are issued for each nation. Sufficient Thai knowledge as well language skills (verbally) are required.

Steven ****** · Answer

Marriage is another way for PR.

John ********** · Answer

Are you working in Thailand? You need to be working and paying taxes in Thailand for 3 years before you can apply

What is the process for applying for Permanent Residency in Thailand as a UK citizen married to a Thai national?

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