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Why does Immigration require a long bank statement for a Certificate of Residence in Thailand?
Certificate of ResidenceDTV VisaThai ImmigrationBank Statement RequirementsProof of FundsKoh Phangan ImmigrationVisa Application Process
Feb 5, 2026
3 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHey everyone 👋
I’m on a DTV (work) and want to apply for a Certificate of Residence (for a driving license). Immigration asked me for TM30 + employment agreement + 2 photos, and now also a bank statement from the month I got my DTV until now (so basically several months).
I’m a bit confused:
1. Why do they request a long bank statement range for a residence certificate — is this standard practice at some offices?
2. Do they expect the same “proof of funds” amount to still be in the account (like for the DTV application), or is it more about showing financial stability / a real active account?
3. Is it okay to redact sensitive details (e.g., full account number, transaction counterparties), and if yes, what is safe to redact without them rejecting it?
Any recent experiences (especially with Koh Phangan would be super helpful. Thanks!
I’m on a DTV (work) and want to apply for a Certificate of Residence (for a driving license). Immigration asked me for TM30 + employment agreement + 2 photos, and now also a bank statement from the month I got my DTV until now (so basically several months).
I’m a bit confused:
1. Why do they request a long bank statement range for a residence certificate — is this standard practice at some offices?
2. Do they expect the same “proof of funds” amount to still be in the account (like for the DTV application), or is it more about showing financial stability / a real active account?
3. Is it okay to redact sensitive details (e.g., full account number, transaction counterparties), and if yes, what is safe to redact without them rejecting it?
Any recent experiences (especially with Koh Phangan would be super helpful. Thanks!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is on a DTV (work visa) and is applying for a Certificate of Residence for their driving license, but is confused about why Immigration requires several months of bank statements along with other documents. They are seeking clarity on the necessity of the long bank statement range, expectations regarding the proof of funds, and whether it's acceptable to redact sensitive information in their bank statements. Commenters share their experiences and insights regarding documentation requirements at different Immigration offices, suggesting that practices vary by location. Some hint at potential bureaucratic nuances, especially in Koh Phangan, and recommend visiting a different office for a smoother process.
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Anonymous ******************
I just did mine in Chaeng Wattana yesterday.
1. Passport
2. Copy of DTV
3. Copy of Lease
4. TM30
Sorted no problem. I did have a Thai friend help me through the Q tho 😉
1. Passport
2. Copy of DTV
3. Copy of Lease
4. TM30
Sorted no problem. I did have a Thai friend help me through the Q tho 😉
Wannikea *********
This is what happens when you stroll into the office with a tank top and elephant pants. That office has gone rogue.
Andrew *********
What were you dressed like ?
Normally when somewhere keeps asking for another document they will until you get the message the Christmas party fund needs topping up, but seeing how immigration dont like the DTV supposedly maybe they are doing it until you take a hint a go away.
Then again as its Koh Pangan what were you wearing ?
Normally when somewhere keeps asking for another document they will until you get the message the Christmas party fund needs topping up, but seeing how immigration dont like the DTV supposedly maybe they are doing it until you take a hint a go away.
Then again as its Koh Pangan what were you wearing ?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ********
I don't think that's the issue. Long black pants and a brown shirt. I live here long enough to know what's apropriate to wear. It seems the officer was not very familiar with certificate of residence as he asked for help and his assistant that came and him were looking quite a bit for the paper with the requirements and then she added some more documents via handwriting. The atmosphere was friendly.Jonas *************
Anonymous participant bank statement? Lol
Employment, it sounds rather like they trying to verify your DTV Visa...
Employment, it sounds rather like they trying to verify your DTV Visa...
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERExactly, that's what I thought too. It’s not a problem, I’d just rather not keep that much cash idle instead of invested.
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
We just got a certificate of residence in Phuket like a week ago. All they wanted was a copy of the BioData page and entry visa stamp of the passport, the TM30, the DTV, and a passport size photo.
Jonas *************
Anonymous participant 728 well every office is different.
In Bangkok they wanted me to file a new TM 30 after 5 years of staying in the same place. And then we said your rental contract expired, and I show her payment invoices which are current for the same property address verifiable. So it's going to month to month.
She insisted that next time I bring an updated contract!
Lol
In Bangkok they wanted me to file a new TM 30 after 5 years of staying in the same place. And then we said your rental contract expired, and I show her payment invoices which are current for the same property address verifiable. So it's going to month to month.
She insisted that next time I bring an updated contract!
Lol
Reply to
Jonas *************
Reply
SunnyPa********
Quite strange.
Robert *******
So you visited Immigration Office, made a request for the Certificate of Residence.
You did get this list and you forgot to ask the officer why they need this?
You did get this list and you forgot to ask the officer why they need this?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
yes, it was the 3rd time I went there today and at each visit they requested an additional document, that they didn't mention before. Attached you find the final list they gave me at my last visit. Maybe I'll ask again tmr, why they need the bank statement or I will just do it in Samui or pay an agent.Robert *******
Anonymous participant WOW, you are homeless, that is the reason.
Immigration can NOT give you a certificate of residence as the document you show in the picture is:
The list with requirements to register a foreigner residing at an address in Thailand.
BTW it is against the law to be homeless, every foreigner needs to be registered within 24 hours after arrival at the address.
Immigration can NOT give you a certificate of residence as the document you show in the picture is:
The list with requirements to register a foreigner residing at an address in Thailand.
BTW it is against the law to be homeless, every foreigner needs to be registered within 24 hours after arrival at the address.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
What are you talking about? I have TM30 and live in my house for 2 years.Robert *******
Anonymous participant I talk about what you show me.
The Immigration is asking you to register you at the address where you stay.
I guess something is not done correctly in the past.
The Immigration is asking you to register you at the address where you stay.
I guess something is not done correctly in the past.
Reply to
Robert *******
Reply
Erin ********
We got this a couple months ago for our drivers license and gave passport, copy of passport, stamp and visa, TM30, copy of rental contract and passport sized photos. We brought along copy of landlords house registration and ID as well as 90 day report receipt. Just to make sure we had everything. Does seem strange they would ask for the financial proof for a COR. Maybe just depends on location - we got it in BKK
Stefan ******
The standard advice for KPG apparently is to skip the local immigration office since there are many funny stories about them and get the certificate in Samui. I'm in the same situation, I haven't done it yet, hopefully someone with experience can chime in.
Brandon ************
@Stefan *****
Samui is also known as a "rogue office," maybe they are better than KPG in this instance of COR, but many things are better off done at the main office in Surat Thani.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Caroline ********
It's does seem strange. We don't yet have our DTV, but got a CoR this week for our licences. Gave our TM30, passport photos and they checked the passport stamp. We had our lease with us but they gave it back to use once they saw the registration docs from our landlord. Got 4 of them in about 15mins.
Andrew *********
@Caroline *******
Which office ?Caroline ********
@Andrew ********
Hua Hin Immigration OfficeAndrew *********
@Caroline *******
Thanks. It might help some people.Reply to
Andrew *********
Reply
Greg ********
Seems very strange request ie bank account and employment contract for CoR.
James ******
@Greg *******
Never had to do either for mine.Biff *******
@Greg *******
it’s a strange island 🤷♂️Greg ********
@Biff ******
Oh I know. *****
Andrew *********
@Greg *******
Shall we go to singing circle tonight ?Greg ********
@Andrew ********
Sorry I,am in the drum circle tonight after the Fruitarian Meet Up.Andrew *********
@Greg *******
Ok. Sunday morning trance dance on slippery rocks with no medical insurance. You up for it ?Reply to
Andrew *********
Reply
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