Will signing a 1-year condo rental agreement in Thailand cause immigration issues if I'm only there part-time on a METV?

Condo Rental Visa Exemption METV Immigration Concerns Subletting Long-Term Stay in Thailand

Nov 24, 2018

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Could signing a 1-year (!) condo rental agreement eventually end up giving problems (maybe being renewed for some years), if you’re in Thailand only on & off on a METV for approximately 5 months per year (maybe subletting it when not in Thailand)?

Would "the authorities" begin to think, that you are in Thailand all year around (I guess, your passport stamps would be proof, that you’re not...), and at some point deny entry because of this?

Thanks in advance, and have a great weekend!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The consensus among commenters is that signing a 1-year condo rental agreement while being in Thailand part-time on a METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) is unlikely to cause any issues with immigration. Most immigration officers prioritize factors like entry history, proof of funds, and onward travel rather than the duration of your rental agreement. Some commenters noted that many people secure long-term rentals while only visiting a few times a year without complications. Subletting the unit may be more of an issue due to lease agreements rather than immigration concerns.

Tod *********

Proof of confirmed lodging or accommodations is about the last thing an officer at passport control is gonna ask about. They are going to look at your entry history (especially if you've flagged in the system), they are going to ask for proof of funds and then proof of onward travel (in that order) BEFORE they even get in to the proof of lodging question.

You're far more likely to be denied entry for some other reason long before they even ask about proof of lodging.. :O

6 years ago

Robert ***********

I am no immigration expert, if you want a definitive answer go to immigration specialists. That said, It’s hard to respond to this question without smiling if not LOL. I am sorry, but this is funny. People sign one year leases all the time and only are here a few months a year. Relax.

6 years ago

Tod *********

I think it would be more likely to cause a problem stamping IN to the country on a tourist visa or visa exempt entry if you're asked for proof of lodging, than showing a hotel reservation would. BUT That is just my personal opinion.

I don't think it'd cause any problem applying for a tourist visa at a thai consulate..

6 years ago

Billy ********

Good question

6 years ago

Liam *****

Why would it cause you a problem?!

6 years ago

Robert *******

To get into Thailand is the decission of the Immigration Officer at the check point. We can not provide what may be happen in the future as asked as at some point deny entry.

6 years ago

Robert *******

Immigration has his own database and is not connected with other government departments at the moment. Immigration is allowed to ask on entrance for 20.000 Thb or equivalent currency in CASH, proof of accommodation and onward travel. So if they ask you show your condo lease.

6 years ago

Alan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I know there are no guarantees and that the future is uncertain ;-)

Are the "systems connected"; I mean, can Immigration see that one has a condo lease?

And again, the stamps in the passport would show, that you're only in Thailand around 5 months per year...

6 years ago

Reply to

Alan *******

Steve *****

i know someone who rents a condo for the year and only comes 4 or 5 times per year for 10 days or so! it is cheap rent and he likes his stuff here in his room instead of take it with him all the time

6 years ago

Paul *******

I do not think that it would cause you a problem with Immigration. Many leases prohibit sub leasing.

6 years ago

Reply to

Paul *******

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