How to Get a Residence Certificate in Thailand

If you’re a long-term expat like me, there will most likely come a time when you need to apply for a Thai Residence Certificate.

These certificates help you when opening bank accounts or buying cars or even applying for certain visas. That said, Residence Certificates are often confused with Thai Permanent Residence. But I’m going to clear all that up.  

By the end of this guide, you’ll know which documents you need to apply for a Thai Residence Certificate, where to go, and how long it’ll take.

"*" indicates required fields

Get your FREE Thailand Cheat Sheet ​by entering your email below. The ​Sheet, based on ​our experience with living and working in ​Thailand for 10+ years, shows you how to ​save time and money and ​gives you the tools the thrive in Thailand.

Disclaimer: This article may include links to products or services offered by ExpatDen’s partners, which give us commissions when you click on them. Although this may influence how they appear in the text, we only recommend solutions that we would use in your situation. Read more in our Advertising Disclosure.

Key Takeaways

  • A Thai Residence Certificate is a letter confirming where you live in Thailand
  • You need a Thai Residence Certificate to get a Thai driver’s license, buy a car, open a bank account, and other procedures in Thailand
  • You can get a Thai Residence Certificate at any Thai immigration office for free
  • Thai Residence Certificates take one to two weeks to process and are good for 30 days
  • Thai Residence Certificates aren’t the same as Thai Permanent Residence

What is a Thai Residence Certificate?

A Residence Certificate is an official letter from Thailand immigration stating that you actually reside at the address in which you claim to live.

Thai Residence Certificate Vs. Thai Permanent Residence

A Thai Residence Certificate isn’t to be confused with Thai Permanent Residence. The first one is a letter you get to prove you live where you say you do. 

But Thai Permanent Residence lets you stay in Thailand without having to apply for a visa every year. 

Read more: Thailand Permanent Residence: Cost, Requirements, and Procedure

Why Do You Need a Thai Residence Certificate?

You’ll need a Residence Certificate for many cases in Thailand. Over the years I’ve had to get them for many reasons, such as applying for a Thai driver’s license and buying a car. You may need to get one for a Thai work permit, Thai visa, Thai bank account, or any other number of legal matters in the country.

Even with a Thailand Privilege visa, you still need a Residence Certificate.

Read more: Thailand Privilege Card Review: Is it Worth It?

And don’t forget, you need to apply for a new Residence Certificate each time someone asks for one, as they’re only good for 30 days.

Application, Forms, and Documents

Before you apply for your Residence Certificate in Thailand, you’ll need to make sure you have each of these documents on hand:

  • your passport
  • copy of your passport’s photo page
  • copy of your visa (if applicable)
  • copy of your TM.30 Receipt of Address Notification
  • copy of your lease or house book with your name and address
  • two passport-size photos
  • most recent TM.47 receipt (from 90-day check in)  

You should sign all copies in blue ink across the image, not on a blank part of the document. If you sign a blank part of the document someone could cut away your signature and use the rest of the document elsewhere.

If you rent and don’t have a copy of the house book, you can ask for a signed copy from your landlord along with a signed copy of his or her ID card. You may also need to present a copy of your lease with your name on it.

Note that each immigration office may ask for different types of documents than those listed above. In my case, immigration officers never asked me for a copy of the house book or lease. In other cases, they did.

Application Process for a Thai Residence Certificate

As for the application process, it really is one of the easiest things to do as an expat in Thailand. 

Just hand over all the documents listed above. The immigration officer working at the information counter will make sure you have everything.

And if you do, you can come back in a week and pick up your Thai Residence Certificate.

Once you get the certificate, it’s good for 30 days.

Where to Get a Residence Certificate

Keep in mind that you can only get your Thai Residence Certificate at the immigration office in which you filed your TM.30. 

Below I list the address for some of the more popular immigration offices around the country. If yours isn’t listed, search for “Thai immigration office” on Google Maps to find the address of your local immigration office.

One-Stop Service Center

If you work in Thailand — whether for a BOI-promoted company or not — you may have to go to the One-Stop Service Center in Bangkok to apply for a Thai Residence Certificate. This is especially true for anyone who applied for a Thai work permit at the One-Stop Service Center.

  • 319 Phaya Thai Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330

Read more: How to Set Up a 100% Foreign-Owned BOI Company in Thailand

Bangkok

If you’re a resident of Bangkok, you’ll need to get your Residence Certificate at the Division 1 Immigration Office on Chaengwathtana Road. On the first floor of the immigration office, you’ll find a photocopy and visa photo center if you need them.

  • 120 Thanon Chaeng Watthana, Khwaeng Thung Song Hong, Khet Lak Si, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10210

If you apply for a Residence Certificate at Division 1, keep in mind you can’t get the certificate the same day. They’ll give you a slip with a number on it and mail you the certificate within two weeks. And if you don’t receive the certificate within two weeks, you can go back and pick it up with the number on the slip that they give you.

Also, Division 1 only issues Resident Certificates to visa holders who have to report to immigration every 90 days. If you have a 30-day visa exempt stamp or a 60-day tourist visa, you must go to your embassy to get the Resident Certificate.

Samut Prakan

Since I live in Samut Prakan, I apply for my Residence Certificates there. Here’s a Google Map’s link to the location. And here’s the address:

  • Sutthi Phirom Alley, Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan, Samut Prakan 10270

You can take the BTS and get off at Pak Nam Station and then walk about five minutes to the immigration office. There is a parking lot if you plan on driving, but it gets crowded.

Chiang Mai

If you want to get your residence certificate in Chiang Mai, you’ll have to go to the Chiang Mai Immigration Office, located next to Chiang Mai International airport.

  • 71 Moo 3, Sanambin Road Suthep, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200

Chonburi

If you live in Chonburi, you have to go to the immigration office in Jomtien. Once there, you’ll find the help desk just to the left when you walk in.

  • 75/265 12 Jomtien Road 5 Tambon Nongprue, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150

If you want to apply for your Residence Certificate in Thailand, but you’re in another province, contact the immigration office in your province or closest to your province.

How Much Does a Thai Residence Certificate Cost?

Applying for a Thai Residence Certificate is free of charge.

That said, some immigration offices will try to charge unsuspecting expats for the service. If any immigration officer wants to charge you, tell them you’ve done this before and it’s a free service. If they insist, ask for a receipt.

That said, most Thai immigration officers in popular expat areas won’t attempt to charge you. 

Final Thoughts on Thai Residence Certificates

As you can tell from the guide above, applying for a Thai Residence Certificate is simple if you have all the documents. Just be sure to plan in advance because it takes one to two weeks to process the certificate. And it’s only good for 30 days.

If you want to set up your life in Thailand hassle-free and save thousands of dollars, check out ExpatDen Premium. With immediate access to over a hundred exclusive guides, you’ll find out how to get a job, start a business, manage your finances, and make Thailand your new home.

John Wolcott is the global editor for ExpatDen. He's a New Jersey native who now lives in Bangkok with his wife and two daughters.

38 thoughts on “How to Get a Residence Certificate in Thailand”

  1. Nonthaburi immigration told me they don’t provide this service any more, as they are “too busy”.

    British Consulate also won’t do this any more.

    LTA requires it for driving licence renewal. Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Hie Daniel, I’m also facing the same challenge. Nonthaburi immigration can’t help and we don’t have any embassy in Thailand. Did you get a solution?

      Reply
  2. Hi! I just applied for the residence certificate (for driver’s license requirement) last 23 March 2022 at Samut Prakan Immigration Office which has now re-located at Thipnimitra Market, 2nd Floor, 3268 Thepharak Rd, Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan and it is FREE of charge. The lady officer at counter 13 informed me to pick up the certificate 1 week after.

    Reply
  3. At the beginning of the article you say the certificate can’t be got same day and that you have to wait 2 weeks. Then you finish the article saying you can come back in an hour to pick it up. Which is it?

    You also state it is 200 Baht, and then later 500 Baht. Which is it?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hey Herbert,
      Please keep in mind that I got my Resident Certificate in Samut Prakan, and under the Samut Prakan section I note that it’s 500 baht and can be done same day. Under the Bangkok section, I note it’s 200 baht and will be ready in two weeks.
      Two different provinces, two different processes. Hope this clears up any confusion, but happy to answer additional questions for ya!

      Reply
    • I’ve just recently been to the ChonBuri Immigration Office in Pattaya to get Residence Certificates to renew both my Driving licenses, car & bike & was charged 600 baht which i thought would be a free service like i received in Phuket, so upon receipt of my certificates i asked for a receipt, to which the lady who served me, her mood quickly changed and was told we don’t give out receipts!! If you want a receipt give me the Certificates back, which at that point i knew something was not right…
      I wanted to clarify this for piece of mind, however when dialing the Immigration office on 1178 nobody ever answers!!
      Welcome to Thailand, another one of many scams here at the immigration offices!!

      Reply
  4. Hello guys

    It seems I have almost all the required document to get the Certificate of Residence in Thailand.

    The only thing I am NOT entirely sure I understand is:
    “copy of your lease/house book with your name and address”

    To make it clear, I do NOT own a house or apartment in my name,
    I am renting a room long term on a residence apartments.

    So what would I need, exactly?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • In this case, you can use a rental contract and ask your landlord for a copy of the landlord’s house book and a copy of his/her ID card (if possible).

      Reply
    • so you your residence are renting /leasing and you need to ask the rental company to assist with the paperwork to show you live at the address .They should have filed your TM 30 with Immigration when you took out the rental

      Reply
  5. Hi I have a non m b visa and wondered whether I require a redide t per.it and/or resident certificate
    Could you advise? Thanks

    Reply
  6. If your in Bangkok seeking a residence certificate there’s some major changes to the information above

    First off it’s no longer at the chaeng wattana address they will send you behind impact arena wasting a lot of time if your not aware of this. It’s called Thai immigration at Muang Thomg Tani

    Second you will likely have to update your 90 day reporting first, and fill out documents for this. I have a Thai elite visa, still had to do this first before the residence certificate

    Third you are required to have a copy of the last entry stamp from your passport and do not require photographs

    Reply
  7. hi i read your article, I need to get a letter of residency, but I need one in english too, do I still go to immigration or to the U.S embassy?

    Reply
  8. Does the ‘Residence Certificate’ have a useful life, ie how long after issue can I still use it to get a driving license?

    Reply
  9. What is the receipt of address notification? Is that something different than a letter of residency?

    Reply
  10. Hi John, thanks for the article! Just about the address, is hotel address fine? There’s a mixed of yes and no on the internet. I’ll be there for a week just to get my driver’s license.

    Reply
    • I don’t think a hotel address is okay. In order to get your residence certificate, you need the owner (of house or condo) to fill out some paperwork in order to get your Receipt of Address Notification first.

      Reply
      • Hi John, I used the mobile app to notify my address but I got not receipt of the application, except it being listed on the app. Do you have any idea about if that would work the same? Thanks

        Reply
  11. Can someone tell me why Bangkok immigration refused to give me a resident certificate. I went there, waited all day, and they say can not because my entry stamp in passport permits only 3 months (I have a 1 year non-imm multiple entry B visa). I presented my passport, 1 year visa page, TM6 Dep Card, receipt of address notification, work permit. I need it to buy a car and register the car at my address. I live and work here. My visa is a work visa right? Not a tourist visa.

    Reply
    • when you came through immigration, they inadvertently gave you a three month tourist visa, instead of the 12 month visa you are entitled to. Their mistake, but you will have to fix it. I suggest a quick trip to KL for a day’s shopping.

      Reply
    • Hi Neil,

      I just had the same problem with my Non-O visa. The lady at he B counter told me to extend the visa that’s already 12 months, but my entry stamp is already 2 times 90 days.
      Unbelievable hassle in Laksi all day for nothing!
      Did you solve the problem with the 3 month stamp or any other solution?
      Need to renew my driving license as well.

      Thanks,

      Nem

      Reply
      • Hi Nemanka, did you manage to get your residence certificate? Do you have the 12 month multi entry visa permitting 3 month stays on each entry or the extension of stay? I think you should be able to get a residence certificate in both cases, but if you have the former and the office you are dealing with says no, there are a couple of work arounds. One is to try another immigration office. You may or may not be required to furnish evidence of residency in that province or the jurisdiction the immigration office is responsible for. If they want some proof of residence within that jurisdiction, stay at an Airbnb for a night and use the copy of the owner’s tabien bann as proof. A better option is just to go to your embassy but note that not all embassies issue certificates of residency. The Australian embassy no longer does, while it’s unclear whether the Swiss do or not. Hence why it may be a little bit of a hassle if your embassy doesn’t do the certificate. Finally, a work permit or yellow book should work as proof of address as well.

        Reply
  12. Greetings Starter Kiddies,

    It should be noted that the Immigration Office in Chiang Mai is no longer located at the address stated in this article. As of late September 2018, the new location is immidiately adjacent to the airport at this addresss:

    71 Moo 3
    Sanambin Road
    Suthep, Chiang Mai
    Chiang Mai 50200

    This information is slowly appearing on the top resulting pages found by searching the usual search engine…

    What was a total surprise just yesterday ( subjectively, November 5, 2018 ) was the fact that all previously available copy and photo services have been removed from the building.

    Do not go there with the hope of taking care of these necessary tasks on site. It will completely derail your ability to get anything accomplished. By the time you get back your window of opportunity will be closed for the day almost definitely.

    Read this now and believe it later or go with all your documents copied and photos taken.

    There. Karmic debt repaid more so. Now can we get some good fortune, please? (Grumbling under breath…) Lousy universe…

    Reply
    • Hi and thanks for the details! We’ve updated the guide with the new info you included. Thanks again.

      Reply
      • Copy services in Chiang Mai are now available across the street in the parking lot of the PTT station. You can also park there as there is never enough parking at immigration. 20THB to park

        Reply
    • Hi Karim. Thanks for the heads up. It looks like their entire site is down so I’ve removed the link.

      Reply
      • Hi.. My name is Daniel, I reside in Ethiopia and i come a lot of time for business but I don’t know how to get Thailand residential permit .please could you let me know how to get it…? Thanks .

        Reply

Leave a Reply to J Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.