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How to Get a Residence Certificate in Thailand

A residence certificate provides proof of your permanent or semi-permanent address in Thailand.

There are a number of reasons you might need one, such as when buying a car or motorbike or when applying for a driver's license. Some banks may require one to open an account, too.

So the question is: how do you get a residence certificate in Thailand?

In this guide, I'll walk you through the process and give you all the information you need, including where to go in a few of the most popular expat locations, and which documents are required.

What is a Residence Certificate?

A Residence Certificate is an official document provided to you by an immigration office. It verifies that you reside at the address you say you do.

Some foreign nationals can obtain this certificate from their respective embassy, but it's usually easier to go through a local immigration office.

You'll need to obtain a new Residence Certificate each time a company or government department requests one.

The certificate is valid for 30 days. After that, it expires and you will need to get a new one.

A Residence Certificate is required for a number of purposes in Thailand, including but not limited to:

Required Documents

To apply for a Residence Certificate , you will require the following documents:

  1. Your passport (as proof of ID)
  2. A copy of your passport’s photo page
  3. A copy of the last entry stamp from your passport
  4. Copy of your visa (if applicable)
  5. A copy of your TM6 Departure Card
  6. A photocopy of a TM.30 form signed by your landlord
  7. Copy of your lease agreement or house book with your name and address on
  8. Two passport-size photos: 4cm x 6cm

* Please note that some immigration offices may ask for an additional document (or two), and in some cases may ask for fewer documents. This is because regional requirements sometimes differ, and occasionally you do get an overzealous immigration officer. I recommend having all of the above, just in case.

When signing the copies of the above documents, you will need to use blue ink for them to be official. Sign across the image and not on a blank part of the page. This is so your signature cannot be removed and is required in Thailand.

If you don't have a copy of your lease agreement or house book then you can ask your landlord for a copy. The lease should have your name and address on it, but if your name is not on the house book, then you will also need a signed copy of your landlord's ID card.

Getting a Residence Certificate in Bangkok

The place to get your Residence Certificate is at the Government Complex (Chaeng Wattana), Building B, 2nd floor.

Please note this is the same Chaeng Wattana complex that you get a Thai passport or your freedom to marry affirmation legalized,

A lot of information online is sending people to the wrong immigration center.

The address is:

ศูนย์ราชการเจ้งวัฒนะ ( ในอาคารรัฐประศาสนภักดีB}
Chang Watthana 7 Alley, Thung Song Hong,
Lak Si
Bangkok

The fee is 200 Baht (approx $6 / £4).

You won't get the certificate on the same day you apply.

Bangkok Immigration does not offer a same day service. instead, you will be given a slip with a reference number on and it will be mailed to you within two weeks.

If you don't hear within 14 days, you should go back with the slip with your number on to find out what is going on. In this case you'll usually be able to collect it on that day.

Please note: To get a residence certification you need to be doing 90-day reports to immigration.

Chiang Mai

If you live in Chiang Mai, you can get a Residence Certificate from the immigration office located next to Chiang Mai International Airport. You can apply between 8am and 10am, Monday through Friday.

The good news is that it's free!

For photocopies and photos you will have to visit the nearby copy shop, which is located across the street in the parking lot of the PTT station. Here it costs 200 Baht for six photos and 2 Baht per photocopied page.

Once you have those, head over to immigration and fill out your application form and submit your documents and photos. You will be given a receipt.

Processing time takes 2-3 weeks. Bring your receipt with you to collect the Residence Certification between 1-4.30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Here's the address:

71 Moo 3
Sanambin Road
Suthep
Chiang Mai
50200

Chonburi

Those living in Chonburi will have to go to Jomtien immigration.

There's a help desk on your left-hand side as you walk in, and the assistant will point you in the right direction.

Residence Certificates cost 300 Baht here, apparently there's a premium for being an expat here :). However the good news is that it is a same-day service.

You can get your photocopies and photos done at a shop a few doors down.

Here's the Jomtien Immigration address:

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

For those who live outside of the main expat locations, simply contact your local immigration office to find out where to apply for your Residence Certificate.

The Application Process

The application process will be pretty much the same in every province.

You will need to fill out a TM.18 form. You can save time by downloading one here: TM.18 download.

Once inside the immigration office, take a ticket and join the queue. Once called you will hand over your documents for the administrator to check. If have everything you need, you will be given a receipt to come back and pick up the certificate, which depending on the province, can be the same day or 2-3 weeks.

If you are missing a photocopy/document, you'll be ordered to go and get it done. And if you are missing a document, then you'll have to go home and get come back later.



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Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

    • Gary farmer says

      Its officially free but good luck with that as many officials look for a " thank you " for their assistance. You will not get a receipt in my experience and no one else in the office seems bothered by that either.
      Reply

  3. Rich says

    You stated that you cannot go to Chaeng Watthana immigration to do this. However, that is not accurate. I went there last year, and I did receive it, the problem was I did not use it before it expired. So in fact, just to be clear. You can go there to receive it.
    Reply

  4. Ken F says

    I just got my Residency Certificate at the newly reopened Patong immigration office. Unfortunately however word of the reopening got around fast and there were so many people waiting in line outside the office that I had to wait a full hour in the hot sun just to get inside the door. I was beginning to think I should have just gone to the main Immigration office in Phuket Town but once I got inside everything went smooth as silk. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when the guy motioned me to the head of the line even thought there were a ton of people waiting in line ahead of me. Perhaps the fast service had something to do with the fact that I was the only person there that day who was appropriately dressed for a government office. Anyway he took my passport and papers and told me to come back at 3pm to pick it up and that’s all there was to it.

    The problem is I got a big surprise when I later went to open my bank account with Bangkok Bank. The girl told me that in order to open a bank account I was required to buy a health insurance policy through the bank and she also said that it was the same story at all the banks. Needless to say this had me a bit miffed because I already have insurance and it’s ridiculous that I should have to buy a second policy simply to open a bank account. Also, since its required they could probably charge whatever they want for this policy. Has anybody else run into this issue? And just how the heck can they get away with something like this to begin with? Anyway I will probably just have to wait to get a bank account until my current policy is about to lapse because I am damn sure not going to pay twice for an insurance policy.
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      Nah, the insurance scam is not the same even at all branches of the same bank. It's really not a "health" policy but a life-insurance offering. Some branches "require" it to help them run their numbers up but basically it's just a shakedown. Try the branch in Karon or Kamala and see if you get a different story. (The Kamala branch has a K-Bank right next door so they may be more attuned to the concept of "competition"...) You can always print out the website and ask them to point out where the insurance is required (Spoiler: it's not there.). You may also find that if you go to the Patong branch when there's a different manager on duty you'll get a different response. The details for BKK Bank foreign customers are here: https://www.bangkokbank.com/en/Personal/Other-Services/Foreign-Customers
      Reply

      • Ken F says

        Thanks for the info, James. Unfortunately I still don’t have a bank account however – mostly because I have been going through some stuff with my girlfriend lately. Anyway, the Bangkok Bank Branch I first tried was in the once grand but now dilapidated and most closed up Jungcelon Mall. I have also since tried the other branches in Patong with no luck. Although when I was about to walk away at one branch they offered to lower the original price of insurance they quoted me by 50%. I still would not do it however just on principal alone. I still have not gotten around to trying the branches in Karon or Kamala but I will probably do so this week. I also tried Citi Bank, who would not let me open an account, period, and K-Bank, which told me I did not have the right visa to open an account with them – it’s a Non-O visa for retirement purposes. It looks like I am going to have to waste a lot more of my time going to a lot of different branches of various banks before I can finally get a bank account. You would think they would be happy to have me as a customer as I plan on immediately transferring at least half a million Baht over. But that’s just Thailand for you I guess.
        Reply

  5. Jorn says

    Hello, first off thanks a bunch for this golden information.


    Second, my specific question:

    I'm currently in Phuket and got a 30-day stamp on arrival, which I plan on extending.
    My total stay will be 72 days, so I'm not sure yet what to with the remaing 12 days.
    I was told by a friend it would be fixed with a 'covid extension'

    Now.. I'd like to buy a second hand scooter, but I do not have a residence certificate.

    I plan on traveling throughout the country for the next 2 months, so I don't have a lease or anything like that.

    Question:

    If I find someone willing to let me use their Thai address on the TM. 18 form,would that work to apply for the residence certificate?

    Could I do this in Phuket?

    Is there any other option?

    Thanks a bunch in advance :)
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Jorn,The Covid extensions are issued to those who have trouble leaving due to border closures or grounded flights because of Covid. Unless your onward travel is booked to a country that has recently closed its border, or your flight operator isn't flying and you can't get home, I don't think you would qualify, though you can try.A residence certificate would be a hassle in your position. You have to register the bike and get it insured too. Why not just rent one wherever you go?
      Reply

  7. ChrisH says

    Some help/advice please. I'm going to fly direct from Australia to Phuket shortly and do the seven day bizzo at an appropriate hotel. I know I can enter Thailand (Suvarnabhumi airport) on a visa exemption but want to know if visa exemption will be an available option at Phuket international airport. It's probably safe to assume Phuket airport will have the same immigration rules as Suvarnabhumi airport but I would like some clarification from anyone with better knowledge of how they operate.

    ChrisH
    Reply

  8. Leighton says

    Just went the other day to get my TM30 and to get a couple of Residency Certs, even though I had the exact same paperwork as i did in January to get a residency Cert. I was told rudely that I was not allowed one unless i supplied a 90 day report as well.

    I pointed out politely that last time I didnt need one and that the TM30 was fine. I also asked her how i was going to get one and she said go to your embassy. My embassy dosnt do them anymore, so she said stay in country to do 90 day report.

    I tried to find out of this was a new rule, or just something BKK immigration had decided to implement, but i was just given list of required documents on a small piece of paper.

    There is now indication on immigration websites that or instruction that i need a 90 day report, but there is for TM30.

    Have they just screwed up and printed out the wrong requirement of the little piece of paper, i wouldnt be surprised.... or is immigration just randomly changing things to screw over foreigners again?
    Reply

      • Leighton Cripps says

        So just went to the One-Stop Service Center at Chamchuri square and was told that i had to go to the immigration centre near Chaengwattana. I then explained the situation to the nice lady that they said i needed a 90 day report to get a resident cert.

        The lady said they were wrong, i even showed her the printout i was given and she said i need to present either a 90 day or a TM30.

        So now i have to go back to the other immigration centre and try to explain that the idiot that did the printout for them did it wrong.

        This will be fun.......not!
        Reply

        • Leighton says

          So i have been to 3 immigration offices, Thai Immigration Bureau Muangthong Thani twice and no luck. I was finally told after stating to the immigration lady at Thai Immigration Bureau Muangthong Thani that all offices except hers says i do not require a 90-day report. She said i do need a 90 day report.

          I asked for her name so i could go back to Chaeng Wattana and ask again giving her name as the person i dealt with at Thai Immigration Bureau Muangthong Thani , she refused, told me to do back to Chaeng Wattana get that immigration officer name from there and bring it back to her.

          Finally after some back and forth and asking for her superior and her refusing to get them... they walked by and came to my aid.

          Still no luck though even after a again pointed out that i goy 2 resident certs at Thai Immigration Bureau Muangthong Thani with just a TM30. The new immigration officer explained that the rules had changed due to covid and not a 90-day report (a retarded requirement) is required to get a resident cert.

          It amazes me that the first immigration officer just couldnt tell me this 3 weeks ago as when her boss said it she agreed and told me that was the reason... oh and suddenly her English was better, suddenly she could answer my questions instead of grunting and telli8ng me to leave.

          So no changing ownership of my car into my name from my ex-girlfriends untill i have been in Thailand for a 90-day report. Tis will not happen as i am on a 2 mouth on/off rotation.

          ARGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
          Reply

      • Mr Lup Yee Yau says

        Update and details for Residence certificate for Driving license application/renewal and Buying / selling a vehicle
        .
        This may be a different Residency certificate for other purposes, but here goes. I am Non-imm visa holder with a work permit. UK passport. I also have several receipts of notification for 90 days stay as I have not travelled out of Thailand for a year. I have a TM 30 receipt of notification from my landlord.
        For my Driving license renewal, I wrote earlier that I got my relevant Residence Certificate in 1.5 hours at the OSSC in Chamchuri square in Bangkok. I now have a Thai driver license for Car and motorbike. (Conversion from UK license)
        Part 2, I took photocopies of my Residence Certificate for the registration of my new scooter, I bought from a Honda dealer. 2 weeks after they sent off all the paperwork it comes back with a note from the transport department saying they needed an original Residence Certificate and not a copy. So here is where I set a new record of 1 hour 15 minutes for a Residence Certificate at the same OSSC.
        Go to the enquires booth, say you need Residence Certificate to buy motorbike, I used slow polite English.
        You get a form specific for Residence Certificate for Driving license application/renewal and Buying / selling a vehicle. There are 2 boxes to tick as to what you want the Residence certificate for.
        You need your passport with all the stuff like your TM6 landing card, Visa stamp receipt of notification 90 extensions, work permit, TM 30 receipt of notification for your address from my landlord.
        Make a copy of all the relevant pages and don’t forget to copy your entry visa stamp from your passport. If you forget anything, there is a guy who will do photocopies for 20THB just behind the enquires booth. The enquires booth dude checked the originals and the copies (which need to be signed by you across the contents). They did not want a copy of my Tenancy contract, utility bills, or my photo.
        You then take it all to the counter in the corner (8 or 9 I think ? ) and the lady checks the copies and original documents and staples the copies and gives you back all the stuff. And ask for 500thb.
        Turn to the counter on the left of you and give the copies to another lady who says in Thai, come back in 1 hour.
        Return to the last lady you dealt with, after 50 minutes and she gives you your Residence Certificate.
        My Thai is very basic but I managed it all in 1 hour 15 minutes. I stress that this was for a Residence certificate for Driving license application/renewal and Buying / selling a vehicle. You may not apply to what you are looking for, but it looks just the same as the examples that are posted here (I don’t read Thai) They did not want a copy of my Tenancy contract, utility bills, or my photo.
        Good Luck
        Mr. Lup Yee Yau
        Reply

  9. Michael says

    You’re sending people to the WRONG immigration office for Bangkok. Nonthaburi is a separate province. Chaeng Watthana Immigration is the correct place for Bangkok:

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

    PLEASE stick with what you actually know and stop posting misinformation.
    Reply

      • Lup Yee Yau says

        I guess there are different residence certificates? As a non-Imm visa holder, I got my residence certificate in 1 hour 20 minutes from start to finish at the One-Stop Service Center at Chamchuri square Bangkok. 500thb. No Photo was needed, Different application form for the residence certificate if intended for Driver's license and selling your vehicle. I guess the residence certificate in your guide is the full one and mine was a lite one? Looks the same as yours though. If you have no time and willing to pay, I would recommend this route. As another respondent said T89/24 Popular Rd
        Pak Kret District Nonthaburi is a nightmare I would pay anything to avoid.
        Reply

    • Lup Yau says

      Hi All, So I followed the guide by the letter. All forms filled in order to get my residence certificate to renew my expired Thai driving licence.... drove 40 minutes to 89/24 Popular Rd, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi. Tried to get a number. I was sent from floor 2 to floor 3 then back to floor 2.
      I think asked an official if I could have a Queue number PLEASE!!!!
      The form TM18 in the link was wrong apparently for my need. Given a new application form Residence certificate specific for buy/sell a car or for driving licence.
      Told you I should go to the One-stop service centre in Chamchuri square!! which is 5 minutes from my office
      I guess the rules and guidance not only changes with the geographic region but also the weather and the day of the week. Lessoned learned... trust no one.
      Reply

  10. JamesE says

    Great post! I've been reading about a Yellow tabien baan for foreigners. How is that different from the residence certificate? (Other than length of validity).

    Also, you said that the certificate would be mailed to you then in the second to last paragraph say that you'll be given a receipt to pick it up. Is the mail option specific to Bangkok?

    Are there any visa requirements for the certificate?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi James, the Yellow tabien baan is a house book for foreign nationals whereas the residence certificate is just an official (temporary) proof of address.The time it takes depends on the province. Bangkok is a 14-day wait whereas Chonburi is same day. I have amended the sentence to make it clearer. That being said, as you know these things are always changing, so don't be surprised if the wait is shorter or longer by next month :)
      Reply

    • Gary says

      I went to pay for a yellow Tabirn Ban and a pink ID card last week in Sakon Nakhon province. You will need the certificate of residence but then a certified copy of you passport photo page. This second requirement is your stumbling blocks you need the translated passport page endorsed by your Embassy ( mines in Bangkok) and a further stamp from the Foreign Affairs Department also in Bangkok in the main Immigration Building.
      As Bangkok is a deep red area you will need to quarantine if you go there and you need to book both stamps in advance so you will probably have to stay a day or two in Bangkok and the Foreign Affairs Department submit it for consideration and your fee is non refundable there and at your embassy. .
      To be honest I didnt bother as my local office question why I live with my GF as we are not married so I could see they were against my application from the start. I might try again next year but for now I will just register my new motorcycle in my GF's name like everything else I've bought in Thailand. I get the feeling they want our money but dont want us to legally own much if possible.
      Reply

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