Residence & citizenship
Thai Permanent Residence
The annual quota-limited route to a permanent residence permit for long-term visa holders who meet the qualifying criteria.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Quotas, fees, the annual application window and qualifying period change year to year; confirm the current announcement on the Immigration Bureau site before publishing.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Thailand government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Residence permit (Permanent Residence)
- Route type
- Settlement
- Administered by
- Immigration Bureau / Immigration Commission
- Quota
- Official guidance cites a maximum of 100 persons per nationality per year (50 for stateless persons)
- Application fees
- Official guidance cites a 7,600 Baht non-refundable application fee and 191,400 Baht permit fee on approval
- Application window
- A defined annual period announced by the Immigration Bureau
Who it is for
- Long-term residents who have held qualifying non-immigrant visas with annual extensions
- Applicants qualifying through work/investment, family ties to a Thai national, or as experts/professionals
Requirements
- Assessed on income, assets, professional knowledge and expertise
- Relationship with a Thai citizen where relevant
- National security, personality, health and understanding of the Thai language
- Holding of the required prior non-immigrant status for the qualifying period
What you can do
- Reside in Thailand permanently without needing to renew a visa each year
- Hold a residence certificate and (with re-entry permit) travel in and out of Thailand
- Provide a basis toward eligibility for later naturalisation, subject to separate rules
How to apply
- Apply during the annual application window at the Immigration Division (Chaeng Wattana, Bangkok, or provincial offices)
- Submit the required documents and pay the application fee
- Attend interview/assessment by the Immigration Commission
- Pay the permit fee if approved and collect the residence book/certificate
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Thai visas
- SETTLEMENTRETIREMENTAGED 50+Non-Immigrant Visa O-A (Long Stay / Retirement)A one-year long-stay retirement visa for foreigners aged 50 and over who wish to live in Thailand without working.View visa details
- SETTLEMENTRETIREMENTUP TO 10 YEARSNon-Immigrant Visa O-X (Long Stay 10 Years)A long-stay retirement visa allowing eligible nationals aged 50 and over to remain in Thailand for up to ten years.View visa details
