Your Guide to Moving to Thailand Safely and Legally (2026 Guide)
Moving to Thailand can be an exciting opportunity, whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, family, business, or a new lifestyle. But a successful move requires more than choosing a destination and booking a flight. Visas, property ownership, employment, banking, insurance and immigration requirements all need to be understood from the beginning.
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This guide covers 11 of the most important decisions and legal considerations when moving to Thailand.
With the right preparation and professional guidance, you can enjoy everything Thailand has to offer while protecting yourself, your family and your investment.
With the right preparation and professional guidance, you can enjoy everything Thailand has to offer while protecting yourself, your family and your investment.
Contents
- Choosing the Right Place to Live
- Visas
- Property
- Education
- Health Insurance
- Marriage
- Working in Thailand
- Conducting Business
- Opening a Thai Bank Account
- Immigration Rules — TM30 & 90-Day Reporting
- Getting a Thai Driving Licence
1. Choosing the Right Place to Live
Where you choose to live will influence almost every aspect of your life in Thailand — from housing and schooling to healthcare, transportation and immigration.
The best location is not necessarily the most famous or picturesque. Choose somewhere that suits the lifestyle you actually intend to live.
The best location is not necessarily the most famous or picturesque. Choose somewhere that suits the lifestyle you actually intend to live.
Bangkok — The Full-Service Capital
Best for: Professionals, business owners, families requiring international schools and people wanting access to Thailand’s widest range of services.
Bangkok offers some of Thailand’s leading private hospitals, including Bumrungrad, Samitivej and BNH, together with the country’s largest selection of international schools.
Living costs are generally higher than elsewhere in Thailand, particularly for premium accommodation and international schooling, but Bangkok provides unmatched convenience, connectivity and access to professional services.
Bangkok offers some of Thailand’s leading private hospitals, including Bumrungrad, Samitivej and BNH, together with the country’s largest selection of international schools.
Living costs are generally higher than elsewhere in Thailand, particularly for premium accommodation and international schooling, but Bangkok provides unmatched convenience, connectivity and access to professional services.
Chiang Mai — Northern Lifestyle
Best for: Retirees, remote workers, families looking for a slower pace and people who prefer a cooler climate.
Chiang Mai combines comparatively affordable living with a well-established international community and strong private healthcare options, including Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai and Chiangmai Ram.
One important consideration is seasonal air pollution. Air quality can deteriorate significantly during the burning season, particularly between February and April.
Chiang Mai combines comparatively affordable living with a well-established international community and strong private healthcare options, including Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai and Chiangmai Ram.
One important consideration is seasonal air pollution. Air quality can deteriorate significantly during the burning season, particularly between February and April.
Phuket — International Island Living
Best for: Families, lifestyle buyers, remote workers and people seeking a beach-focused lifestyle with established international infrastructure.
Phuket offers excellent international schools, including UWCT, HeadStart and BISP, alongside private hospitals, restaurants, marinas and international-standard services.
The trade-off is cost. Phuket has some of Thailand’s highest villa and land prices, while traffic congestion and seasonal flooding should also be considered when choosing where to live.
Phuket offers excellent international schools, including UWCT, HeadStart and BISP, alongside private hospitals, restaurants, marinas and international-standard services.
The trade-off is cost. Phuket has some of Thailand’s highest villa and land prices, while traffic congestion and seasonal flooding should also be considered when choosing where to live.
Pattaya — Accessible & Established
Best for: Retirees, property investors and people working around Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor.
Pattaya has one of Thailand’s most established expatriate communities and offers a broad range of hospitals, shopping centres, restaurants and international services.
Its proximity to Bangkok, Laem Chabang and major industrial areas also makes it practical for business and employment.
Pattaya has one of Thailand’s most established expatriate communities and offers a broad range of hospitals, shopping centres, restaurants and international services.
Its proximity to Bangkok, Laem Chabang and major industrial areas also makes it practical for business and employment.
Hua Hin & Cha-am — Relaxed Coastal Living
Best for: Retirees, golfers, families, second-home owners and people seeking a quieter coastal lifestyle.
Hua Hin combines beaches, golf courses, international restaurants and a growing expatriate community while remaining within reach of Bangkok.
Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin provides private healthcare locally, although more complex medical cases may still require treatment in Bangkok.
Hua Hin combines beaches, golf courses, international restaurants and a growing expatriate community while remaining within reach of Bangkok.
Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin provides private healthcare locally, although more complex medical cases may still require treatment in Bangkok.
Koh Samui & Koh Phangan — Island Lifestyle
Best for: Lifestyle buyers, wellness professionals and people comfortable with the additional logistics of island living.
Both islands offer an attractive tropical lifestyle, but residents should consider transportation, healthcare access and the additional time and expense involved when travelling to mainland Thailand.
Both islands offer an attractive tropical lifestyle, but residents should consider transportation, healthcare access and the additional time and expense involved when travelling to mainland Thailand.
Isaan — Affordable & Traditional
Best for: People with family connections in Northeast Thailand and those seeking a quieter, lower-cost lifestyle.
Living costs can be considerably lower than in Thailand’s major tourist destinations.
However, access to international schools, specialist healthcare and English-speaking professional services can be more limited depending on the province.
Living costs can be considerably lower than in Thailand’s major tourist destinations.
However, access to international schools, specialist healthcare and English-speaking professional services can be more limited depending on the province.
2. Visas
Thailand offers several visa routes depending on why you want to live in the country.
Choosing the correct visa from the beginning is important because your visa can affect your ability to work, open a bank account, bring dependants and remain in Thailand long term.
Choosing the correct visa from the beginning is important because your visa can affect your ability to work, open a bank account, bring dependants and remain in Thailand long term.
DTV — Destination Thailand Visa
Introduced in July 2024, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed for eligible remote workers, freelancers and participants in qualifying activities.
Suitable for:
- Remote workers employed overseas
- Freelancers with foreign clients
- Digital nomads
- Certain Muay Thai, cooking and other qualifying activities
- Certain medical-related stays
Duration: Five-year multiple-entry visa, allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry, with the possibility of extending a stay once for a further 180 days.
Financial requirement: Evidence of approximately 500,000 THB in qualifying funds or other evidence required by the relevant embassy or consulate.
Important: A DTV should not be treated as permission to take ordinary employment with a Thai employer or work for Thai clients.
Financial requirement: Evidence of approximately 500,000 THB in qualifying funds or other evidence required by the relevant embassy or consulate.
Important: A DTV should not be treated as permission to take ordinary employment with a Thai employer or work for Thai clients.
LTR — Long-Term Resident Visa
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident visa targets several categories of qualifying foreigners, including wealthy individuals, pensioners and highly skilled professionals.
Duration: Up to 10 years, generally structured as five years plus a further five years subject to continued eligibility.
Depending on the category, benefits can include simplified immigration reporting, fast-track immigration services and work-related privileges.
Financial and employment requirements vary significantly depending on the LTR category.
Duration: Up to 10 years, generally structured as five years plus a further five years subject to continued eligibility.
Depending on the category, benefits can include simplified immigration reporting, fast-track immigration services and work-related privileges.
Financial and employment requirements vary significantly depending on the LTR category.
NON-O Retirement
Suitable for: Foreign nationals aged 50 or over who meet the relevant requirements.
Duration: Normally renewable annually.
Duration: Normally renewable annually.
Typical financial qualification is based on either:
- 800,000 THB held in a qualifying Thai bank account;
- qualifying monthly income; or
- an accepted combination of funds and income
Applicants should confirm current seasoning periods and documentation requirements with Immigration before applying.
NON-O Marraige
Foreign nationals legally married to Thai citizens may qualify for a Non-Immigrant O extension based on marriage.
Duration: Normally one year and renewable annually.
Duration: Normally one year and renewable annually.
Typical financial requirements include:
- 400,000 THB held in a qualifying Thai bank account; or
- qualifying monthly income
Additional marriage, residence and financial documentation will normally be required.
NON-B + Work Permit
The Non-Immigrant B route is commonly used by foreigners employed by Thai companies, teachers and qualifying business owners.
The visa and work authorisation are separate legal requirements.
Having a Non-B visa alone should not automatically be treated as permission to perform work. The appropriate work authorisation must also be obtained where required.
The visa and work authorisation are separate legal requirements.
Having a Non-B visa alone should not automatically be treated as permission to perform work. The appropriate work authorisation must also be obtained where required.
3. Property
Foreign property ownership is one of the areas where professional legal advice is particularly important.
The fundamental distinction is straightforward:
Foreigners can generally own qualifying condominium units in their own name, but direct foreign ownership of Thai land is heavily restricted.
The fundamental distinction is straightforward:
Foreigners can generally own qualifying condominium units in their own name, but direct foreign ownership of Thai land is heavily restricted.
Freehold Condominium — Generally Permited
Foreigners may purchase qualifying condominium units freehold in their own name, provided the condominium remains within the statutory foreign ownership quota.
Foreign ownership across the condominium must generally remain within 49% of the total saleable floor area.
Foreign purchasers should also ensure that funds are transferred and documented correctly for the transaction.
Before signing a purchase agreement, obtain confirmation that sufficient foreign quota remains available.
Foreign ownership across the condominium must generally remain within 49% of the total saleable floor area.
Foreign purchasers should also ensure that funds are transferred and documented correctly for the transaction.
Before signing a purchase agreement, obtain confirmation that sufficient foreign quota remains available.
Registered Leasehold — Up to 30 Years
Registered leasehold is commonly used where a foreigner wants long-term rights over land or a villa.
Long leases should be registered at the relevant Land Office.
Any contractual promise of future renewal should be carefully reviewed because a renewal should not automatically be treated as equivalent to a guaranteed longer freehold-style ownership period.
Long leases should be registered at the relevant Land Office.
Any contractual promise of future renewal should be carefully reviewed because a renewal should not automatically be treated as equivalent to a guaranteed longer freehold-style ownership period.
Superficies — Ownerhsip of a Building
A registered superficies can provide a legal mechanism for separating rights over a building from ownership of the land beneath it.
This structure may be useful in certain villa transactions where the foreign purchaser wants recognised rights over the building while the underlying land is held separately.
Professional legal advice should be obtained before relying on this structure.
This structure may be useful in certain villa transactions where the foreign purchaser wants recognised rights over the building while the underlying land is held separately.
Professional legal advice should be obtained before relying on this structure.
Usufruct — Right to use Property
A usufruct can provide a person with registered rights to possess, use and enjoy another person’s property for an agreed period or, in certain circumstances, for life.
The exact rights and limitations should be reviewed carefully before registration.
The exact rights and limitations should be reviewed carefully before registration.
Land in a foreigner's own name — Generally not Permitted
Direct foreign ownership of land is restricted under Thai law, subject to limited statutory exceptions.
Foreign buyers should therefore be extremely cautious of anyone promising a simple workaround that supposedly provides unrestricted land ownership.
Foreign buyers should therefore be extremely cautious of anyone promising a simple workaround that supposedly provides unrestricted land ownership.
Nominee Thai Shareholders — High Risk & Unlawful
Using Thai individuals as shareholders purely to disguise foreign ownership or circumvent foreign ownership restrictions can breach Thai law.
Authorities have increased scrutiny of nominee arrangements, company funding and beneficial ownership.
A company should be a genuine operating structure with legitimate shareholders, capital and commercial activity — not simply a mechanism for a foreigner to indirectly hold land.
Authorities have increased scrutiny of nominee arrangements, company funding and beneficial ownership.
A company should be a genuine operating structure with legitimate shareholders, capital and commercial activity — not simply a mechanism for a foreigner to indirectly hold land.
A Safer Approach to Property
For a Condominium
Before proceeding:
Where legally available, purchasing a freehold condominium directly in the foreigner’s name is generally the clearest ownership structure.
- Verify the condominium’s foreign ownership quota.
- Conduct title and legal due diligence.
- Transfer purchase funds correctly.
- Obtain the required foreign-exchange documentation.
- Ensure ownership is properly registered at the Land Office.
For a House or Villa
The building and land may require different legal arrangements.
Depending on the circumstances, a properly registered lease combined with rights relating to ownership or use of the building may provide an alternative to direct land ownership.
The appropriate structure depends on the property, title, parties and intended use.
Depending on the circumstances, a properly registered lease combined with rights relating to ownership or use of the building may provide an alternative to direct land ownership.
The appropriate structure depends on the property, title, parties and intended use.
Do not use nominee shareholders as a shortcut to foreign land ownership.
Independent legal advice and Land Office due diligence should be completed before paying substantial deposits or signing binding agreements.
4. Education
For families moving to Thailand, education can be one of the largest household expenses after housing.
Thailand has an extensive international-school sector, particularly in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and the Eastern Seaboard.
Thailand has an extensive international-school sector, particularly in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and the Eastern Seaboard.
Curriculum Options
Families can choose from several international education systems.
British curriculum: Typically progresses through IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. Schools include Harrow, Shrewsbury, Bromsgrove, Regents, St Andrews and Brighton College.
American curriculum: Usually based around a US-style High School Diploma, with some schools offering Advanced Placement programmes.
International Baccalaureate: Schools may offer the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme.
French, German, Swiss, Japanese, Singaporean and other national curricula are also available, particularly in Bangkok.
American curriculum: Usually based around a US-style High School Diploma, with some schools offering Advanced Placement programmes.
International Baccalaureate: Schools may offer the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme.
French, German, Swiss, Japanese, Singaporean and other national curricula are also available, particularly in Bangkok.
Typical Annual Tuition
Fees vary significantly according to school, location and year group.
As a broad guide:
As a broad guide:
Top-tier Bangkok schools
- Kindergarten: 600,000–800,000 THB
- Primary: 800,000–950,000 THB
- Secondary: 900,000–1,100,000 THB
- Sixth Form: 1,000,000–1,200,000 THB
Mid-tier Bangkok and leading Phuket/Chiang Mai schools: approximately 400,000–700,000 THB.
Regional international schools: approximately 250,000–450,000 THB.
Families should also budget for registration or enrolment fees, development fees, uniforms, transportation, meals, extracurricular activities and school trips.
Visa Considorations
A child’s immigration status will depend partly on the parent’s visa category.
Some children may qualify as dependants, while others may require education-related visa arrangements supported by their school.
Always confirm the appropriate visa route before enrolment.
Some children may qualify as dependants, while others may require education-related visa arrangements supported by their school.
Always confirm the appropriate visa route before enrolment.
5. Health Insurance
Thailand has an excellent private healthcare sector, particularly in Bangkok and the country’s major tourist destinations.
However, high-quality private treatment can be expensive. Appropriate medi
cal insurance should therefore be considered an essential part of relocation planning, even where it is not a mandatory visa requirement.
However, high-quality private treatment can be expensive. Appropriate medi
cal insurance should therefore be considered an essential part of relocation planning, even where it is not a mandatory visa requirement.
Visa Insurance Requirements
Insurance requirements vary according to visa category and can change.
Certain long-stay and retirement visas have specific minimum insurance requirements, while other visas may not require insurance as a condition of entry.
Always confirm the current requirement for your specific visa before purchasing a policy.
Certain long-stay and retirement visas have specific minimum insurance requirements, while other visas may not require insurance as a condition of entry.
Always confirm the current requirement for your specific visa before purchasing a policy.
Choosing Health Insurance
Thai Insurance Policies
Local policies can provide comparatively affordable coverage for people primarily living in Thailand.
Premiums depend heavily on age, medical history, deductible, outpatient benefits and overall coverage limits.
International Expat Insurance
International policies are generally more expensive but may provide broader geographical coverage and greater portability if you later leave Thailand.
Policies excluding the United States are often considerably cheaper than worldwide policies including US treatment.
Premiums depend heavily on age, medical history, deductible, outpatient benefits and overall coverage limits.
International Expat Insurance
International policies are generally more expensive but may provide broader geographical coverage and greater portability if you later leave Thailand.
Policies excluding the United States are often considerably cheaper than worldwide policies including US treatment.
Medical Evacuation
Some people who are comfortable paying routine medical expenses themselves choose emergency or evacuation-focused coverage.
This can provide protection against the potentially substantial cost of emergency transportation or treatment outside your local area.
This can provide protection against the potentially substantial cost of emergency transportation or treatment outside your local area.
Use an Independant Broker
Some people who are comfortable paying routine medical expenses themselves choose emergency or evacuation-focused coverage.
This can provide protection against the potentially substantial cost of emergency transportation or treatment outside your local area.
This can provide protection against the potentially substantial cost of emergency transportation or treatment outside your local area.
6. Marraige
Marriage between a foreign national and a Thai citizen is legally possible but requires specific documentation.
Requirements can also vary depending on the foreigner’s nationality and embassy.
Requirements can also vary depending on the foreigner’s nationality and embassy.
The General Process
1. Obtain the required marital-status documentation
A foreign national will generally need documentation confirming their legal capacity or freedom to marry.
The exact document and process depend on the person’s nationality and embassy.
The exact document and process depend on the person’s nationality and embassy.
2. Translate and legalise the documentation
Foreign documents may need to be translated into Thai and legalised or authenticated through the appropriate Thai authorities.
3. Register the marriage
The marriage is registered at a Thai District Office (Amphur/Khet).
Both parties will normally need to attend and provide the required identity and supporting documents.
Both parties will normally need to attend and provide the required identity and supporting documents.
4. Obtain certified documents if required abroad
If the Thai marriage certificate will be used overseas, certified translation and legalisation may be necessary.
Visa After Marraige
Marriage to a Thai citizen may provide eligibility for a Non-Immigrant O visa or extension based on marriage, subject to immigration and financial requirements.
Marriage itself does not automatically grant permanent residence or Thai citizenship.
Those are separate processes with their own eligibility requirements.
Marriage itself does not automatically grant permanent residence or Thai citizenship.
Those are separate processes with their own eligibility requirements.
Prenuptial Agreements
Anyone considering a prenuptial agreement should obtain legal advice before registering the marriage.
Under Thai law, timing and registration are important.
Thailand distinguishes between separate personal property and marital property, commonly referred to as Sin Suan Tua and Sin Somros.
A properly prepared agreement can help establish how assets will be treated if the marriage later ends.
Under Thai law, timing and registration are important.
Thailand distinguishes between separate personal property and marital property, commonly referred to as Sin Suan Tua and Sin Somros.
A properly prepared agreement can help establish how assets will be treated if the marriage later ends.
7. Working in Thailand
Foreign nationals should establish whether they have the correct immigration and work authorisation before performing work in Thailand.
Thai law regulates foreign employment and also restricts certain occupations.
Thai law regulates foreign employment and also restricts certain occupations.
Who Needs Work Authorisation?
The answer depends on the individual’s visa, activity and employment circumstances.
Traditional employment with a Thai company will generally require an appropriate visa and work permit or other recognised work authorisation.
Remote workers and people holding newer visa categories should not assume that their visa provides unrestricted permission to work for Thai businesses or Thai clients.
Traditional employment with a Thai company will generally require an appropriate visa and work permit or other recognised work authorisation.
Remote workers and people holding newer visa categories should not assume that their visa provides unrestricted permission to work for Thai businesses or Thai clients.
Standard NON-B + Work Permit Route
A typical employment process may involve:
- The employer preparing the required company and employment documentation.
- The foreign employee obtaining the appropriate Non-Immigrant B visa.
- Applying for the required work authorisation.
- Completing any subsequent immigration extension requirements.
The exact order and procedure can vary depending on where the application is made and the employer’s circumstances.
Employer Requirements
Thai companies employing foreign nationals may need to satisfy requirements relating to:
- Registered capital
- Thai-to-foreign employee ratios
- Tax compliance
- Social Security
- Company documentation
Common benchmarks include 2 million THB registered capital and four Thai employees per foreign worker, although exemptions and alternative rules can apply.
Reserved Occupations
Certain occupations are reserved wholly or partly for Thai nationals.
Foreigners should therefore check whether their intended profession or day-to-day duties are legally permitted before beginning work.
This is particularly important for manual trades, tour guiding and certain regulated professional services.
Foreigners should therefore check whether their intended profession or day-to-day duties are legally permitted before beginning work.
This is particularly important for manual trades, tour guiding and certain regulated professional services.
8. Conducting Business
Foreign nationals can establish and operate businesses in Thailand, but ownership restrictions depend heavily on the activity being undertaken.
Choosing the correct structure at the beginning is essential.
Choosing the correct structure at the beginning is essential.
Thai Limited Company
A Thai limited company is one of the most common structures.
Where an activity is restricted under the Foreign Business Act, Thai ownership requirements may apply unless the company qualifies for an exemption or specific permission.
Thai shareholders must be genuine shareholders.
Where an activity is restricted under the Foreign Business Act, Thai ownership requirements may apply unless the company qualifies for an exemption or specific permission.
Thai shareholders must be genuine shareholders.
BOI-Promoted Company
Thailand’s Board of Investment provides incentives for qualifying businesses operating in promoted industries.
Thai companies employing foreign nationals may need to satisfy requirements relating to:
- Permission for greater or 100% foreign ownership
- Corporate tax incentives
- Work-permit and visa facilitation
- Import-duty incentives
- Other investment privileges
Promoted sectors can include technology, software, digital services, manufacturing, research and development and other targeted industries.
US Treaty of Amity
Qualifying US citizens and US-majority-owned businesses may receive special rights under the Treaty of Amity.
Certification and regulatory requirements still apply, and certain sectors remain restricted.
Certification and regulatory requirements still apply, and certain sectors remain restricted.
Foreign Business License
A foreign-majority-owned business operating in a restricted activity may require a Foreign Business Licence unless another exemption applies.
Applications are considered according to the relevant legal framework and business activity.
Applications are considered according to the relevant legal framework and business activity.
Representative Office
A representative office can provide a Thai presence for certain non-revenue-generating activities such as liaison, sourcing or market research.
It should not be treated as an ordinary trading company capable of freely invoicing Thai customers.
It should not be treated as an ordinary trading company capable of freely invoicing Thai customers.
Avoid Nominee Structures
Thai shareholders should never be included merely to create the appearance of Thai ownership while the foreign shareholder exercises the true economic ownership.
Authorities increasingly examine shareholder funding, beneficial ownership and the commercial substance of companies.
Use a legitimate structure that reflects how the business actually operates.
Authorities increasingly examine shareholder funding, beneficial ownership and the commercial substance of companies.
Use a legitimate structure that reflects how the business actually operates.
9. Opening a Thai Bank Account
A Thai bank account can make everyday life considerably easier.
It can be used for rent, utility bills, PromptPay, salary payments and immigration-related financial requirements.
However, Thai banks have tightened account-opening procedures for foreign nationals.
It can be used for rent, utility bills, PromptPay, salary payments and immigration-related financial requirements.
However, Thai banks have tightened account-opening procedures for foreign nationals.
Who can open an account?
Policies differ between banks and even between individual branches.
Foreigners holding long-term visas such as Non-B, qualifying Non-O categories and other recognised long-stay statuses generally have stronger prospects than tourists or visa-exempt visitors.
DTV holders may encounter greater difficulty because individual banks can apply restrictive internal policies.
Never assume that eligibility at one branch guarantees acceptance at another.
Foreigners holding long-term visas such as Non-B, qualifying Non-O categories and other recognised long-stay statuses generally have stronger prospects than tourists or visa-exempt visitors.
DTV holders may encounter greater difficulty because individual banks can apply restrictive internal policies.
Never assume that eligibility at one branch guarantees acceptance at another.
What to take to the Bank?
Thai companies employing foreign nationals may need to satisfy requirements relating to:
- Passport
- Current visa and entry stamp
- Work permit, where applicable
- Immigration residence certificate
- Proof of address
- Rental agreement
- TM30 documentation
- Thai mobile number
- Opening deposit
- Letter explaining the purpose of the account
Thai companies employing foreign nationals may need to satisfy requirements relating to:
Practical Tips
Choose a branch accustomed to dealing with foreign customers, particularly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya or Hua Hin.
If your account is successfully opened, ask about registering PromptPay and mobile banking before leaving the branch.
If one branch refuses an application, that does not necessarily mean every branch or bank will make the same decision.
If your account is successfully opened, ask about registering PromptPay and mobile banking before leaving the branch.
If one branch refuses an application, that does not necessarily mean every branch or bank will make the same decision.
10. Immigration Rules — TM30 & 90-Day Reporting
Two immigration reporting requirements commonly cause confusion among foreigners living in Thailand:
TM30 address notification and 90-day reporting.
They serve different purposes and should be treated separately.
TM30 address notification and 90-day reporting.
They serve different purposes and should be treated separately.
TM30 — Address of Stay Notification
TM30 relates to notifying Immigration where a foreign national is staying.
The legal filing responsibility generally falls on the relevant householder, property owner, possessor, landlord or accommodation provider, depending on the circumstances.
Hotels normally handle this automatically.
For private accommodation, the responsible person should ensure the notification is properly filed within the required timeframe.
Foreign residents should keep evidence of their current TM30 because it may be requested during other immigration or administrative procedures.
The legal filing responsibility generally falls on the relevant householder, property owner, possessor, landlord or accommodation provider, depending on the circumstances.
Hotels normally handle this automatically.
For private accommodation, the responsible person should ensure the notification is properly filed within the required timeframe.
Foreign residents should keep evidence of their current TM30 because it may be requested during other immigration or administrative procedures.
90-Day Reporting
Certain foreigners staying continuously in Thailand for the required period must report their current address to Immigration.
This is commonly referred to as the 90-day report or TM47.
Leaving Thailand generally affects the calculation of the continuous-stay period, so travellers should keep track of their latest entry date.
This is commonly referred to as the 90-day report or TM47.
Leaving Thailand generally affects the calculation of the continuous-stay period, so travellers should keep track of their latest entry date.
Reports may be possible:
- In person
- Through an authorised representative
- By post where permitted
- Online through the Immigration reporting system
Do not leave the process until the final day.
Documents
Depending on the Immigration office and method used, you may need:
- Passport
- Visa or extension details
- Latest entry stamp
- Previous 90-day reporting receipt
- TM30 evidence
- Completed TM47 documentation
How TM30 & 90-Day Reporting Connect
Although they are separate requirements, an incorrect or outdated TM30 record can create problems when dealing with Immigration.
After moving home or returning from overseas, check whether your accommodation notification remains correct before your next immigration application or report.
Keep copies of immigration receipts and confirmations rather than relying solely on online records.
After moving home or returning from overseas, check whether your accommodation notification remains correct before your next immigration application or report.
Keep copies of immigration receipts and confirmations rather than relying solely on online records.
11. Getting a Thai Driving License
If you intend to live in Thailand long term, obtaining a Thai driving licence is advisable.
The process depends partly on whether you already hold a valid overseas licence.
The process depends partly on whether you already hold a valid overseas licence.
Route 1 — Converting an Oversees Driving License
Foreigners with a valid home-country driving licence may be able to use a simplified conversion procedure.
Depending on the licence and circumstances, this can reduce the testing required.
Depending on the licence and circumstances, this can reduce the testing required.
Applicants may still need to complete:
- Medical certification
- Eyesight tests
- Reaction/reflex tests
- Road-safety training
- Document verification
Applicants may still need to complete:
Route 2 — Applying without a Foreign Driving Licnese
Applicants without a qualifying overseas licence generally need to complete the full Thai licensing process.
This can include:
- Required training or e-learning
- Medical certification
- Department of Land Transport procedures
- Theory examination
- Practical driving examination
Documents
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- Passport
- Valid immigration status
- Residence certificate, work permit or other accepted proof of residence
- Medical certificate
- TM30 documentation
- Foreign driving licence, if converting
- Translation of a foreign licence where required
- Additional copies or photographs where requested
Requirements can vary between Department of Land Transport offices, so check before attending.
License Fees
The original guide lists the following government fees:
- Two-year probationary car licence: 205 THB
- Two-year probationary motorcycle licence: 105 THB
- Five-year car licence: 505 THB
- Five-year motorcycle licence: 255 THB
Additional costs may apply for medical certificates, residence certificates, translations and other supporting documentation.
Booking an Appointment
Appointments may be available through the Department of Land Transport’s Smart Queue system.
Availability and walk-in procedures can differ between provinces, so applicants should check with their local DLT office before travelling.
Availability and walk-in procedures can differ between provinces, so applicants should check with their local DLT office before travelling.
Renewing Your Licnese
An initial Thai driving licence is normally issued for a limited probationary period.
Once eligible, the holder may apply to convert or renew it to a longer-term licence.
Renewal requirements can include updated documentation, medical certification, training and physical-response testing.
Once eligible, the holder may apply to convert or renew it to a longer-term licence.
Renewal requirements can include updated documentation, medical certification, training and physical-response testing.