How can I obtain PR status(Permanent Residency)

[YangYaiEric 28]

Can anyone send me a link, or, give me some pointers as to how to get PR status in Thailand? I've been living here permanently for last 3 years with my Thai wife  and would like to explore getting PR Status. What are the salient points to obtaining one?

Edited June 25, 2019 by YangYaiEric

[Briggsy 17,912]

You need to have been working and paying income tax for the last 3 years. If not, you cannot apply (with very few exceptions).

[geoffbezoz 7,111]

Have you been working and paying taxes in Thailand for the last 3 years ? If so I understand one of the conditions is having a 5 year history of it. Also you need to be aware only 100 of each nationality is accepted for PR application every year.

[ubonjoe 48,671]

3 minutes ago, geoffbezoz said:

If so I understand one of the conditions is having a 5 year history of it.

You only have to be working with a work permit and paying taxes for 3 years not 5 and it has to be 3 years on continuous extensions of stay.

[geoffbezoz 7,111]

2 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

You only have to be working with a work permit and paying taxes for 3 years not 5 and it has to be 3 years on continuous extensions of stay.

Thanks for the correction.

[ubonjoe 48,671]

3 minutes ago, geoffbezoz said:

Thanks for the correction.

FYI and others the latest requirements for applying for PR for each category that is dated this month is here in Thai and English.

https://www.immigration.go.th/download/1560937657542.pdf

[YangYaiEric 28]

Many thanks for the info guys! Since I DONT work or pay income tax in Thailand, I guess I cannot get PR! I've been retired for last 3 years and work with my wife in our property rental business(unofficially!). So much for that then!

[geoffbezoz 7,111]

5 minutes ago, YangYaiEric said:

Many thanks for the info guys! Since I DONT work or pay income tax in Thailand, I guess I cannot get PR! I've been retired for last 3 years and work with my wife in our property rental business(unofficially!). So much for that then!

Yes that is unfortunate that there is no option for folks married long term, with perhaps children and been living in Thailand long term whom are not now working being able to apply for PR.  But Thais have the right to make their own rules so it is what it is.

[ExpatDraco 260]

I thought you could get PR with marriage also, but I'm unsure about the requirements.

[Salerno 4,535]

23 minutes ago, YangYaiEric said:

I've been retired for last 3 years and work with my wife in our property rental business(unofficially!).

How many property rental companies are there in Nakorn Rachasima? Asking for a friend 5555

[Matzzon 13,666]

1 hour ago, geoffbezoz said:

But Thais have the right to make their own rules so it is what it is

Of course they have. What about your country of origin? Do they make their own rules, and have a legislation that originates from the country?

[Matzzon 13,666]

1 hour ago, geoffbezoz said:

Yes that is unfortunate that there is no option for folks married long term, with perhaps children and been living in Thailand long term whom are not now working being able to apply for PR.  But Thais have the right to make their own rules so it is what it is.

There is an option. It´s called planning your life and reading the rules and consider your options.

As 50 year old you can get retirement extension and live happily ever after. 

If married you can get extension based on your marriage, and live happily ever after.

Got thai children? No problem, get an extension based on child dependant, and live happily ever after.

Not have anything of that or just to young. Yes! then you have to try to cheat the Immigration everytime you wish to live in the country, which luckily is getting harder and harder.

If your only possibility to visit a country is to do it on a tourist visa, then you are not supposed to live in the countery, hence the name.

[NCC1701A 53,873]

Thailand is the best country in the world. Why let other people become citizens?  

 

All they do is complain and try to change things. 

[elviajero 7,710]

6 hours ago, YangYaiEric said:

Many thanks for the info guys! Since I DONT work or pay income tax in Thailand, I guess I cannot get PR! I've been retired for last 3 years and work with my wife in our property rental business(unofficially!). So much for that then!

As long as you have a non-immigrant visa, and have extended your stay (visa) for 3 consecutive years, there are five categories under which applicants can apply. That said, if you're not working, probably the only other way you could apply would be investment based.

 

"There are several options open to foreigners in Thailand who wish to apply for permanent residency status. The first one is based on investment, which consists of two components: presenting proof of investment both before permanent residence is granted and after it is granted. Before the permanent resident status is granted, the applicant must have invested at least 10 million baht into the country. Thereafter, the applicant must maintain the investment for three consecutive years after the permanent resident status is granted. Specifically, that amount of money must be invested in one of three targets:

(1) a Limited Company or Public Limited Company 

(2) a bond issued by the government or a state enterprise in which the Ministry of Finance or Bank of Thailand is a guarantor or

(3) shares or other instruments in the Thai stock market which has been certified by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

[snip]"

 

https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-law/thai-permanent-residency-category-investment/

[ubonjoe 48,671]

12 hours ago, ExpatDraco said:

I thought you could get PR with marriage also, but I'm unsure about the requirements.

Working with a work,  paying taxes and etc for 3 years. Minimum salary is 50k baht unless that has changed in the last few years (not shown in the list of requirements)

See page 11 of the PDF file I post a link to in my previous post ( https://www.immigration.go.th/download/1560937657542.pdf ).