Thailand (TH)

Most Thai visa and bank processes require at least 6 months validity remaining; long-stay visas (LTR, OA, OX), work permits, and school enrolment are easier with 12–18 months remaining. Keep the original and several certified copies for immigration offices, banks, landlords, and employer HR.

Keep digital and paper copies of your visa sticker, entry stamp, and Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) confirmation. The TDAC replaced the paper TM6 departure card. Your visa category (Non-B, Non-O, Non-OA, Non-ED, LTR, DTV) determines your permitted activities and the 90-day reporting cycle. Visa extensions are processed at the local Immigration Bureau office.

Property owners or hotel managers are legally required to notify Immigration (TM30 form) within 24 hours of a foreigner staying. The TM30 receipt is needed for visa extensions, 90-day address reports, re-entry permits, and some bank and government appointments. If your landlord has not filed it, you may file it yourself via the Immigration Bureau online portal.

Required for Non-O marriage visa, dependant visas, joint bank accounts, school and hospital family records, and inheritance planning. Thailand is NOT a Hague Apostille Convention member — foreign marriage certificates require full legalisation: (1) notarisation in the issuing country; (2) home country Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation; (3) Thai embassy/consulate attestation in the issuing country. Certified Thai translation by a Thai-licensed sworn translator required.

Required for school enrolment, dependant visas, guardianship confirmation, and medical records. Thailand is NOT a Hague Apostille Convention member — full legalisation required: home-country notary → home MFA → Thai embassy/consulate in home country. Certified Thai translation required.

Required for teaching licences (Teachers Council of Thailand), childcare positions, certain visa categories, regulated profession licensing, and employer background checks. Thailand is NOT a Hague Apostille Convention member — full legalisation required: home-country notary → home MFA → Thai embassy/consulate. Certified Thai translation by a Thai-licensed sworn translator required.

Required for teaching roles (Teachers Council of Thailand licence), BOI/LTR visa evidence, regulated professions (medical, engineering), and some work permits. Thailand is NOT a Hague Apostille Convention member — full legalisation required: home-country notary → home MFA → Thai embassy/consulate. Certified Thai translation required. Some professional councils (Engineering Institute of Thailand, Medical Council) require additional recognition procedures.

Required for Non-B visa application, work permit (Department of Employment — DOE กรมการจัดหางาน), bank account KYC, tax registration at the Revenue Department (TRD กรมสรรพากร), and lease applications. Contract must specify salary (in THB), job title, employer details, and duration. Employer must be BOI-promoted or a registered Thai company to sponsor a work permit.

Required before commencing any work for a Thai employer or Thai clients. Issued by the Department of Employment (DOE). Tied to a specific employer and job description — changing jobs requires a new work permit. Keep copies of every page and renewal confirmation. Digital work permits are accepted at many government offices.

Required for Retirement visa (Non-OA/OX: THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account or THB 65,000/month income), DTV (Digital Nomad) visa, LTR visa (minimum USD 80,000/year income), education and family visas. Keep statements showing stable balances and, for LTR, proof of source and stability of income.

Mandatory for LTR and Non-OA/OX (retirement) visa holders — minimum inpatient coverage THB 40,000 and outpatient THB 10,000. Strongly recommended for all long-stay expats. Keep policy certificate, insurer emergency line, direct-billing hospital list, and coverage proof for visa renewal appointments.

A valid IDP alongside your home licence is accepted for short-term driving only. Thai residents should obtain a Thai driving licence from the Land Transport Department (DLT กรมการขนส่งทางบก). Required documents for conversion: home licence, passport, residence certificate, medical certificate, and vision test. Drive on the left.

International schools and nurseries require current immunisation records, previous school transcripts, report cards, and teacher transfer letters. Certified English translation is typically accepted; some Thai schools require Thai-language translations.

Required for bringing pets to Thailand: import permit from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD กรมปศุสัตว์), microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785), rabies vaccination certificate (minimum 21 days before travel), veterinary health certificate (within 7 days of travel), and airline cargo confirmation. Contact DLD at least 4 weeks before travel to arrange the import permit.