In the world ranking with a coverage of 48%, the passport of the Kingdom of Southeast Asia is in the top five in terms of diplomatic power. Moreover, the line in the rating confidently moves up. If in 2022 the Thai passport ranked 70th, a year later it rose by 6 points. The high index of freedom of movement allows tourists to freely enter 40 visa-free countries.
In 2005, Thailand was the second to introduce the biometric passport in the world. In 2020, it was issued a dark brown Ordinary passport with a silver embossing of the demigod Garuda.
It paves the way to citizenship of children, work in state bodies, receive social guarantees and benefits.
How to obtain the passport
In terms of quality of life, Thailand ranks 79th. The Kingdom's migration policy is considered moderately open. More often, the status is claimed by entrepreneurs, wealthy people, self-employed, who consider the state as a place to live. Documents are issued to immigrants on various grounds. Thai citizenship is immediately acquired by the children of citizens, regardless of the actual place of birth. It is also issued to the heirs of the parents of migrants with permanent residence.
By naturalization
As part of the standard procedure, after 2 years of life on a visa and 5 years on permanent residency, the status is issued to adult foreigners with an income of USD 2,165. The amount varies depending on the monthly profit, the type of activity, and the presence of Thai children. In a simplified procedure, persons with personal merit to the Kingdom, who previously lost their status or lived in the country, undergo the procedure.
By marriage
On this basis, women married to Thais are more likely to receive residency. For them, the naturalization period is reduced to 3 years. At the birth of a child, they claim the right after a year of living together. The main requirement is the husband's income from 550 USD.
By Investment
Due to loyal taxation and economic preferences, investors and businessmen are interested in citizenship. Many transport companies or invest capital in local businesses and become owners. According to permanent residency, foreigners are allowed to own only 45% of the shares. To obtain privileges, to equalize rights with the Thais, they tend to obtain a "golden" passport. There is no law on direct purchase, but after naturalization, they acquire citizenship for subsidies.
How to get Thai citizenship
People planning to stay longer are requesting a long-term non-immigrant visa. It is issued for 90 days for work and study with the possibility of extension for a year. It is allowed to change the category in the migration service upon arrival in accordance with the planned purpose of stay.
Stages of obtaining a passport:
After 3 years of naturalization, you can apply for permanent residence by choosing the date of application in the official gazette. Applicants personally file a petition with the Bangkok Police Headquarters or the regional office.
After 2 years, a file for the passport is collected. While it is under consideration, they undergo a series of interviews in the Special Unit and gain points that affect the adoption of a positive decision. The country has adopted a point system due to the restriction of quotas for countries.
For verification, candidates submit documents to the Immigration Service, undergo 2 additional interviews, where they demonstrate knowledge of the language, anthem, culture.
After approval, they take the oath, receive certificates of naturalization. Personal data is entered into the list of new citizens and an ID card is issued – an internal Thai passport.
The registration procedure takes 6-12 months. The file procession period is 3 months. When submitting abroad – 120 days.
Thai Nationality Act
The country is governed by the 1965 law. It stipulates the rights of children of Thais and foreigners, persons in mixed marriages. They are protected by the Constitution of 2017 (Article 39).
In 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers agreed on new amendments. They relate to legal procedure, naturalization, renunciation and reinstatement, claims. Basic conditions for foreigners:
- permanent residency in the territory for 5 years under permanent residence;
- a work certificate from the Provincial Employment Office;
- minimum Earnings ฿80,000
- payment of personal income tax for at least 3 years;
- knowledge of the spoken language;
- no problems with the law.
Documents for the passport
Applications are considered on the condition of providing a full package in Thai language with notary's seals. The Thai citizenship file is accepted from applicants who have reached the age of 20. Contents:
- original passport 12 photos;
- application;
- Alien Book (permanent residency card);
- work permit – 5 copies;
- certificate of confirmation of activities;
- bank statement with a deposit of at least $2,250;
- tax return for the period of residence;
- copies of ID-cards of two guarantors.
According to the current legislation, children are issued a status together with their parents, even if they were not included in the application for naturalization. The marriage certificate and metrics are attached to the dossier. The chances of receiving is increased by the knowledge of the written language, and donations to charity from $140.
How much does a Thai passport cost
Permanent residency is issued to investors subject to the deposit of $285,000 in business or in the purchase of securities. Within 3 years, they are required to present documents stating that the capital is working for the country's economy. The status is also received by foreigners of senior management and their families with earnings from $2,300 per month.
Visa Processing Fees:
- visa – $55-135;
- the cost of a residency permit is $204;
- submission of an application for adults – ฿10,000;
- for minor dependents – ฿5,000;
- the cost of the certificate is ฿5.124;
- application for restoration of citizenship – ฿2,000;
- the price of the passport is $30-97.
Due to economic restrictions, an Ordinary passport is more suitable for business people operating in the territory. It implies more freedom even when traveling. Holders only have to choose which countries to go to without a visa, since 102 require consular stamps. In another 50 jurisdictions, they are placed at the airport. An accredited agent will help you to understand in detail the methods of legalization and documents.