Residence certificate: the paper everyone asks for
What it is, where to get it, what to bring, and why it's only good for 30 days.
What it is
A residence certificate is a letter from Thai immigration confirming your address in Thailand. Banks, the driving licence office and car dealers ask for it constantly. It proves where you live, nothing more. It doesn't replace your passport or your visa.
Most offices treat it as valid for 30 days, so get it just before you need it, not weeks ahead.
Where to get it
- At the immigration office that holds your TM30 address notification. Almost every office issues them.
- Embassies mostly stopped doing this (the US Embassy stopped in March 2023) and send you to immigration instead.
- BOI and LTR visa holders use the One-Stop Service Center in Bangkok.
What to bring
- Passport, plus copies of the photo page, your visa or extension stamp and your latest entry stamp.
- Your TM30 receipt (ask your landlord) and a copy of your lease or house book.
- Your latest 90-day report slip, if you have one.
- Two passport photos.
- Sign every copy in blue ink across the page. Requirements vary a little by office. Some skip the lease.
Cost and timing
Usually free to 500 THB depending on the office. Some issue it the same day; Bangkok's Chaeng Wattana office posts it to you within about two weeks. Ask your office before you go.
The long-term alternative
If you're staying for years, a yellow house book does the same job permanently at many offices. See the yellow house book guide.
Never miss your own deadlines
Answer five quick questions and we'll list every date that applies to you: 90-day reports, extensions, re-entry permits and tax. Free to start.
Sources we checked
General information, not legal or tax advice. Immigration offices don't all apply the rules the same way, so check anything important with your local office. Spotted something out of date? Email Joshua.