As we get to the end of the year and the application window for permanent residency is likely to open soon, I wanted to give you four reasons to consider permanent residency. This comes from conversations with many prospective PR clients and clients we’ve helped achieve PR status over the years. So, let’s jump in.
The first reason is that if you’ve worked here for the last three years, PR is likely an available option for you — unlike in many other countries where PR depends on family status or making a very large investment. In Thailand, holding a Non-B visa for three consecutive years and earning between 80,000 and 100,000 THB per month can open the door to permanent residency.
Second, your Non-B visa gives you very little security. As you deepen your roots here, it’s easy to rely on the convenience of your HR department extending your visa every year. However, if you decide to open your own business, retire, or lose your job, you’ll have just seven days to figure out another long-term option to stay in Thailand.
Put more positively, PR status gives you the freedom to stay in Thailand as long as you like without depending on a job to maintain the life you’re building here.
Third, if you’re unmarried or married to someone who is not a Thai national, PR status is the most reliable way to protect your life here and the life and connections your spouse has built over the years.
As you likely know, once you’re granted PR status, your spouse can maintain long-term stay privileges in Thailand under your PR sponsorship. Imagine the peace of mind you and your spouse will feel once the application process is complete.
Fourth, PR is a pathway to citizenship, and citizenship is a privilege that allows you to fully participate in this country — including the right to work without a work permit and to own and develop land.
I understand that many of you may still be early in your journey here, but achieving citizenship requires long-term planning, and for many people, that journey begins with first obtaining permanent residency.
Now, for many of you, I hear concerns about the Thai language interview. Let me assure you that if you put in the time to study over the next five to six months, you can pass this requirement.
We recently posted a video featuring Kru Risa, who has helped many of our clients prepare successfully for this step, and there’s a link to that video below.
We also offer free PR interview flashcards through our website linked below.
If you’re working here and consider Thailand your home, you should at least think about investing in becoming a permanent resident.
If you have questions or would like to take a deeper dive into the process, our Managing Counsel, Roy, would be happy to spend half an hour with you at no charge. You can schedule a time with Roy by clicking the link below.
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