Residency Certificate

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Glossaries

Term Definition
Residency Certificate
An official address-confirmation letter (Certificate of Residence, TM.16) issued by Thailand’s Immigration Bureau that verifies a foreign national’s Thai address for use in procedures that require proof of address (e.g., driver’s licence or vehicle registration). It is not an immigration status.

Glossary ▸ Thailand ▸ Immigration documents

Residency Certificate (Thailand)

Also called: Certificate of Residence, หนังสือรับรองถิ่นที่อยู่, TM.16

What is it?

A Residency Certificate in Thailand is an official document issued by the Immigration Bureau (Royal Thai Police) confirming a foreign national’s place of residence in Thailand. The Immigration Bureau refers to this service as an “Application for Certificate of Residence (TM.16)”. Provincial Immigration offices list TM.16 in their public handbooks/service menus.

What is it used for?

It is commonly required by other Thai authorities as proof of address for administrative services, notably:

  • Applying for a Thai driver’s licence (DLT): the Department of Land Transport specifies that foreigners must present either a residence certificate from Immigration or a work permit.
  • Registering a vehicle (DLT): provincial DLT offices require a residence certificate (or work permit/consular certification) for registration and tax.
Heads-up: Banks and other private institutions set their own KYC/AML rules. Some may accept an Immigration Residency Certificate as address proof, but requirements are policy-based and not standardized in law. Always confirm directly with the institution.

Who can apply?

Foreign nationals who are legally staying in Thailand (e.g., on a non-immigrant visa/extension) and have a verifiable Thai address can apply at Immigration. While document checklists can vary by office, Immigration emphasizes address notification and residency evidence as part of its processes (e.g., TM.30 notification of residence by the house master/landlord).

Where to apply?

Apply at your local Immigration Office in the province where you live. Provincial Immigration websites reference the TM.16 service and often link to the Immigration Bureau’s public handbook.

Typical documents (will vary by office)

  • Passport (bio page) and current Thai entry status/extension page.
  • Proof of address (examples used by offices include: lease/house registration copy provided by the owner, and/or evidence of TM.30 address notification for the residence).
  • Passport-sized photo(s) and completed TM.16 application form (as required by the local office).
In person or by representative? Immigration services are generally lodged in person; some offices may accept a representative with proper authorization. Always check the specific office’s instructions before you go.

Processing time & validity

Processing times and the period of validity are administrative matters and may differ by office. Many Immigration offices issue the certificate for immediate use in the related procedure (e.g., DLT application). Confirm the current practice at your local Immigration office.

Not the same as Permanent Residence

This certificate is not a grant of immigration status (it is not permanent residence or citizenship). It is a document used to confirm your Thai address for dealings with other authorities (notably DLT).

How to apply (summary)

  1. Go to your provincial Immigration Office that serves your residential address.
  2. Bring your passport, visa/extension page, proof of address (e.g., lease; evidence of TM.30 notification), photo(s), and any form required locally (TM.16).
  3. Request the Certificate of Residence for the purpose you need (e.g., DLT licence/registration).
  4. Submit documents and pay any applicable fee (amounts may vary by office). Collect the certificate when issued.
Tip: For DLT appointments, bring the Residency Certificate in original along with any other DLT-required documents (medical certificate, passport copy, etc.) as listed by the local DLT office handling your application.

FAQ

Is this the same as permanent residence?

No. The Residency Certificate (TM.16) is an Immigration Bureau document confirming address; it does not grant immigration status or rights like permanent residency.

Can I use it for a bank account?

Banks set their own policies. Some branches accept it as address proof, others may request additional documents. Check with your bank.

Do I need to apply in person?

Plan to apply in person at your local Immigration Office. Some offices may accept an authorized representative, but policies differ, confirm locally.

Synonyms: TM.16