Permanent Residency

[HPWM]

Probably again the same question, but first time for me-

I am german, 42 years, was a lawyer and company-owner in Germany, "retired" since 1 year, ( which means I just dont work for money anymore now) because I have enough to live on the bank. I am happily merried to my Thai wife, marriage in Germany 7 years ago, recently registered in Pattaya, two kids 2 and 5 years old, one with two passports, the younger one not yet, up to now only german, thai pass in progress. I legally transfered already a nice amount of money to thailand, which is on the governmental Krung Thai Bank now. We bought a house on our company name in Pattaya, Company ist registered on my wife and my name, an the usual co- shareholders... I own another company with quite a big piece of land.( with the usual shareholders.)

I had a Non-O now for 3 years, although I didnt really need it, cause I travel still a lot between germany and Thailand. When I got my last Visa in Munich Embassy 2 months ago, I got a Non-O-A without specificly asking for it. So- I love to get a real permanent resident visa, what I have to do and where?

Sorry for the long story, but I thougt, the more info is inside, the more precise could be the answers...... THANKS a lot in advance-

[dr_Pat_Pong]

You must renew that O/A visa for three consecutive years without a break. You must get re-entry permits any time you leave Thailand. After 3 years you are eligible to apply for residency ( as the law stands now )

[professor]

After a person has gotten 3 years in a row of 1-year VISA, and, thereafter, the Permanent Residency, does he have the right to work in any area? Does he still a work permit? Is he restricted from '39 protected jobs'?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

He still needs the Work Permit, and remain excluded from the jobs listed for Thai's.

[CMexpat]

Correct you still need the work permit, no real changes there only the extensions are easier and cheaper.

In case you hold a one year visa, you need to apply for an extension when your visa comes to an end. Often you will then get another month and it says in your passport that your extension is under consideration. With that one month extension you can apply for an extension of your work permit, also one month. Quite often the application for your one year visa extension takes up to three months and you are running from immigration to labour office for that period and paying every time.

With the permanent residence this is one visit per year. Also be informed that the work permit normally runs from (hope I am correct) 8th of July until the 8th of July.

So when you get your residence say on the first of December 2003 you then go to the labour department to extend your work permit until the 8th of July 2004. Then on the 8th of July 2004 you extend it to the 8th of july 2005 and so on and so on.

[Kan Win]

Correct you still need the work permit, no real changes there only the extensions are easier and cheaper.

In case you hold a one year visa, you need to apply for an extension when your visa comes to an end. Often you will then get another month and it says in your passport that your extension is under consideration. With that one month extension you can apply for an extension of your work permit, also one month. Quite often the application for your one year visa extension takes up to three months and you are running from immigration to labour office for that period and paying every time.

With the permanent residence this is one visit per year. Also be informed that the work permit normally runs from (hope I am correct) 8th of July until the 8th of July.

So when you get your residence say on the first of December 2003 you then go to the labour department to extend your work permit until the 8th of July 2004. Then on the 8th of July 2004 you extend it to the 8th of july 2005 and so on and so on.

Opps

So why do I always re-new my Work Permit, with my P.R. in hand on 27th May or (of course before the due date, to find out what paperwork they require) each and every year.

Me think is because that was the date when I got my Work Permit many years ago and not on your due date CM which you mentioned.

Please ask the your local L.D about the dates that you mentioned .

Have the Rules change since 27th May 2003 ?

[CMexpat]

Kan Win,

Thanks for that, I will check with LD. You might be correct that this is the date that your WP was first issued.

Must admit that I am a little new to this since I just got my PR.

Cheers.