Certificate of Residence

[JT65]

Hi All

My International Driving license has apparently expired as it can only be used for one year.

So i need to get a Thai Driving license.

I have been told i need to begin with a certificate of residence. I would appreciate any info on what i need for this.

I was on a NON - Immigration " O " marriage visa which is now expired, although i did get an additional 3 months entry before the actual visa expired and I need to exit by 11 May. I wish to drive to Savannakhet in Laos to get another NON " O " visa, and obviously dont want any issue with police on my travels there so need to be legal with the license.

We just finished moving house and rented a house for a year, although that lease was in my Thai wifes name. We have rented a new house and the 12 month lease is in my name and my wifes name.

Can anyone tell me apart from my passport what i require to get this " Certificate of Residence ".

Appreciate any help as I am running out of time to get this organised. Also do i go to the old immigration need the airport or new one at Promenada. Is it true i will spend all day at immigration to get this certificate?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

JT

[masuk]

Take your lease, passport and front up to Proenada.

Your photo will be taken, (no idea what they charge) and you pay 500THB and hand things over to the guys who are not Thai Immigration.

It won't signed until the next day so prepare for another trip.

[lordblackader]

Take your lease, passport and front up to Proenada.

Your photo will be taken, (no idea what they charge) and you pay 500THB and hand things over to the guys who are not Thai Immigration.

It won't signed until the next day so prepare for another trip.

G4T charge because they are a private visa services company, not immigration, and while they're not the only one in town, they're the best connected because they're all ex-immigration officers.

The actual certificate is free if you apply from immigration directly but there's up to a 30 day wait to get it; the whole G4T setup is a scam but for 500 baht for next day pickup and more importantly no waiting hours to be served it's worth every baht.

[NancyL]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

[ThaiPauly]

I see you are pulling no punches today Nancy !!!

[Dante99]

Take your lease, passport and front up to Proenada.

Your photo will be taken, (no idea what they charge) and you pay 500THB and hand things over to the guys who are not Thai Immigration.

It won't signed until the next day so prepare for another trip.

They had same day service in March.

[evenstevens]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

I see you are pulling no punches today Nancy !!!

another ZOO yellow card has been reached for

[Bill97]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

What evidence of corruption do you have?

Edited May 2, 2016 by Bill97

[ramrod711]

Just curious, are they doing the certificate of residence at Promenada or across the street where they were doing them before?

[amexpat]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

What evidence of corruption do you have?

For me, the first clue was the demand for 500 baht when the sign that explains the process states there is no fee for this service.

No mention of "optional" or expedited service. If the scammers can get it done in one day why should the legit process take 30?

[NancyL]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

What evidence of corruption do you have?

For me, the first clue was the demand for 500 baht when the sign that explains the process states there is no fee for this service.

No mention of "optional" or expedited service. If the scammers can get it done in one day why should the legit process take 30?

Another clue is that if you want a receipt for this "expedited" service the receipt is not on an official Immigration receipt, but a receipt from a private company.

[masuk]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

What evidence of corruption do you have?

there's a big difference between U$50 and 500THB (US$14.33)

[amexpat]

True. But relevant?

[Genericnic]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

@NancyL,

I'm wondering if you feel that the U.S. Consulate is not a corrupt organization just because it is our corrupt organization instead of a Thai one. After all, the U.S. Consulate is the same organization that charges US$50.00 to notarize a document, a function that is generally free in the U.S. or at most $3.00 to $4.00. (It wasn't that long ago that notarial services were free at the consulate as well) And, of course, they charge us US$50.00 for a certificate of residence which, even if you pay the 500 baht "expediting fee" is less than US$15.00. At least with Immigration you have the choice to plan ahead and wait for the certificate for free. No such luck with the consulate. Personally, I prefer to be extorted at a lower rate.

As for getting into the Consulate for an appointment, I just checked and if you apply today, next Tuesday (May 10) is the first appointment time available. They only provide their services to us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. By then, you could have gotten your certificate from Immigration and been on your way while keeping about US$35.00.

David

p.s. this is not a complaint about the personnel at the U.S. Consulate. They have always been a pleasure to work with (as has Thai Immigration). It is a complaint about the U.S. State Department and how they provide minimal services to U.S. citizens at a maximal cost.

[amexpat]

The difference is that the consulate charges the fees that are published for all to see. Immigration publishes the lack of fees but then allows scammers to prey on you.

BTW, are you certain that you will ever get the cert if you don't grease the palm? It's been reported otherwise. Sometimes they lose the application, etc.

[NancyL]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) Also, no need for a photo.

there's a big difference between U$50 and 500THB (US$14.33)

Not if you add in the cost of transportation to make the trip twice to Promenada if you don't have your own.

[NancyL]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

@NancyL,

I'm wondering if you feel that the U.S. Consulate is not a corrupt organization just because it is our corrupt organization instead of a Thai one. After all, the U.S. Consulate is the same organization that charges US$50.00 to notarize a document, a function that is generally free in the U.S. or at most $3.00 to $4.00. (It wasn't that long ago that notarial services were free at the consulate as well) And, of course, they charge us US$50.00 for a certificate of residence which, even if you pay the 500 baht "expediting fee" is less than US$15.00. At least with Immigration you have the choice to plan ahead and wait for the certificate for free. No such luck with the consulate. Personally, I prefer to be extorted at a lower rate.

As for getting into the Consulate for an appointment, I just checked and if you apply today, next Tuesday (May 10) is the first appointment time available. They only provide their services to us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. By then, you could have gotten your certificate from Immigration and been on your way while keeping about US$35.00.

David

p.s. this is not a complaint about the personnel at the U.S. Consulate. They have always been a pleasure to work with (as has Thai Immigration). It is a complaint about the U.S. State Department and how they provide minimal services to U.S. citizens at a maximal cost.

I was wondering how long it would take before someone would complain about the cost of the service at the U.S. Consulate and imply that they are also corrupt, too.

One thing in their favor is that when Lyin' Ted Cruz (Mr. Trump's description, not mine) orchestrated a shut-down of the U.S. government, our very own Consulate here in Chiang Mai stayed open, continuing to support the U.S. citizens here rather than staying home like gov't employees did in the U.S. Why -- because they kept those $50 notarial fees and used them to keep the lights on and the local employees paid.

I see no evidence that the 500 baht "convenience fee" being charged for Certificates of Residency is being used by Chiang Mai Immigration to improve the lot of their customers. Despite being opened for months, there is no lighted queue number sign board indicating queue numbers being served or automated announcement system -- like they manage to use at every bank and utility office here. So the customers, especially the tourists coming for their 30 day extensions all hang about the office trying desperately to understand the numbers being called over the poor P.A. system by a non-native English speaker. I don't think that was what the mall management envisioned when they enticed Immigration to relocate out there.

Do the math -- conservatively they do 10 Certs of Res. daily from my observations and those of others (15-20 is probably a more realistic number). Factor in holidays, etc, there's probably 20 working days a month. That's 100,000 baht/month in "convenience fees". Where is it all going? Not to making the Immigration office more "convenient" for the customers.

[Dante99]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

@NancyL,

I'm wondering if you feel that the U.S. Consulate is not a corrupt organization just because it is our corrupt organization instead of a Thai one. After all, the U.S. Consulate is the same organization that charges US$50.00 to notarize a document, a function that is generally free in the U.S. or at most $3.00 to $4.00. (It wasn't that long ago that notarial services were free at the consulate as well) And, of course, they charge us US$50.00 for a certificate of residence which, even if you pay the 500 baht "expediting fee" is less than US$15.00. At least with Immigration you have the choice to plan ahead and wait for the certificate for free. No such luck with the consulate. Personally, I prefer to be extorted at a lower rate.

As for getting into the Consulate for an appointment, I just checked and if you apply today, next Tuesday (May 10) is the first appointment time available. They only provide their services to us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. By then, you could have gotten your certificate from Immigration and been on your way while keeping about US$35.00.

David

p.s. this is not a complaint about the personnel at the U.S. Consulate. They have always been a pleasure to work with (as has Thai Immigration). It is a complaint about the U.S. State Department and how they provide minimal services to U.S. citizens at a maximal cost.

I see no evidence that the 500 baht "convenience fee" being charged for Certificates of Residency is being used by Chiang Mai Immigration to improve the lot of their customers.

Do you know what they are doing with the money?

If not your opinion of them is based on a guess and not fact.

[Genericnic]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

@NancyL,

I'm wondering if you feel that the U.S. Consulate is not a corrupt organization just because it is our corrupt organization instead of a Thai one. After all, the U.S. Consulate is the same organization that charges US$50.00 to notarize a document, a function that is generally free in the U.S. or at most $3.00 to $4.00. (It wasn't that long ago that notarial services were free at the consulate as well) And, of course, they charge us US$50.00 for a certificate of residence which, even if you pay the 500 baht "expediting fee" is less than US$15.00. At least with Immigration you have the choice to plan ahead and wait for the certificate for free. No such luck with the consulate. Personally, I prefer to be extorted at a lower rate.

As for getting into the Consulate for an appointment, I just checked and if you apply today, next Tuesday (May 10) is the first appointment time available. They only provide their services to us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. By then, you could have gotten your certificate from Immigration and been on your way while keeping about US$35.00.

David

p.s. this is not a complaint about the personnel at the U.S. Consulate. They have always been a pleasure to work with (as has Thai Immigration). It is a complaint about the U.S. State Department and how they provide minimal services to U.S. citizens at a maximal cost.

I was wondering how long it would take before someone would complain about the cost of the service at the U.S. Consulate and imply that they are also corrupt, too.

One thing in their favor is that when Lyin' Ted Cruz (Mr. Trump's description, not mine) orchestrated a shut-down of the U.S. government, our very own Consulate here in Chiang Mai stayed open, continuing to support the U.S. citizens here rather than staying home like gov't employees did in the U.S. Why -- because they kept those $50 notarial fees and used them to keep the lights on and the local employees paid.

I see no evidence that the 500 baht "convenience fee" being charged for Certificates of Residency is being used by Chiang Mai Immigration to improve the lot of their customers. Despite being opened for months, there is no lighted queue number sign board indicating queue numbers being served or automated announcement system -- like they manage to use at every bank and utility office here. So the customers, especially the tourists coming for their 30 day extensions all hang about the office trying desperately to understand the numbers being called over the poor P.A. system by a non-native English speaker. I don't think that was what the mall management envisioned when they enticed Immigration to relocate out there.

Do the math -- conservatively they do 10 Certs of Res. daily from my observations and those of others (15-20 is probably a more realistic number). Factor in holidays, etc, there's probably 20 working days a month. That's 100,000 baht/month in "convenience fees". Where is it all going? Not to making the Immigration office more "convenient" for the customers.

And what happens to the money that the Consulate collects? Assuming 10 certificate of residence/notarial service a day (most likely more since there are 38 slots a day), we are talking about US$500 per day. Since they only do citizen service 8 days a month (Tuesdays and Thursdays - assuming no holidays on those days), they are charging US$4,000 per month (likely more than that). In the 5 years I have been going to the Chiang Mai Consulate, I have seen no substantive change that makes it more "convenient" for customers. At least with CM Immigration, I can take my pick of 20 days a month to do business rather than 8 for the consulate.

David

[amexpat]

Once again, the consulate is acting openly and above board.

Immigration is running a scam.

Maybe the 100,000 per month goes to an orphanage for kids abandoned by farang fathers. Yeah, that's it.

[amexpat]

I'd like to hear from anyone out there in thaivisa land that did not pay the 500 baht.

Did you get the cert? How long did it take and what hoops did you jump through?

Anyone?

[Dante99]

Once again, the consulate is acting openly and above board.

Immigration is running a scam.

Maybe the 100,000 per month goes to an orphanage for kids abandoned by farang fathers. Yeah, that's it.

If you do not know where the money is going, you can not call it a scam. Perhaps the money is going to something of benefit.

[NancyL]

It's one thing to offer "expedited" services at prices that are published and for which you receive a receipt. For example, see this page on how you can receive expedited service when you apply for a U.S. Passport if you're within the U.S.: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html

Some would say that $60 fee for expedited service is high and ask what's the justification, but the fact is that it's plainly publicized and the customers are given the option and a receipt.

You'll note that further down on the page a customer can opt for overnight delivery of their new passport for an additional fee of $20.66 -- not really a big mark-up over standard courier fees. Again, plainly publicized for all to see and a receipt is given.

It's quite another to have signs posted at the point offer of the service and on-line for a service and then to discover that there is a "secret back channel" way to receive expedited service. And that the service is from what appears to be an "outside contractor". Where is the accountability? Where does that money go?

[NancyL]

If you're a U.S. citizen, you can get a Cert. of Residence at the U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai. It's US $50, but it's instant service when you arrive for your appointment (no need to return the next day) and the money is going isn't going to a corrupt organization. Also, no need for a photo.

For those of us without transportation to Promenada and no desire to support corruption, the U.S. Consulate is a quick and ultimately cost-effective way to get a Cert. of Residency.

@NancyL,

I'm wondering if you feel that the U.S. Consulate is not a corrupt organization just because it is our corrupt organization instead of a Thai one. After all, the U.S. Consulate is the same organization that charges US$50.00 to notarize a document, a function that is generally free in the U.S. or at most $3.00 to $4.00. (It wasn't that long ago that notarial services were free at the consulate as well) And, of course, they charge us US$50.00 for a certificate of residence which, even if you pay the 500 baht "expediting fee" is less than US$15.00. At least with Immigration you have the choice to plan ahead and wait for the certificate for free. No such luck with the consulate. Personally, I prefer to be extorted at a lower rate.

As for getting into the Consulate for an appointment, I just checked and if you apply today, next Tuesday (May 10) is the first appointment time available. They only provide their services to us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. By then, you could have gotten your certificate from Immigration and been on your way while keeping about US$35.00.

David

p.s. this is not a complaint about the personnel at the U.S. Consulate. They have always been a pleasure to work with (as has Thai Immigration). It is a complaint about the U.S. State Department and how they provide minimal services to U.S. citizens at a maximal cost.

I was wondering how long it would take before someone would complain about the cost of the service at the U.S. Consulate and imply that they are also corrupt, too.

One thing in their favor is that when Lyin' Ted Cruz (Mr. Trump's description, not mine) orchestrated a shut-down of the U.S. government, our very own Consulate here in Chiang Mai stayed open, continuing to support the U.S. citizens here rather than staying home like gov't employees did in the U.S. Why -- because they kept those $50 notarial fees and used them to keep the lights on and the local employees paid.

I see no evidence that the 500 baht "convenience fee" being charged for Certificates of Residency is being used by Chiang Mai Immigration to improve the lot of their customers. Despite being opened for months, there is no lighted queue number sign board indicating queue numbers being served or automated announcement system -- like they manage to use at every bank and utility office here. So the customers, especially the tourists coming for their 30 day extensions all hang about the office trying desperately to understand the numbers being called over the poor P.A. system by a non-native English speaker. I don't think that was what the mall management envisioned when they enticed Immigration to relocate out there.

Do the math -- conservatively they do 10 Certs of Res. daily from my observations and those of others (15-20 is probably a more realistic number). Factor in holidays, etc, there's probably 20 working days a month. That's 100,000 baht/month in "convenience fees". Where is it all going? Not to making the Immigration office more "convenient" for the customers.

And what happens to the money that the Consulate collects? Assuming 10 certificate of residence/notarial service a day (most likely more since there are 38 slots a day), we are talking about US$500 per day. Since they only do citizen service 8 days a month (Tuesdays and Thursdays - assuming no holidays on those days), they are charging US$4,000 per month (likely more than that). In the 5 years I have been going to the Chiang Mai Consulate, I have seen no substantive change that makes it more "convenient" for customers. At least with CM Immigration, I can take my pick of 20 days a month to do business rather than 8 for the consulate.

David

Are you implying that the money collected at the U.S. Consulate is personally enriching any of the employees, either present or previous? This is a very serious charge to be making.

[KhonKaenKowboy]

I'd like to hear from anyone out there in thaivisa land that did not pay the 500 baht.

Did you get the cert? How long did it take and what hoops did you jump through?

Anyone?

35 days....that was in January 15, when they were operating across the street from Prom...I used the Prom free shuttle....cost zero...now I have a Yellow Book, and that was free, also. I would, however, rather pay a small bribe than a large extortion. We were paying 3 USD in fees on every flight segment, for 10 years prior to 9-11, and it obviously didn't go to airport security. Co-mingling of fees and taxes collected by governments is older than Moses. Road taxes are more likely to end up in some welfare mother's wallet, than filling a crater size pothole.

[Genericnic]

And what happens to the money that the Consulate collects? Assuming 10 certificate of residence/notarial service a day (most likely more since there are 38 slots a day), we are talking about US$500 per day. Since they only do citizen service 8 days a month (Tuesdays and Thursdays - assuming no holidays on those days), they are charging US$4,000 per month (likely more than that). In the 5 years I have been going to the Chiang Mai Consulate, I have seen no substantive change that makes it more "convenient" for customers. At least with CM Immigration, I can take my pick of 20 days a month to do business rather than 8 for the consulate.

David

Are you implying that the money collected at the U.S. Consulate is personally enriching any of the employees, either present or previous? This is a very serious charge to be making.

Not implying anything at all. Merely saying we have no idea where that money goes at all, though clearly it doesn't go towards making the service any more convenient for customers.

David

[amexpat]

I'd like to hear from anyone out there in thaivisa land that did not pay the 500 baht.

Did you get the cert? How long did it take and what hoops did you jump through?

Anyone?

35 days....that was in January 15, when they were operating across the street from Prom...I used the Prom free shuttle....cost zero...now I have a Yellow Book, and that was free, also. I would, however, rather pay a small bribe than a large extortion. We were paying 3 USD in fees on every flight segment, for 10 years prior to 9-11, and it obviously didn't go to airport security. Co-mingling of fees and taxes collected by governments is older than Moses. Road taxes are more likely to end up in some welfare mother's wallet, than filling a crater size pothole.

Small bribe vs large extortion? Welfare mother?

Thanks for identifying yourself. I'll disregard any further drivel.

[kanook]

I really don't want to make a big deal about it, but I received a certificate of residence just after Songkran without paying 500฿, and three working day turnaround. My wife did all the talking and she basically challenged the immigration officers at first demanding service when those responsible were not at their desk, and then questioning why we were initially told to go to G4T. The immigration officer who did accept my application was sheepish but tried to hold his ground as my wife tried to get him to acknowledge corruption, at one point even offering to help them process my application when told that it would take a few days. If I applied on my own I would have probably had to wait at least 10 days, or maybe even 30, but more likely to have coughed up the 500฿ to get it next day. My wife didn't want me to do that making a good argument against supporting government corruption. The whole ordeal took 15 minutes from the time we arrived at Promenada until we left. I waited 10 minutes 3 working days later to pick up the certificate, but may have had to wait longer if a helpful employee wasn't around because two interns and one other employee basically brushed me off and told me to wait until the house master immigration employee(s) showed up

[HenryB]

I say if you use G4T instead of the American Embassy you can use the extra 1000 Baht to pay for Electric so you can have more Air Conditioning

Edited May 4, 2016 by HenryB

[Genericnic]

I really don't want to make a big deal about it, but I received a certificate of residence just after Songkran without paying 500฿, and three working day turnaround. My wife did all the talking and she basically challenged the immigration officers at first demanding service when those responsible were not at their desk, and then questioning why we were initially told to go to G4T. The immigration officer who did accept my application was sheepish but tried to hold his ground as my wife tried to get him to acknowledge corruption, at one point even offering to help them process my application when told that it would take a few days. If I applied on my own I would have probably had to wait at least 10 days, or maybe even 30, but more likely to have coughed up the 500฿ to get it next day. My wife didn't want me to do that making a good argument against supporting government corruption. The whole ordeal took 15 minutes from the time we arrived at Promenada until we left. I waited 10 minutes 3 working days later to pick up the certificate, but may have had to wait longer if a helpful employee wasn't around because two interns and one other employee basically brushed me off and told me to wait until the house master immigration employee(s) showed up

Maybe we should borrow your wife.

David