Moving to Thailand for permanent residence from Russia: methods of emigration, reviews, obtaining a residence permit

Pros and cons of immigration to Thailand

Before moving to Thailand, you should live there for 3 to 6 months. It’s a familiar situation when some tourists, freelancers, and expats choose warm countries for wintering. This way you can quickly study the characteristics of a culture, evaluate infrastructure, services, and climatic conditions. After which, someone realizes that this is absolutely not their country, or, on the contrary, begins to look for opportunities to stay in it. Many tourists write about this on blogs or leave their reviews, which can be used to highlight the main pros and cons of immigration.

pros

Just 15 years ago, Thailand attracted few people, except for its beaches and hotel complexes. Thanks to a simplified business system, local authorities were able to attract investors from Russia, Europe, the USA, Turkey and China. The tourism business began to actively develop. Having gained particular popularity among vacationers, new programs for long-term residence were opened. This is only part of a good story about a hospitable Kingdom. Why did the desire to stay and live here for a long time become a pattern? You can answer with the following advantages:

Climatic conditions. Thailand has an equatorial and tropical climate, with eternal summer and no winter. The temperature all year round stays at +30...+35 degrees, in the northern regions it is +25 degrees. Quite attractive for residents of northern and central Russia who are tired of the cold winter and gray weather.
Life on the island is one step away from sandy beaches and the sea. This justification is the most reliable; Few people have not dreamed of this. Thailand has a large number of islands. Popular among Russian tourists are: Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Phangan, Phi Phi, and many uninhabited islands with sea lagoons.
Rich natural landscape, flora and fauna. Tropical forests, mountain landscapes, flower gardens, lotuses on local rivers - this is only part of what can delight those living here. This is truly a “Tropical Kingdom”, and there are few who would disagree with that.
An economy that is growing rapidly. The state has something to be proud of: minimal external debt, low unemployment, a large share of exports. Thailand ranks 9th on the list of the largest automakers in the world. Many production facilities of Japanese and Korean companies have been opened on its territory.
High security. If we take statistics, they show that over 35 million tourists visit Thai resorts annually. Thus, local authorities are obliged to strengthen security measures. Russians living here rate the security system higher than in Russia.
The friendliness of local citizens. Observing the people of the post-Soviet space, the smiling behavior of Thais becomes a necessity upon returning home. And many want to return to the land of smiles and see local friendliness more often.
Thailand offers many options for visa extensions and permanent residence. People of any age can apply, from students to retirees.
Budgetary state. For many foreigners, it is cheaper and more comfortable to live on the Thai islands and even in Bangkok. Prices for food and accommodation are lower than in many Russian cities. A wide range of services at low cost: rental of apartments, villas, cars, bikes. No utility bills for heating, gas, hot water.
Available real estate. Investment. Construction and tourism are the most profitable areas for investment. Russians invest in construction projects or buy housing here. The service is provided at a high level and accommodation is offered to suit any budget.

Minuses

Permanently residing foreigners find not a single minus in the tropical state. No wonder. Any country has a downside, which is most often encountered after migration. They look like this:

It is very difficult to obtain citizenship of the Kingdom. State programs allow a foreigner to obtain a residence permit for a long-term period, but use the rights of a local resident only in rare cases. So the majority remain living in two countries.
High degree of corruption, police officers have many rights. Recently, they even have Russian volunteers working for them, who help identify illegal immigrants among their compatriots. Many underwater routes with visa extensions of various categories.
Employment in Thailand is one of the most difficult. There is a specific list of people who expats cannot work with. It includes positions of ordinary specialists: in the field of tourism, trade, medicine, catering, agriculture and much more. It is better to familiarize yourself with it in advance. The doors are open for doing business, but there are also a lot of restrictions in this activity.
Features of culture and mentality. The language barrier quite often interferes with everyday life. Another characteristic feature of the Thais is their low efficiency, and by all accounts they are considered lazy and lacking initiative. Their lifestyle is called "sabai-sabai", which means life without obligations. Employers constantly have to motivate their employees, and this is not always possible.
Extreme heat or heavy rain. Heat and humidity accompany the state all year round, but there are two seasons that bring the most discomfort. From mid-February to May, when the resorts experience intense heat with high humidity. The other is from June to October, when there are heavy tropical rains. It is during these periods that the life rhythm of the population and its guests is disrupted.
High prices for non-Thai products and goods. The infrastructure in Thai cities is very developed. Many shops, supermarkets, and many 7-Eleven outlets are open. Thai products can be bought at low prices, but prices for products from foreign manufacturers are many times higher. As a result, many foreigners are taking Thai cooking classes.

Ways to move to Thailand in 2021

Within the framework of the legislative order, the methods for emigration in 2021 have not changed compared to 2021. It is worth knowing them in order to coordinate your actions to achieve your goal. Anyone can use:

Student visa.
Get a job and issue a WorkPermit.
Follow the spouse who received the employment contract.
Marry a Thai or marry a Thai.
Open your own business.
Invest in the Kingdom's economy.
Move after retirement.

Let’s look at each option in more detail to understand how to legally go through the procedure of moving to permanent residence.

On a student visa

It is possible to obtain a residence permit on a student visa. Foreigners, regardless of age, can study at local universities. Most often, Russian parents resort to this; they send their children to study and receive an accompanying long-term visa. Another option is to take language courses, sports classes in Muay Thai, or master culinary techniques. For the Thais, it doesn’t matter what you study on their territory, the main thing is that you follow the schedule, come to classes and pay on time. Recently, local authorities have established official surveillance of students; they suddenly enter the group, give their last name, take a photo and attach it to their report. Many students avoid attending, but resolve this issue for a nominal fee.

After living for 3 years in the state on a student visa, you can apply for a residence permit.

Work permit

As already mentioned, all niches of low and mid-level specialists are occupied. To obtain a work permit or Work Permit, you must be a professional in the following areas:

IT technologies, layout designers and web designers are relevant;
Teachers with knowledge of English at levels C1, C2 are in demand;
fashion designers, in landscape;
models for shows: boys and girls required;
scientific figures, scientists;
technical specialists;
top managers in large and medium-sized companies.

Despite the restrictions for Russians, many work in ordinary positions. Employers have to get creative and write positions that are not included in the list of prohibited professions for foreigners. At resorts you often meet Russians in the positions of realtors, travel agents, and administrators in small hotels. Illegal earnings are strictly prohibited here; police carry out scheduled and unscheduled checks on foreign companies and identify violators. Then they are sent to a Thai prison and deported.

For official employment, an employment contract is required, which must be renewed annually. A new Work Permit is issued at the Thai Embassy in another country; Russian expats go for a visa to Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos. Work Permit can be extended an unlimited number of times.

Work Permit - work permit

Follow your spouse

If one of the spouses has a work contract from a Thai company or business, then the whole family can move. The second spouse and children have the right to stay in Thailand. Kindergartens, schools, and universities of international standard are open for foreign children. You will have to pay a lot of money for training, but it is worth it. Children will master English and Thai perfectly; in the future, the doors of eminent higher education institutions in Europe and the USA will be open to them. It is cheaper to send children to private schools, where the child receives a Thai Diploma upon completion. The cost of a second party moving permit is 9,000 baht.

Marrying a Thai resident

Mixed marriages are not uncommon in Thailand; many Russians legally formalize relationships with Thai women. You can often meet a spouse from Russia, and a spouse from the Kingdom. Today, this is one of the effective ways to obtain permanent residence. For Russian men, local authorities set more stringent conditions in monetary terms of 400,000 baht in the account and the period for recognition of a citizen after 12 years. The female half from Russia has more advantages - they do not pay such a sum and the recognition period ranges from 3-5 years.

Start business

With decent capital it is easier to immigrate to a tropical country. Of course, it is easier to invest in an already established business than to start from scratch. There is much less paperwork and cash fees involved in registration. In addition, a mandatory condition is the share participation of Thais in the amount of 51%.

Entrepreneurial activities are supported by local authorities, therefore special conditions for a residence permit are the following:

the company's capital is recognized in the amount of 2 million baht, in dollars - $65,500;
a business visa is issued for only one year, further extension is required;
If the company does not generate income, then renewal is most often denied.

Some businessmen marry local girls and give them a controlling interest, resulting in a profitable Thai business. But it is worth remembering that fictitious marriages are monitored and punished by law. There are also special agencies with already registered companies, but this is quite risky.

Investing in real estate or the economy

The attractiveness of Thailand for investment is at a high level, luxury complexes with villas, condominiums, and the private sector have been built. Wealthy people buy housing here, which they use to live with their family or rent it out with an income of 9%.

Local developers offer to invest in real estate under the Thailand Elite program. After the ownership of the property passes to the owner, a multivisa is issued for up to 20 years.

There are also programs for permanent residence in the Kingdom: Elite Easy Access, Elite Family Excursion, Elite Superiority Extension. According to the conditions, a foreign citizen must pay a one-time payment and receive the right of permanent residence. The duration and amount depend on the chosen program.

Long-term visas for retirees

Today, pensioners are considered a solvent population. Therefore, for a comfortable life on a well-deserved vacation, there is the opportunity to go to warmer climes and sea air. Thailand actively promotes this. Any foreign retiree over 50 years of age with a capital of $26,000 can apply for a long-stay visa valid for one year. You can extend your pensioner visa an unlimited number of times.

Thai Citizenship

Having lived in the country legally for more than 10 years , you have the right to apply for citizenship.

Basic requirements for the applicant:

knowledge of the Thai language and fluent communication in it;
age over 21 years;
payment of a state fee of 10 thousand baht;
no criminal record;
continuous residence in the country throughout the entire residence permit status.

Often these requirements are not enough. The Immigration Service treats each candidate with partiality and consideration.

The easiest way to obtain Thai citizenship is for a child whose mother already has such status . Yes, the mother must be a Thai citizen. It is important that the baby’s parents are officially married.

How to obtain a residence permit in Thailand for Russians

Anyone who wants to emigrate can use one of the methods. To do this, you must go through the process of obtaining a long-term visa; after living for 3 years in Thailand, you must apply for a residence permit. You will need to collect documents and pass an exam.

Required documents

To leave, you will need to complete documentation in English. The standard package includes:

application form, you can download it on the website or pick it up at the migration service;
color photograph, size 3.5 x 4.5, 3 pieces;
a foreign passport with copies of all pages and a signature on each page;
medical documentation;
certificate of no criminal record;
documents confirming marital status;
copies of education certificates;
tax receipt;
agreement for rental housing or ownership of real estate;
bank statements for 3 years;
children's birth certificate (translated into English and notarized).

Those who run a business must additionally pass:

company registration information;
reporting documents on activities for the last 12 months;
receipts for payment of taxes of a legal entity.

Investors can obtain a residence permit by adding the following documentation:

tax certificates;
receipts for payment of contributions to the Thai economy;
certificates for the purchase of an investment portfolio.

After submitting the package for a residence permit, the applicant is required to pass an exam. The migration service officer will ask 5-10 questions on various topics.

Price

A visa fee of $260 must be paid with the submission of documents. If the Kingdom has approved a residence permit for a Russian, then the amount of $6,270 must be paid. For those who married a Thai citizen, the payment amount will be $3,135. It is possible to spend from $1500-2000 on legal consultations and preparation of documents.

Receipt times

After paying all payments, the foreigner receives a residence permit within 5 working days. The validity period is unlimited. Cancellation of a residence permit occurs for two reasons: in case of independent refusal or in violation of Thai laws.

How to prepare documents for transporting a cat to Thailand?

First, you will need to obtain an international veterinary passport for the animal. You need to go to almost any veterinary clinic, where your pet will receive the necessary vaccinations. Here they will prepare and issue the same passport with notes about these vaccinations.

Then you need to insert a microchip into the cat, which, after scanning, can be used to determine the owner of the animal. Along with the installation of a microchip, a special document, an ID identifier and, in addition, several copies of barcodes are issued. This procedure is practically painless; a subcutaneous injection is made somewhere in the area of the scruff of the neck. Yes, now your cat can be scanned and identified, like a loaf of bread in a supermarket! By the way, microchipping a cat is already a requirement of the receiving party. Those. It may be possible to leave Russia without a microchip, but the animal will not be allowed past Thai customs.

However, that's not all! 3-5 days (different veterinary stations give different dates. Russia! It would seem that the general rules seem to be invented locally in each institution.) before departure you will need to take out a special certificate, permission for the international transportation of an animal. It costs 300-400 rubles. To do this, you need to come to the veterinary station at your place of registration along with your cat, passport and microchipping certificate. Some stations require you to bring animal feces for testing. They didn't ask us.

Finally, I will say that only at the stage of preparing the cat for emigration we spent about 10 thousand rubles. Keep in mind that airlines will then charge their own fee for transporting the animal as excess baggage. Everyone has their own tariffs, find out in advance the approximate cost of your non-standard cargo. At this point, think hard: is your pet so dear to you that you are willing to spend several days and quite a significant amount of money on its transportation.

And one last thing. Already at the Yekaterinburg airport we had to visit the local veterinary service, where we were solemnly given an international veterinary certificate. This took approximately 40 minutes. Which leads to another conclusion: if you fly with an animal, arrive at the airport half an hour earlier than usual.

How Russians live in Thailand

About 1 million Russian citizens come to Thai resorts every year. Thanks to the visa-free regime, they stay for a month. Many people apply for a visa for 2 months and extend it on the spot for another month. Then they go to visa applications to obtain a student or work visa. Thailand is home to a large number of freelancers who work near swimming pools, in coffee shops or on their terraces, and in their free time they go to the nearest beaches.

It is much more difficult for Russian families with children. It is important for them to make the child comfortable: find a safe area to live, a kindergarten or school, get insurance for all occasions, and acclimatize to the hot climate. Russians live unitedly in Thailand, exchanging goods and products imported from Russia. They communicate in groups on Facebook and share useful information. In the summer they go on vacation, back to their homeland.

Who is Thailand really suitable for?

Moving for permanent residence to Thailand, especially to its tourist cities, is suitable for those who like to communicate a lot. You should not count on unity with nature and the sea.

Travelers from all over the world come to the kingdom, so you will have to get acquainted not only with the local population, but also with foreigners vacationing in the country.

Those who are accustomed to the bustle of the city should not choose a quiet and measured life on the islands. A slow and relaxed rhythm will quickly get boring.

It is better to emigrate to Bangkok, a metropolis home to more than 7 million people. This city has skyscrapers, shopping malls, modern townhouses, temples and bazaars.

Thailand is suitable for those who can earn 30-40 thousand baht monthly. Approximately this amount is needed for a comfortable stay for 2 people in the kingdom.

Bangkok is a large metropolis for those who love the bustle of the city.