When you marry a foreigner and decide to settle down in Thailand, many couples often wonder whether it’s possible to include the foreign spouse in the Thai house registration (Tabien Baan). What documents are needed, and what are the steps? Let’s walk through the process together.
Eligibility for a Foreigner to Be Listed in a Thai House Registration
According to the Civil Registration Act, the district or local registrar can issue a house registration (Tabien Baan) for a non-Thai national who has been granted temporary residence in Thailand under special immigration provisions. The foreign national must meet the following criteria:
1. Foreigners legally married to a Thai national
If a foreigner is legally married to a Thai national, either as a husband or wife, the head of household must report to the local district registration office and submit a request to add the foreign spouse to the house registration (Tabien Baan).
2. Foreigners who own property in Thailand
Under Thai law, foreigners are allowed to own condominium units, provided that foreign ownership does not exceed 49% of the total units in the building. If a foreigner lawfully purchases a condo unit and obtains the ownership transfer at the Land Department, they may apply for a house registration (Yellow Tabien Baan – Tor Ror 13).
3. Foreigners who obtain a Thai ID card
Foreigners who have been living in Thailand for no less than five years may apply for Thai citizenship. Upon approval, they will be issued a Thai national ID card and can proceed with house registration like Thai nationals.
How many types of house registrations are there in Thailand?
The house registration (Tabien Baan) is a legal document listing the head of the household and residents in a given property, in accordance with the Civil Registration Act. Applications to issue a house registration can be submitted to the district or local registration office. The fee is minimal, though processing time may vary by location.
1. House Registration Type Tor Ror 14 (Blue Book) for Thai Nationals
The Tor Ror 14 house registration, or the blue book, is an essential document for Thai nationals. The “head of household,” typically the family leader, is responsible for managing the registration. If any changes occur with the residents, the head of household must report them to the registrar within 15 days. In the case of death, the report must be made within 24 hours. For a foreign spouse wishing to be added to the blue book due to marriage with a Thai national, the consent of the house owner is required, along with submission of the following supporting documents.
Required Documents for Foreign Spouse to Be Added to the House Registration
- Marriage Certificate: The foreign spouse must present a legally recognized marriage certificate issued by Thai authorities, or their home country’s embassy or consulate. This document must be translated into Thai and certified.
- Passport and Visa: The foreign spouse must present a valid passport and a visa that allows long-term stay in Thailand, such as a marriage visa specifically granted to spouses of Thai nationals.
- Thai Spouse’s National ID and House Registration: The Thai spouse must present their original national ID card and the current Thai house registration book.
- Proof of Current Residence: Both spouses must provide proof of current residence, such as utility bills or rental contracts, to verify they are living together as husband and wife.
- Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photos of both the foreign and Thai spouse.
- Letter of Support: Some local registrars may require a letter from the Thai spouse affirming their intention to support the foreign spouse while living in Thailand.
- Witnesses: Witnesses may be required to verify the legitimacy of the marriage and cohabitation. The qualifications for witnesses vary by district.
- Application Form: Both spouses must complete an official application form provided by the local district registration office. The form must be filled out accurately, completely, and truthfully.
- Processing Fees: The applicable processing fee varies depending on the district.
To ensure that all documents and the information provided in the application form are accurate and complete, it is advisable to consult a legal expert or a professional specializing in immigration and family law in Thailand. Once all the required documents are collected and submitted to the local district office, the process can proceed. Upon approval, both you and your spouse will be officially registered in the Thai house registration system and eligible for applicable rights and benefits.
2. House Registration Type Tor Ror 13 (Yellow Book) for Foreign Nationals
The Tor Ror 13 house registration, or the yellow book, is issued to foreign nationals who have legal permission to reside in Thailand. They must have a valid passport and a long-term visa—not a tourist visa or visa-exempt stamp. The specific rules and procedures for registration may vary by district or municipality, so it’s important to check local regulations beforehand.
However, once a foreigner is listed in the Thai house registration, they gain access to various legal and civic benefits such as obtaining a Thai driver’s license, entering into legal contracts, applying for Thai nationality, conducting financial transactions, and applying for a foreigner identification card or even a Thai ID card, which also enables voting rights under certain circumstances.
Foreign nationals wishing to obtain the Tor Ror 13 yellow house registration book must submit the following documents:
Required Documents for Tor Ror 13 House Registration
Now that you’re familiar with the Tor Ror 13 registration, let’s take a look at the required documents, the application process, time frame, and applicable fees. Once the process is successfully completed, you will be granted certain rights and privileges associated with Thai nationality and residency. Below are the required supporting documents:
- Passport: The original passport of the foreign spouse, showing their full name and surname, along with a photocopy.
- Proof of Current Residence: A residence certificate issued by the Immigration Bureau, confirming the foreign spouse’s current address in Thailand.
- Marriage Certificate: The original, legally recognized marriage certificate issued by Thai authorities, embassy, or consulate.
- Processing Fees: Fees vary by district and local office. Please inquire in advance and prepare the appropriate amount before submission.
Required Documents for Foreign Nationals Who Purchase Property and Hold Ownership
- The original passport
- A certified copy of the passport from the embassy, translated into Thai and authenticated by the Thai consulate
- If you are a businessperson or employed in Thailand, a valid Thai work permit is required
- Thai version of the Tor Ror 14 house registration
- Ownership certificate of the condominium unit along with the purchase agreement (Or Chor 23)
- Two recent photographs, 1.5 inches in size
- At least two personal witnesses who are familiar with you, along with their original Thai ID cards
- Photograph of the actual residence showing the house number clearly, either inside the room or house
- Other documents such as driver’s license, educational certificates, or a green card
All documents must be submitted to the local district or municipal office in your area for verification. The registration officer will review the documents and provide an appointment for an interview. All interviews will be conducted in Thai. If the foreign spouse is unable to communicate in Thai, a personal interpreter must accompany them.
The processing time depends on the district office where the application is filed. Applications in Bangkok districts typically proceed faster than those in provincial areas.
And that concludes all the details and information needed for registering a foreign spouse or partner in the Thai house registration system. The process is not complicated if you prepare the necessary documents and follow each step accurately. Once completed, you can successfully have your foreign spouse’s name included in the house registration or obtain a registration book specifically for them in Thailand.