Naturalisation

Information on how to gain Thai citizenship or naturalisation...

When a foreign citizen has been granted Thai permanent residency for a period of five years, they may apply for naturalisation.

Applicants must:

  • Have full legal status in Thailand and their home country
  • Show good behaviour with no convictions
  • Have excellent Thai language skills
  • Be employed and paying all legal taxes

The application must be filed with the Special Branch Police Division of the police department. A Naturalisation Committee will evaluate the application, and the Interior Ministry will announce the final approval. The process takes up to three years.

Thai nationality

Thai law states that anyone who was born to a Thai father or a Thai mother inside or outside the country can obtain Thai nationality.

A Thai national married to a foreign national keeps their Thai nationality unless they decide to formally give it up.

Further Information