90-day reporting is a legal requirement for foreigners who stay in Thailand for an extended period using a long-term visa. This rule mandates that non-Thai residents report their current address to the Thai Immigration Bureau every 90 days, ensuring their continued compliance with Thai immigration law.
1. Who Must File a 90-Day Report?
Foreigners living in Thailand on non-immigrant visas or residence permits must report their address to immigration if they remain in the country for 90 consecutive days without leaving. This requirement applies even if the visa holder is on an extension of stay or has multiple-entry visa options, as long as their continuous stay exceeds 90 days.
If a foreigner leaves Thailand before completing 90 consecutive days and then re-enters the country, the count resets upon re-entry, meaning the reporting period starts from day one of the new entry.
2. How to Submit a 90-Day Report
There are three methods for filing the 90-day report:
a) In-Person Reporting
Foreigners can file their report at the Thai Immigration Office closest to their residence. They must bring the following:
- A TM47 form (90-day reporting form).
- Passport with the visa and entry stamp.
- The previous 90-day receipt (if applicable).
b) Reporting by Mail
Foreigners can submit their report by registered mail at least 7 days before the reporting deadline. Required documents include:
- A completed TM47 form.
- Photocopy of passport pages (with visa, entry stamp, and current page).
- Self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage for the return receipt.
c) Online Reporting
An online system is available on the Thai Immigration Bureau’s website for 90-day reporting. Foreigners can use this system between 15 to 7 days before their reporting date. Once approved, the system issues a confirmation that must be kept for future reference.
3. Filing Deadlines and Grace Period
Foreigners must submit their 90-day report within 15 days before the due date. If they fail to report within the required timeframe, a 7-day grace period may be granted. Failing to report after this grace period results in fines.
4. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to file a 90-day report on time leads to fines, typically THB 2,000. If the foreigner is caught without having reported, the fine can increase to THB 5,000. Repeated violations may have more serious consequences, potentially affecting the foreigner’s visa status or ability to extend their stay in Thailand.
5. Reporting Requirements After Re-entry
If a foreigner leaves Thailand and re-enters the country, the 90-day period restarts from the date of re-entry. This means they do not need to file a 90-day report until they have stayed another 90 consecutive days without leaving.
6. Exceptions to 90-Day Reporting
Certain visa categories, such as tourist visas or short-term visas, do not require 90-day reporting. This requirement primarily applies to foreigners with long-term visas, such as work visas, retirement visas, or marriage visas.
Conclusion
90-day reporting is a crucial immigration compliance step for foreigners living in Thailand long-term. It ensures that the Thai government has up-to-date information on foreign residents, promoting security and legal compliance. While the process is relatively straightforward, timely submission is essential to avoid fines or penalties. Whether done in person, by mail, or online, understanding and adhering to the reporting guidelines is important for all long-term visa holders in Thailand.