1. What is the purpose of the Thailand Alien Registration (Form TM.47)?
The purpose of the Thailand Alien Registration (Form TM.47) is for landlords or house owners in Thailand to notify the immigration authorities of any foreign nationals staying in their properties for a period exceeding 24 hours. This form is a crucial requirement under the Immigration Act B.E 2522 (1979) Section 38, which mandates that landlords must report to the immigration office within 24 hours if they are hosting a foreign national as a tenant or guest. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in fines or other penalties. Therefore, the TM.47 form serves as a means of monitoring and tracking the movements of foreigners in Thailand to ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
2. Who is required to submit Form TM.47 in Thailand?
Form TM.47, also known as the Notification of Residence of Foreigners (Form TM.47), is required to be submitted by foreigners residing in Thailand who stay at a place other than their designated address as specified in their immigration documents. This includes foreign nationals on non-immigrant visas, such as business visas or retirement visas, who need to inform the immigration authorities of their current place of residence whenever they change locations within Thailand. Failure to submit Form TM.47 when changing residences may result in penalties or difficulties in future visa extensions or renewals. Thus, it is important for all foreigners living in Thailand on long-term visas to comply with the requirement to submit Form TM.47 in a timely manner.
3. What documents are needed to complete Form TM.47?
To complete Form TM.47 for Thailand Alien Registration, several documents are required. These typically include:
1. A completed and signed Form TM.47.
2. A copy of the passport of the foreign national.
3. A copy of the departure card (TM.6) from the last entry into Thailand.
4. A copy of the visa page or visa extension page in the passport.
5. A copy of the landlord’s ID card and house registration certificate (if staying in a rented property).
6. A letter from the landlord giving permission for the foreign national to stay at the registered address.
7. A copy of the landlord’s household registration document (if staying in a rented property).
8. Two passport-sized photos of the foreign national taken within the past six months.
It is important to ensure that all copies are clear and legible, and that the documents are submitted in a timely manner to complete the registration process in Thailand effectively.
4. Where can I obtain a copy of Form TM.47?
To obtain a copy of Form TM.47 for Thailand Alien Registration, you can:
1. Visit the nearest Immigration Office in Thailand: You can go directly to your local Immigration Office to pick up a physical copy of Form TM.47. Immigration Offices are located in most major cities and provinces throughout Thailand.
2. Download from the Immigration Bureau website: Alternatively, you can download a digital copy of Form TM.47 from the official website of the Immigration Bureau of Thailand. The form is usually available for download in English and Thai languages.
3. Request a copy from your employer or landlord: If you are staying in Thailand for employment or residential purposes, your employer or landlord may provide you with a copy of Form TM.47 as part of the required documentation for alien registration.
4. Seek assistance from a visa agent or legal service provider: You can also seek assistance from a visa agent or legal service provider specialized in immigration matters. They can help you obtain and complete Form TM.47 accurately and guide you through the alien registration process in Thailand.
5. How long do I have to submit Form TM.47 after arriving in Thailand?
After arriving in Thailand, you are required to submit Form TM.47, also known as the Notification of Residence of Foreign Nationals, within 24 hours of entering the country. It is crucial to comply with this requirement as failure to do so may result in fines or other penalties imposed by the Thai immigration authorities. Additionally, keeping your immigration documents in order and following the regulations will ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay in Thailand.
6. Is it possible to submit Form TM.47 online or does it need to be done in person?
As of the current guidelines in Thailand, the submission of Form TM.47 for Alien Registration needs to be done in person at the Immigration Office where the foreign national is registered as residing. Online submission of Form TM.47 is not currently available, and the form must be submitted physically with any required supporting documents. It is important for foreigners residing in Thailand to comply with the regulations and promptly notify the authorities when changing their address to avoid any potential issues. Please ensure to check the latest procedures and requirements from the Immigration Bureau to stay updated on any changes regarding the submission of Form TM.47.
7. Can I submit Form TM.47 on behalf of someone else?
No, Form TM.47 for Thailand Alien Registration must be submitted by the foreign national themselves in person at the local Immigration office. The individual applying for the Alien Registration must appear in person and cannot have someone else submit the form on their behalf. It is important for the foreign national to be physically present during the submission process as they may be required to provide additional documentation, biometric data, or information during the application process. Attempting to submit Form TM.47 on behalf of someone else may result in the application being rejected or delayed.
8. What are the consequences of not submitting Form TM.47 on time?
The consequences of not submitting Form TM.47 on time for Thailand Alien Registration can be quite serious. Here are some of the potential repercussions:
1. Visa and immigration status: Failing to submit Form TM.47 on time can lead to a violation of your visa or immigration status in Thailand. This could result in fines, deportation, or other legal actions against you.
2. Inconvenience: Not submitting the form within the required timeframe may cause significant inconvenience for both yourself and the authorities. This can lead to delays in processing your registration, which may impact your ability to stay in the country legally.
3. Legal consequences: Ignoring the requirement to submit Form TM.47 on time is a violation of Thai immigration laws. This could result in legal penalties or difficulties in the future if you need to renew your visa or extend your stay in Thailand.
4. Difficulty with future applications: Failure to comply with the requirement to submit Form TM.47 on time may create obstacles for any future visa or immigration applications you may wish to make in Thailand or in other countries.
In summary, it is crucial to adhere to the deadlines for submitting Form TM.47 to avoid facing any of these potential consequences. It is always better to comply with the requirements of the Thai immigration authorities and ensure that your stay in the country remains lawful and hassle-free.
9. How long does the processing of Form TM.47 take?
The processing time for Form TM.47, the Thailand Alien Registration form, can vary depending on the efficiency of the Immigration Office where the application is submitted. In general, it typically takes around 1-2 weeks for the application to be processed and for the alien registration book to be issued. However, there may be delays during peak periods or if there are any issues with the submitted documents. It’s advisable to submit the form well in advance of any required deadlines to ensure that the processing time does not cause any inconvenience.
10. Can I leave Thailand while my Form TM.47 is being processed?
Yes, you can leave Thailand while your Form TM.47 is being processed. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
1. You need to ensure that you have all the necessary documents with you when you exit the country, including your passport and departure card.
2. It is recommended to inform the immigration office where you have submitted your Form TM.47 about your travel plans and provide them with your contact information so they can reach you if needed.
3. Make sure to return to Thailand before the expiration date of your permitted stay in the country to avoid any potential issues.
Overall, leaving Thailand while your Form TM.47 is being processed is generally permissible, but it is advisable to stay in communication with the immigration office and make sure to comply with all relevant regulations and requirements.
11. Can I apply for an extension of stay at the same time as submitting Form TM.47?
Yes, you can apply for an extension of stay in Thailand while submitting Form TM.47 for alien registration. However, it is recommended to handle these processes separately to avoid any confusion or delays in your application. The extension of stay application typically requires additional documentation and verification, so submitting it separately may help streamline the process and ensure that each application is processed efficiently and accurately. It is important to follow the specific requirements and procedures for both applications to increase the chances of approval for your stay in Thailand.
12. Are there any fees associated with submitting Form TM.47?
Yes, there are fees associated with submitting Form TM.47, which is the application for Thailand Alien Registration. Currently, the fee for submitting this form is 1,900 Baht per person. This fee is payable at the Immigration office where the form is being submitted. It is important to note that the fee is subject to change, so it is recommended to check the latest fee schedule before submitting Form TM.47 to ensure the correct amount is paid.
13. What should I do if there are changes to the information provided on Form TM.47?
If there are changes to the information provided on Form TM.47, you must inform the Immigration Bureau within 24 hours of the change occurring. To do this, you need to submit a notification letter detailing the updated information to the Immigration Bureau where your original notification was made. The notification letter should include your full name, passport details, current address, and the changes that need to be updated. It is important to comply with this requirement to ensure that your information is accurate and up to date with the authorities in Thailand. Failure to report changes promptly may result in penalties or difficulties with your visa status.
14. Can I submit Form TM.47 at any Immigration Office in Thailand?
No, Form TM.47, which is the notification of staying over 24 hours in Thailand, must be submitted to the Immigration Office responsible for the area where you are staying. Each Immigration Office in Thailand has jurisdiction over specific geographical regions, so you must go to the office that covers the area where you are residing. It is essential to ensure that you submit the form to the correct office to comply with Thai immigration regulations and avoid any potential issues with your stay in the country.
15. Is there a specific format or language requirement for completing Form TM.47?
Yes, there is a specific format and language requirement for completing Form TM.47, which is the Application for Thailand Alien Registration. The form must be completed in Thai language only, as it is the official language of Thailand. The information provided on the form must be accurate and clear to ensure a smooth registration process. It is important to fill out all sections of the form comprehensively and truthfully, including personal details, contact information, visa details, and intended address of stay in Thailand. Any errors or inconsistencies could lead to delays in the registration process or potential legal issues. It is recommended to seek assistance from a professional or translator if you are not fluent in Thai to accurately complete Form TM.47.
16. Do I need to provide a local Thai address when submitting Form TM.47?
Yes, when submitting Form TM.47 for Thailand Alien Registration, you are required to provide a local Thai address. This address is necessary for the authorities to keep track of your whereabouts while you are staying in Thailand. It is essential to ensure that the address you provide is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any issues with the registration process or potential penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, having a local Thai address on record can facilitate communication and correspondence between you and the relevant authorities during your stay in Thailand.
17. Can I renew my Form TM.47 before it expires?
Yes, you can renew your Form TM.47 before it expires. To renew your TM.47, you need to submit a new application along with the required documents to the Immigration Bureau in Thailand. It is important to keep your TM.47 up to date to ensure compliance with Thai immigration regulations. Renewing your TM.47 before it expires will help prevent any issues or complications related to your stay in Thailand. Make sure to follow the proper procedures and submit all necessary documents on time to renew your Form TM.47 without any interruptions in your stay in Thailand.
18. What happens if I lose my original TM.47 confirmation slip or receipt?
If you lose your original TM.47 confirmation slip or receipt in Thailand, you may encounter some difficulties. Here is what you can do:
1. Contact the immigration office where you submitted the TM.47 form. Provide them with details such as your name, passport number, and the date of submission. They may be able to assist you in reissuing a new confirmation slip or receipt.
2. It is advisable to keep a copy of your TM.47 confirmation slip or receipt in a safe place to avoid such situations.
3. If you are unable to obtain a new confirmation slip or receipt, you should inform the immigration office about the situation and seek their guidance on how to proceed.
4. Always ensure you keep important documents safe and secure to prevent any inconvenience in the future.
19. Can I apply for permanent residency or citizenship through Form TM.47?
No, you cannot apply for permanent residency or citizenship through Form TM.47. The TM.47 form, officially known as the Notification Form for House-Master, Owner or the Possessor of the Residence where Aliens have stayed (Section 38 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522), is specifically designed for reporting the stay of foreigners at a certain address in Thailand. It is a legal requirement for landlords or homeowners to notify the immigration authorities within 24 hours when a foreigner stays at their premises. It is not a form used for residency or citizenship applications. If you are seeking permanent residency or citizenship in Thailand, you would need to explore other immigration processes and applications separate from Form TM.47.
20. Are there any additional requirements for specific nationalities when submitting Form TM.47?
Yes, there are additional requirements for specific nationalities when submitting Form TM.47 for Thailand Alien Registration. Depending on the nationality of the individual applying, there may be specific documents that need to be provided along with the form. These additional requirements could include:
1. Certain nationalities may be required to provide a police clearance certificate from their home country or from any other country in which they have resided for an extended period.
2. Some nationalities may need to provide proof of financial means to support themselves during their stay in Thailand.
3. Certain nationalities might be required to provide additional documentation proving the purpose of their stay in Thailand, such as a letter of admission from an educational institution or a job offer letter from an employer.
It is important for individuals of these specific nationalities to carefully review the requirements outlined by the Thai immigration authorities to ensure that they have all the necessary documents when submitting Form TM.47 for Alien Registration.