TM30 for Long-Term Residents in Thailand

If you’ve ever dealt with Thai immigration, you know the game: paperwork, signatures, stamps, and more stamps. It feels like you need a PhD just to stay legal. One of the most confusing—and most overlooked—pieces of this puzzle is the TM30.

Think of the TM30 as Thailand’s way of saying, “We want to know where you’re sleeping tonight.” That’s it. It’s not glamorous, but it’s mandatory. And ignoring it is like skipping oil changes on your car—you won’t notice the problem until something expensive breaks.

Here’s the kicker: the law technically puts the responsibility on your landlord, but if you’re a foreigner living here long-term, it’s your headache when they forget. No updated TM30 = fines, delays, or worse—visa extensions denied.

In this article, I’ll break down exactly what a TM30 is, why it matters, how to get it done without unnecessary pain, and how to make sure your landlord doesn’t accidentally sabotage your immigration record.

What is a TM30?

At its core, the TM30 is nothing more than a notification form. It tells Thai immigration where a foreigner is staying. That’s it.

Here’s the official definition: it’s called the “Notification of Residence of Foreigner.” Sounds dramatic, right? In practice, it’s basically a digital (or paper) breadcrumb trail that lets immigration track you across the country.

The law says your landlord—the person who owns the property—is responsible for submitting it. But here’s the practical reality: if the landlord doesn’t do it, immigration doesn’t go after them. They go after you. Which means if your TM30 isn’t updated, it’s you sitting across from the immigration officer with sweaty palms when your visa extension gets rejected.

The form itself isn’t complicated. It’s just bureaucracy. And like most bureaucracy, the trick is not to fight it, but to make it as painless and automated as possible.

Think of it like flossing. It’s annoying, but skip it long enough and you’ll pay the price.

Why is the TM30 Important?

Here’s the thing: the TM30 isn’t optional. It’s the gatekeeper to pretty much everything you want to do with immigration in Thailand.

Want to extend your visa? They’ll check your TM30.
Need to do your 90-day report? TM30 better be current.
Thinking about applying for a work permit, retirement visa, or marriage visa? Same story.

If it’s outdated, you hit roadblocks—sometimes small ones (an annoyed officer making you run home for paperwork), sometimes big ones (visa extension flat-out denied). And yes, there are fines, usually in the 1,600–2,000 THB range, but the real pain isn’t the money. It’s the wasted time, stress, and uncertainty of being “that guy” in line who gets sent home while everyone else walks out with a shiny new stamp.

Here’s the mental model: the TM30 is like the foundation of your house. You don’t notice it when it’s solid, but if it cracks, everything else on top—your visa, your 90-day reports, your long-term plans—suddenly becomes shaky.

So, if you’re planning to stay in Thailand longer than a few tourist weeks, keeping the TM30 updated isn’t just compliance. It’s leverage. It buys you freedom from bureaucratic chaos.

When Do You Need to File or Update a TM30?

Here’s where most people screw up: they think the TM30 is a one-time thing. File it once when you move in, and you’re done. Not true.

The rule is simple: every time your sleeping address changes, the TM30 needs to be updated. That means:

• New place, new TM30. Move to a new condo, switch apartments, buy a house—it doesn’t matter. Update it.
• Come back from abroad. If you’ve been out of the country and re-enter Thailand, your landlord has to file a fresh TM30—even if it’s the same address you left from.
• Switching provinces or even neighborhoods. Different house? Different form. Immigration doesn’t care if it’s a 50-kilometer move or 500.
• Hotels and Airbnbs. The hotel or host is supposed to file for you. Most legit ones do. But if you’re staying longer-term, double-check.

It’s not about logic—it’s about consistency. Immigration’s system doesn’t care if you’ve been in Thailand for 10 years and “everyone knows where you live.” If you show up for a visa extension and your TM30 isn’t aligned with your current address, you’ve just handed the officer an excuse to make your life difficult.

How to File a TM30

Okay, so how do you actually do this without wanting to bang your head against a wall? The good news: there are multiple ways. The bad news: which one works depends on your landlord, the local immigration office, and how much patience you’ve got.

Who’s Responsible

By law, your landlord is supposed to file the TM30. In reality? Many don’t bother, don’t know how, or dump it on you. Which means if you want to avoid headaches, assume it’s your job to make sure it gets done.

The Three Main Options

1. In Person – Go to your local Immigration Office. Bring the documents (we’ll cover those next), fill out the form, hand it over, and get the receipt. Old-school, but 100% reliable.
2. Online Portal – If your landlord is registered for Immigration’s online TM30 system, they can do it from a laptop in 5 minutes. Problem: most landlords either don’t know it exists or claim it’s “broken.” (It often is.)
3. By Post – Technically possible. In practice? Slow and risky. You won’t know if it was processed until weeks later. I wouldn’t rely on this unless you’re into gambling.

Pro Tip

If your landlord is cooperative, give them a “ready-to-go” packet: copies of your passport, visa stamp, and rental contract. Make their life easier, and you’ll have fewer problems. If they refuse, you can file it yourself with a signed authorization.

Think of this as outsourcing: you’re either outsourcing to your landlord (ideal) or you’re doing it yourself. The key is not who does it, but that it gets done.

Documents Required

Here’s where most people overcomplicate things. Filing a TM30 isn’t about a mountain of paperwork; it’s about the right paperwork. Think “minimal effective dose” — the smallest set of documents that actually gets the job done.

Here’s the standard kit you (or your landlord) will need:

• Passport copy – photo page.
• Visa page + latest entry stamp – the one immigration really cares about.
• Arrival card (TM6) – only if you were issued one (many arrivals don’t get these anymore).
• Rental contract or proof of residence – shows you actually live there.
• Landlord’s ID card copy (if Thai) OR company registration docs (if a corporate landlord).
• House registration book (Tabien Baan) – proving the address exists in the system.
• Completed TM30 form – printed and signed, or filled out online.

That’s it. In theory, immigration can ask for extras, but those six bullets cover 95% of situations.

Pro Tip

Keep a “TM30 folder” — digital scans plus a physical copy set. Every time you move or re-enter Thailand, hand your landlord the bundle. This kills excuses and speeds things up.

How to Communicate With Your Landlord

Here’s the reality: the law says your landlord must file the TM30. But if they don’t, you’re the one who pays the price. So the smartest move is to make it stupidly easy for them to do their part.

Step 1: Frame it right

Don’t come at them with, “This is your legal duty.” That just triggers resistance. Instead:
“Immigration requires this form, and if it’s not filed, I get fined. Can I give you everything you need to make it simple?”

Step 2: Hand them the package

Give them the TM30 form (pre-filled if possible), plus copies of:

• Passport
• Visa + entry stamp
• Rental contract
• Arrival card (if applicable)

Add a checklist so all they have to do is sign and submit.

Step 3: Know the fallback plan

If your landlord refuses or ghosts you, don’t panic. You can:

• File it yourself with a signed authorization form from the landlord.
• Show proof you tried (emails, messages) if immigration asks. Officers like evidence that you’ve made an effort.

Step 4: Keep it friendly

Most landlords don’t care about immigration rules — they care about convenience. If you make it painless, 9 out of 10 will cooperate.

Think of your landlord as a bottleneck. Your job is to “grease the system” so they can’t slow you down.

Here’s an email template you can use in both English and Thai:

Or if you’re mainly communicating via Line or WhatsApp with your landlord:

Power of Attorney template for a landlord to fill in TM-30 yourself

Tips for Long-Term Residents

If you’re staying in Thailand for the long haul, the TM30 is like brushing your teeth: ignore it and you’ll regret it later. Here’s how to stay ahead of the game without losing your sanity.

1. Treat TM30 as a System, Not an Event

Don’t think of it as a random form you scramble for once a year. Build it into your “immigration hygiene.” Every time you:

• Move to a new place
• Come back from abroad
• Switch provinces or addresses
  …update it. No debate. No delay.

2. Keep a Digital & Physical “Immigration Folder”

Scan everything — passport, visa, arrival card, rental contract, landlord’s ID. Keep it in Google Drive, Dropbox, or whatever you use. Also keep a paper folder ready. Immigration loves paper. Having both kills excuses.

3. Align with Your Landlord Early

When you sign the rental contract, talk TM30. Ask if they know the process. Offer to give them a ready-made packet of documents. The earlier you set the expectation, the less drama later.

4. Double-Check Before Big Immigration Visits

Before you file a visa extension, work permit, or 90-day report, ask yourself: “Is my TM30 current?” This one question can save hours of wasted time at Immigration.

5. Assume Responsibility, Even if It’s Not “Yours”

Yes, the law says it’s the landlord’s job. But you’re the one who needs the visa. Think of it like corporate bureaucracy: don’t argue about whose department should handle it — just make sure it gets done.

6. Use Airbnb/Hotels Smartly

Hotels almost always file TM30 automatically. But if you’re in an Airbnb or serviced apartment, confirm it. Don’t assume.