Get Your Thailand Dual Citizenship — Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Children born in Thailand to at least one Thai citizen parent are automatically Thai citizens.
- By Descent: Children born abroad to a Thai citizen parent (especially the mother) may acquire Thai citizenship by registering the birth with a Thai embassy.
- By Marriage: A foreign woman married to a Thai man may apply for Thai citizenship after 3 years of marriage and residence. A foreign man married to a Thai woman may apply through naturalization after extended residency.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners who have legally lived in Thailand for at least 5 consecutive years, speak Thai, and show integration may apply.
- Dual Citizenship Tolerated: Although Thailand’s law is ambiguous, in practice, Thai authorities allow dual citizenship — especially for those born with multiple nationalities or reacquiring Thai citizenship. Renunciation is often not enforced.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your eligibility through descent, marriage, or naturalization.
- Apply at the Thai Ministry of Interior or a Thai embassy/consulate abroad.
- Submit documents proving descent, marriage, or long-term residency.
- Complete interviews and language assessments where applicable.
- Take the citizenship oath and receive Thai citizenship documentation.
Benefits of Thai Citizenship
- Live and work permanently in Thailand
- Access healthcare, education, and land ownership (if applicable)
- Hold a Thai passport and travel visa-free within ASEAN
- Pass citizenship to your children
- Retain your other nationality in most real-world cases
Frequently asked questions.
Does Thailand allow dual citizenship?
Officially, Thailand’s law discourages dual citizenship, but in practice, it is widely tolerated. Many Thai citizens hold a second passport without issue, especially if they were born with dual nationality.
Can I claim Thai citizenship if my parent is Thai?
Yes. Thai citizenship can be passed through either parent, even if you were born abroad. You’ll need to register your birth with a Thai embassy or consulate.
Can I get Thai citizenship through marriage?
Yes. A foreign woman married to a Thai man may apply after 3 years of marriage and residence. Foreign men married to Thai women must apply through the regular naturalization route.
How long do I need to live in Thailand to naturalize?
At least 5 consecutive years of legal residency is required, along with Thai language skills, integration, and a clean record.
Do I have to give up my other nationality?
Thailand does not actively enforce renunciation in most cases. While the law discourages dual citizenship, it is common for Thai citizens to hold a second passport — especially those born abroad or reclaiming Thai citizenship.
Do dual citizens pay taxes in both countries?
Thailand taxes residents on worldwide income. If you are not living in Thailand, you are generally taxed only on Thai-sourced income. A tax advisor can help you determine your exact obligations.