How to Get a Thai Tax ID as an Expat (Step by Step)
A Thai Tax Identification Number (TIN) is free, takes under an hour, and unlocks filing, refunds and treaty relief. Here's exactly how.
What you need
- Passport (+ visa/entry stamp)
- Proof of Thai address (rental contract, TM.30 receipt, or immigration residency letter)
- Work permit if employed — optional but speeds things up
- No fees whatsoever
Where to go
Any Revenue District Office (สรรพากร). Bangkok has 20+ districts; provinces have a central office. You don't strictly need your own district's office.
The process
- Request taxpayer registration form P.N.D.91 / ภ.พ.ด.91
- Fill in details; passport number serves as ID for foreigners
- Staff verify documents → your 10-digit TIN is issued on the spot
- Register for e-Filing at the same visit (or online later)
Total time: 20–60 minutes.
Why get one even if you owe nothing?
- The remittance era: since 2024 more expats have filing obligations than ever (explained here)
- Refunds: over-withheld employment tax requires a filed return + TIN
- Treaty relief claims require a TIN on documentation
- Banks/insurers increasingly request it during onboarding
Common gotchas
| Issue | Note |
|---|---|
| Name mismatch | Register EXACTLY as in passport; mismatches break e-Filing later |
| Moved address | Update at any district office when you relocate |
| Lost TIN | Any RD office retrieves it with your passport |
| Already registered? | Ask staff to check before creating a duplicate |
Have your TIN? Check whether you actually must file: Do I Need to File? → · Estimate: Tax Calculator →
Procedures as of August 2026; small variations between offices are normal.