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Introduction: The Role of the TM7 Form in Thai Immigration Law
All foreigners living in Thailand must keep their visa valid. Extending your stay is a legal requirement under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), not just a routine task. The TM7 form is the main document you need to extend or renew your visa.
In Thailand, your visa duration depends on your purpose of stay, such as tourism, work, study, retirement, or family. When your visa is about to expire, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Bureau with a filled and signed TM7 document. This form is required to remain legally in the country after your original visa period ends.
The TM7 document helps authorities verify whether your extension request is valid and whether you are complying with Thai law. It is the official way to ask for a temporary or long-term visa extension, as required by Thai immigration rules.
Table of Contents
Definition and Legal Basis of the TM7 Form
The TM7 form is defined by Thai authorities as the application to extend your temporary stay in Thailand. It is issued by the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau, part of the Ministry of Interior, under Sections 35, 37, and 41 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522. This enables officers to approve or deny extensions as authorized by law. TM7 is used exclusively for visa extensions, while other forms serve different immigration purposes.
Submission of the TM7 requires an official fee of 1,900 THB, applicable to all visa categories. This amount is set by ministerial regulation and is non-refundable, even in case of rejection.
Who Must Complete the TM7 Form?
Anyone who wants to stay in Thailand beyond the duration of their original visa must complete the TM7 form. This rule applies to both tourists and long-term residents of Thailand.
Tourists can ask for a 30-day extension. Students with an education (ED) visa can renew their stay every 90 days by providing proof of enrollment at a recognized school. Spouses of Thai citizens (O visas) and retirees (O-A and O-X visas) also need to complete the TM7 document for annual renewals.
Holders of business (Non-Immigrant B) visas utilize the TM7 form to extend both their stay and work authorization, often in conjunction with work permit renewal. The TM7 document remains integral to the extension process under newer visa schemes, including the Long-Term Resident (LTR) and Digital Nomad Visa (DTV).
You should submit the TM7 form before your visa expires, ideally at least 15 days early. Overstaying your visa can lead to penalties under Thai law.
How to Correctly Complete the TM7 Document
You can get the TM7 form for free from the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau’s website or any immigration office. Fill it out in block letters, using either English or Thai.
The first section covers the applicant’s personal details: full name, nationality, sex, date of birth, passport number, and current address in Thailand. These details must exactly match those on the passport and the TM30 declaration. Any discrepancy may lead to rejection.
The second section specifies the visa type and the requested extension period. The applicant must indicate the purpose of stay—tourism, employment, education, retirement, etc. The “for official use only” section must be left blank for immigration officers. The form must be signed and dated in the officer’s presence. Applicants must verify the accuracy of their name, passport number, and registered address, as even minor errors may delay processing. Legal professionals frequently assist with the TM7 form to ensure compliance with administrative requirements.
Supporting Documents Required with the TM7 Form
When you submit the TM7 form, you must also provide documents that prove your identity, visa status, and financial situation.
You need to include your original passport, copies of the ID page, visa page, and last entry stamp, a recent 4×6 cm photo, and a copy of your TM30 address form. You also need to provide proof of financial status, such as a bank statement, job letter, or income certificate, depending on your visa type. If you are applying as a spouse, you must provide a marriage certificate, your Thai spouse’s ID card, and their house registration. Students must provide an official letter of enrollment from the educational institution. Any document in a foreign language must be translated and legalized by the relevant embassy.
Make sure your application is complete and all documents match. If anything is missing or inconsistent, your application will be rejected and you will have to resubmit, which can cause delays.
Where to Submit the TM7 Form in Thailand
You can submit the TM7 form at any Immigration Office in Thailand. The office you use depends on the address you gave in your TM30 form. For example, if you live in Chiang Mai, you should go to the Chiang Mai Immigration Office. If you are in Phuket or Pattaya, apply at your local office. The headquarters of the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau is in Bangkok at the Government Complex Building B, Chaeng Wattana. However, every province has its own authorized immigration service. Residents in Samui, Hua Hin, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or Phuket can process their applications locally.
You must submit your application in person, but some offices let you book an appointment online. Processing usually takes 1 to 5 working days, depending on your visa type and the office’s workload. Pay the 1,900 THB fee when you submit your form and keep the official receipt. Authorities stress that you cannot get an extension after your visa expires, so file the TM7 document before the deadline.
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Common Mistakes and Legal Consequences
Many people make mistakes when filling out the TM7 form. Common reasons for rejection include missing TM30 forms, expired passports, unsigned forms, or insufficient financial proof.
The law is strict: under Section 81 of the Immigration Act, any overstay after visa expiry incurs a fine of 500 THB per day, up to 20,000 THB, and may result in a temporary ban from re-entry. Section 37 also requires foreigners to report their address every 90 days using the TM47 form. Failure to comply may complicate future extensions.
Talking to an immigration lawyer can help you avoid these problems. A good lawyer will ensure your documents are correct, valid, and submitted on time, thereby reducing your risk of being refused or fined.
Validity, Renewal, and Follow-up of the TM7 Form
The length of your extension depends on your visa type. Tourist visas usually get an additional 30 days, while work, marriage, or retirement visas can be extended for one year at a time. Once approved, a new entry stamp is placed in the passport indicating the new permitted stay date, which must be strictly observed. Even a one-day overstay constitutes a violation under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522. Immigration officers may check visa validity at any time.
Filing the TM7 form does not relieve other legal duties, such as the 90-day report (TM47). Section 37 says this helps authorities keep track of foreigners in Thailand. Not following these rules can hurt your chances for future extensions.
If you change your address, you must file a new TM30 form to update your residence. These steps help keep your status clear and ensure compliance with immigration rules. The TM7 document is not merely an administrative document; it serves as a key legal mechanism for regulating the presence of foreign nationals in Thailand. Its validity, renewal, and proper monitoring are essential for maintaining lawful status and avoiding penalties.
Conclusion
The TM7 form is the cornerstone of all visa extensions. The TM7 form is the main document for all visa extension applications in Thailand. Understanding it and filling it out correctly are vital to keep your legal status. The process follows strict legal rules. Benoit and Partners ensure compliance, legal stability, and peace of mind throughout the immigration process. The team assists clients in preparing the TM7 form, assembling documents, translating and legalizing paperwork, and representing them before the Immigration Bureau. Filing a complete and accurate TM7 document, within the deadlines and in compliance with the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, is the key to a successful and legally secure stay in Thailand.
FAQ
The TM7 document is the official document required to apply for a visa extension in Thailand. It is issued by the Immigration Bureau.
It must be submitted to the Immigration Office that has jurisdiction over your declared residence, usually in your province of stay.
The official fee is 1,900 THB, non-refundable, payable upon submission.
The file includes your passport, TM30, one 4×6 photo, and financial or personal proof, depending on your visa type.
Late submission after visa expiry incurs daily fines and may result in denial of extension or a ban from re-entry.