Renting a Condo in Bangkok as a Foreigner: Documents and TM30
Short answer
Foreigners can rent condos in Bangkok with a passport showing the visa or entry stamp; some owners also ask for a work permit or a letter from the employer. Move-in money is usually a two-month deposit plus one month in advance. Under the Immigration Act, the owner or landlord must report a foreigner's residence (TM30) within 24 hours; keep a copy of the receipt, as you may need it for visa extensions.
Summary of this article by the DooAsset team · Updated
Documents you usually need
- Passport: a copy of the photo page and of the visa or latest entry stamp.
- Work permit or employment letter: some owners ask for it to confirm income, especially for a 12-month lease.
- A way to pay: a Thai bank account is easiest for monthly rent. If you do not have one yet, agree the payment method with the owner and get a receipt every time.
Money to prepare
Most leases ask for a two-month deposit plus one month in advance, about three times the rent. See the example in Renting Your First Condo in Bangkok: How Much Money Do You Need? About 95% of the rentals on DooAsset are fully furnished, so you can move in with just your suitcase.
What is the TM30, and who files it?
- Section 38 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) requires the house owner, the person in possession, or the hotel manager where a foreigner stays to notify the immigration authorities within 24 hours. The form is known as the TM30.
- For a rented unit, the duty lies with the owner or landlord; some buildings have the juristic person office do it.
- As a tenant, ask for a copy of the TM30 receipt: it is often needed for visa extensions and other immigration matters.
- The 90-day report is a separate duty of the foreigner who stays in Thailand for more than 90 days.
Lease and communication
- Use a bilingual lease (Thai–English) and state which language prevails.
- See what the lease should contain in Condo Lease Agreement in Thailand: What to Check.
- Keep your messages with the owner as a record, especially about the deposit and repairs.
Areas many foreigners choose
Sukhumvit around Asok–Phrom Phong–Thong Lo and the Sathorn–Silom area have plenty of choice, near offices and several international schools. Compare rents by workplace in Working Near Asok? Where to Rent and Working in Silom or Sathorn?
DooAsset has pages in English and 8 other languages, and arranges viewings by LINE and phone, 24 hours a day.
This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules can change; check with the Immigration Bureau.
Last updated · written by the DooAsset team · figures may change as listings open and close each day
