What Is TM30?
TM30, officially known as the "Notification Form for House Owner, Possessor, or Manager of Hotel/Apartment/Guesthouse to Notify Accommodation of Foreign Nationals," is a mandatory immigration report in Thailand. Under Section 38 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), any person who provides accommodation to a foreign national must notify the nearest immigration office within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival.
In practice, TM30 is the form used by landlords, hotel operators, property managers, and even Thai family members to report that a foreigner is staying at their address. While the legal obligation falls on the property owner or manager, the practical burden often shifts to the foreigner, who needs the TM30 filing as a prerequisite for many immigration services.
Who Must File TM30?
The legal responsibility to file TM30 belongs to the property owner or manager — not the foreign tenant. Specifically:
- Hotel and guesthouse operators: Must report all foreign guests within 24 hours. Most hotels do this automatically through their registration systems.
- Landlords: Must report foreign tenants within 24 hours of move-in. This includes both Thai and foreign landlords.
- Condominium juristic persons: In some cases, the condo management office handles TM30 filing on behalf of unit owners.
- Thai family members: If a foreigner lives with a Thai spouse or family member, the Thai householder is responsible for filing.
In reality, many landlords in Thailand are unaware of this obligation or refuse to file. In such cases, foreigners often have to file TM30 themselves, using a signed authorization from the landlord.
When Must TM30 Be Filed?
TM30 must be filed within 24 hours of a foreigner arriving at an address. This applies in several situations:
- Initial arrival: When a foreigner first moves into a new address in Thailand.
- After international travel: Every time a foreigner returns to Thailand from abroad, even to the same address, a new TM30 must be filed. This is the most commonly overlooked requirement.
- After domestic travel: Technically, if a foreigner stays overnight at a different address within Thailand (e.g., a hotel in another province), a new TM30 should be filed upon return. Enforcement of this rule varies significantly, but immigration officers sometimes ask for it during 90-day reporting or visa extensions.
How to File TM30
Online Filing
The most convenient method is online filing through the Immigration Bureau's website at tm30.immigration.go.th. The process works as follows:
- Register an account: The property owner or authorized person creates an account using their Thai ID or passport number. Registration requires approval, which can take 1-3 business days.
- Log in and submit: Once approved, log in and fill out the TM30 notification with the foreigner's passport details, address, and arrival date.
- Print the receipt: After successful submission, print the TM30 receipt. The foreigner will need this receipt number for 90-day reporting and visa extensions.
The online system can be unreliable at times. If it is down, you may need to file in person.
In-Person Filing
TM30 can also be filed in person at the nearest immigration office. You will need:
- Completed TM30 form (available at the immigration office or downloadable online)
- Copy of the foreigner's passport (data page, visa page, most recent entry stamp, and departure card)
- Copy of the property owner's Thai ID card
- Copy of the house registration book (Tabien Baan) or lease agreement showing the address
- Power of attorney if the property owner is not filing in person
Filing by Post
Some immigration offices accept TM30 notifications sent by registered mail, though this method is less common and response times vary.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The penalties for failing to file TM30 are specified in the Immigration Act:
- For the property owner/landlord: Fine of up to 2,000 THB for each failure to report. In practice, fines of 800-1,600 THB are common.
- For the foreign national: While the legal obligation is on the property owner, foreigners may face complications during 90-day reporting, visa extensions, or re-entry if TM30 has not been filed. Immigration officers may refuse to process your application until TM30 is updated.
Enforcement has fluctuated over the years. In 2019, there was a significant crackdown with increased fines and stricter enforcement. Since then, enforcement has become somewhat more relaxed but remains inconsistent across different immigration offices.
TM30 and Your Other Immigration Obligations
TM30 is interconnected with other immigration processes:
- 90-day reporting (TM47): You will need your TM30 receipt number when filing your 90-day report.
- Visa extensions: Immigration offices typically require a current TM30 filing when processing visa extensions.
- Work permits: Some labor offices check TM30 status when processing or renewing work permits.
- Banking: Some banks may request TM30 receipts as part of their KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures.
Practical Tips for Expats
- Discuss TM30 with your landlord before signing a lease. Make it a condition of the rental agreement that the landlord will handle TM30 filing.
- Keep copies of all TM30 receipts. Store digital copies on your phone so you always have them available at immigration.
- File immediately after returning from abroad. Do not wait — the 24-hour deadline starts from your arrival.
- If your landlord refuses to file, get written authorization (power of attorney) and file yourself. Some immigration offices are more flexible about this than others.
- Condo owners who rent out to foreigners should set up an online TM30 account to simplify the recurring filing process.
- Consider using an immigration agent if you travel frequently and find the repeated filing burdensome. Many agents offer TM30 filing as part of their service packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my hotel file TM30 for me?
Yes, hotels and registered guesthouses file TM30 automatically as part of their guest registration process. This is why immigration knows where tourists are staying.
I own my condo. Who files TM30?
If you are a foreign owner living in your own condo, you can file TM30 yourself as the property occupant. Some condo juristic person offices will assist with this.
What if I forget to file after returning from a trip?
File as soon as you remember. While technically a violation, immigration offices generally do not impose fines if you file a few days late. The issue usually surfaces only when you need other immigration services.