Why Register at the French Consulate in Thailand?

More and more French people are settling in Thailand. As for all French people who choose to settle outside France, it is strongly recommended to register with the French Consulate. Registration in the register of French people established abroad has many advantages. However, due to certain inconveniences, some expatriates prefer not to appear in the consulate register.

Registration at the French consulate in Thailand

French people who have stayed for more than 6 months in Thailand are officially considered residents in the host country both in the eyes of Thai law and in relation to French legislation. Also, they are invited to register in the register of French people established outside France by contacting the regional honorary consuls or the Service dedicated to registrations, at the French Consulate, located in Bangkok.

Procedures for a first registration in the register of French people established in Thailand

Registration in the register of French people established outside France is not a compulsory administrative procedure. It is recommended to allow expatriates to enjoy certain advantages. Registration is done remotely, online, on a dedicated platform on the Service Public French website or by post to be sent to the Registration Department at the French Embassy located at: Rue de Brest, Charoenkrung Soi 36 Bangrak.

The Candidate must provide:

• A copy of your CIN or passport
• A document attesting that he has his main residence in Thailand and in which his home address appears
• An identity photo
• A registration form is available online and must be duly completed and sent, in addition to the documents required for registration.

Upon approval of registration, the French Consulate in Thailand issues a card to expatriates registered in the register of French people established abroad. Registration is valid for 5 years.

Procedures for updating or renewing registration at the French Consulate in Thailand

It is entirely possible and recommended to renew membership in the register of French people living abroad. The French consulate in Thailand notifies registrants by email within 3 months preceding the registration expiry date. Furthermore, in the event of a change in the personal situation of the person concerned, they are invited to directly update their contact details or any other information on the online platform. If the expatriate changes country of residence, he must communicate his date of departure from the former host country and his date of entry into the new country and modify all his contact details.

If the person concerned leaves Thailand to return to live in France, he must absolutely notify the Consulate to obtain a certificate of deregistration proving that he is no longer registered in the register of French people established in Thailand.

The advantages of registering at the French consulate in Thailand

Joining the register of French people living abroad has many advantages through the French consulate in Thailand, particularly from an administrative and security point of view.

A permanent attachment to the country of origin

French people registered in the register of expatriates in Thailand are informed in real time. Communication of significant events and major news in their country of origin and registration on the electoral list. They thus retain their right to vote.

Security

The contact details of relatives residing in France are communicated in the registration form at the Consulate. Also, in the event of a health or other emergency, the Embassy can quickly notify the family and take care of the person concerned. If the host country is in crisis and/or the foreigners are in danger, the expatriates registered in the register benefit from support from the Consulate and are constantly informed of the progress of the situation, the measures to be taken and in the event of an extreme emergency, benefit from ease in the repatriation procedures.

Administrative

All documents required for registration at the Consulate are recorded on the French Public Service platform. The data subject can access their online file at any time and from any location provided they have a device connected to the Internet. So he can retrieve and print all the documents when needed. Those registered in the register benefit from ease and reductions in fees for certain administrative procedures relating to installation in Thailand, such as access for minor children to study grants to continue their education in a French establishment established in Thailand.

The procedures at the French consulate in Thailand to obtain certain administrative papers such as the CIN and passport are also easier and faster.

Business Benefits

French people registered at the French consulate in Thailand can make tax-free purchases in France and Europe.

Tax benefits

A French person permanently settled in Thailand can prove that he no longer has his tax domicile in France. A resident card certifies that he is registered in the register of French people established in Thailand. Depending on its situation: it is no longer taxable in France. Depending on the case, tax relief is possible (case of French retirees living in Thailand).

Contact the consulate here

See also: How to avoid a tax adjustment when leaving France?