The Chiang Mai Immigration Office serves one of Thailand's most popular cities for long-term expatriates, retirees, and digital nomads. The Chiang Mai Immigration Office handles all visa extensions, 90-day reporting, re-entry permits, and other immigration services for foreigners in the province.
This guide provides everything you need for a successful visit, including the exact location, hours, what to bring, and practical tips from people who visit regularly.
Location and Address
Official Name: Chiang Mai Immigration Office (Immigration Division 5)
Address: Promenada Resort Mall, 2nd Floor 192-193 Moo 2, Tumbon Tasala Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai 50000
In Thai: ตรวจคนเข้าเมืองจังหวัดเชียงใหม่ ชั้น 2 โปรเมนาดา รีสอร์ท มอลล์
The office relocated to the Promenada Resort Mall in 2018, a significant improvement over the old location. The mall setting provides air conditioning, food options, and comfortable waiting areas.
How to Get There
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| Songthaew (red truck) | From the old city, take a red songthaew heading east on the superhighway. Tell the driver "Promenada." Cost: 40-60 THB per person. |
| Grab/Bolt | The most convenient option. From the old city or Nimman area, expect 80-150 THB and 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. |
| Motorbike | Follow the superhighway (Route 11) east. Promenada is clearly signed. Free motorbike parking. |
| Private car | Ample free parking at Promenada Mall. Follow GPS to Promenada Resort Mall. |
| Tuk-tuk | Negotiate the fare in advance. Expect 100-200 THB from the old city. |
GPS coordinates: 18.7714, 99.0311
The office is on the 2nd floor of the mall. Enter through the main mall entrance and follow signs for "Immigration" — there are clear directional signs throughout the building.
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
| Thai public holidays | Closed |
Queue number distribution: Starts at 8:30 AM. For popular services like extensions of stay, the office may stop distributing queue numbers by 3:00 PM on busy days.
Best days to visit: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are generally less crowded. Monday mornings and Fridays tend to be busiest.
Services Available
The Chiang Mai Immigration Office provides the full range of immigration services:
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (all visa types) | Tourist, retirement, marriage, business, education |
| 90-day reporting | In-person and assistance with online submissions |
| Re-entry permits | Single and multiple |
| TM30 filing | For landlords and property owners |
| Change of visa type | In limited circumstances |
| Report of address change | When moving within Chiang Mai province |
| Visa cancellation | For those departing Thailand |
| Lost passport assistance | In conjunction with your embassy |
What to Bring
Essential Documents for Every Visit
- Passport (original)
- Photocopies of: biographical page, current visa/extension stamp, most recent entry stamp, departure card (if applicable)
- One passport photo (4x6 cm, taken within 6 months)
- Cash for fees (no credit cards accepted)
- Pen (blue or black ink)
Extension of Stay (Tourist Visa or Visa Exemption)
- TM.7 application form (available at the office or download in advance)
- 1,900 THB fee
- Passport photo (4x6 cm)
- All passport photocopies
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or lease agreement)
Extension of Stay (Retirement Visa)
- TM.7 application form
- 1,900 THB fee
- Passport photo
- Bank letter from a Thai bank confirming balance of 800,000 THB (or combination method)
- Updated bank passbook (original and copy)
- Previous extension stamp copies
- Proof of address (lease agreement, utility bill, or TM30 receipt)
- Map to your residence (hand-drawn is accepted)
Extension of Stay (Marriage to Thai National)
- TM.7 application form
- 1,900 THB fee
- Marriage certificate (certified copy and original)
- Spouse's Thai ID card (copy)
- Spouse's house registration / Tabien Baan (copy)
- Financial proof (400,000 THB in bank or 40,000 THB/month income, or combination)
- Bank letter and updated passbook
- Photos of you and your spouse together (2-3 recent photos)
- Map to your residence
- Spouse must be present for the application
90-Day Reporting
- TM.47 form
- Passport (original)
- Previous 90-day reporting receipt
Re-Entry Permit
- TM.8 application form
- 1,000 THB (single entry) or 3,800 THB (multiple entry)
- Passport photo
- Passport (original)
The Queue Process
How It Works
- Arrive at the 2nd floor of Promenada Mall
- Check in at the pre-screening desk — Staff will review your documents and direct you to the correct queue
- Take a queue number from the machine for your specific service
- Wait in the designated area — Chairs and benches are available. The mall provides air conditioning and nearby food/drink options
- When your number is called, go to the assigned counter
- Submit documents and wait — For extensions, processing may take 30-60 minutes after submission
- Collect your passport with the new stamp
Estimated Wait Times
| Service | Typical Wait |
|---|---|
| 90-day reporting | 15-30 minutes |
| Re-entry permit | 20-45 minutes |
| Extension (tourist/exempt) | 1-2 hours |
| Extension (retirement/marriage) | 1.5-3 hours |
These times are for a normal weekday. Add 50-100% for Mondays and post-holiday periods.
Tips for Quick Processing
Preparation Tips
- Make all photocopies before arriving — While there is a copy shop at Promenada, the line can be long. Prepare copies at home or at a local shop.
- Sign every photocopy — Sign your name across every photocopy in blue ink. This is a standard requirement that catches many people off guard.
- Bring extra passport photos — The photo requirement is one photo, but bringing 3-4 prevents a wasted trip if an extra form is needed.
- Download and pre-fill forms — TM.7 and TM.47 forms can be filled out at home. This saves time at the office.
- Bring a Thai phone number — The forms ask for a Thai contact number. Have one ready.
At the Office
- Arrive at 8:00-8:15 AM — The first queue numbers go fast. Early arrivals can be done by 10:00 AM.
- Check document requirements at the pre-screening desk — Before sitting in the queue, staff will review your documents. If something is missing, you can fix it before wasting queue time.
- Do not leave the area when your number is approaching — Monitor the display screens. If you miss your number, you may need to take a new one.
- Keep your phone charged — You will be waiting. Bring a power bank.
- Use the Promenada facilities — The mall has coffee shops, restaurants, a supermarket, and clean restrooms. It is one of the more pleasant immigration office waiting experiences in Thailand.
Chiang Mai-Specific Notes
- Retirement visa holders: Chiang Mai immigration is known for being thorough with financial documentation. Have your bank letter dated within 7 days of your visit and bring the original passbook.
- Marriage visa holders: Your Thai spouse is typically required to be present at the appointment. Plan accordingly.
- TM30 enforcement: Chiang Mai has been relatively strict about TM30. Ensure your TM30 is filed before attempting any other immigration service.
- 90-day reporting online: The online system works well for Chiang Mai residents once your first in-person report is completed.
Nearby Services at Promenada Mall
The mall location makes Chiang Mai immigration one of the most convenient in the country:
| Service | Location |
|---|---|
| Photocopy and photo shop | Near the immigration entrance on Floor 2 |
| Banks and ATMs | Ground floor of Promenada Mall |
| Restaurants and cafes | Multiple options throughout the mall |
| Supermarket (Tops) | Ground floor |
| 7-Eleven | Inside the mall complex |
| Immigration form assistance | Small service counters near the office entrance (small fee for form filling) |
Alternatives for Chiang Mai Residents
If the main office is too crowded or you need services outside Chiang Mai city:
- Online 90-day reporting — Strongly recommended after your first in-person report
- Immigration agents — Several reputable agents in Chiang Mai handle extensions, 90-day reporting, and re-entry permits for a fee (typically 2,000-5,000 THB for extensions including the government fee)
- Other Chiang Mai province offices — Smaller branch offices exist in some districts but typically handle only basic services
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment? No. The office operates on a walk-in basis with a queue number system.
Can I do everything in English? Most officers speak basic to intermediate English. For complex situations, consider bringing a Thai-speaking friend or using an agent.
What if I am missing a document? The pre-screening desk will identify missing items before you enter the queue. You can usually return the same day after obtaining the missing document.
Is the office open during Songkran? No. The office closes for Thai public holidays including Songkran (typically April 13-15). Plan your visits around these dates.
Can I extend a visa exemption in Chiang Mai? Yes. You can extend a 60-day visa exemption by 30 days at this office for 1,900 THB. See the visa exemption extension guide for details.
How often do requirements change? Chiang Mai immigration occasionally updates its document requirements. Join local expat forums or Facebook groups (such as "Chiang Mai Visa Run and Immigration" or similar) for real-time updates from other applicants.
Final Thoughts
The Chiang Mai Immigration Office at Promenada Mall is one of the better immigration office experiences in Thailand. The mall setting, reasonable queue times (by Thai immigration standards), and generally helpful staff make it manageable even for first-timers. The key to a smooth visit is thorough document preparation and an early arrival. Do both, and you should be in and out within a few hours.
