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Moving guides

From France to Thailand

What changes in tax when you move from France to Thailand: what you pay today, what you would pay there and the rules France applies when you leave.

What you would save

With €150,000 a year in dividends or foreign income, compared as a genuine resident of each country.

Today in France€47,100
In Thailand€0
Yearly difference+€47,100

Full guide: Thailand →

Leaving France

  • Home (foyer) or main place of stay. You are resident if your household (spouse, children) habitually lives in France, or, failing that, if France is where you spend most of your time.
  • Main professional activity in France. You are resident if your main work activity is in France, unless it is ancillary. Executives of French-headquartered companies with turnover above EUR 250 million are presumed to work mainly in France.
  • Centre of economic interests. You are resident if France is the centre of your economic interests, for example your main investments, business seat or the source of most of your income.

Rules that can follow you after leaving

  • French nationals in Monaco remain taxable in France. Under the 1963 France-Monaco tax convention, French nationals living in Monaco are generally taxed in France as if resident, unless they lived there before 13 October 1957 (five years' residence by 1962).

Exit tax in France

Exit tax (article 167 bis CGI)

  • Tax resident in France for at least 6 of the 10 years before leaving.
  • Securities and company rights worth at least EUR 800,000 in total, OR at least 50% of the profits of a company.

Unrealised capital gains (and earn-out receivables and previously deferred gains) are taxed on departure as if realised, at the flat tax (12.8% income tax plus social charges) or progressive rates if elected.

Exit tax → · Am I still resident? →

Arriving in Thailand

Personal income: On remittance · Company tax: 20%

Long-term visa (LTR, Privilege) or work permit.

180 days a year to be tax resident.

Foreign income is taxed if you bring it into Thailand, at progressive rates up to 35%. Income earned before 2024 is excluded. An exemption for money brought in the same or next year has been discussed but is not in force.

Living there

Monthly cost for one person, rent included
Bangkok€1,100–1,500
Chiang Mai€750–1,050
Climate
Tropical; hot 30-35°C year-round, rainy season June to October.
Direct flights to
London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai, Singapore
Safety
Medium
International schools
Many
Fixed internet
280 Mbps

Steps to residency

  1. 1 weeksChoose visa: LTR, Destination Thailand Visa or Non-B with Thai company
  2. 3 weeksGather proof of income or assets and apply online (e-Visa)
  3. 2 weeksVisa approval and entry
  4. 4 weeksWork permit and 90-day reporting setup

About 10 weeks in total

Official websites: Tax authority · Immigration

Approximate figures that change often; check them before deciding.

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