Thailand is a popular destination for travelers, but many people also dream of making it their long-term home. Indeed, one question many have after a wonderful holiday is, “How can I stay here long term?”
Fortunately, there are several visa options that allow foreigners to stay in the country for extended periods.
In this article, I detail five visas that offer a long-term stay in Thailand, including the requirements, benefits and application process for each.
Whether you're looking to retire in Thailand, start a business, or simply enjoy the tropical lifestyle, this guide will help you navigate the visa options available to make your dreams a reality.
For a more in-depth look at each visa option, follow the links posted throughout the article below the relevant visa.
1. Non-Immigrant O (Retirement Visa)
The Non-Immigrant O Visa (based on retirement) is for people who are 50 years or older and want a long-term stay in Thailand. It is one of the easiest visas to obtain.
The O visa (retirement) is obtained from a Thai embassy or through the eVISA system (depending on your home country).
The visa provides a 90-day stay upon entry to Thailand. Within this 90 days you can obtain a 1-year extension based on retirement at an immigration office in Thailand. You must meet the financial requirements 60 days prior to doing your extension of stay (see below).
Benefits:
- Allows for a one-year stay in Thailand (once the extension is done inside Thailand).
- Extendable each year.
- No requirement to leave the country every 90 days.
- Can open a Thai bank account.
Requirements:
- Age of 50 or above.
- Proof of financial means: 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (60 days prior to extension) or monthly income of at least 65,000 Baht.
- Report to immigration every 90 days (90-day reporting).
Cost:
- 2,000 Baht for the initial O visa.
- 1,900 Baht for a yearly extension.
* Please note: There is an O-A visa, which enables you to obtain your 1-year stay immediately by applying for the visa in your home country. However, the requirements are more in-depth, and the majority of people use the Non Immigrant O Visa pathway outlined above because it is less work. More on the OA visa here.
+ Read more about the Retirement Visa here
2. Non-Immigrant O (Marriage Visa)
There are a number of categories of O visa and the Non-Immigrant O Visa based on marriage is another way to stay long term in Thailand. It is known as the marriage visa because it is granted to foreigners who want to stay in Thailand with their Thai spouse.
This visa allows a stay of one year, with the option to extend annually. You are allowed to work in Thailand on this visa, if a work permit is acquired.
As is the case with the aforementioned retirement O visa, you will be given a 90-day stay upon arrival in Thailand, which you can then extend by one year once you have the financial requirements in place.
Benefits:
- Allows for a one-year stay in Thailand.
- Extendable each year.
- No requirement to leave the country every 90 days.
- Can open a Thai bank account.
Requirements:
- Married to a Thai national.
- Proof of financial means: 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (60 days prior to extension) or monthly income of at least 40,000 Baht.
- Marriage certificate.
Cost:
- 2,000 Baht for single-entry; 5,000 Baht for multiple-entry.
* Please note: If you get a multiple entry O visa based on marriage, you don't have to do to the 1-year extension of stay. You can, instead, leave every 90 days and return to Thailand to be stamped in for a further 90-day stay. The pathway outlined above is based on a single entry Non Immigrant O Visa, which provides a stay of 90 days.
+ Read more about the Marriage Visa here
3. Long-Term Resident (LTR)
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is designed for professionals who work remotely and wealthy individuals. The three most popular categories of the LTR visa are Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, and Work-From-Thailand Professional (remote worker).
This visa is an option for those interested in making Thailand their second home or want to experience living in the country for several years. The visa comes with a number of perks such as the ability to use the Airport Fast Track Service, report to immigration just once a year, and fly in and out of Thailand without a re-entry permit. Depending on the category of LTR you apply for, there are other associated benefits.
The initial visa is for five years, with the possibility of extending it for an additional five years, allowing a total stay length of up to 10 years. The key requirements vary depending on which category one applies for. All visa classes require a minimum of $40,000-$80,000 annual income for two years prior to application.
Benefits:
- No reporting to immigration every 90 days.
- Work in Thailand without the need to work for a company to get a permit.
- Fast track airport service.
- Easier route to citizenship.
Requirements:
- Health insurance policy.
- Minimum income of of $40,000-$80,000 (depending on category).
- Other requirements are category specific (see link below).
Cost:
- When obtained inside Thailand the cost of the visa is 50,000 Baht. Abroad, at Thai embassies and consulates, the cost is approximately 1,600 USD (depending on exchange rate).
+ Read more about the LTR Visa here
4. The Education Visa (ED
The Education Visa (ED) enables foreigners to stay long-term in Thailand for the purpose of pursuing studies, attending a Thai language course, or doing research in an educational institution in the country. The ED visa is valid for up to 1-year and can be extended for subsequent years, as long as the educational program remains ongoing.
Holders of the ED visa are required to attend classes or study regularly, and maintain a minimum attendance rate of 80% to avoid the risk of having their visa revoked.
Benefits:
- Stay up to a year while studying.
- Holders of the ED visa can also open a bank account in Thailand and apply for a Thai driving license.
Requirements:
- You must be enrolled in a legitimate educational institution in Thailand that is recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education.
- You must provide a letter of recommendation and sponsorship from the place you are studying.
- 90-day reporting.
- You must obtain a re-entry permit to leave the country and re-enter during the validity period of your visa (to keep the visa active).
Cost:
- The application fee for the ED visa is 2,000 Baht (approximately $60 USD).
- Additional costs may include tuition fees for the educational program, textbooks, and accommodation expenses.
+ Read more about the Education Visa here
The Elite Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the chosen package. The visa allows you to stay in Thailand for extended periods without the need for frequent visa runs or extensions.
Holders of the Thailand Elite Visa are entitled to a range of benefits and privileges, including VIP immigration clearance, airport limousine transfers, access to exclusive golf courses, and more.
Benefits:
- Expedited immigration clearance, complimentary airport transfers, and discounts and special offers at partner hotels, resorts, and shopping malls.
- Access to a dedicated concierge service, which can assist with a range of tasks such as arranging accommodation, transportation, and leisure activities.
- 90-day reporting taken care of by an Elite Visa agent (major cities only)
- Free annual medical checkup
- Banking privileges
- Benefits are dependent on the type of Elite Visa you choose (see link below)
Requirements:
- Available to applicants from any country.
- No age limit or financial requirements.
- Submit an application form along with a passport-sized photograph and supporting documents such as your passport and a letter of employment or proof of financial status.
Cost:
- Costs depends on the package chosen. The most affordable package, the “Elite Easy Access,” costs 500,000 Baht (approximately $16,000 USD) for a 5-year visa.
- The “Elite Ultimate Privilege” which offers a 20-year visa with a range of exclusive benefits, can cost up to 2 million baht (approximately $64,000 USD).
- There are also additional fees associated with the visa, including a one-time application fee of 60,000 Baht (approximately $1,900 USD) and an annual fee ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 Baht (approximately $500 to $1,000 USD) depending on the package.
In Summary
These are the main long-term visa options for staying in Thailand. Of course, there is always permanent residency, and even citizenship, but few people ever get that far, or can be bothered to try.
Generally speaking, most people can find a way to stay for a year at a time, using one of the options above. However, all stays beyond 30 days require a visa, and usually 90-day reporting, which means going to an immigration office with a bunch of documents to have your circumstances approved.
If you only want to stay for a couple of months, check out the Tourist Visa option here.
Other than that, drop any questions you may have below in the comments section.
+ Read more about the Elite Visa here
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