Discover your easiest and most secure path to a life in Thailand
So you’ve decided to stay in Thailand long term. Whether your reasons are for family, work, or you simply love the country, you’re ready to be here for more than a holiday. While you’ve probably heard of some options like the Privilege Visa (formerly Elite Visa), Marriage, and Retirement visas, there are attractive visa choices you may not have considered. Either way, if you’re unsure of your options, the information that follows will help you decide which one is best for you.
This guide details six ways you can stay in Thailand long term, ordered from the most familiar to lesser known options. Each visa category is broken down by key decision factors, such as benefits, length of stay, requirements and degree of difficulty, and price.
While the information in this guide is in-depth, it is not 100% exhaustive. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, the requirements, risks, and benefits can differ. For instance, some countries prohibit dual citizenship, and others require residency to maintain public pension benefits (e.g., Australia). This guide is meant to provide a starting point for you to explore your long-stay choices.
Long-stay options
1. Retirement visa: Relax in paradise
You’re over the age of 50 and want one of the most affordable and easy options, with straight forward annual extensions for as long as you wish to stay.
2. Marriage visa: Be with your Thai spouse
You are married to a Thai national, want an inexpensive and easy-to-obtain visa, and are possibly interested in working in Thailand or someday obtaining permanent residency.
3. Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa: Hassle free and family friendly
You’ve been successful in your home country and have strong passive income or investment funds and want a 10-year, hassle free visa that is family friendly and includes attractive tax benefits.
4. DTV Visa: Great for any age
You want a cost effective 5-year solution for any age that allows stays of up to 180 days at a time. You may also want a family friendly visa program that can include your spouse and minor children. You plan to work remotely or enjoy learning more about Thai culture by attending cooking school or a Muay Thai academy.
5. Thailand Privilege Visa: Enjoy a VIP stay
You want to come and go to Thailand as you please while enjoying VIP service and luxury benefits, and convenience is more important to you than the cost.
6. Permanent Residency: Make Thailand your home
You want to truly immigrate to the Kingdom, do not wish your life here to be dependent on a visa and may be interested in citizenship one day.
Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) visa
Most expats are likely familiar with Non-Immigrant O Retirement visas, often referred to simply as Retirement visas. As one of the most popular long-term visas available, they allow any one over the age of 50 to stay in Thailand for as long as they wish through annual visa extensions.
Who is it best for?
If you meet the age requirement, want a relatively easy-to-obtain visa, and price is a key consideration, a retirement visa is a good option. Compared to all visas with the exception of Thailand Privilege, it requires the least paperwork. There is no relationship to establish, health insurance, or police clearances to obtain. The only requirements are your age and a 800,000 THB balance in your Thai bank account. The annual extension process takes a bit of time each year, but is straightforward .
It’s worth noting that retirement visas come with the fewest benefits. You can’t work and there is no path to Permanent Residency. This, however, may not be a bad thing if you’re unsure how long you wish to stay in Thailand. If you end up only being here a few years, you’ve made a smaller financial investment and commitment to the country than with some other visa programs.
Benefits
Out of all the long-term stay options on this list, Retirement visas are bare bones in terms of perks. However, there are two major benefits:
- Stay as Long as You Like: A Retirement visa can be extended annually for as long as you want to reside in the Kingdom.
- Ease of obtaining: Retirement visas come in second place in terms of easiest-to-obtain option with the least amount of paperwork, after the Privilege visa.
Ability to work
Work is not allowed on a Retirement visa.
How long does it last?
Retirement visas are typically extended for one-year periods and there is a five-year option available that requires more paperwork and expense. Both options can be renewed/extended at the end of the visa’s expiration period.
Requirements & degree of difficulty
Retirement visas require a bit of paperwork. While you must have a bank account, proof of funds and accommodation (like an apartment lease), the documents you’ll ultimately need will depend on whether you’re applying from Thailand or a Thai consulate/embassy in another country. Outside of the paperwork, the most notable requirements are listed below:
- Age of 50 or older
- A minimum of 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account for two months or longer prior to your extension. It used to be possible to qualify on the basis of income, but immigration will only accept this if your country’s consulate in Thailand is willing to verify your income. Most countries’ consulates do not, unfortunately.
Note that the five-year Retirement visa has additional requirements, including criminal clearances, a higher minimum Thai bank balance or annual income requirement. Also, only specific nationalities are eligible for the five-year visa.
ค่าใช้จ่าย
The price of a Retirement visa depends on the type of visa and length of stay, as well as which embassy, consulate, and country you’re applying from. Approximate costs are listed below:
- 1-year single-entry visa: 1,900 THB
- 1-year multi-entry visa: 3,800 THB
- 5-year visa: 10,000 THB
Non-Immigrant O Marriage visa
The actual name for this visa is a Non-Immigrant O Dependent visa. While it can be applied for to stay with a spouse, a child, or an adopted child, it’s often granted to foreigners wishing to stay with their Thai spouses, hence the popular name “Marriage visa.”
Who is it best for?
If you are married to a Thai national, maybe interested in working in the Kingdom, or would like to tie up less money than with a Retirement visa, then a Marriage visa is a good option to consider. Just like Retirement visas, you will have ongoing immigration obligations, but the financial and time commitments are manageable.
Benefits
The benefits of a Marriage visa are similar to those of a Retirement visa, as you’ll see below:
- Stay as Long as You Like: Marriage visas can be extended annually for as long as you wish to stay in the Kingdom.
- Ease of obtaining: If you’re married to a Thai national or have a Thai child and can satisfy the financial requirement, Marriage visas are fairly easy to obtain. There’s a bit more paperwork than with a retirement visa, such as establishing your relationship and where you reside with your spouse, but with time filing for your annual extension will become second nature.
Ability to work
Unlike the Retirement visa, you are allowed to work on a Marriage visa. However, just like any other visa, you’re required by law to obtain a work permit from the Department of Labor through the sponsorship of a Thai company that employs you.
How long does it last?
A Marriage visa can be extended for one-year terms.
Requirements & degree of difficulty
While a Marriage visa requires half the Thai bank balance than a Retirement visa (400,000 THB vs. 800,000 THB) the paperwork is a bit more substantial because you’ll need to prove the legitimacy of your relationship. You’ll need photographs of you and your spouse together in your home, your marriage certificate, a hand drawn map to your home, and additional evidence of your relationship. You can find the list of documents you’ll need on our Marriage Visa Services page. Also, as part of the application process, Thai immigration will typically visit your home.
The benefit of a Marriage visa is the financial requirement is half that of the Retirement visa and you can get a work permit. The major requirements for this visa are below:
- A minimum of THB 400,000 in your Thai bank account for two months or longer, or in some circumstances a THB 40,000 monthly income
- Lawfully married to a Thai national (registered foreign or local marriage at a district office)
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The price of a Marriage visa depends on the type of visa and length of stay, as well as which embassy, consulate, and country you’re applying from. Approximate costs are listed below:
- 1-year single-entry visa: 1,900 THB
- 1-year multi-entry visa: 3,800 THB
Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa
Introduced in September 2022, the 10-year Long-Term Resident visa (LTR) offers four categories for qualifying. These categories capture successful retirees over 50, those willing to make a substantial investment in Thailand, “work from anywhere” professionals, and specialized occupations within Thailand. The four categories of LTR visas are as follows:
- เป็นผู้รับบำนาญที่มั่งคั่ง
- เป็นพลเมืองโลกที่มั่งคั่ง
- Work-From-Thailand Professional (remote worker)
- Highly-Skilled Professional
The details below cover the three most popular LTR visas, which include all of the above except High-Skilled Professionals. The latter is a specialty category that only applies to a defined group of individuals who have particular skills or training, or work for a Thai government agency, higher education institution, or a specialized training institution in Thailand.
Who is it best for?
If you are interested in making Thailand your long term home, are interested in bringing family members here as dependents, want tax benefits when you remit money to the Kingdom, or want to work in Thailand, the LTR visa offers one of the most attractive options on this list. Choosing this visa means you also don’t have to deal with nearly as many ongoing immigration obligations.
Benefits
The LTR visa comes with many benefits:
- No 90-day reports or annual visa extensions: Report to immigration once a year (instead of every 90 days), and stay in Thailand for five years before having to extend your visa.
- Tax Exemptions: Certain income remitted to Thailand is excluded from taxation.
- ทำงานในประเทศไทย: You may obtain a work permit with this visa once sponsored by a Thai employer. One additional benefit is that, as an LTR holder, your work permit is exempt from the typical Thai/Foreigner Employee ratio (normally 4:1) which makes you an attractive candidate for employers. With the remote working category, you are able to work from Thailand for your overseas employer.
- Airport Fast Track Service: Gain access to the premium lane at airport immigration and save time.
- Multiple re-entries included: The LTR visa is a multi-entry visa. This means you can fly in and out of Thailand as often as you’d like without having to worry about re-entry permits.
- Bring family: You can bring your dependents under your LTR visa including your spouse, minor children or parents.
How long does it last?
The LTR visa term is 10 years. However, after 5 years you must show that you still qualify for the visa (e.g. you meet the passive income requirements).
Requirements & degree of difficulty
Health insurance or cash reserves is required for all LTR visas. You can meet this qualification with either a minimum of $50,000 in Thai medical coverage, or $100,000 in your bank account for 12 consecutive months prior to submitting your application. Health insurance is a good idea in any event and policies vary widely in terms of coverage and price. You may be surprised at how affordable coverage in Thailand can be. You can get free counseling on this and quotes for your premium prices through our partners at Seek2Insure.
All other LTR visa requirements vary depending on which category you apply for. Below are the major requirements for each type:
Benefits
- Passive Income: At least $80,000 passive income in the 12 month period prior to applying, or $40,000 in passive income and an investment of at least $250,000 in Thai company or property. Passive income includes private and public pensions or social security, dividends, interest and rental income. Essentially, anything other than wages.
Work-From-Thailand Professional
- Income: You earn at least $80,000 a year for two years prior to your application. Alternatively, you can qualify for the visa if your income is between $40,000 and $80,000 for two years and you also have either a minimum of a master’s degree, have received series A funding, or own intellectual property.
- Employment: You’re currently employed by a public company listed on a stock exchange or a private company that’s been in business for a minimum of three years and has realized revenues of at least $50 million during that period.
- Work experience: You have five years minimum experience in your field during the past 10 years.
เป็นพลเมืองโลกที่มั่งคั่ง
- Assets: Your total net worth is at least $1,000,000
- Investment: Invest a minimum of $500,000 in a Thai company, or a Thai property, such as a condo you purchase to reside in or rent to others. Long term leases of at least 10 years, and construction of a residence on that property will also qualify as an investment.
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As long as you meet the qualifications/requirements, this is a cost effective visa program when compared to other options on this list. This is especially true when considering the tax benefits. Regardless of which category of LTR visa you apply for, the government fee is THB 50,000 for the ten-year term and includes reentry rights.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Sometimes called the digital nomad visa, the DTV has been a game changer, especially for those under the age of 50. It’s available for anyone over 20 who wants to enjoy extended stays in Thailand of up to 180 days at a time. With a five year term, and unlimited entries, this visa makes it possible to work remotely from the Kingdom, or do a much deeper dive into Thai culture.
Who is it best for?
If you’re over 20 and want a cost effective long term visa and are comfortable with traveling outside of Thailand every year, the DTV may be the ideal choice especially for those under the age of 50. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to work from Thailand for extended periods this program offers unlimited access to the Kingdom. Remote working can include being employed by a company outside of Thailand, or being self-employed such as a content creator or consultant. You can also qualify for this visa by enrolling in a six month Thai cooking school or Muay Thai academy. This is also a family friendly visa that allows you to include your spouse and minor children.
You do not need to obtain health insurance or show a regular income. You will need to have on deposit 500,000 THB (or local currency equivalent) in a foreign or Thai bank account for at least three statement periods. Presently, DTV visa holders are not able to open a bank account in Thailand, and you will need to exit the country at least every 180 days, so settling in like a local is more difficult than with other visa options.
Benefits
While the 5 year term is excellent, the trade off is that you will need to extend your visa, or leave and reenter the country every 180 days. Extending in country is possible, though most find it is easier to simply exit and re-enter the country for another 180 days. Also, you will not be able to open a bank account with the DTV.
- Open to any age: Many visas in Thailand are available only to those over 50 years of age, but the DTV visa can be obtained by anyone over the age of 20.
- Cost effective: The government fee for the entire 5-year term is just 10,000 THB, and includes reentry rights (typically an annual fee of 3800 THB). If you’re a remote worker there is no other expense. If you’re enrolling in cooking school or a Muay Thai academy, the cost for a compliant six-month program is typically 30,000 THB and there is no ongoing enrollment requirement.
Ability to work
Remote working from Thailand is permitted. This means you can work for an overseas employer or be self employed and earn your revenues outside of Thailand. Any work or revenue generation in Thailand is not permitted.
How long does it last?
The term of the DTV visa is 5-years, and the term begins running once the visa is approved by a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. It allows for stays in Thailand for up to 180 days at a time.
Requirements & degree of difficulty
The DTV visa will require some paperwork, and requirements may vary a bit from Embassy to Embassy. You’ll need to prove you have the required funds in your bank account. For remote workers employed by an overseas company you’ll need an employment contract and letter allowing you to work remotely. If you’re self-employed you’ll need to show your presence in the market (e.g. your website) and the revenue you generate from your business that can be reflected in your tax return. If you’re enrolled in a cultural program, you’ll need proof of enrollment and payment of the tuition. The most notable requirements are:
- A minimum of 500,000 THB in your bank account for three statement periods
- Age 20 or older
- Proper purpose such as remote working, or enrollment in a Thai cooking school or Muay Thai academy
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~10,000 THB for the five year term (price can vary a bit by Embassy) If you’re bringing in a family, then each family member must also pay 10,000 THB for their visas.
วีซ่าพำนักในประเทศไทยด้วยสิทธิพิเศษ
The Thailand Privilege visa is for successful individuals who value convenience, and are willing to pay for the ease of unlocking the simplest pathway to stay in the Kingdom.
Who is it best for?
If you want your stay in Thailand to be as effortless as possible while receiving VIP treatment, luxury benefits, and having few immigration obligations (and budget isn’t a large concern for you), then the Thailand Privilege visa is your best option. This visa also allows you to work remotely from Thailand and open a Thai bank account.
Benefits
While the main benefits of the Thailand Privilege visa are the stay length and lack of immigration duties, the visa comes with many other perks depending on the category and may include:
- Open to any age: Many visas in Thailand are available only to those over 50 years of age, but the Privilege visa can be obtained by anyone over the age of 20.
- Special promotions throughout Thailand: You’ll receive countless promotions and discounts from participating spas, luxury hotels, resorts, shops, and more.
- Complimentary luxuries and services: Some classes of Elite visas offer free rounds of golf, spa treatments, and annual health and dental checkups.
- Government concierge service: Get personal assistance with securing a driver’s license, opening a bank account, business networking, and more.
- Access to 24/7 Elite Member support center: The center can assist you with booking services, questions, and emergencies.
- Come and go as you please: With the Elite visa, you no longer have to worry about re-entry permits, as the visa is multi-entry.
While you still must submit 90-day reports, a Thai Elite staff member can handle them on your behalf if you reside in Bangkok.
Ability to work
Work within Thailand is not allowed on Privilege visa, but remote working for an overseas company or as a consultant with overseas clients is permitted.
How long does it last?
Depending on which category of Elite visa you choose, you can stay in Thailand for 5, 10, 15 or even 20 years.
Requirements & degree of difficulty
A big draw of the Privilege visa is the incredibly easy application process. There are very few requirements, which consist mainly of:
- No overstay record in Thailand
- Payment of entire visa fee upfront once your visa is approved
- If you use a Privileged Authorized Agent to prepare and submit your application there is no fee charged to you for the service
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Luxury benefits and not having to deal with immigration comes at a higher price. There are eight classes of Thailand Privilege visas with various stay lengths and perks. Depending on which one you choose, prices range from THB 650,000 to THB 5,000,000.
สิทธิ์พำนักถาวรในประเทศไทย
Thailand Permanent Residency (PR) allows those who have truly immigrated to the Kingdom to stay here for an unlimited period without a visa. PR also unlocks a pathway to citizenship.
Who is it best for?
If you envision spending most of your life in Thailand and want to be free from the conditions that all visas impose, then Permanent Residency is your best choice. Applying is a formal process involving Immigration and other Thai government agencies. It can be achieved in about 2 years after your application is submitted, which is roughly the amount of time it takes to be approved for permanent residency in the US as a spouse of a US citizen. Permanent Residency can also be an important step on your path to becoming a Thai citizen.
Benefits
While obtaining Permanent Residency is challenging, it comes with many benefits:
- Eliminate immigration hassles forever: No longer bother with 90-day reports, annual extensions, or the conditions visas impose on your stay such as your employment status. And you’ll enter the country as a Thai national, which means shorter lines at the airport.
- Freedom to make choices: As your life in Thailand won’t be attached to visa status through marriage or a job, you’ll have more freedom and options. You can change your career, start a business, or even take a sabbatical without impacting your immigration status.
- Thai Tabian Baan (Residency Book): Dealing with banks, borders, driver’s licenses, and officialdom becomes much easier with a blue residency book or Tabian Baan , which you can get with PR status.
- Protect the life you’ve built in Thailand: A continual source of worry for expats or their expat spouses is that a change in your personal circumstances that qualified you for a visa (e.g., loss of a job) could force you to suddenly leave the country and uproot your life. With PR, these worries will disappear, as your stay and your family’s stay isn’t attached to a visa.
Ability to work
Work is allowed, but you’ll still need to obtain a work permit like you would with the visa options on this list.
How long does it last?
One of the best things about Permanent Residency is that it never expires. You can stay in Thailand forever, with no more visa runs, 90-day reports, or annual extensions. However, losing your Permanent Residency status is possible if you leave Thailand for more than a year or don’t get a reentry permit before traveling abroad.
Requirements & degree of difficulty
While Thai Permanent Residency is one of the more difficult to obtain long-term stay options, it’s something you can accomplish with diligence and patience. Similar to applying for a Thai visa, there’s a checklist of documents to complete. And you will need to have basic proficiency in conversational Thai. Some of the requirements will depend on which category of Permanent Residency you apply for. There are four altogether:
- Business
- Family
- Investment
- Expert
The family category is the most favored by Immigration as you will get credit for supporting a Thai family. The basic minimum requirements for all categories include:
- Three consecutive years on your current visa without any breaks
- Paying Thai taxes on an 80,000 – 100,000 THB monthly salary to qualify for the business category or 30,000 THB salary for you or your Thai spouse for the family category
- The ability to carry a basic conversation in Thai for 10–15 minutes (as part of your interview)
Paperwork
Permanent Residency requires a lot of documentation, which will need to be signed, certified, stamped, etc. Note that multiple immigration officers tend to review a single PR application, looking for mistakes and missing information. Being turned away at immigration to return home and fix inaccuracies is not uncommon. For this reason, we recommend you apply early in the application window. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to correct any issues the officers may find.
Below is a list of some of the documents you’ll need:
- Criminal background check from your home country
- Medical certificate that proves you’re healthy
- Copies of your work permit
- Proof of personal income tax return for three years prior
- Proof of your education level. Degrees and certificates received from education institutes outside of Thailand must be certified by the relevant authority in the country that granted them
- Letter confirming employment that must include your position, length of employment, and salary
- Certified documents from the Department of Labor and the Revenue Department covering you and your company’s employment and tax payments
- Photographs of your residence, workplace, and colleagues
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The cost of Permanent Residency depends on whether you’re married to a Thai national. The price is 96,000 THB for those who are, and 191,400 THB for applicants applying under the economic/ business category. Note that these government fees are only paid if your application is approved. Regardless of your marriage status, you will also have to pay a nonrefundable application fee of 7,600 THB, which brings the total cost to either 103,300 THB (married applicants) or 199,000 THB (single applicants).