There are many reasons why your might choose to make Thailand your adopted home—to study abroad, work remotely from the beach, retire in style, or even personal reasons like being closer to family. The tropical climate, low cost of living, and welcoming locals are additional strong factors attracting expats.

Whatever your reason for relocating to the Thailand, it can be quite confusing and frustrating to navigate the bureaucracy of visa requirements without some assistance. That’s why Shelter has created this guide – to share all the essential information about the various types of Thai visas in 2022 (including the newly-introduced Long-Term Residence Visa) as well as the requirements to apply.

Tourist Visa

The most common visa type, Tourist Visas are issued to travelers who intend to stay in Thailand for 60 days or less. With a tourist visa, you are prohibited from conducting work, business, or any form of employment, so it is not a long-term solution.

The tourist visa can be obtained at the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or upon arrival in Thailand.

Duration

If you apply for a single-entry tourist visa, you can stay in Thailand for 90 days. Entering with a single-entry tourist visa, you will be given an initial stay of 60 days which you can extend for another 30 days.

A multiple-entry tourist visa, on the other hand, allows you to stay for more than 90 days and remains valid for six months. With a multiple-entry tourist visa, you can exit and re-enter Thailand as many times as you like during the six-month validity.

Tourist Visa Exemption

Tourists from 62 countries are currently allowed to enter Thailand without a visa, when entering through an international airport or a land border checkpoint from neighboring countries.

Requirements

The common required documents you will need for applying for the tourist visa include:

• Passport with a validity of not less than six months
• Visa application form completely filled out and signed
• Recent photograph (4×6 cm) of the applicant
• Evidence of travel in and out of Thailand (air ticket receipt paid in full)
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family)
• Visa fee paid in full
• Evidence of accommodation booking

Special Tourist Visa

The special tourist visa is a visa issued to tourists who would like to travel to Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand introduced the special tourist visa as an economic measure to restore the local tourism industry that has been affected by Covid-19. Tourists can apply for this visa until 30 September 2022.

Duration

Tourists who enter Thailand with a special tourist visa are allowed to stay in Thailand for 90 days.

An extension of stay can be requested twice at the Immigration Bureau for a maximum of 90 days per extension.

Qualifications

Foreigners who are applying for a special tourist visa must meet the following qualifications:

• From a low-risk country according, to the Public Health Ministry regulations
• Provide evidence of accommodation during the stay

Requirements

The following documents are required when applying for the special tourist visa:

• Passport with a validity of more than 12 months from the date of entering Thailand
• Photograph of applicant (4.5×3.5 cm)
• Thai medical insurance covering hospitalisation and accidents for the period of stay in Thailand with coverage for outpatient treatment of no less than THB 40,000 and inpatient treatment of no less than THB 400,000
• Medical certificate showing no prohibitive diseases according to the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (2535), which include leprosy, tuberculosis, elephantiasis, drug addiction or third stage syphilis

Business Visa

The “Non-immigrant B” visa, also simply called a “business visa”, is for foreign entrepreneurs and workers in Thailand.

There are two categories of business visa:

1. Non-immigrant B visa (conducting business): Issued to foreigners who wish to set up or conduct business in Thailand.
2. Non-immigrant B visa (employment): Issued to foreigners who intend to work in Thailand.

Foreigners can apply for either a single-entry visa (90 days non-immigrant visa) or a multiple-entry visa (one-year non-immigrant visa).

The single-entry visa is issued by the Thai embassy or consulate aboard or in your home country and allows an initial stay of 90 days.

The visa must be used within 90 days from the issuance date, and it grants the holder a 90-day stay inside Thailand. Once the visa has expired, it can be extended for an additional seven days.

Holders of the temporary 90-day non-immigrant visa usually use the visa to enter Thailand, apply for a work permit, and once the validity of the visa has run out, they can convert it into a long-term solution.

Requirements

The general requirements for the business visa include:

• A passport with at least six months validity from the date of your planned arrival in Thailand
• An invitation or confirmation letter to clarify the purpose of travel issued by the concerned organization
• Additional supporting documents as requested by the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate
• Proof of financial funds and travel itinerary
• Embassy fee

Employers of Record

Alternatively, if you already own a digital business registered outside Thailand, it is possible to partner with an employer of record (EOR) to handle your visa, work permit, and general employment in Thailand on your behalf.

The EOR sponsors your business visa and work permit, pays your taxes in Thailand, and processes your monthly payroll as your local employer.

Through a global structure, EORs are able to hire you as a real employee of their Thai subsidiary company while also taking on your company as a client, allowing you to assign projects to yourself through the EOR as an intermediary.

Learn more about employer of record services in this article.

Long-Term Residence Visa

For those who’d like a 10-year visa for Thailand, the good news is that the country has recently opened applications for its new long-term visa on September 1st, 2022.

The long-term residence visa (LTR) is targeted at wealthy foreigners and pensioners, highly-skilled professionals, and work-from-Thailand individuals (and their spouses and children). It provides a number of tax and non-tax benefits, including fast-track service at all international airports in Thailand, multiple re-entry permits, 17% personal income tax for highly skilled professionals, and more.

To apply for the visa, you’ll need to submit your applications and documents online with the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), who will consider and approve your application. Once approved by BOI, you can then apply for the long-term visa with your nearest Thai embassy. Documents needed will depend on the category of foreigner you’re in. Find out more about eligibility requirements and documents by checking out this Pacific Prime Thailand article on long-term visas.  

Duration

Permission will be granted to stay in Thailand for five years, which can be extended for an additional 5 years if the qualifications are met.

Requirements

LTR visas will be offered to four categories of individuals: Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly-Skilled Professionals. Spouses and dependents of LTR visa holders will also qualify for the same visas.

Wealthy Global Citizens

• At least USD 1 million in assets
• Personal income of a minimum of USD 80,000/ year in the past two years
• Investment of at least USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property
• Health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage or social security benefits insuring treatment in Thailand or at least USD 100,000 deposit

Wealthy Pensioners

• Personal income of at least USD 80,000/year at the time of application
• In case of personal income below USD 80,000/year but no less than USD 40,000/year, applicants must invest at least USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property
• Health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage or social security benefits insuring treatment in Thailand or at least USD 100,000 deposit

Work-From-Thailand Professionals

• Personal income of a minimum of USD 80,000 / year in the past two years
• In case of personal income below USD 80,000/year but no less than USD 40,000/year in the past two years, applicants must have a Master’s degree or above or own intellectual property or receive Series A funding
• Public company on a stock exchange or; Private company in operation for at least three years with combined revenue at least USD 150 million in the last three years
• At least 5 years of work experience in the relevant fields of the current employment over the past 10 years
• Health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage or social security benefits insuring treatment in Thailand or at least USD 100,000 deposit

Highly-Skilled Professionals

• Personal income of a minimum of USD 80,000 / year in the past two years
• In case of personal income below USD 80,000/year but no less than USD 40,000/year in the past two years or before retirement, applicants must have a Master’s degree or above in science and technology or special expertise relevant to the job assignment in Thailand
• No minimum personal income for professionals working for Thai government agencies
• Business in any targeted industries
• Higher education institution, research institution, specialized training institution, or Thai government agency
• At least 5 years of work experience in the targeted industries except for applicants with a PhD or above in the relevant fields of the targeted industries or applicants working for Thai government agencies
• Health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage or social security benefits insuring treatment in Thailand or at least USD 100,000 deposit

Elite Visa

Since it first debuted in 2003, the Thai Elite Visa has become a popular option for those wishing to stay long-term in Thailand without having to deal with its bureaucratic immigration system.

Since the Elite Visa technically falls under the “special tourist visa” category, you are prohibited from conducting work, business, or any form of employment while in Thailand.

The Elite Visa was originally proposed as a “pay-to-stay” alternative by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in a bid to bring high-end visitors to Thailand. Thus it includes a long list of “elite” privileges such as access to airport lounges and airport pick-up services, golf club memberships, and discounts on various high-end, tourist-oriented services in Thailand.

Duration

While the membership itself is quite pricey, the Elite Visa does allow you to stay from 5 to 20 years in Thailand depending on the program you choose.

Requirements

• No history of overstaying in Thailand
• No history of bankruptcy
• No criminal history or record of having been declared incompetent or a person of unsound mind

Education Visa

The education visa or the non-immigrant ED visa is issued to students who wish to enter Thailand for a full-time education course, internship or other training programs. With an education visa, you are prohibited from conducting work, business, or any form of employment while in Thailand.

The student visa can be applied at the Thai Embassy or consulate aboard or in your home country.

If you are already in Thailand with a non-immigrant O visa, a tourist visa or any other type of visa, you can convert the visa to a student visa at the Immigration Office.

Duration

The student visa is valid for 90 days. Before the first 90 days expire, you can extend it at the Immigration Bureau for one year. All non-immigrant visas holders are subject to the 90-day reporting at the Immigration Office.

Requirements

The requirements for an education visa include:

• Passport with a validity of not less than six months
• Visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• Letter of acceptance from school or academic institution
• Evidence of enrolment
• Course description
• School registration documents
• For the purpose of attending a seminar, training session or internship, you will need a recommendation letter from the organization

Marriage Visa

The non-immigrant O visa or the marriage visa is a long-term visa issued to foreign nationals married to a Thai national.

Duration

You will first need to obtain a 90-day non-immigrant O visa at the Thai Embassy or consulate outside Thailand. Once you have received the non-immigrant visa, you will need to travel to Thailand to activate the non-immigrant O visa.

Within 90-days of entering Thailand, the visa holder can apply for a one-year extension. Before the extension ends, you can apply to extend it for another year. When you have lived in Thailand for three years, you can apply for a Thai permanent residency.

Requirements

Requirements to meet when applying for the marriage visa are:

Passport with a validity of not less than six months

• Visa application
• Passport-sized photo
• Copy of your Thai marriage certificate
• Copy of your Thai wife’s identification card
• Copy of your Thai wife’s Tabien Baan
• Three-month bank statement with funds not less than THB 400,000 or a copy of your income statement showing THB 40,000 per month

In the case of a Thai husband, the foreign wife is not required to show a monthly income. However, the Thai husband must provide proof of paying Thai personal income tax.

Retirement Visa

The retirement visa is issued to foreign nationals aged 50 or above who intend to retire in Thailand. However, you cannot work in Thailand on a retirement visa.

The retirement visa can be applied for in Thailand or at the Thai Embassy or consulate outside Thailand.

There are two types of retirement visas that can be issued to foreign nationals:

• One-year retirement visa (non-immigrant O-A)
• Five-year retirement visa (non-immigrant O-X)

Duration

The O-A visa allows you to stay in Thailand for one year, and can be renewed every year.

The O-X visa allows a stay of five years, and can be renewed for a maximum of 10 years.

Qualifications

To apply for the retirement visa, you will need the following qualifications:

• Must be 50 years old or older
• Must not have the following diseases:
  • Leprosy
  • Tuberculosis
  • Elephantiasis
  • Drug addiction
  • Third stage syphilis
• Does not have a criminal record in Thailand or your home country
• O-A visa applicants:
  • Meet any of the financial requirements:
    • Deposit of THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account for two months before the visa application
    • Monthly income or pension of THB 65,000
    • Have a combination of annual income, pension or deposit of at least THB 800,000
  • O-X visa applicants:
    • Must be from one of the following countries:
      • Australia
      • Canada
      • Denmark
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Japan
      • Netherlands
      • Norway
      • Sweden
      • Switzerland
      • United Kingdom
      • United States
    • Meet any of the financial requirements:
      • Deposit of at least THB 3 million
      • Annual income of THB 1.2 million

Requirements

The following documents are needed for the retirement visa application:

• Passport with a validity of at least six months and 18 months in case of application for a one-year valid visa
• Visa application form
• Passport-sized photo
• Proof that you meet the financial requirements
• Health certificate issued within the last three months

SMART Visa

The SMART visa is a new type of visa that aims to attract highly skilled manpower, investors, executives, and startup entrepreneurs who want to work or invest in Thailand’s targeted industries.

SMART visa holders are given a maximum stay of four years, work permit exemption, and additional privileges.

The targeted industries in Thailand are:

• Affluent, medical and wellness tourism
• Agriculture and robotics
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Automation and robotics
• Aviation and logistics
• Biofuels and biochemicals
• Digital
• Environmental management and renewable energy
• Food for the future
• Human resource development in science and technology
• Medical hub
• Next-generation automotive
• Smart electronics

Altogether, including dependents, there are five types of SMART visa:

• SMART “T” (Talent) – highly skilled professionals
• SMART “I” (Investor) – investors in technology-based business
• SMART “E” (Executive) – senior executives in technology-based companies
• SMART “S” (Startup entrepreneur) – technology-based startup entrepreneurs
• SMART “O” (Spouse and legitimate children of SMART visa holders)

Qualifications

SMART “T” (Talent)

General:

• A minimum income of THB 50,000 for startup employees or retired experts or THB 100,000 for general cases
• A contract term of at least one year
• Having expertise in science and technology

Experts working in government agencies/higher education institutions/specialized training institutions/Alternative Dispute Resolution:

• No minimum contract term
• No minimum income
• Guaranteed by the employer

SMART “I” (Investor)

• Direct investment or through a venture capital company of at least THB 20 million, or direct investment in startups of at least THB 5 million
• Be certified by relevant agencies

SMART “E” (Executive)

• Minimum income of THB 200,000 per month
• Have a bachelor’s degree or above with at least 10 years of work experience
• Contract term of at least one year

SMART “S” (Startup)

Two-year visa:

• Holding a minimum of 25% of the company’s registered capital or a position of the company director
• Deposit a minimum of THB 600,000 in a bank account in Thailand
• Have health insurance covering the period of stay in Thailand

One-year visa:

• Attend an incubation or accelerator program
• Deposit a minimum of THB 600,000 in a bank account in Thailand
• Have health insurance covering the period of stay in Thailand

Six-month visa:

• Startup business plan or engaged in startup business activity, such as startup camp
• Have health insurance covering the period of stay in Thailand

Permanent Residence Visa

Among the various Thailand residency options available for foreigners in Thailand, Permanent Residency (PR) is as good as it gets—ranking second only to Thai Citizenship in terms of the security it affords you as an expat in Thailand.

There are several categories under which you can apply for PR, such as Employment and Investment, requiring at least several years’ gainful employment (and thus tax revenue) in the Thai system.

Depending on the provider, it is possible to pursue Permanent Residence in Thailand through an employer of record (see “Employer of Record” above).

Duration

Once you get PR, you have it for life.

Requirements

• You need to have held a Work Permit and Non-Immigrant Visas for at least 3 consecutive years, at the date of application. 
• You need to have worked for your current company for at least 1 year, at the date of application.
• You need to have earned at least 80,000 THB monthly for the last 2 years (or have filed tax returns for at least 100,000 THB for the last 2 years) at the date of application. OR If married to a Thai spouse, you need to have earned 30,000 THB for the last 2 years, at the date of application, and be able to show tax returns and annual extensions of stay.

Benefits

• You don’t need to apply for annual extensions of stay anymore.
• You are not required to report every 90 days to the Immigration Bureau as are other foreign residents in Thailand.
• You can buy a condominium without having to transfer funds from abroad. Without PR, you must bring the total amount of funds into Thailand.
• You can borrow from Thai or Foreign Banks more easily, and can purchase property and vehicles in your own name.
• You can be a director of a public limited company, even if the majority of other directors on the Board are non-Thai.
• It is easier to obtain a work permit. When a Permanent Resident’s application is submitted to the Labour Department, it is automatically extended for another 12 months.
• You can use the same counter as Thais at airport immigration passport control when arriving or departing from Thailand.
• You can register a Household Registration Book, providing you with many of the same rights as Thai nationals.
• You can act as guarantor for another person, including Thai nationals.
• You can apply for Thai citizenship.

To learn more about relocating to Thailand as a digital professional, download the free Shelter ebook below!