Our guide on how to get a visa residency in Thailand if you are planning to move in and visitng Thailand.
Obtaining a visa for long-term residency in Thailand involves selecting the appropriate visa category based on your purpose of stay, meeting specific eligibility criteria, and following the application procedures.
Navigating Thailand’s visa residency process requires careful preparation and adherence to specific requirements. Consult the official Thai e-Visa website or contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.
Read here Thai breakfast and things to know before visiting Thailand
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How To Get A Visa Residency in Thailand
1. Identify the Appropriate Visa Category
Thailand offers several visa options for long-term residency:
Non-Immigrant Visa: Suitable for purposes such as business, employment, education, or retirement.
Common categories include:
Non-Immigrant “B” Visa: For business or employment purposes.
Non-Immigrant “ED” Visa: For educational purposes.
Non-Immigrant “O” Visa: For retirement, family reunification, or volunteering.
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: Introduced to attract high-potential foreigners, offering a 10-year renewable residency for eligible applicants. Categories include:
Wealthy Global Citizens
Wealthy Pensioners
Work-from-Thailand Professionals
Highly Skilled Professionals
2. Understand Eligibility Criteria
Each visa category has specific requirements:
Non-Immigrant Visas:
Non-Immigrant “B” Visa: Requires a job offer from a Thai employer and relevant qualifications.
Non-Immigrant “ED” Visa: Requires enrollment in a recognized Thai educational institution.
Non-Immigrant “O” Visa: For retirees, applicants must be 50 years or older with financial proof (e.g., a monthly income of at least 65,000 THB or a bank account balance of 800,000 THB).
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa:
Wealthy Global Citizens: Minimum assets of USD 1 million and personal income of at least USD 80,000 per year.
Wealthy Pensioners: Aged 50 or above, with a stable pension income of at least USD 80,000 per year.
Work-from-Thailand Professionals: Employment with well-established overseas companies, earning at least USD 80,000 annually.
Highly Skilled Professionals: Experts in targeted industries with relevant work experience and income criteria.
3. Prepare Required Documentation
Common documents across visa categories include:
Completed visa application form.
Valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
Proof of purpose (e.g., employment contract, enrollment letter).
Financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds.
Health insurance coverage, if applicable.
Criminal background check from your home country.
4. Application Process
Non-Immigrant Visas:
Apply at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.
Submit the required documents and pay the applicable fees.
Processing times vary; consult the specific embassy for details.
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa:
Submit an online application through the Thailand Board of Investment’s LTR portal.
Upon approval, obtain the visa from a Thai embassy or consulate, or at the One Stop Service Center in Bangkok.
The processing fee is 50,000 THB for the 10-year visa.
5. Post-Arrival Requirements
Report your address to immigration authorities every 90 days.
For Non-Immigrant Visa holders: Apply for a work permit if engaging in employment.
For LTR Visa holders: Apply for a digital work permit if working in Thailand.
6. Additional Considerations
Health Insurance: Certain visa categories, especially for retirees, require health insurance with specific coverage amounts.
Financial Evidence: Ensure all financial documents are current and meet the specified thresholds.
Legal Compliance: Adhere to Thai laws and visa conditions to avoid penalties or visa revocation.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.