Visa Matters in Thailand

Phuket offers everything and more for a comfortable life with an excellent balance of service quality and cost for goods and services. Therefore, many foreigners naturally ask: how can one stay to live in the Land of Smiles for a year, 5, or 20 years?

Certainly, a tourist stamp or tourist visa have time limitations of up to 90 days (60+30 days). Therefore, this option often doesn’t suit those who wish to stay longer.

Thailand’s visa policy is not overly complex but can be somewhat confusing. There is a considerable variety of visas for anyone visiting or residing in the Kingdom.

What Visas Are Suitable for Long-Term Stay?

1. Thailand Elite Visa (Thailand Privilege)

• Duration: Reside in the Kingdom from 5 to 20 years.
• Key Features: Straightforward application process with no need to personally submit the 90-day address notification to immigration. No requirement to show proof of funds or bank statements. Documents required: passport, photograph, and application form. Processing takes up to 3 months with a background check.
• Cost: Starts from 600,000 THB (from 400,000 THB per person for family applications). A popular option is the 20-year visa costing 1,000,000 THB (~$27,800), which amounts to just 50,000 THB (~$1,400) per year. Paid in full upon approval.
• Additional Privileges: Simplified immigration clearance, airport transfers, spa discounts, and more.

2. Student Visa (ED Visa)

• Suitable For: Those studying at a Thai university or attending language courses (Thai, French, Chinese, etc.).
• Duration: Issued for up to 1 year with options for extension. An excellent way to adapt during the first few years while developing language skills.
• Process: The educational institution typically assists with paperwork. Cost varies depending on the course and school.

3. Dependent / Guardian Visa

• Issued To: Family members of a foreigner studying or working in the Kingdom.
• Duration: Up to 1 year. If your child attends school or kindergarten in Thailand, you can obtain a guardian visa. Note: Only one parent can obtain this visa per child.

4. Business Visa (Non-B Visa) & Work Permit

View the full property catalog →

• Purpose: For those intending to conduct business or work in Thailand. It is a long-term visa allowing continuous stay.
• Ownership Usage: Preferred by investors buying property under a Thai company structure to register land ownership.
• Approximate Company Setup & Maintenance Costs:
  • Company Registration: from 50,000 THB
  • Accounting / Annual Statements: from 15,000 THB/year
  • Business Visa Processing: approx. 100,000 THB
• Requirements: Must be renewed annually, with mandatory 90-day reporting to the Immigration Office.

5. Retirement Visa (Non-OA / Non-O Visa)

• Eligibility: Available for applicants aged 50 or above.
• Financial Requirements:
  1. Bank statement showing a minimum balance of 800,000 THB (~$22,500), OR
  2. Monthly income of at least 65,000 THB (~$1,800), OR
  3. A combination of savings and annual income totaling at least 800,000 THB.

Thailand offers dozens of visa pathways tailored to individual circumstances. Contact our team to help select the best visa option for your move.