There are a number of Thailand Visa options when visiting Thailand. These range from a tourist visa, marriage visa or a retirement visa. These are the options available.
Depending on what you wish to do in Chiang Mai or Thailand for that matter will tell you which visa to obtain for your visit to Thailand. If you are lloking at staying in Thailand for the purposes of tourism then a tourist visa for Thailand would be the best visa. This visa allows you to stay in Chiang Mai or anywhere in Thailand for 60 days once you enter Thailand. This visa does not allow you to work in Thailand and can before it expires in 60 days time be extended at Thai Immigration for another 30 days at a cost of 1,900 Baht. Most Thai Embassies will only give you a single or double entry visa which allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 6 months once the 2nd leg of the visa has been activated.
If you’re planning to stay in Thailand long-term, there are many visa options available. Some are familiar, like the Elite visa, while others are more unexpected, such as the digital nomad visa.
Choosing the right visa can be a confusing task. There are many different benefits and requirements, so you need to do your research to decide which is best for you. Here’s a guide to the six main ways you can live in Thailand for long periods of time, broken down by key decision factors.
Thai Elite
The Elite visa is a popular option for expats looking to invest in Thailand and work here for a significant amount of time. These visas offer a wide variety of perks and benefits, including:
- Long-term stay in Thailand: The Thai Elite Visa allows members to stay in Thailand for up to 20 years without having to apply for a new visa.
- Visa-free entry: Members of the Thai Elite Visa program do not need to apply for a visa to enter Thailand. They can simply use their Elite Card to enter the country.
- Personal assistance: Members of the Thai Elite Visa program are assigned a personal assistant who can help them with everything from arranging transportation to providing translation services.
- Concierge services: Members of the Thai Elite Visa program can enjoy a range of concierge services, including access to exclusive events, VIP airport services, and more.
- Special discounts: Members of the Thai Elite Visa program can enjoy special discounts on a range of services and products, including golf courses, spas, restaurants, and more.
- Investment opportunities: Members of the Thai Elite Visa program can also access a range of investment opportunities in Thailand, including real estate, stocks, and bonds.
Retirement Visa
This visa is a great choice for people who are over 50 years old or who are planning to retire in Thailand. It allows you to stay in the country for up to one year and provides a range of perks, such as:
- Long-term stay for an initial period of one year. This can be extended for an additional year at a time, as long as you continue to meet the visa requirements.
- Multiple entries and exits, which means you can leave and re-enter Thailand as many times as you like during the visa period.
- No need to leave the country every few months to renew your visa.
- Eligibility for work permit if you wish to work in Thailand.
- Eligibility for opening a bank account
- You will be required to have health insurance coverage with a minimum of 40,000 baht per outpatient and 400,000 baht per inpatient. This means you’ll have access to healthcare services in Thailand.
LTR Visa
The LTR visa is a great choice for those looking to go to school in Thailand. Students will need to provide official documents to prove that they have the funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses during their stay. This visa also allows you to bring up to four family members to the country, though they won’t be allowed to work in Thailand.
Non-Immigrant B Visas
The most common visa for foreigners who want to travel to Thailand is the non-immigrant B visa. These visas are issued by the embassy or consulate in your home country and allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
Those who want to stay in Thailand longer and make it their permanent residence can opt for a Thailand Permanent Residency visa, which gives you the ability to stay for an unlimited period of time without needing to obtain a new visa every time you enter the country. It’s the ultimate path to living in Thailand and becoming a Thai citizen, but it can be more complicated than other visa options because there are so many requirements to meet.
To get this visa, you must have a valid passport and proof of income to support yourself while in Thailand. The document must be in the correct language and should have been notarized by your country’s embassy or consulate.
You may also need a letter from your university or school that confirms your studies and shows that you have the funds to cover your tuition costs and living expenses while in Thailand. This document will be required before and after you apply for this visa, so you must ensure that it meets these requirements.
Non-Immigrant A Tourist Visas
The Non-Immigrant A Tourist Visa is a great option for tourists who plan to stay in Thailand for up to six months. This visa can be extended within Thailand for another 30 days at immigration for a cost of 1,900 THB.