Thailand Visa Services

Thailand offers a variety of long-term visa options to accommodate different needs—whether you’re working, retiring, studying, or relocating with family. Each visa type comes with distinct eligibility criteria and permitted activities. Below is an overview of the most common long-term visas available in Thailand.

To apply for a Non-Immigrant B Visa in Thailand, you must have a confirmed job offer from a Thai-registered company or intend to conduct lawful business activities. The sponsoring company must meet certain conditions, such as being legally registered and often employing a minimum number of Thai staff. Typically, a registered capital of at least 2 million THB is expected. Required documents include a valid passport, company registration papers, a letter of employment or business invitation, and the visa application form. Applicants must also prove the legitimacy of their business intentions.

Once approved, the Non-Immigrant B Visa generally allows an initial stay of 90 days, extendable to one year with proper documentation. To remain compliant, visa holders must apply for a Thai work permit and stay current with tax filings. Annual extensions are possible, provided the company and employee meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Maintaining employment with the sponsoring company is essential. Any changes in employment or business activity must be reported to immigration authorities. For more information, refer to Thai Immigration Bureau.

Foreigners aged 50 and above may retire in Thailand through either the Non-Immigrant O Visa or the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial stability, such as maintaining at least 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account or earning a monthly income of at least 65,000 THB. The O-A Visa, applied for from abroad, requires a criminal background check and comprehensive health insurance. In contrast, the O Visa is often obtained from within Thailand and has slightly less stringent requirements. Both visas are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Holders are not permitted to work while staying in Thailand. These visas offer a legal path for long-term residence with relatively straightforward conditions.

Retirees on either visa must follow specific compliance procedures to maintain legal residency. One key obligation is the 90-day report, requiring visa holders to inform Thai immigration of their current address every three months. Missing a report can result in penalties and complications with future renewals. When renewing the visa each year, applicants must again meet financial and insurance criteria. Consistent proof of funds and proper documentation are essential to ensure approval. Additional health checks may be required, depending on the visa type. These obligations help ensure that retirees remain in good legal standing.

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a government initiative launched to attract high-potential foreigners to live and work in Thailand. The program targets wealthy individuals, skilled professionals, remote workers, and retirees, offering them long-term residence and tax benefits. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria based on their category. Below is a summary of the main features and eligibility requirements.

To obtain an Education Visa (ED Visa) in Thailand, applicants must first gain admission to a certified Thai institution, such as a university, language center, or vocational training school. The institution must issue an official acceptance letter and confirm the legitimacy of the study program. These documents, along with a completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, passport copy, and proof of financial means, are submitted to a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. The ED Visa is typically issued for an initial 90-day stay. Once in Thailand, holders may extend the visa periodically depending on their course length. Approval is not automatic and may involve interviews or extra documentation. Timely submission and completeness are essential for successful processing.

ED Visa holders must comply with strict immigration regulations throughout their stay. Visa extensions are generally granted every 90 days and require updated proof of enrollment and attendance. Language school students are particularly subject to checks, as authorities closely monitor attendance to prevent visa misuse. Students must maintain active participation and academic progress, or risk having their visa revoked. Additionally, all visa holders must file a 90-day report with Thai immigration to confirm their address. Renewal procedures can differ slightly depending on the type of institution and location. For more information, refer to Thai Immigration Bureau.

Family members of Thai citizens or foreign residents can apply for the Non-Immigrant O Visa on the basis of family ties. Eligible applicants include spouses, children, and sometimes parents of the sponsoring individual. Spouses of Thai nationals commonly use the Thai Marriage Visa, which allows for long-term stay and annual renewals. For dependents of foreign employees working in Thailand, a dependent visa can be obtained through the sponsor’s employment status. Applicants must submit key documents such as marriage or birth certificates, passport copies, and evidence of financial support. These visas support family unity while complying with Thai immigration laws. Applicants should also provide proof of residence in Thailand.

While family visas offer residency benefits, holders are generally not permitted to work unless they apply separately for a valid work permit and appropriate visa. Dependents must follow Thailand’s immigration procedures, including the mandatory 90-day reporting to immigration authorities. Annual extensions are possible if the relationship remains valid and the financial conditions are met. Supporting documentation may be reviewed during each renewal to confirm eligibility. For spouses of Thai nationals, proof of ongoing cohabitation and financial capacity is essential. Any violation of visa terms may lead to complications during renewals.

The Thai Marriage Visa is designed for foreigners who are legally married to a Thai citizen. It allows eligible applicants to reside in Thailand long-term, provided they meet specific financial and documentation requirements. Below is a summary of the key information:

Visa extensions or renewals in Thailand must be completed at a local Immigration Office before the current visa expires. The process requires key documents, including your passport, existing visa, TM.6 departure card, TM.7 application form, passport-sized photos, and supporting financial statements. The specific requirements depend on the visa type. For tourist visas, extensions are generally granted for 30 days. In contrast, long-term visa holders—such as those on business, retirement, or family visas may apply for renewals of up to 12 months. It’s recommended to check the eligibility criteria beforehand to avoid delays. Preparing documents in advance ensures a smoother application process.

Applicants holding employment visas must also submit a valid work permit and recent tax documentation as part of the renewal process. Authorities may request updated proof of financial stability or relationship status, particularly for retirement or dependent visas. All visa holders must apply before their current visa expires, as Thailand enforces strict penalties for overstays. Overstaying even a single day can lead to daily fines, possible blacklisting, or deportation. Renewing your visa on time is essential for maintaining lawful status in the country.

In certain situations, tourists in Thailand may be eligible to convert their short-term visa into a long-term visa without leaving the country. Common conversions include switching to a Non-Immigrant O Visa (for those with Thai family), an ED Visa (for study purposes), or a Non-Immigrant B Visa (for business or work under special conditions). To begin the process, applicants must visit a local immigration office and provide the necessary supporting documents, such as proof of relationship, school admission, or job offer. The conversion is subject to the discretion of immigration officers, and strict documentation is required. Some conversions may also involve paying visa fees and additional administrative charges. It’s important to verify eligibility in advance to avoid complications.

Although the conversion process can be completed inside Thailand, approvals are not guaranteed. Immigration officers assess each application individually and may require applicants to leave the country to apply from a Thai consulate abroad, particularly for visas with stricter conditions. For example, converting to a Non-Immigrant B Visa may demand company registration documents and a formal work permit process. Failure to meet specific requirements could lead to visa rejection or overstay penalties. For smoother processing, consulting a licensed immigration agent or lawyer is highly recommended.

In conclusion, moving to Thailand requires choosing the right long-term visa based on your purpose of stay whether for work, retirement, education, or family. Each visa type has specific eligibility requirements, and meeting these is crucial for legal compliance. Overstaying or misusing a visa can result in severe penalties, including deportation. It’s essential to plan ahead, gather accurate documentation, and stay informed about immigration procedures. Thailand offers attractive visa programs like the LTR Visa, making it easier for professionals and retirees to settle long-term. Regular 90-day reporting and timely renewals are key to maintaining your status. If you’re unsure, consulting immigration professionals can save time and avoid legal issues. At Themis Partner, we guide you every step of the way. Reach out to secure your future in Thailand with peace of mind.