Thailand (TH)

Thailand is one of the world’s largest expat hubs, combining Bangkok’s regional business ecosystem, Chiang Mai’s remote-worker scene, Phuket and Pattaya’s retirement and tourism communities, and strong international schools and hospitals.

Capital: Bangkok

Region: Asia

Language: Thai

Currency: THB (฿)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)

Emergency: 191

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Thailand.

Visa-Free Access

Thailand grants visa-exempt entry to many nationalities, commonly 60 days with possible extension, but this is for tourism/business visits, not local work. All foreign arrivals must use the Thailand Digital Arrival Card system from 2025 onward unless exempt.

Thailand immigration is document-heavy and office-specific. Confirm rules with the Thai e-Visa site, Immigration Bureau, BOI/LTR office, employer, and the exact local immigration office before relying on a route.

Non-Immigrant B Visa

Non-B

Consular and extension fees vary; work permit and employer costs separate

Duration: Often 90 days entry then extended with work permit; one-year extensions common when requirements met

Eligibility

Foreigners employed by or doing business with a Thai entity.

Processing time

Several days at consulate; extension/work permit can take weeks

Requirements

✓Passport
✓Employer documents
✓Invitation/approval letter
✓Company registration and tax documents
✓Employment contract
✓Qualifications where required

💡 Do not start work until the work permit and correct permission are in place.

Destination Thailand Visa

DTV

Consular fee varies; financial proof commonly THB 500,000

Duration: 5-year multiple-entry visa; stays up to 180 days per entry with extension options

Eligibility

Remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers with overseas work, and approved soft-power activities such as training, medical treatment, Muay Thai, cooking, or events.

Processing time

Varies by consulate/e-visa post

Requirements

✓Passport
✓Photo
✓Financial evidence
✓Employment/portfolio/activity documents
✓Accommodation/travel evidence where requested

💡 DTV does not authorise working for Thai employers or Thai clients. Tax residence can still arise after 180 days in a tax year.

Long-Term Resident Visa

LTR

THB 50,000 per person visa fee when issued in Thailand

Duration: Up to 10 years with multiple entry

Eligibility

Wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals, highly skilled professionals, and dependants meeting BOI criteria.

Processing time

BOI endorsement plus visa issuance; several weeks to months

Requirements

✓BOI qualification endorsement
✓Income/asset/investment proof
✓Health insurance or deposit evidence
✓Employer or professional documents
✓Passport

💡 LTR holders get annual rather than 90-day reporting, re-entry permit exemption, fast track, and digital work permit options for eligible work.

Retirement Visa

Non-O / Non-OA retirement

Consular/extension fees plus financial proof

Duration: Usually 1-year extensions; OA can be issued abroad with insurance requirements

Eligibility

Foreigners aged 50+ meeting financial and insurance requirements depending route.

Processing time

Days to weeks depending route and immigration office

Requirements

✓Passport
✓Age 50+
✓Bank deposit/income proof often THB 800,000 or THB 65,000/month depending route
✓Health insurance where required
✓TM30/address documents

💡 Retirement permission does not allow work. Re-entry permits and 90-day reports still matter unless exempt under another route.

Education Visa

Non-ED

School and immigration fees vary

Duration: Usually 90 days then extensions based on school documentation

Eligibility

Students enrolled in recognised schools, universities, Thai language, Muay Thai, or approved study programmes.

Processing time

Weeks including school paperwork

Requirements

✓Admission letter
✓School licence documents
✓Passport
✓Photos
✓Attendance evidence for extensions

💡 Immigration scrutinises attendance and genuine study. It is not a work visa.

Marriage / Family Visa

Non-O family

Consular/extension fees and financial proof

Duration: 90 days then one-year extensions if conditions met

Eligibility

Spouses, parents, or dependants of Thai citizens or qualifying foreign residents.

Processing time

Weeks, with local office variation

Requirements

✓Marriage/birth certificates
✓Thai spouse/family ID documents
✓Financial proof
✓Photos/home visit evidence in some cases
✓TM30

💡 Marriage to a Thai citizen does not automatically grant work rights or permanent residence.

SMART Visa

Official and professional fees vary

Duration: Up to 4 years depending category

Eligibility

Highly skilled talent, investors, executives, startups, and dependants in targeted industries.

Processing time

Several weeks to months

Requirements

✓Endorsement from relevant agencies
✓Qualifications
✓Income/investment/company proof
✓Insurance

💡 Can provide work-permit exemption for approved activities, but eligibility is narrow.

Destination Thailand Visa

Digital Nomad

DTV

Consular fee varies; financial proof commonly THB 500,000

Duration: 5 years; up to 180 days per entry

Eligibility

Remote workers and freelancers working for non-Thai clients/employers, plus approved soft-power activities.

Processing time

Varies by e-visa post and nationality

Requirements

✓Passport
✓Financial proof
✓Remote work/freelance proof or activity documents
✓Photo
✓Consulate-specific documents

💡 Good for remote work from Thailand but not Thai employment. Track tax days carefully.

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