Guide to Visa Types and Residency in Thailand - Costs & Process

For those considering whether to live or retire in Thailand, understanding how to obtain the proper visas and residency status is a critical part of the process. As with any foreign country, navigating the bureaucracy can initially seem daunting, but understanding the various options and requirements can help make the process smoother and less stressful. From long-term retirement visas to shorter-term tourist visas, Thailand offers a range of options to suit your individual plans and circumstances.

Long-Term Visas

The non-immigrant visa is commonly referred to as the ‘Retirement Visa,’ but there are actually various types, all with slightly different processes.

Non-Immigrant O Visa

This visa is for people 50 years or older who Are prepared to make a visa run to a neighboring country every 90 days. You’ll need to leave the country, come back, and get your visa stamped and renewed. This visa doesn't allow you to work in Thailand.

To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must not have any legal issues that would prevent them from entering Thailand and must have health insurance that covers at least $1,190 for outpatient treatment and $11,900 for inpatient treatment while in Thailand.

Long-Term Resident Visa

This allows applicants aged 50 years and over to stay in Thailand for up to five years and can be renewed once. You’re not allowed to work on this visa.

The applicant must also have a bank deposit of at least $90,000 in Thailand or a bank deposit of at least $55,000 and an annual income of at least $36,000.

The applicant must also have health insurance that covers COVID-19 and a total sum insured of at least $100,000 per year.

Thailand Elite Visa

This is a visa for people who hold a Thailand Elite Card or a Thailand Privilege Card. To apply, the applicant must contact Thailand Elite to request authorization and send documents to a Thai embassy or consulate. These include a passport, two passport-size photos, a visa application form, a copy of flight confirmation, an official confirmation letter from Thailand Elite, and medical insurance that covers at least $10,000.

There are three popular Elite Visas:

• The Elite Easy Access is a five-year visa which costs under $18,000 USD.

• The Family Excursion (for two people) costs just under $27,000 USD and lasts for five years.

• A ten-year visa known as the Elite Alternative costs just under $27,000 per person.

Wealthy Pensioner Visa

This relatively new visa category requires the following:

• Passive income between $40,000 and $80,000 annually.

• An investment of at least $250,000 in Thai government bonds, business, or property.

• Health insurance coverage of at least $50,000 or a bank deposit of at least $100,000.

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency in Thailand is possible. However, Thailand only issues 100 permanent residence permits per country per year, and approval rates are low. The most common pathway is through employment or special skills, but it is also possible to gain permanent residency by investing approximately $90,000 in the country. The application process involves testing in the Thai language.

Citizenship

Thailand will grant citizenship to anyone who has lived for at least 10 consecutive years as a permanent resident of the country. In addition to the normal requirements of a clean criminal record, sufficient income, and so on, you must also be able to speak, read, and write in Thai.

Note that the total time to naturalization can be 15 years or more once factoring in qualifying time for permanent residency and then citizen

Requirements and Documentation

All Thai visa categories require the following at a minimum:

• Passport valid for at least 18 months.

• The Visa Application Form was completed and signed.

• Two recent Passport-Sized Photos (4x6 cm).

• Proof of Financial Means

• Police Clearance Certificate showing no criminal record from your home country.

• Medical Certificate certifying that you do not have certain prohibited diseases (e.g., leprosy, tuberculosis).

• A health insurance policy with a minimum of THB 40,000 outpatient coverage and THB 400,000 inpatient coverage.

Processing Time

Is Thailand is relatively quick to process visa applications. Processing times are normally one to two weeks for retirement visas, one to four weeks for business visas, and one to four weeks for extension applications. Applications for permanent residents take between six months and a year.

Cost

Thailand charges different fees depending on whether your visa is categorized as single-entry or multiple-entry. A single-entry long-term visa costs about $60, while multiple-entry costs about $150. Extension fees are approximately $55.

Contacts

Embassy of Thailand

• 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

• Tel. (202) 944-3600

• Web: https://www.thaiembdc.org