Looking to make Thailand your new home? Navigating Thai visas can be complex, but with our comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey to the Land of Smiles. From retirement to long-term stays, understanding the main visa options and their requirements is crucial. At Thai Nomad Network, we strive to keep our information current, offering expert consultations to answer your specific questions. If you would like to book a visa consultation contact: patrick@thainomadnetwork.com
As visa requirements can change frequently, it’s wise to verify details with the Thai Immigration Bureau or consult a qualified immigration lawyer. For seamless visa processing, we recommend One Stop Service Pattaya, a trusted agency specializing in Thai visas. Explore your options below and start your adventure in Thailand with confidence!
Retirement Visa
Applying for a Retirement Visa in Thailand
Eligibility Requirements
– Must be at least 50 years old
– Must hold a valid foreign passport
– Must show proof of residence in Thailand (6-month lease or more)
Financial Requirements
– Option 1: Have 800,000 THB deposited in a Thai bank for at least 2 months prior to application
– Option 2: Monthly income of at least 65,000 THB
– Option 3: Combination of monthly income (65,000 THB) and 800,000 THB deposit
Required Documentation
– Proof of security deposit (bank book or passbook)
– Bank letter confirming the deposit made at least 2 months before application
– Letter from embassy verifying monthly income (if applicable)
– Police Clearance Certificate (if applying from abroad)
– Medical Certificate (if applying from abroad)
– Proof of health insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 USD or equivalent (if applying from abroad)
Application Process
If applying from within Thailand:
1. Obtain a Thai Non-immigrant O Visa
2. Stay in Thailand for 60 days (or the last 30 days of Non-immigrant OA Visa)
3. Submit required documents to Royal Thai Consulate or Embassy
If applying from outside Thailand:
1. Apply for a 90-day non-immigrant O or OA visa at nearest Thai embassy
2. Enter Thailand and stay for at least 60 days
3. Apply for Retirement Visa during the last 30 days of non-immigrant visa
Additional Notes
– If applying as a tourist within Thailand, ensure valid tourist visa or visa exemption
– Must have a Thai bank account for financial transactions
– Follow Thai Immigration Office procedures for visa applications
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Retirement Visa in Thailand
Step
Action
Details
1
Apply for Non-Immigrant Visa Type O-A (Long Stay) at Thai Embassy Abroad
– Passport (valid for at least 18 months)
– Visa application form (download from embassy website)
– Passport-sized photos (recent, white background)
– Proof of financial means: – Security deposit of THB 800,000 in Thai bank OR – Monthly income of THB 65,000 OR – Combination of deposit and income
– Medical certificate stating no prohibited diseases
– Police clearance certificate
Step
Action
Details
2
Obtain Non-Immigrant O-A Visa Extension in Thailand
– Apply at Thai Immigration Office in Thailand
– Must be 50 years old or above
– Submit required documents: passport, TM30 receipt, bank statements, proof of accommodation, etc.
Step
Action
Details
3
Apply for Re-Entry Permit
– Single entry (THB 1,000) or multiple entries (THB 3,800)
– Submit at Thai airports before departure
Step
Action
Details
4
90-Day Reporting
– Report address every 90 days at Thai Immigration Office
– Can be done in person or online
Forms Required:
Visa application form (available from Thai Embassy or Consulate)
TM30 receipt (obtained from accommodation provider in Thailand)
TM7 application form for visa extension (available at Thai Immigration Office)
Notes:
Health insurance is not mandatory if applying within Thailand.
Renewal of the visa after 5 years requires meeting financial requirements again.
Thailand Elite Visa
Thailand Elite Visa Program Overview
Program Type
– Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term tourist visa with residency benefits
Membership Validity
– Gold: 5 years
– Platinum: 10 years
– Diamond: 15 years
– Reserve: 20 years or more (by invitation only)
Visa Validity
– 5-year multiple-entry visa for all membership types
Financial Requirements
– Membership fee ranges from 900,000 THB to 5 million THB
Privilege Points
– Gold: 20 points/year
– Platinum: 35 points/year
– Diamond: 55 points/year
– Reserve: 120 points/year
Eligibility Requirements
– Holder of a foreign passport
– No overstay record in Thailand
– No age restriction, but parental authorization needed for <20 years
– No criminal record, bankruptcy, or mental incompetency
Application Process
1. Application for Elite Membership and Background Check
2. Payment of Membership Fee
3. Membership Acceptance
4. Visa Issuance
Issuance Locations
– Local Thai embassies or consulates abroad
– Upon arrival in Thailand (Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, Phuket)
– Immigration Bureau in Bangkok (if in Thailand)
Processing Time
– 1 to 3 months depending on nationality
– Background check: 4 to 6 weeks
Support
– Managed by Thailand Privilege Card Company Ltd. under TAT
Tourist Visas
Duration of Stay:
Single-entry Tourist Visa: Allows a stay of up to 90 days (initial 60 days, extendable for another 30 days).
Multiple-entry Tourist Visa: Valid for six months, allows multiple entries; duration of stay varies.
Visa Exemption: Tourists from certain countries can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 30 or 90 days, depending on the country and the type of agreement.
Countries with Visa Exemption
Country
Maximum Stay
Notes
Argentina
90 days
Brazil
30 or 90 days
Chile
90 days
South Korea
30 or 90 days
Temporarily suspended as of April 2020
Andorra
30 days
Australia
30 days
Austria
30 days
Bahrain
30 days
Belgium
30 days
Brunei
30 days
Canada
30 days
Czech Republic
30 days
Denmark
30 days
Estonia
30 days
Finland
30 days
France
30 days
Germany
30 days
Greece
30 days
Hong Kong
30 days
Hungary
30 days
Iceland
30 days
Indonesia
30 days
Ireland
30 days
Israel
30 days
Italy
30 days
Japan
30 days
Kuwait
30 days
Laos
30 days
Latvia
30 days
Liechtenstein
30 days
Lithuania
30 days
Luxembourg
30 days
Macau
30 days
Malaysia
30 days
Maldives
30 days
Mauritius
30 days
Monaco
30 days
Mongolia
30 days
Netherlands
30 days
New Zealand
30 days
Norway
30 days
Oman
30 days
Peru
30 or 90 days
Philippines
30 days
Poland
30 days
Portugal
30 days
Qatar
30 days
Russia
30 days
San Marino
30 days
Singapore
30 days
Slovak Republic
30 days
Slovenia
30 days
Spain
30 days
South Africa
30 days
Sweden
30 days
Switzerland
30 days
Turkey
30 days
Ukraine
30 days
United Arab Emirates
30 days
United Kingdom
30 days
United States
30 days
Vietnam
30 days
Requirements for Tourist Visa Application:
Passport valid for at least 6 months.
Completed and signed visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photograph (4×6 cm).
Proof of travel arrangements (e.g., air ticket receipt).
Proof of sufficient funds (20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family).
Payment of visa fee.
Education Visa (ED Visa)
General Requirements:
Requirement
Details
Passport
Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
Photograph
Recent photograph (taken within the last six months)
Proof of Address
Document indicating current location (e.g., utility bills, rental agreement)
Financial Evidence
Bank statements, sponsorship letter covering tuition fees and living expenses
Additional Requirements Based on Study Type:
Study Type
Additional Requirement
Elementary to Secondary Level
Letter from relevant authority under the Ministry of Education or International School<br>Letter confirming enrolment details from school signed by authorized person with copy of ID card or passport of the signer
Higher Education Level
Letter from University<br>Letter confirming enrolment details from University signed by authorized person with copy of ID card or passport of the signer
Short Course / Language Studies
Letter from relevant authority under the Ministry of Education<br>Letter confirming enrolment details from school signed by authorized person with copy of ID card or passport of the signer
Vocational, Technical, University Diploma Below Bachelor’s Degree
Letter from Institute/University<br>Letter confirming enrollment details from Institute/University signed by authorized person with copy of ID card or passport of the signer
Workshop, Training, Seminar by International Organization
Letter confirming the internship/participation in a program from the company/international organization
Study of Dharma in Thailand (Monk, Nun, Priest)
Letter from National Office of Buddhism
Curricular Internship
Letter confirming the curricular internship from the visa applicant’s university/educational institute<br>Letter confirming the internship/participation in a program from the company/international organization
Application Process:
Application for Visa:
Apply for a non-immigrant “ED” visa at a Royal Thai Consulate in your home country or from within Thailand (if already on another type of visa).
Required documents include:
Completed visa application form (TM 87 or TM 86 for visa conversion)
Certified true copy of passport
Letter of admission from educational institution
Approval letter from Ministry of Education (if applicable)
Passport-sized photograph (4 x 6 cm)
Visa fee (typically 2,000 THB for conversion in Thailand)
After Arrival:
Upon entry, the ED visa is valid for 90 days.
Register with the educational institution.
Apply for extension of stay at least 15 days before visa expiry at the Immigration Department in Thailand.
Required documents for extension:
Completed application form for temporary stay (TM 7)
Certified true copy of passport
Passport-sized photograph (4 x 6 cm)
Proof of enrollment (e.g., registration letter, receipt of tuition fees)
Financial documentation (e.g., bank statements)
Extension fee (1,900 THB)
Notes:
The ED visa is valid for single entry; re-entry permits are required for leaving and re-entering Thailand.
Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officers.
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