Guide to Residency in Thailand

Obtaining a residency visa in Thailand is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Thailand gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research the types of Thai residency visas
  • Visit the official Thai Immigration Bureau website for information on different visa categories: Thai Immigration Bureau.
  • Consider if you qualify for a Non-Immigrant Visa, Retirement Visa, Marriage Visa, Business Visa, or the Thailand Elite Visa.
• Obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa
  • Apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
  • Prepare the required documents, such as a passport valid for at least six months, visa application form, recent photo, and supporting documents based on the visa category (e.g., work permit, marriage certificate, retirement proof of funds).
  • Visit the Royal Thai Embassy website for specific requirements and application forms: Royal Thai Embassy.
• Enter Thailand and extend your Non-Immigrant Visa
  • Once in Thailand, apply for an extension of your Non-Immigrant Visa at a local immigration office.
  • Provide additional documentation as required for the extension, such as proof of address in Thailand, financial statements, or a letter from your employer.
• Apply for a work permit (if applicable)
  • Secure a job offer from a Thai employer or establish your own company in Thailand.
  • Collect necessary documents, including your Non-Immigrant Visa, medical certificate, and employer's company documents.
  • Submit the application at the Thai Ministry of Labour or the One Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits if you are eligible: One Stop Service Center.
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number
  • Visit the nearest Revenue Department office or apply online through the Revenue Department's website: Revenue Department of Thailand.
  • Provide your passport, visa, and work permit (if applicable).
  • Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.
• Obtain a long-term residency permit (if eligible)
  • After having had a Non-Immigrant Visa for at least three consecutive years, you may apply for a long-term residency permit.
  • Prepare the necessary documents, including your passport, Non-Immigrant Visa, work permit, tax returns, and proof of income.
  • Submit the application at the Thai Immigration Bureau and attend an interview.
  • Pay the application fee and wait for the approval process to be completed.
• Consider the Thailand Elite Visa Program
  • For a significant fee, the Thailand Elite Visa offers long-term residency options ranging from 5 to 20 years.
  • Visit the Thailand Elite official website for more information and to apply: Thailand Elite.
• Regularly check for updates and changes in immigration policies
  • Immigration laws and regulations can change, so it's important to stay informed by regularly checking the Thai Immigration Bureau's website or consulting with a legal professional specializing in Thai immigration.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your individual circumstances and changes in Thai immigration law. It is always recommended to consult with the Thai embassy or a legal professional for the most current and personalized advice.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Thailand?

"The process of applying for a visa to Thailand involves filling out an application form as well as providing a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and proof of financial funds sufficient to cover your stay. After securing a tourist visa, the applicant must travel to Thailand within a three months period. Upon arrival, the applicant needs to present their visa at the immigration checkpoint and may be asked to show proof of onward travel or financial funds. The process for applying for residency in Thailand can be done through applying for a Non-immigrant B visa and then applying for a long-stay permit or ‘extension of stay’. Applying for a Non-Immigrant B visa requires similar documentation as the tourist visa, but with the addition of a request letter from the Embassy or Immigration Bureau and proof of sufficient financial funds from your stated residence in Thailand. Once you are approved for the Non-Immigrant B visa, the applicant must pick up the permit at the local Immigration Bureau. After the applicant obtains the long-stay permit, they will be eligible to stay in Thailand for up to one year with the possibility of subsequent extensions," commented one member living in Thailand.

"I am on a retirement visa for 1 year with extensions. Thailand rules change each year but with my visa I only need to check in with immigration every 90 days and do not have to make a border run," mentioned one expat living in Thailand.