Getting a long stay visa in Thailand is a great way to enjoy your time in the country and have the freedom to stay as long as you want. There are a few different options depending on your circumstances and the type of travel you plan to do in Thailand. You can choose to extend your tourist visa by 30 days at a local immigration office, or you can apply for a non-immigrant (Non-O) visa. Both of these options have a few requirements you must meet to qualify.
A Non-O visa is a multiple entry non-immigrant visa that allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 10 years. It is a great option for those planning to retire in Thailand, but it is also available to foreigners who have professional skills in certain fields such as IT and engineering. You can apply for a Non-O visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or the Royal Thai Consulate General in your country of residence. Upon approval, you will receive your visa in the mail. There are several other criteria you must meet to qualify for this visa, including having a Bachelor’s degree, a minimum of three years of work experience in your field, and a good knowledge of the Thai language.
If you are a close family member of a Thai citizen, you can qualify for a visa that allows you to live in the country permanently. This includes spouses and children under the age of 21. You will need to have a valid passport with at least six months left after your date of departure from Thailand and at least two blank pages. You will also need to submit proof of your relationship with the Thai citizen and documents showing that you are a financial supporter.
You can also qualify for a long-term resident (LTR) visa, which will allow you to stay in Thailand for up to 10
years. This is a new visa that was introduced in 2022 to attract wealthy global citizens, work-from-home professionals, and retirees who want to live and work in Thailand. Applicants must be from a select list of countries and have either a significant investment or enough income to live comfortably in the country. Those who qualify can receive a range of tax and non-tax benefits, including access to a special airport lounge and access to a fast-track immigration line.
There are currently a few options for those who wish to secure a long-stay visa in Thailand, with the most popular being the Elite visas. These are a great option for those who want to enjoy the best of what Thailand has to offer, including luxurious benefits and VIP treatment, while having little or no immigration obligations. These include limousine pickup to and from the airport, access to the Fast Track lane at immigration, and exclusive promotions for hotels, resorts, restaurants, and shops throughout the country. This type of visa costs under $18,000 USD for five years, or $27,000 for ten years. Thailand long stay visa