Different Types of Long-Term Visas in Thailand

Looking to make the Land of Smiles your long-term home? Thailand offers a variety of long-term visa options catered to your needs, whether you're settling down with a Thai spouse, retiring by the beach, investing in local business, or enjoying the perks of the Thailand Privilege program. 

Here's a brief overview of different types of long-term visas in Thailand. 

Marriage

For those who have married a Thai national, the Thai Marriage Visa is the perfect choice for you to build a life together. 

Understanding the Thai Marriage Visa

The Thai Marriage Visa, also known as the "1-Year Extension of Stay Based on Marriage," is designed to allow foreign nationals married to Thai citizens to stay and work in the Kingdom. This visa grants the holder the right to live in Thailand for a year at a time, without the need to leave the country. 

The Thai Marriage Visa is also renewable annually, provided all requirements are met, making it a popular choice for those looking to establish a long-term presence in Thailand.

Qualifications for the Thai Marriage Visa

• Marriage to a Thai National: Obtaining a Thai Marriage Visa requires a valid marriage to a Thai citizen. This is verified through a Marriage Certificate (Kor Ror 3) and Marriage Registration (Kor Ror 2). For marriages occurring outside Thailand, it's necessary to report the marriage to an Amphur (local district office) in Thailand and obtain a Kor Ror 22.
• Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate their financial stability through one of two ways:
  • Have a security deposit of 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account, held for at least 2 months before applying.
  • Attain a monthly income of at least 40,000 THB, verified by a letter from the applicant's embassy.

Required Financial Documents

• Bank Documentation: Proof of the security deposit with an updated bank book or passbook, along with a bank letter confirming the overseas source of the funds and presence for at least 2 months.
• Income Verification: For those unable to obtain an income affidavit from their embassy, a 12-month bank statement showing a monthly deposit of 40,000 THB into a Thai bank account is enough.

Additional Considerations

At times, the immigration office might ask for a copy of an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry. This document, acquired from the embassy of the foreigner in Thailand, verifies that the applicant is legally eligible for marriage.

Can a holder of a Thai Marriage Visa Work in Thailand?

Yes. One of the advantages of the Thai Marriage Visa is that it grants the right to work in Thailand, provided that a valid Thai Work Permit is obtained. 

Renewing Your Visa

Renewal of the Thai Marriage Visa can be done within Thailand, ensuring a smooth extension of your stay. It's important that you meet all renewal requirements to comply with Thai immigration policies, which are generally the same as the requirements for the initial application.

Business 

Whether you're looking to start a business, invest, or work in Thailand, the Thai Business Visa, classified under the Non-Immigrant B Visa, is the option that you should go for. This visa forms the basis for obtaining a work permit, allowing employment, and conducting business in Thailand. 

Categories and Eligibility

The Thai Business Visa is divided into two primary categories:

1. Non-Immigrant Business Visa (Conducting Business)
   • Ideal for foreigners setting up or conducting business in Thailand.
   • 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa (Single-Entry): Issued by the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, allowing a 90-day stay.
   • 1-Year Non-Immigrant Visa (Multiple-Entry): For those intending to travel frequently in and out of Thailand for business. This visa can be extended once the work permit is processed, with sponsorship from a Thai company.
     
      
2. Non-Immigrant Business Visa (Employment)
   • For foreigners who need to work in Thailand.
   • Requires an initial 90-day Non-Immigrant B Visa sponsored by your Thai employer.
   • The work permit application is processed within these 90 days.
   • Upon obtaining a work permit, the applicant can apply for a 1-Year Non-Immigrant B Visa extension at the local immigration office in Thailand.

Key Requirements

• Sponsorship: A Thai entity or company must sponsor the visa application.
• Financial Stability: Applicants must have financial stability to support their stay and business activities in Thailand.
• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation including the sponsorship letter, proof of financial stability, and business registration details is required.

Renewal and Reporting

• Visa holders under the employment category must perform a 90-day address reporting at a Thai immigration office.
• A re-entry permit is necessary for those wishing to travel outside Thailand during their visa period.
• Renewal of the Business Visa can be done within Thailand, ensuring continuous compliance with Thai immigration laws.

Retirement 

Thailand, with its affordable cost of living, world-class beaches, picturesque landscapes, and delicious food, is a popular choice for retirees who flock to the Land of Smiles. 

The Thai Retirement Visa offers a gateway for anyone aged 50 and above to do the same. Here's what you need to know to secure your Thai Retirement Visa.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the Thai Retirement Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Applicants must be 50 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Financial Stability: Applicants need to demonstrate financial stability through one of the following:
  • A security deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, held for 2 months before the visa application
  • An income of at least 65,000 THB per month
  • AA mix of a security deposit and yearly earnings amounting to 800,000 THB.

Supporting Documents

Depending on your financial proof, the following documents are required:

• For Security Deposit: An updated bank book or passbook, along with a bank letter stating that the money has been deposited from an overseas source and has been present for at least 2 months.
• For Monthly Income: A letter from your embassy in Thailand verifying your monthly income. If your embassy does not issue such a letter, a 12-month bank statement showing a regular deposit of 65,000 THB into a Thai bank account is needed.

Additional Requirements

Some applicants may need to provide further documentation such as:

• Police Clearance: A document verifying the applicant's clean criminal record
• Medical Certificate: A health certificate from a recognized medical institution
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage

Visa Types and Renewal

The Thai Retirement Visa can be issued for single or multiple entries, allowing for an uninterrupted stay of 1 year in Thailand. 

This visa is renewable annually within Thailand, subject to meeting all the renewal requirements.

Thai Privilege 

For those seeking an extended stay and multiple entries with added benefits with fewer eligibility requirements, the Thailand Privilege Visa is a great choice. 

The Thailand Privilege Visa program, also known as the Thailand Elite Visa, has been rebranded to offer more comprehensive benefits packages. This visa is designed for those who wish to enjoy a longer stay in Thailand, with a range of privileges that improve the living experience in the country.

Membership Packages

The program introduces four new membership tiers, each with its own set of benefits and validity periods:

1. Gold Membership:
   1. 5 years of validity
   2. Costs 900,000 THB
   3. 20 privilege points per year
   4. Individual applicants only
2. Platinum Membership: 10 years of validity for 1.5 million THB, with an additional member cost of 1 million THB and 35 privilege points per year.
3. Diamond Membership: 15 years of validity at 2.5 million THB, with an additional member cost of 1.5 million THB and 55 privilege points per year.
4. Reserve Membership: An exclusive 20-year membership by invitation only, costing 5 million THB and providing 120 privilege points per year.

Benefits Across Memberships

As a Thailand Privilege member, you get a variety of benefits across a range of categories to make your time in Thailand more enjoyable. These include but are not limited to:

• Multiple-entry visas with a 1-year permit to stay per entry, extendable based on the membership
• Unlimited access to Premium Lane for fast-track immigration
• Annual health checkups
• Access to an Elite Personal Assistant (EPA) for concierge services
• Special deals and discounts on hotels, dining, shopping, and entertainment

Privilege Points System

A key benefit of the program is the privilege points system, allowing members flexibility in how they utilize their benefits. Points are allocated yearly based on membership tier and can be redeemed for a wide array of benefits, including hotel stays, health and wellness packages, and exclusive event access.

Qualifications and Application Process

To qualify, you must meet the criteria, which include having no overstays in Thailand within the last 3 years, a clean criminal record, and the ability to provide necessary medical documentation. 

The application process involves submitting a completed form, passport photocopy, and photo, followed by a background check by Thai Immigration Authorities. It is recommended to engage the services of a General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) when applying for Thailand Privilege. These organizations are reputable law firms and visa agencies authorized by the government to provide free assistance with Thailand Privilege Elite Visa applications.

Long-Term Resident (LTR)

Thailand's popularity among expatriates, investors, and retirees continues to grow. Recognizing the trend, the Thai government has introduced the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, a 10-year visa program designed to attract high-potential foreigners who aim to contribute to Thailand's economic development through investment and expertise. 

Overview of the LTR Visa

The LTR Visa offers a 10-year renewable stay in Thailand for applicants in four distinct categories:

1. Wealthy Global Citizens
2. Wealthy Pensioners
3. Work-From-Thailand Professionals
4. Highly-Skilled Professionals

This visa not only allows holders to live and work in Thailand but also provides many benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and work.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility for the LTR Visa varies by category, with specific financial and professional criteria set for each. Common requirements across all categories include:

• Health insurance coverage of at least 50,000 USD
• Alternatively, a deposit of at least 100,000 USD in a Thai bank account

Wealthy Global Citizens must demonstrate:

• Assets of at least 1 million USD
• An annual income of at least 80,000 USD over the past two years
• A minimum investment of 500,000 USD in Thai government bonds, property, or other approved investments

LTR Visa holders may also include up to four family members (a legal spouse and children under 20) under the same visa category, ensuring that families can enjoy the benefits of living in Thailand together.

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa in Thailand is tailored to accommodate a wide range of high-potential foreigners, not solely Wealthy Global Citizens. This visa program is divided into four distinct categories to cater to different groups capable of contributing to Thailand's economic and social development. 

Here's a brief overview of each category beyond Wealthy Global Citizens:

1. Wealthy Pensioners

Do you want to retire in Thailand? Wealthy Pensioners is an option for you to retire in Thailand. You need to prove your financial stability through a deposit in a Thai bank account or earn a steady income, ensuring you can comfortably support yourself during your stay in Thailand.

1. Work-From-Thailand Professionals

Are you a digital nomad? Do you want the freedom to work anywhere you want? This option is ideal for you if you work for an overseas employer or their own businesses outside of Thailand. 

It caters to the growing trend of remote working, allowing you to live in Thailand while contributing to the global workforce.

1. Highly-Skilled Professionals

This category targets experts in various fields such as technology, healthcare, and education, among others. Applicants are usually required to have advanced degrees, professional experience, and employment with a Thai or international company based in Thailand. This initiative is part of Thailand's strategy to enhance its workforce with high-level expertise and skills.

Each of these categories has specific eligibility requirements designed to attract people who can contribute positively to Thailand's economy and society. The LTR Visa offers numerous benefits, including longer stays, 90-day reporting, access to healthcare and education, and the ability to open bank accounts and own property under certain conditions.

The inclusion of these diverse categories underscores Thailand's commitment to becoming a hub for international talent, retirees seeking a high quality of life, and professionals who can work remotely. By attracting people from these varied backgrounds, Thailand aims to stimulate investment, enhance its labor market with skilled professionals, and boost the overall economy.