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So you’ve decided to stay in Thailand long term. Whether your reasons are for family, work, or you simply love the country, you’re curious about how to move forward. Below are six ways you can stay in Thailand long term, ordered from the most familiar to more unconventional options. Each visa category is broken down by key decision factors, such as length of stay, core requirements, and price. While this article is by no means exhaustive, it will provide you a quick way to explore your long-stay choices. 

 

1. Non-Immigrant O Retirement visa

 

Most expats are likely familiar with Non-Immigrant O Retirement visas, often referred to simply as Retirement visas.

 

Who is it best for?

If you are 50 or older, want a relatively easy-to-obtain visa, and price is a key consideration, a Retirement visa is your best option to stay in Thailand long term. Compared to all visas with the exception of Elite, it requires the least paperwork. 

 

Length of stay

• 1–5 years

• Must file 90-day reports

 

Ability to work

No

 

Key requirements

• Age of 50 or older

• A minimum of THB 800,000 in your Thai bank account for two months or longer, or a THB 65,000 monthly income (can be from a pension)

 

Price

THB2,000–10,000 

 

2. Non-Immigrant O Marriage visa

 

The technical name for this visa is a Non-Immigrant O Dependent visa. While it can be applied for to stay with a spouse, a child, or an adopted child, it’s often granted to foreigners wishing to stay with their Thai spouses, hence the popular name Marriage visa. 

 

Who is it best for? 

If you are married to a Thai national and are interested in working in the Kingdom, then a Marriage visa is probably your best option to stay long term. 

 

Length of stay

• 1 year, with possibility to extend for another year indefinitely

• Must file 90-day reports

 

Ability to work 

Yes

 

Key requirements 

• A minimum of THB 400,000 in your Thai bank account for two months or longer, or a THB 40,000 monthly income

• Married to a Thai national

 

Price

THB2,000–5,000

 

3. Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa 

 

Introduced in September 2022, the Long-Term Resident visa (LTR) is for “work from anywhere” professionals and wealthy individuals. The three most popular LTR visa classes are Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, and Work-From-Thailand Professional (remote worker).

 

Who is it best for? 

If you are interested in making Thailand your second home or are curious to see if you’ll enjoy living in the Kingdom for several years, the LTR visa offers one of the more affordable options on this list. It also comes with perks, like the ability to use Airport Fast Track Service, report to immigration once a year (instead of filing 90-day reports), and fly in and out of Thailand without a re-entry permit. 

 

Length of stay

The initial visa is for 5 years and can be extended for an additional 5 years for a total stay length of up to 10 years. 

 

Ability to work

Yes

 

Key requirements

All visa classes require a minimum of a $40,000-$80,000 annual income for two years prior to application. The other key LTR visa requirements vary depending on which category you apply for. Below are the major requirements for each type: 

 

• Work-From-Thailand Professional: You’re currently employed by a public company listed on the stock exchange or a private company that’s been in business for a minimum of three years and has earned at least $150 million during that period.

• Wealthy Global Citizen: You have at least $1,000,000 in assets and a minimum investment of $500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property.

• Wealthy Pensioner: You are 50 or over and earn $80,000 US dollars of annual passive income.

 

Price

THB 50,000

 

4. Permanent Residency 

 

Like its name suggests, Thailand Permanent Residency (PR) makes you a permanent resident of the country, meaning you can stay here for an unlimited period without a visa. 

 

Who is it best for? 

If you envision spending the rest of your life in Thailand, PR is your best choice outside of Thai citizenship. With it, your stay is no longer attached to a visa. This means you no longer have to bother with 90-day reports or annual extensions and your immigration status won’t interfere with your freedom to make choices in your career, business, and life. What’s more, becoming a permanent resident is an important step on your path to citizenship. 

 

Length of stay

Forever

 

Ability to work

Yes

 

Key requirements 

• 3 consecutive years on your current Non-Immigrant visa

• Paying Thai taxes on an THB 80,000–THB 100,000 monthly salary (if you apply for Permanent Residency under the business category)

• The ability to carry a basic conversation in Thai for 10–15 minutes 

 

Price

THB 103,300–199,000 

 

Note: The application window typically opens in October and closes at the end of each calendar year. To set yourself up for success, download our Thailand Permanent Residency Interview Guide.

 

5. Thai Citizenship

 

The ultimate dream for those who love Thailand and wish to make the country their permanent home, Thai citizenship provides you all the unique benefits that only come with a Thai passport, and then some. 

 

Who is it best for? 

If you plan to spend the rest of your life (or the majority of it) in Thailand and can satisfy the major requirements of PR/marriage and a consistent job, then becoming a Thai citizen is probably your best choice. What’s more, if you really want to set up a life here and own property or become the majority owner of a company, Thai citizenship is your only option. 

 

Length of stay

Forever

 

Ability to work

Yes

 

Key requirements

• You’ve held Permanent Residency for at least five years or you have a Thai spouse and at least three years of uninterrupted extensions on the same visa.

• You’ve worked in Thailand for at least three consecutive years and earned a minimum salary of THB 80,000 per month during that period. If you have a Thai spouse, the monthly salary requirement is reduced to THB 40,000 per month. 

• You are able to write and speak Thai.

 

Price

THB 10,000 

 

6. Elite Visa

 

The Elite visa is for high-net-worth individuals who don’t mind paying a significant amount in exchange for an easier path to stay in the Kingdom. 

 

Who is it best for? 

If you want your stay in Thailand to be as effortless as possible while receiving VIP treatment and having little immigration obligations, then the Elite visa is your best option. It comes loaded with perks, like limousine pickup to and from the airport, countless promotions on luxury services, and much more. 

 

Length of stay

• 5–20 years

• 90-day reporting is still required, but a Thai Elite staff member can handle it for you

 

Ability to work

No.

 

Key requirements

A big draw of the Elite visa is the incredibly easy application process. The only noteworthy requirement is that you must pay the entire visa fee upfront.  

 

Price

THB 600,000–2,140,000 

 

Join our free webinar

 

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Want to learn more?

 

We’ve created a free extended guide that goes into even more detail about each option.

 

 

 

 

Realize your dream: Stay long-term in Thailand

 

While many of the above options have a long list of requirements that can overwhelm the average expat, the application process doesn't have to be time-consuming, confusing, or difficult. Baan Thai can simplify everything. We’ve helped countless expats, just like you, make Thailand their home. In fact, I’ve gone through the exact decision criteria outlined in this article, and now I’m lucky to call Thailand my permanent home. 

 

If you’d like help applying for any of the long-term stay options above, contact us today. We can walk you through the entire application process—providing you all documents, clarifying each step, and coaching you through any potential interviews with Thai officials. What’s more, we’ll always be a quick phone call or email away if you have a question or concern. And you’re always welcome to swing by our offices. 
 

 

Make your dream of staying in Thailand long-term a reality. Get in touch today.

 

Mark Friedman
Managing Director
Baan Thai Immigration Solutions
 

 

About Baan Thai Immigration Solutions 

 

We are an immigration-focused international law firm based in Bangkok with over 70 years of combined legal experience. Our team of bilingual counselors are experts at helping expats make Thailand their home. If you’re in need of friendly, professional advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

Phone: +66-93-498-5955

Website: https://btisolutions.co
Email: [email protected]

 

 

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