Overview of Thailand Long-Term Visa Options
Thailand provides multiple pathways for foreigners to live in Thailand long-term. Your best option depends on your age, financial situation, employment status, and how long you plan to stay in Thailand.
Option 1: Thailand Privilege Visa (Easiest Option)
What is the Thailand Privilege Visa?
The Thailand Privilege Visa is a premium membership program that provides long-term residency in Thailand with minimal requirements. This is the easiest long-term visa option for Thailand.
Thailand Privilege Visa Requirements
- Valid passport (minimum 1 year validity and 3 blank pages left)
- Clean background check
- No minimum age requirement
- No income requirement
- No employment requirement
- No investment requirement
Thailand Privilege Visa Cost
- Bronze Membership: THB 650,000 (5 years) – approximately 19,000 USD
- Gold Membership: THB 900,000 (5 years) – approximately 26,000 USD
- Platinum Membership: THB 1,500,000 (10 years) – approximately 48,000 USD
- Diamond Membership: THB 2,500,000 (15 years) – approximately 80,000 USD
- Reserve Membership: THB 5,000,000 (20-year visa) – approximately 160,000 USD
Thailand Privilege Visa Benefits
- Multiple-entry visa valid 5-20 years
- VIP airport services and fast-track immigration
- 24/7 concierge support
- No work permit included
- No annual renewals required
- Privilege points for luxury services (Gold tier and above)
Who Should Choose Thailand Privilege Visa?
Best for: Anyone who wants hassle-free long-term living in Thailand without age, income, or employment restrictions. Ideal for retirees under 50, digital nomads with stable income, and those seeking premium lifestyle benefits.
Option 2: Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
What is the LTR Visa?
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a 10-year visa with work rights designed for high-potential foreigners. This visa allows you to work in Thailand legally.
LTR Visa Categories (4 Types)
- Wealthy Global Citizen: High-net-worth individuals with significant assets
- Wealthy Pensioner: Retirees with substantial pension income
- Work-from-Thailand Professional: Remote workers for overseas companies
- Highly-Skilled Professional: Experts working for Thai companies or organizations
LTR Visa Requirements
General Requirements:
- Minimum income or investment thresholds (varies by category)
- Health insurance with minimum $50,000 USD coverage
- Clean criminal record
- Valid passport
Specific Requirements by Category:
- Wealthy Global Citizen: $1 million USD in assets AND 500,000 USD in investment in Thailand
- Wealthy Pensioner: being over 50yo and 80,000 USD annual passive income (40,000 USD annual passive income if 250,000 USD investment in Thailand)
- Work-from-Thailand: 80,000 USD annual income for past 2 years AND employer being a listed company or private company with turnover of 50 million USD combined in the last 3 financial years
- Highly-Skilled Professional: Employment with eligibleThai entity
LTR Visa Cost
- Application fee: THB 50,000 per person (approximately $1,450 USD)
- One-time payment for 10-year visa
LTR Visa Benefits
- 10-year visa validity (5 years initial + 5 years extension)
- Work permit included (can work in Thailand) (not applicable for the Work-from-Thailand category)
- Annual reporting instead of 90-day reporting
- Fast-track airport immigration services
- Foreign income tax exemptions (not applicable for the Highly Skilled Professional dependent)
- Can bring unlimited dependents (including parents)
Who Should Choose an LTR Visa?
Best for: High-income professionals, wealthy retirees with substantial pensions, remote workers earning $80,000 annually, and anyone who needs to work legally in Thailand.
Option 3: Thailand Retirement Visa
What is the Thailand Retirement Visa?
The Thailand Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A or O visa) is designed for foreigners aged 50 or older who want to retire in Thailand.
Thailand Retirement Visa Requirements
- Minimum age: 50 years old
- Financial requirement (choose one):
- THB 800,000 ($23,000 USD) in Thai bank account, OR
- THB 65,000 ($1,900 USD) monthly income, OR
- Combination totaling THB 800,000 annually
- Valid passport
- Health insurance (for O-A visa)
- Clean criminal record
Thailand Retirement Visa Cost
- Visa fee: approximately THB 1,900 per year
- Re-entry permit: depends on number of entries (but no more than 4,000 THB)
- Must maintain THB 800,000 in Thai bank (if using bank deposit method)
Thailand Retirement Visa Duration
- 1-year visa
- Must renew annually
- Can extend indefinitely as long as requirements are met
Thailand Retirement Visa Benefits
- Low-cost option for retirees over 50
- Can rent or buy property in Thailand
- No work permit allowed (cannot work legally)
- 90-day reporting required
Who Should Choose a Retirement Visa?
Best for: Retirees aged 50+ with sufficient savings or pension income who don’t need to work in Thailand.
Option 4: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
What is DTV?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a 5 year’ visa which was launched in July 2024 specifically for digital nomads and remote workers.
DTV Requirements
- Remote employment with overseas company, OR
- Freelance work for international clients
- Proof of income/employment
- Valid passport
DTV Cost
- Lower cost than Thailand Privilege (specific pricing varies)
DTV Duration and Benefits
- Long-stay tourist visa for remote workers
- Can stay in Thailand while working remotely
- No Thai employment required
Who Should Choose DTV?
Best for: Digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers who work for companies outside Thailand.
Disclaimer:
DTV visa holders can no longer open bank accounts in Thailand.
Visa is 5-year multiple entries but entry stamp is only 6 months per stay. Additional stay is subject to renewal and 10,000 THB fee.
Option 5: Non-Immigrant B Visa (Work Visa)
What is the Non-Immigrant B Visa?
The Non-Immigrant B Visa is a business visa that allows foreigners to work legally in Thailand for Thai companies.
Non-Immigrant B Visa Requirements
- Job offer from Thai company
- Work permit application
- Company sponsorship
- Valid passport
Non-Immigrant B Visa Duration
- Initial validity: 90 days
- Extendable to 1 year with proper employment documentation
- Annual extension possible
Non-Immigrant B Visa Benefits
- Legal work authorization in Thailand
- Can extend based on continued employment
- Pathway to Thai permanent residency (after meeting requirements)
Who Should Choose Non-Immigrant B Visa?
Best for: Foreigners employed by Thai companies who need legal work authorization in Thailand.
Comparing All Thailand Long-Term Visa Options
Quick Comparison Table
| Visa Type |
Duration |
Cost |
Age Requirement |
Income Requirement |
Work Rights |
| Thailand Privilege |
5-20 years |
THB 650,000-5,000,000+ THB |
None |
None |
No |
| LTR Visa |
10 years |
THB
50,000 per person |
None |
Yes (high) |
Yes |
| Retirement Visa |
1 year (renewable) |
THB 1,900/year |
50+ |
THB 800,000 or THB 65,000 /month |
No |
| DTV |
5 years |
Lower cost |
None |
Varies |
Remote only |
| Non-B Visa |
1 year (renewable) |
Varies |
None |
Must have job |
Yes |
Which Thailand Long-Term Visa Should You Choose?
Choose Thailand Privilege Visa if:
- You want the easiest application process
- You’re under 50 years old (can’t get Retirement Visa)
- You don’t need to work in Thailand
- You want VIP benefits and premium services
- You prefer no annual renewals
Choose LTR Visa if:
- You need to work in Thailand legally
- You meet high income/asset requirements ($80,000+ annual income or $1M+ assets)
- You want tax benefits on foreign income
- You qualify for one of the four LTR categories
Choose Retirement Visa if:
- You’re 50 years old or older
- You have THB 800,000 in savings or THB 65,000 monthly income
- You don’t mind annual renewals
- You want the lowest-cost option
Choose DTV if:
- You’re a digital nomad or remote worker
- You work for companies outside Thailand
- You want flexibility for remote work
Choose Non-Immigrant B Visa if:
- You have a job offer from a Thai company
- You need legal work authorization in Thailand
- Your employer will sponsor your visa
Getting Started with Your Thailand Long-Term Visa
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
Determine which visa type matches your age, income, employment status, and long-term plans in Thailand.
Step 2: Compare Requirements
Review the specific requirements for your chosen visa type. Make sure you meet all qualifications before applying.
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Gather required documents: passport, financial proof, background checks, and any category-specific requirements.
Step 4: Choose Application Method
- Thailand Privilege: Apply through authorized GSSA agents (free assistance)
- LTR Visa: Apply through Board of Investment portal or law firm/immigration adviser
- Retirement Visa: Apply at Thai immigration office or Thai Consulate
- DTV: Apply at Thai Consulate
- Non-B Visa: Apply with employer sponsorship
Step 5: Submit Application
Follow the application process for your chosen visa type with all required documentation.
Summary: Thailand Long-Term Visa Options
Thailand offers five main long-term visa options for foreigners:
- Thailand Privilege Visa: Easiest option, 5-20 years, no age/income requirements, VIP benefits
- LTR Visa: 10 years with work rights for high-income individuals
- Retirement Visa: For 50+ with THB 800,000 savings, annual renewal
- DTV: For digital nomads and remote workers
- Non-B Visa: For those employed by Thai companies
The Thailand Privilege Visa offers the most straightforward path with minimal requirements and VIP benefits throughout your stay. For work authorization, consider the LTR Visa or Non-Immigrant B Visa. For retirees over 50, the Retirement Visa provides a cost-effective option.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we make every effort to ensure the information is accurate and current, some details may be subject to change or may not be fully up to date. We do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the information presented.
