Powered by Harvey Law Group

Home - Privileges - What Thailand Visas Are Available for Long-Term Living in Thailand?

What Thailand Visas Are Available for Long-Term Living in Thailand?

Explore the 5 visa options available for Expats seeking Thai residency

As the world explores new destinations for extended relocation, Thailand often remains an under-the-radar gem despite its popularity as a tourist hotspot. This Southeast Asian country shines as an exceptional choice for long-term living. With the arrival of the “green season,” you’ll enjoy refreshing rains, cooler mornings, and nature in full bloom. Combine this with modern lifestyle options, a vibrant business environment, a culture prioritizing safety, and a remarkably low cost of living, and it’s clear why Thailand is celebrated as 2024’s Best Destination.

What truly sets Thailand apart is its dedication to providing an outstanding experience for its expatriate community. The thriving expat community also makes it easy to connect with others who share your interests and passions. Renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, Thailand is one of the most LGBTQIA+-friendly countries in Southeast Asia, ensuring people from all walks of life feel safe and accepted.

Moreover, Thailand offers an incredibly affordable cost of living. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious lifestyle or a more relaxed way of life, you’ll find that your budget stretches further in Thailand compared to many other countries.

Stay in Thailand long-term.
With a Privilege Entry Visa
that is valid from
5 years up to 20 years.

Thailand Visa for Living in Thailand

Thailand is more than just a popular tourist destination; it’s an ideal location for long-term living. Known for its welcoming culture, modern amenities, and affordable cost of living, Thailand has become one of the top choices for expatriates. With more long-term options for expats, now is the perfect time to explore the visa options that can be utilized to make Thailand your new home.

Here’s a detailed look at the top visa options available for those considering a long-term stay in Thailand:

1. Non-B Visa: The Standard Work Visa

The Non-B Visa, or Business Visa, is one of the most commonly used visas for expatriates planning to work in Thailand. This visa is suitable for individuals employed by a Thai company or those who wish to establish a business in the country.

Key Features:

  • Validity: Typically issued for a period of 90 days to one year, with the possibility of extension.
  • Work Authorization: Allows you to work legally for a Thai company.
  • Requirements: Requires a work permit and evidence of employment or business activities.

2. LTR Visa: Long-Term Residency Visa

The Long-Term Residency (LTR) Visa is a newer option designed to attract retirees, investors, and high-net-worth individuals. It provides an extended stay with more flexibility compared to traditional visas. Check here if you are qualified.

Key Features:

  • Validity: Offers stays of up to 10 years, with options for renewal.
  • Eligibility: Includes various categories such as retirees, high-income earners, and those investing in Thai businesses.
  • Benefits: Includes more relaxed requirements for re-entry and additional support services as well as significant tax privileges.

3. Thailand Privilege Card: The Ultimate Long-Term Visa

The Thailand Privilege Card is a premium option that offers exceptional benefits and long-term residency. Ideal for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle with fewer restrictions.

Key Features:

  • Extended Stay: Stay in Thailand for up to 20 years, with no restrictions on re-entry.
  • VIP Services: Enjoy priority access to healthcare, wellness services, and exclusive discounts at top restaurants and retail stores, and fast-tracked immigration experience upon arrival into the country.
  • Additional Perks: Includes a dedicated member hotline for 24/7 support and a range of lifestyle enhancements.

4. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Ideal for Remote Workers

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is tailored for remote workers and digital nomads. It offers a flexible solution for those who wish to live in Thailand while working remotely.

Key Features:

  • Validity: A five-year multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days per year, with an option to extend for another 180 days.
  • Work Limitations: Does not permit employment with Thai companies, which may limit local job opportunities.
  • Visa Changes: Switching visa types will cancel the DTV, necessitating a new visa application if you decide to change or leave Thailand temporarily.

5. Retirement Visa: For Those Enjoying Their Golden Years

The Retirement Visa is designed for individuals who wish to retire in Thailand. It offers a long-term stay for retirees who meet certain financial requirements.

Key Features:

  • Eligibility: Requires proof of sufficient funds or monthly income to support your stay.
  • Validity: Typically issued for one year, with options for renewal.
  • Benefits: Provides a straightforward process for long-term residency.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Visa for Your Needs

Thailand offers a variety of visa options to accommodate different lifestyles and needs. Whether you’re looking for a standard work visa, a luxurious long-term stay with the Thailand Privilege Card, or a flexible option for remote work with the DTV, there’s a visa that fits your requirements.

Evaluate your goals and lifestyle preferences to select the visa that best suits your needs to start your new life in Thailand today. For more information or personalized assistance, feel free to reach out via email at btrelcat@harveylawgroupthailand.com or call us at +66 2 670 1848.

Stay in Thailand long-term.
With a Privilege Entry Visa
that is valid from
5 years up to 20 years.

Contact us directly via WhatsApp

Share this article

Become an
Elite Member

NOW

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for Thai elite visa?
The applicant/the Member must have and maintain to have the following qualifications: Being allowed to stay in Thailand in accordance with the immigration laws or any related law of Thailand.(no overstay record) Holding foreign passport. Not having been sentenced by a judgment to imprisonment in any countries except for an offense committed through negligence. Not having been adjudicated bankrupt. Not having been declared as a person of unsound mind incompetence, or quasi incompetent.
How long can I stay in Thailand with Elite Visa?
Thailand Elite offer a 5,10 or 20 years membership and ensure the renewal of your visa during the validity of the membership. Each time a member goes through the Thai immigration, he/she will automatically get a one-year visa stamp in his/her passport until expiration of the membership. If the member happens to stay for more than 1-year consecutively in Thailand, then a simple renewal at the immigration office will grant another 1-year visa stamp.
Is Thailand Elite a scam?
The Thailand Elite Visa is a program initiated and approved by the Royal Thai government in 2003. The Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd, which runs the Elite Visa program is a fully owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. ThaiElite-Express empowered by HLG Law Firm is an authorized sale agent.
Can I work with Thailand Elite?
After becoming an Elite member and obtaining your Thailand Elite Visa, you can apply anytime to a non-immigrant business visa and a work permit allowing you to work in Thailand. You also have the option of applying to the Elite Flexible Plus, invest at least 1 million USD in Thailand either in real estate, a limited or public company, or in stock exchange, and be granted a work permit.
How do I pay for Thailand Elite?
The payment is required only after submission of your application, the immigration background check by the Thai immigration, and receipt of the Approval Letter by email. Applicants could then choose to proceed to their membership fee by local or overseas bank transfer, credit card or depositing money to Thailand Elite bank account directly.
Is the Thailand Elite visa for Digital Nomads?
The Thailand Elite Visa is perfectly suitable for Digital Nomads. As business or retirement visas are not necessary a good match for digital nomads, the Elite Visa answers to all nomads with numerous privileges to cater members’ needs. With very little documentation needed, as well as the flexibility of applying from anywhere, regardless abroad, on arrival, or within Thailand. The process is seamless and fast. Moreover, from a study by The Instant Group, Bangkok has recently been voted as the world’s second-best city to work in as a digital nomad (best city in Asia). This is down to the innumerable benefits in which Bangkok brings, which are but not limited to; Internet broadband speed, culture, scenery, transportation, weather, affordability, cuisine, and more. Having already welcomed 35 million digital nomads from all over the world, in 2021, it’s forecasted that there would be more arrivals to the Land of Smiles with constant technological and infrastructure improvements.
What is the long term visa available in Thailand?
Applying to a Thailand Elite program is a viable and easy solution to stay and live for a long period of time in Thailand. Only Thailand Elite can offer a 5,10 or 20 years membership and ensure the renewal of the visa during the validity of the applicant membership. As of today, all other non-immigrant visa options are limited to a validity period of 1 or 2 years.
Thailand elite vs Retirement Visa
To retire in Thailand, the Elite Visa is a worry-free option compared to the Retirement Visa from the application, during holding period to the renewable. At the application time, for an Elite, the documentation is minimal, and no medical insurance nor proof of funds is required for instance. During the holding period, Elite members enjoy numerous privileges such as an assistance for their 90 days report, a fast track at the airport immigration, the lounge access and airport limousine, assistance in opening a bank account in local or foreign currency, a 24/7 call center and much more. The Elite Visa offers you an easy renewable of the Privilege Entry Visa for the duration of your membership.
What is the long term visa available in Thailand?
Applying to a Thailand Elite program is a viable and easy solution to stay and live for a long period of time in Thailand. Only Thailand Elite can offer a 5,10 or 20 years membership and ensure the renewal of the visa during the validity of the applicant membership. As of today, all other non-immigrant visa options are limited to a validity period of 1 or 2 years.
Is the Thailand Elite Visa legit?
The Thailand Elite Visa is a legal and legit program under Thai law to stay long-term in Thailand. The “Thailand Elite” is operated by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. It has been initiated in 2003 by the Royal Thai Government itself. The company is fully owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.

Related Articles

Thailand Privilege Announces New Membership Application

Thailand Privilege Announces New Membership Application Policy: Open to All Nationalities

September 4, 2024

In a significant update, Thailand Privilege Card has officially announced that it will now accept membership applications from all nationalities,...

Read More
HLG Thailand Privilege Card

Comparing Thailand Privilege Card and Destination Thailand Visa: Which One is Right for You?

August 29, 2024

Are you considering relocating to Thailand? Two popular visa options available to applicants are the Thailand Privilege Card

Read More
LTR Visa

What Thailand Visas Are Available for Long-Term Living in Thailand?

August 22, 2024

As the world explores new destinations for extended relocation, Thailand often remains an under-the-radar gem despite its popularity as a...

Read More

Our qualified team will contact you within today.

Thailand Privilege Card representative will contact you shortly with more information.

Our qualified team will contact you within today.

Thailand Privilege Card representative will contact you shortly with more information.