Thailand Visas: How to Stay in the Country Legally
A base map of the main ways to stay in Thailand legally — from visa-free entry to the ten-year LTR.
How to pick an option quickly
The main visa types
Visa-free entry
Short holidays and tourist trips
This is a visa exemption, not a separate visa: it is not intended for permanent residence or regular employment in Thailand.
Key parameters
- For entry until 14 September 2026 inclusive — a stay of up to 60 days.
- From 15 September 2026 the permitted period of stay is reduced to 30 days.
- Those who enter before the rule change may stay until the date stamped in their passport.
- An extension is not guaranteed: the final decision rests with the immigration service.
Tourist visa — TR
Longer trips planned in advance
Suits those planning a longer tourist trip in advance.
Key parameters
- A single-entry visa usually allows a stay of up to 60 days.
- A multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for up to 6 months, but each separate stay is usually limited to 60 days.
- The stay can often be extended by a further 30 days at an immigration office — the extension remains at the authorities' discretion.
Destination Thailand Visa — DTV
Remote work and long stays without Thai employment
One of the main options for remote workers and long-term stays without employment in Thailand.
Who it suits
- Remote employees of foreign companies.
- Freelancers and digital nomads.
- Participants in muay thai, Thai cooking and other approved programmes.
- Those coming for specified medical treatment.
- Spouses and children under 20 of the main DTV holder.
Key parameters
- The visa is valid for 5 years with multiple entries.
- Up to 180 days per entry.
- A single extension of the current period of stay by a further 180 days is possible.
- Applicants usually must prove funds of at least 500,000 THB and a qualifying basis for the DTV.
Business & work visa — Non-Immigrant B
Employment with a Thai company and business trips
Suits official employment with a Thai company, running a business, business trips and negotiations.
Key parameters
- An initial stay of up to 90 days is usually granted.
- With employment, an extension and a separate work permit are arranged.
- The employer prepares a significant part of the documents.
Student visa — Non-Immigrant ED
Study at schools, universities and courses
Suits studying at a school or university, language and some professional courses, and other recognised educational programmes.
Key parameters
- The initial stay is often up to 90 days.
- It is then extended in line with the confirmed duration of the studies.
- The educational institution provides enrolment documents and, where necessary, approval from education authorities.
Family visa — Non-Immigrant O
Family of Thai citizens and accompanying foreigners
Used for family reunification and for accompanying holders of long-term visas.
Who it suits
- The spouse of a Thai citizen.
- Parents of a Thai child.
- Family members of a foreigner legally working or residing in Thailand.
- Accompanying family members of holders of certain long-term visas.
Key parameters
- Entry is often granted for 90 days first.
- A yearly extension is then possible upon confirming the family relationship and meeting the financial conditions.
Retirement visas — Non-O and Non-OA
Non-working residence for applicants aged 50+
Intended for applicants aged 50 and over who do not plan to work in Thailand.
Key parameters
- Non-O Retirement: an initial stay of up to 90 days with a possible yearly extension inside Thailand.
- Financial requirements: 800,000 THB in a bank account, or an income of 65,000 THB per month, or an acceptable combination.
- Non-OA Long Stay: issued outside Thailand, a stay of up to one year; insurance, a police clearance certificate and medical documents are usually required.
Yearly visa through property
Legal residence for property owners with assets of 3M THB+
Since 2026 Thailand has offered a new option: a property owner can obtain a yearly visa. It is not a classic investor visa but a new modification of the Non-Immigrant B visa, available through property ownership.
What is required for the application
- A chanote (title deed) in your name.
- A sale or leasehold agreement registered with the Land Department.
- Proof of full payment for the property.
- A photo of yourself at the unit's door showing the number.
- Photos inside the unit.
- A map showing the building's location.
Key parameters
- A property owner with an asset valued at 3,000,000 THB or more can qualify.
- The visa is first issued for 3 months, then extended to 12 months; further yearly extensions are possible while ownership is maintained.
- Family members can be attached: a spouse, children under 20 and parents aged 50+.
- It works with any property in Thailand: new builds or resale, a condominium, villa or land — what matters is the value and the documents.
- Buying the property alone does not grant the visa: it must be applied for separately, from inside Thailand.
Long-Term Resident Visa — LTR
A premium 10-year programme
A premium ten-year programme for applicants with high income, capital or in-demand qualifications.
Main groups
- Wealthy individuals.
- Well-off pensioners over 50.
- Specialists working remotely for large foreign companies.
- Highly qualified professionals.
- Family members of the main applicant.
Key parameters
- The visa spans 10 years — in effect two five-year periods.
- Requirements may include income, assets, investments, employer characteristics and health insurance.
- The processing fee in Thailand is 50,000 THB per person.
- Eligibility must be maintained throughout the programme.
SMART Visa
Innovation industries and startups
Not intended for ordinary remote workers, but for tech entrepreneurship and target industries.
Who it suits
- Technology entrepreneurs.
- Investors.
- Executives.
- Specialists in target innovation industries.
- Founders of qualifying startups.
Key parameters
- May be granted for up to four years.
- Some categories are exempt from the standard Work Permit.
- The activity must match the approved project and the declared category.
- Prior BOI approval is required.
Thailand Privilege
A paid long-stay programme
A paid long-stay programme with the Privilege Entry visa.
Key parameters
- Bronze — 650,000 THB, 5 years.
- Gold — 900,000 THB, 5 years.
- Platinum — 1,500,000 THB, 10 years.
- Diamond — 2,500,000 THB, 15 years.
- Reserve — 5,000,000 THB, 20 years, by invitation.
- The PE visa usually grants up to one year of stay per entry.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card — TDAC
For any entry, a foreigner must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card in advance. It is submitted no earlier than three days before arrival and is not a visa.
The main rule: a visa's validity period and the permitted period of stay are different things. Likewise, neither buying an apartment, renting a home, nor registering a company automatically grants a visa, residence or the right to work.
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