Residence in Thailand for Foreigners
Residence in Thailand for Foreigners: How to Stay Long-Term
Many people come to Thailand “just for the winter” — and a couple of months later realize they don’t want to leave. It’s warm, peaceful, safe. People around you are smiling, the food is delicious, the sea is close — and it feels like life has finally slowed down.
But to stay here legally longer than the standard 30 days, you need to figure out visas. Thailand doesn’t have the usual “residence permit” — but there are several ways to live here long-term and officially.
Tourist Visa — For Starters
Most nationalities can enter visa-free for 30 days. That’s enough for a vacation, but if you want to stay longer — get a tourist visa.
There are two types:
For one winter season, this usually works. But for permanent living, it’s inconvenient — every two months you need to extend something or leave the country.
There are two types:
- Single Entry — for 60 days, plus you can extend for another month at the local immigration office;
- Multiple Entry — valid for six months, you can enter and exit as many times as you want, but each stay is limited to 60 days.
For one winter season, this usually works. But for permanent living, it’s inconvenient — every two months you need to extend something or leave the country.
Education Visa — The “Legal Winter Stay”
The most popular way to live here for a year is to get an ED Visa.
To do this, you enroll in a Thai language school, English course, yoga, diving, Muay Thai, or even cooking classes.
The main thing — you need to study, at least formally. Usually 4–8 hours per week.
Tuition costs 25,000–40,000 baht per year (about $700–$1,100).
The visa is issued for a year, then you can renew it. Many foreigners live this way for years — studying a bit, working remotely, and enjoying the sea.
To do this, you enroll in a Thai language school, English course, yoga, diving, Muay Thai, or even cooking classes.
The main thing — you need to study, at least formally. Usually 4–8 hours per week.
Tuition costs 25,000–40,000 baht per year (about $700–$1,100).
The visa is issued for a year, then you can renew it. Many foreigners live this way for years — studying a bit, working remotely, and enjoying the sea.
Retirement Visa — If You’re Over 50
For those over 50, everything is simpler.
There’s a Non-Immigrant O-A Visa — the so-called retirement visa.
You need to show that you have:
You can’t work on this visa, but you can live as long as you want. It renews annually, and you don’t have to leave the country.
Many people over 50 move this way: it’s cheaper, warmer, and easier to live here.
There’s a Non-Immigrant O-A Visa — the so-called retirement visa.
You need to show that you have:
- 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account (about $22,000),
- or a monthly income of at least 65,000 baht (around $1,800).
You can’t work on this visa, but you can live as long as you want. It renews annually, and you don’t have to leave the country.
Many people over 50 move this way: it’s cheaper, warmer, and easier to live here.
Business Visa — For Those Who Work or Invest
If you’re opening a company or getting hired by a Thai firm, you get a Non-Immigrant B Visa.
For your own business, you need a registered company and capital of at least 2 million baht.
Then you can get a work permit and live peacefully.
The business visa is valid for one year and renewable.
After a few years, you can apply for Permanent Residence.
For your own business, you need a registered company and capital of at least 2 million baht.
Then you can get a work permit and live peacefully.
The business visa is valid for one year and renewable.
After a few years, you can apply for Permanent Residence.
Family Visa
If your spouse is a Thai citizen, you can get a Non-Immigrant O Visa based on marriage.
It also works for those whose children were born here, and for relatives of those already living on a long-term visa.
Renewed annually, the main thing is to confirm income and cohabitation.
It also works for those whose children were born here, and for relatives of those already living on a long-term visa.
Renewed annually, the main thing is to confirm income and cohabitation.
Thailand Elite Visa
This is for those who don’t want to deal with paperwork.
Thailand Elite Visa is issued for 5, 10, or 20 years right away — no renewals, no exits required.
Cost:
Included: personal manager, fast-track through passport control, airport lounges, help with banks, insurance, and documents.
If you’ve bought an apartment and plan to spend most of the year here — the Elite visa is the most convenient option.
Thailand Elite Visa is issued for 5, 10, or 20 years right away — no renewals, no exits required.
Cost:
- 5 years — 600,000 baht (≈ $17,000);
- 10 years — 1 million baht (≈ $28,000);
- 20 years — 2 million baht (≈ $56,000).
Included: personal manager, fast-track through passport control, airport lounges, help with banks, insurance, and documents.
If you’ve bought an apartment and plan to spend most of the year here — the Elite visa is the most convenient option.
Investment Visa
Since 2023, there’s a program for investors.
If you invest at least 10 million baht (about $280,000) in real estate, Thai bonds, or business, you can get an Investment Visa.
It allows you to live for up to 5 years, renewable if the money stays in assets.
If you invest at least 10 million baht (about $280,000) in real estate, Thai bonds, or business, you can get an Investment Visa.
It allows you to live for up to 5 years, renewable if the money stays in assets.
Permanent Residence
This is a real residence permit, but it’s hard to get.
You need to have lived in Thailand for at least 3 years on a long-term visa, regularly pay taxes, and have stable income.
If approved — you get a resident’s “green card” and don’t renew anything anymore.
But only a few hundred of these are issued per year, so foreigners usually go other routes.
You need to have lived in Thailand for at least 3 years on a long-term visa, regularly pay taxes, and have stable income.
If approved — you get a resident’s “green card” and don’t renew anything anymore.
But only a few hundred of these are issued per year, so foreigners usually go other routes.
How Foreigners Live with Different Visas
Some study on courses and live on an education visa. Some got a retirement visa and enjoy the sea.
Some have a business visa and their own restaurant or IT company.
Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui — these aren’t just resorts anymore, they’re cities where people live.
A family spends on average $4,000+ per month — with rent, food, and transportation.
But there’s no heating, winter clothes, expensive utilities, or constant stress.
Some have a business visa and their own restaurant or IT company.
Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui — these aren’t just resorts anymore, they’re cities where people live.
A family spends on average $4,000+ per month — with rent, food, and transportation.
But there’s no heating, winter clothes, expensive utilities, or constant stress.
FAQ
Can I work online without a business visa?
If you work for foreign companies — yes. Just don’t get employed by local firms without permission.
How long can you live without leaving?
With most visas — a year. After renewal, you can stay as long as you want.
Can I get citizenship?
Theoretically yes, but the process is long — at least 10 years. In practice, foreigners usually stay on long-term visas.
If you work for foreign companies — yes. Just don’t get employed by local firms without permission.
How long can you live without leaving?
With most visas — a year. After renewal, you can stay as long as you want.
Can I get citizenship?
Theoretically yes, but the process is long — at least 10 years. In practice, foreigners usually stay on long-term visas.
Conclusion
Staying in Thailand long-term is realistic if you choose your option.
Study, business, investment, retirement, or the elite program — everyone can find something suitable.
The main thing is to do everything officially and understand in advance how you want to live: a few months a year or permanently.
Life by the sea here isn’t a dream — it’s a very concrete plan if you get the documents right.
Study, business, investment, retirement, or the elite program — everyone can find something suitable.
The main thing is to do everything officially and understand in advance how you want to live: a few months a year or permanently.
Life by the sea here isn’t a dream — it’s a very concrete plan if you get the documents right.