For foreigners entering Thailand, obtaining the appropriate visa is crucial, whether for tourism, business, or personal reasons. Visa requirements vary based on nationality and the purpose of stay. If you’re planning to come to Thailand, let's find out which visa type suits your purpose best. Here's a guide to the most common types of visas available:
Types of Visas
Tourist Visa Ideal for short-term visits, the Tourist Visa is for those travelling to Thailand purely for leisure. It includes:
Visa Exemption Scheme: For nationals from countries that do not need a visa for short stays.
Tourist Visa (Single or Multiple Entries): For those needing a visa before entering Thailand.
Special Tourist Visa (Single Entry): A special category for extended stays, usually for up to 90 days.
Thailand Elite Visa Offered through the Thailand Privilege Card program, this visa provides long-term stays of 5, 10, or 20 years under the Privilege Entry Visa (PE) rules.
Non-Immigrant “Business” Visa (Non-Immigrant B) For foreigners working in Thailand. This visa requires:
A passport valid for at least 6 months.
An invitation letter from a Thai company.
Embassy fees and company documents.
The visa allows for an initial 90-day stay, extendable for 1 year once a work permit is obtained.
Marriage or Guardian Visa For foreigners married to Thai nationals or having close family members in Thailand. Requirements include:
A valid non-immigrant visa.
Proof of a monthly income of 40,000 Baht or 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account.
The visa is valid for 1 year and is renewable annually.
Retirement Visa Available for foreigners aged 50 or older, this visa requires:
Proof of a monthly income of 65,000 Baht or 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account.
Valid for 1 year with annual renewals.
Additional Visa Categories
Non-Immigrant Visa Types:
Business (B-type)
Marriage (O-type)
Dependent or Retirement (O-type)
Education (ED-type)
Other Categories:
Type D: Diplomatic visas for embassy staff.
Type M: For media representatives.
Type EX: For skilled workers.
Type IM or IB: For investors.
Type F: For official duties.
Type R: For missionaries.
Type RS: For scientific researchers.
Type S: For athletes.
Visa Extensions and Re-Entry
For those holding a non-immigrant visa:
Re-Entry Permits: Required for travelling outside Thailand during the visa’s validity.
Extensions: Apply within Thailand for extending the stay. Business visa extensions follow stricter regulations and require reporting to Immigration every 90 days.
Permanent Residence in Thailand
Eligibility for permanent residency includes:
Holding a non-immigrant visa for at least 3 years.
Submitting applications annually from October to December.
Meeting specific criteria depending on category (investment, business, family, or expertise).
Benefits:
No visa or 90-day reporting requirements.
Ability to buy property, work without additional permits, and apply for Thai citizenship.
Application Fees:
7,600 Baht application fee.
191,400 Baht for successful applications (reduced to 95,700 Baht for minors or spouses of Thai citizens).
Processing Time:
Application Submission: 2-4 weeks
Interview: 3-4 months
Acceptance: 18-20 months
Professional Assistance: Includes application preparation, interview preparation, and language lessons.
Make sure to verify the most current requirements and fees before applying, as these can change over time. For up-to-date information and personalized advice on your visa application, contact Ravenwing for expert guidance.
Disclaimer: Informational Article, Not Legal Advice
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