Overview of visas available for entry and legal stay in the Kingdom of Thailand. Proper visa selection will allow the applicant to avoid difficulties in applying, extending or changing the type of visa. Various visas are offered for different purposes and periods of stay in the country. And, accordingly, avoid loss of time and money, as well as violations of visa laws of Thailand.
Foreigners over 50 years old who wish to live in retirement in Thailand are eligible to apply for a Thai pension visa. Although it is the more commonly used term, the Thai retirement visa officially falls under the 'O' category of nonimmigrant visas for Thailand.
Thai immigration authorities issue two types of retirement visas for foreign nationals:
To obtain a family visa, you must be legally married to a Thai citizen and have a valid marriage certificate. The marriage can be registered both in Thailand and outside the country. When registering a marriage outside of Thailand, the documents must be legalized.
A Thai ceremonial wedding is not an official procedure and does not serve as a basis for obtaining this visa.
In addition, there are certain requirements for assets and income. They guarantee the applicant's ability to support himself and his spouse.
Foreigners who wish to work, conduct business or carry out investment activities in Thailand must apply for a non-immigrant business visa.
Various categories of non-immigrant visas are currently available to meet the needs and qualifications of individual business people. These include the 'B' category business visa, the 'BA' category business visa and the 'IB' category investment-business visa.
The holder of this type of visa who wishes to work in Thailand must obtain a work permit before starting work.
An international student can apply for a non-immigrant 'ED' visa to study at schools, universities or institutes.
Language schools have always been especially popular. Studying in them according to a certain course of study usually lasts three years.
During the year, the visa is extended every three months.
Visa can be issued only for studies at accredited educational institutions.
For citizens of Russia and Ukraine, the period of visa-free stay is 30 days. The same rules apply to citizens of most European Union countries, the United States and Israel.
In 2022 visa-free entry to Thailand will be available for citizens of 64 countries based on bilateral agreements.
A visa on Arrival is issued at the airport. In 2022 these visas on Arrival will be available to citizens of 18 countries, including Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Romania, and Bulgaria.
The validity period for a visa on Arrival is 15 days.
This visa is issued for 90 days and can then be transformed into another type of visa. After 90 days, an annual visa is issued to the applicant. For example, such a procedure can be applied to obtaining a retirement visa.
A similar scenario can be followed for family, business and some other types of visas.
A multi-entry tourist visa is valid for six months from the date of issuance. You must enter Thailand within the validity period of the visa.
The holder of this visa may not stay in Thailand for more than 60 days for each entry within six months from the date of arrival.
The Thai nonimmigrant 'M' visa is issued to media members. You can apply for a journalist visa if you work in Thailand as a film producer, journalist or reporter.
The Thai nonimmigrant R visa, also called the 'R-A' visa, is issued for religious purposes. You need this type of visa if you are traveling to Thailand to perform missionary work or other religious activities with permission from the relevant Thai ministries or government departments.
Thailand Elite is a long-term visa solution that allows privileged members to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for 5 to 20 years. There are seven visa program options, each with its unique set of benefits, costs, and duration.
Thailand Elite members have access to exclusive benefits and perks, including transfers and legal assistance, as well as complimentary services to spas, golf courses and restaurants.
A new type of visa specifically designed to attract highly skilled workers, investors, executives and start-ups. One of the conditions for obtaining a SMART visa is the willingness and ability to participate in work or investment in certain target industries in Thailand.
Smart Visa holders can apply for permission to reside in the country for four years. Exemption from the need for a work permit and the right to additional privileges are granted.
