Our attorneys in Thailand can offer you legal assistance in the preparation of your application for a visa and residence permit. We are also at your service with assistance in immigration to Bangkok.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) (Yes/No) | Yes |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) (Yes/No) | Yes |
Types of visas available | Thai Elite Visa Tourist Visa Non-Immigrant Visa One Year Non-Immigrant Visa Marriage Visa and Retirement Visa Business Visa Permanent Resident Visa |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | 7 working days |
| Validity of temporary residence permit | 3 months |
| Temporary residence permit renewal requirements | Application Form for Extension of Temporary Stay in the Kingdom One picture |
| Documents for obtaining a residence visa | Your original passport Proof of address in Thailand |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | October to the end of December of every year |
| Investor visa availability (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Start up visa scheme availability (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Sponsorship requirement (Yes/No) | Need employer's visa sponsorship packet |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | 6 – 12 months |
| Citizenship/ Residency by investment scheme availability (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Taxation of foreign citizens | 35% |
| Tax benefits for foreign citizens | None |
Table of Contents
How hard is it to relocate to Thailand?
At the level of 2026, many procedures have been streamlined, which means the process was simplified compared to several years ago.
Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?
The visa requirement depends on the country you come from. Our immigration lawyers in Thailand can advise on visa issuance and potential issues that may arise.
What are the main ways to immigrate to Thailand?
First of all, you need to decide whether you want to settle here permanently or stay here temporarily. For the latter option, you can apply for:
- the destination visa, which is a great option if you are a digital nomad and you are able to work remotely;
- the non-B employment visa, which is a work visa that enables you to stay in Thailand for the duration of your work contract;
- the retirement visa, specifically the non-O one, which has a limited duration of one year.
With respect to long-term residency, which enables permanent immigration to Thailand, you can opt for:
- the non-O-X retirement visa, which is the long-term residence permit with a 10-year validity period;
- the long-term resident permit, which is available for skilled workers and high-net worth individuals, which has the same 10-year validity period and is renewable;
- the Elite visa, which is a long-term residence permit with different validities, depending on the amount of money invested – its duration ranges from 5 to 20 years.
IMPORTANT! We recommend first verifying the immigration conditions for each type of visa before choosing a specific one. Our Thai lawyers can offer updated information on each of them.
What are the most important requirements to move to Thailand?
You must meet the following conditions:
- have a valid passport;
- secure a place to stay;
- have a round-trip flight ticket, if you plan to stay here for short periods of time;
- have a valid visa upon arrival;
- apply for a residence permit after entering the country.
NOTE! Health insurance is no longer required when travelling to Thailand.
What are the documents required to obtain a visa for Thailand?
The following:
- valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months;
- valid visa (if applicable);
- application form;
- proof of accommodation;
- proof of residence (recent utility bill);
- proof of financial means.
Our Thai lawyers can help you collect and submit required documents efficiently because the process of document submission is crucial, and any negligence may lead to the rejection of visa applications.
How long do I need to live in Thailand to become a permanent resident?
The main condition is to live in Thailand for at least 3 years based on a non-immigrant visa. The visa must be the same during the entire stay. Also, you must prove you have a good level of Thai language, and you are financially stable.
How do I apply for permanent residency in Thailand?
The following step in your relocation, after obtaining a visa, is to apply for a permanent residence permit in Thailand. The requirements include registration with the Immigration Bureau, for which you must prepare a copy of your passport and proof that you have already obtained a non-immigrant visa.
There is a limited number of applications that receive approval each year, so it is recommended to start your application early. After you obtain a residence permit in Thailand, you will receive a red book, which is the equivalent of an ID card in Thailand.
You can contact our Thailand law firm without any hesitation if you are interested in any type of Thai visa program. We will provide our legal services throughout the process of your immigration to Thailand.