Best Long Term Thailand Visas for Foreigners and Expats
Whether you are looking for a long-term visa to Thailand for business, family, or retirement, there are many choices available. However, you should consider your options carefully to choose the best one for your needs.
These include the Thailand Elite, LTR Visas, SMART, Retirement visas, and Marriage visas. Each offers its own benefits and is suitable for different situations.
Thailand Elite Visas
If you want to stay longer in Thailand, there are several options. One of the most popular is the Thailand Elite Visa, which lets you live in the country for up to 20 years. The program is designed for HNW global citizens who want to spend extended periods of time in the country. It is available in a range of packages that offer different benefits and privileges.
You can choose from the Elite Easy Access, Elite Ultimate Privilege or the Elite Residence Visa. Each option has its own benefits and costs. The Elite Residence Visa includes VIP express airport services, transport services, government concierge services, and annual health checks. The program also has a dedicated member contact center that is available in multiple languages.
The Elite Program also offers a 90-day reporting requirement to Thai Immigration. This is mandatory for foreigners who stay in the country for an extended period of time. The Thailand Elite Program provides support and assistance for completing this report. This makes it easier for members to comply with the requirements.
Long-Term Resident Visa Thailand
If you are a high-net-worth individual looking for a long-term residency in Thailand, then the LTR visa is the right option for you. This visa, which was launched in September 2022, is designed to attract high networth individuals and highly skilled foreigners to the country. It also aims to bring in 1 million people over the next five years.
The visa offers a bundle of tax and residence benefits for 'high-potential' foreigners who are interested in settling down in the country. This includes wealthy global citizens with at least USD 1 million in assets, retirees with a stable annual pension or income, and work-from-anywhere professionals who have established companies in their home countries.
The visa is valid for a year and can be renewed. However, you will need to make a trip back to the border every 90 days to have your visa stamped. You can also purchase a health insurance plan to cover your expenses. Pacific Prime can help you find the best policy for your needs and budget. The company has an expert team of international health insurance brokers who can help you determine the best coverage options.
Thailand Retirement Visa
If you are looking to stay longer in Thailand, you may want to consider a non-immigrant OA visa or a Thai Retirement visa. This visa allows you to live and work in the country for up to a year. It also allows your dependents to join you.
This type of visa is available for those over 50 years old. However, you will need to provide proof of income and have 800,000 Baht in your bank account. You will also need to meet the medical requirements of your home country.
The OA visa is one of the most popular options for foreigners and expats. It is less expensive than other visas and requires fewer documents. However, it does not allow you to get a work permit or apply for Permanent Residency. The OA is also only good for one year at a time, so it’s not the best choice if you are planning to live in Thailand permanently. Fortunately, there are other long term visa options for those who wish to live in Thailand permanently. These include the Elite visa, Marriage visa and the Retirement visa.
Thailand Marriage Visa
This is the most popular visa for foreigners wishing to stay longer in Thailand. Unlike the other two options, this one can be converted to Thai citizenship after 3 years of uninterrupted residency. However, it requires meeting certain financial and documentary requirements.
The Thailand Marriage Visa is technically a Non-Immigrant Type O visa based on marriage, but it is also often referred to as the “Thailand spouse visa”. To qualify for this visa, you must be married to a Thai national and meet certain financial requirements. This includes having a minimum of THB 400,000 in a bank account in Thailand, which must be deposited for 2 months before applying for the first visa and three months before each extension. You can also show a monthly income of at least THB 40,000 by submitting an income affidavit from your country’s embassy.
In addition to these requirements, you must report your address and stay in Thailand to the Immigration Department every 90 days. You can also leave and re-enter the country at any time during your visa period, but you must obtain a re-entry permit before doing so.
Hiring an Immigration Law Firm in Thailand
An immigration law firm in Thailand can help with the complexities of the country’s strict visa policies. They have the technical know-how on how the laws operate and can guarantee faster document processing like visas and passports. A good lawyer will charge a fair fee for their services but do not let the rate scare you away.
In choosing an attorney, be sure to interview a few attorneys and ask friends for suggestions. Also, make sure that the attorney you choose specializes in immigration law and devotes a substantial portion of their practice to this area. In addition, it is customary for an attorney to negotiate a fixed fee for their services and provide you with a written agreement. It’s important to read the fine print and look for any hidden charges.