⚠️ IMPORTANT - November 2025 Update: Thailand has significantly tightened enforcement on visa exemption abuse. Repeat "visa runners" now face strict limits on extensions and entry denials. If you plan to stay long-term, get a proper visa.
Understanding Thailand's Visa System
Thailand offers various visa types designed for different purposes and lengths of stay. Choosing the right visa is crucial for a smooth relocation experience. This guide covers all major visa categories available in 2025-2026, including recent changes and new requirements.
New for 2025: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is now mandatory for all visitors. Complete it online within 72 hours before arrival.
Tourist Visa and Visa Exemption
Visa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry)
Citizens from 90+ countries can enter Thailand without a visa.
- Duration: 60 days for most nationalities (USA, UK, EU, Australia, etc.)
- Cost: Free
- Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months validity), proof of onward travel, accommodation booking, TDAC completed
- Extensions: One 30-day extension available at immigration (฿1,900)
- Total possible stay: 90 days (60 + 30 extension)
⚠️ November 2025 Crackdown: Extensions now limited to 2 times per calendar year. Land border entries and same-day visa runs may be denied. Over 2,900 entries have been refused since early 2025. If you need to stay longer, apply for a proper long-term visa.
Tourist Visa (TR)
For stays beyond visa exemption or when planning multiple extended visits.
Single-Entry Tourist Visa (SETV):
- Duration: 60 days per entry
- Valid: 3 months from issuance
- Extension: One 30-day extension (total 90 days)
- Cost: $30-50 USD
- Apply: Via e-visa system before travel
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV):
- Duration: 60 days per entry, unlimited entries
- Valid: 6 months from issuance
- Extension: Each entry extendable by 30 days
- Cost: $150-250 USD
- Requirements: Proof of ฿200,000 in bank account
Non-Immigrant Visas
Non-Immigrant O Visa (Retirement)
For individuals aged 50+ who wish to retire in Thailand. There are two variations:
Non-O Visa (Applied in Thailand):
- Convert from tourist visa/visa exemption inside Thailand
- No health insurance requirement
- Most expats prefer this route
Non-O-A Visa (Applied from Abroad):
- Apply at Thai Embassy in home country
- Mandatory health insurance: ฿40,000 outpatient + ฿400,000 inpatient coverage
- Must use Thai-approved insurer (check longstay.tgia.org)
Financial Requirements (Choose one):
- ฿800,000 in Thai bank account for 2 months before application
- Monthly income of at least ฿65,000
- Combination totaling ฿800,000 annually
Additional Requirements:
- Age 50 or older
- Passport valid for 18+ months
- Criminal background check (valid for 3 months)
- Medical certificate (valid for 3 months)
Duration: 1 year, renewable indefinitely
Extension Fee: ฿1,900
Non-Immigrant B Visa (Business/Work)
For those employed in Thailand or conducting business.
Requirements:
- Job offer from Thai company
- Work permit (arranged by employer)
- Company documents and invitation letter
- Bachelor's degree (for most positions)
- Company must employ 4 Thai nationals per foreign worker
Duration: 90 days initially, can be extended to 1 year
2025 Update: E-Work Permit system now streamlines the process
Non-Immigrant ED Visa (Education)
For students enrolled in Thai educational institutions or language schools.
Requirements:
- Acceptance letter from Thai institution
- Proof of funds
- Valid passport
Duration: 90 days to 1 year depending on course length
Note: Must attend classes regularly; immigration checks with schools
Long-Term Visas
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) - Digital Nomad Visa
Thailand's official visa for remote workers and digital nomads, launched July 2024.
Key Features:
- Duration: 5 years, multiple entry
- Stay per entry: 180 days
- Extension: One additional 180-day extension per entry (total 360 days/year)
- Cost: ฿10,000 (~$285 USD)
- Extension fee: ฿1,900
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 20 years old
- Bank balance: ฿500,000 maintained for at least 3 months
- Employment contract with foreign company OR freelance portfolio with client contracts
- Last 6 months of salary slips
Two Pathways:
- Remote Workers: Employment contract or freelance proof for foreign employers
- Soft Power: Muay Thai, Thai cooking, massage, language study with enrollment confirmation
Important Restrictions:
- Cannot work for Thai companies
- Cannot meet with Thai clients
- Must apply outside Thailand (home country or third-country embassy)
- 180+ days in Thailand = tax resident status
2025 Update: Stricter employment verification. Documentation must prove genuine remote work, not visa evasion.
Dependents: Spouse and children under 20 eligible (same visa fee each)
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
Premium 10-year visa with significant reforms in January 2025.
Four Categories:
- Wealthy Global Citizens: $500,000+ Thailand investment + $1M+ worldwide assets
- Wealthy Pensioners (50+): $80,000/year income OR $40,000/year + $250,000 Thailand investment
- Work-from-Thailand: Employer with $50M+ revenue (reduced from $150M)
- Highly-Skilled Professionals: No work experience requirement (new 2025)
2025 Major Changes:
- Series A-funded startups now eligible for Work-from-Thailand category
- Dependents expanded to include parents and all legal dependents with no limit
- 5,200+ visas issued as of January 2025
Benefits:
- 10-year renewable visa (5+5 years)
- Work permit included
- Tax-free foreign income (most categories)
- Fast-track immigration
Thailand Privilege Card (Elite Visa)
Premium membership program offering 5-20+ year visas with VIP benefits.
Membership Tiers (2025):
- Bronze (5 years): ฿650,000 (~$19,250) - Limited time offer ending December 31, 2025
- Gold (5 years): ฿900,000 (~$25,000) - 20 privilege points/year
- Platinum (10 years): ฿1,500,000+ (~$42,000+) - Family eligible
- Diamond (15 years): ฿2,500,000 (~$70,000) - Maximum privileges
- Reserve (20+ years): ฿5,000,000 (~$140,000) - Invitation only
2025 Promotion: ฿50,000 application fee waived through December 31, 2025
Benefits (All Tiers):
- Multiple-entry visa for 5-20+ years
- VIP airport services and fast-track immigration
- Complimentary transfers
- Annual health checkups
- Golf, spa, and dining privileges
- Staff handles 90-day reporting
Requirements: Valid passport, clean criminal record. No age, income, or insurance requirements.
Processing Time: Up to 4 months
Smart Visa
For highly skilled professionals in targeted industries (technology, digital, medical, etc.)
Duration: Up to 4 years
Benefits:
- No work permit required
- 90-day reporting waived (1-year reporting instead)
- Can include spouse and children
Requirements:
- Employment in BOI-endorsed targeted industry
- Minimum salary requirements vary by category
Visa Application Process
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Mandatory from December 2025: All foreign visitors must complete the TDAC online within 72 hours before arrival. This replaces the paper TM6 arrival card.
Where to Apply
- From Abroad: Thai embassy or consulate in your home country
- E-visa System: Available for most nationalities (UK, US, EU, Australia, etc.)
- In Thailand: Some visas can be converted or extended at Thai Immigration offices
General Application Steps
- Determine appropriate visa type based on your situation
- Gather required documents (passport, photos, financial proof, etc.)
- Complete TDAC online before travel
- Submit visa application (online or in person)
- Pay fees
- Wait for processing (1 day to 4 months depending on type)
- Collect visa or receive approval
Visa Extensions and Renewals
Most long-term visas can be extended at Thai Immigration offices.
Requirements for Extension:
- Valid passport
- TM7 extension form
- Passport photos (4x6 cm)
- Extension fee: ฿1,900
- Documents proving continued eligibility
Tips for Extensions:
- Apply 30-45 days before expiry
- Arrive early at immigration offices (they get very busy)
- Have all documents copied and organized
- Dress modestly and respectfully
- Be patient - processing can take several hours
90-Day Reporting
All foreign nationals staying in Thailand on long-term visas must report their address to immigration every 90 days.
Reporting Window: 15 days before to 7 days after the 90-day deadline
Reporting Methods:
- Online: Via tm47.immigration.go.th (must complete one in-person report first)
- In person: At local immigration office (TM47 form required)
- By mail: Registered post with TM47 form
Penalties:
- Late reporting: ฿2,000 fine
- Caught by authorities: Up to ฿5,000 fine
- Repeated late reporting may affect visa renewals
Common Visa Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying on visa runs: November 2025 crackdown targets repeat visitors using visa exemptions
- Letting visa expire before applying for extension
- Not maintaining required bank balance for retirement visa
- Missing 90-day reporting deadlines
- Working without proper work permit
- Overstaying even by one day (fines, ban, or deportation)
- Not completing TDAC before arrival
- Forgetting re-entry permit when leaving Thailand
Visa Fees Summary (2025)
- Tourist Visa (SETV): $30-50 USD
- Tourist Visa (METV): $150-250 USD
- DTV (Digital Nomad): ฿10,000 (~$285 USD)
- Retirement Extension: ฿1,900
- Thailand Privilege: ฿650,000-5,000,000
- LTR Visa: ฿50,000
- Extension Fee (Most Types): ฿1,900
- Re-entry Permit (Single): ฿1,000
- Re-entry Permit (Multiple): ฿3,800
- 90-Day Reporting: Free (if on time)
Getting Professional Help
While it's possible to handle visa applications yourself, many expats choose to work with visa agents or lawyers, especially for:
- Complex visa types (LTR, Smart Visa, business visas)
- Retirement visas requiring significant financial documentation
- Bank account opening assistance
- Visa problems or overstay situations
- Converting from one visa type to another
Benefits of Using an Agent:
- Save time and reduce stress
- Ensure all documents are correct
- Navigate complex requirements
- Avoid costly mistakes
- Up-to-date knowledge of current rules
Need Help Choosing the Right Visa?
With the November 2025 crackdown on visa runs, choosing the right long-term visa is more important than ever. Our visa experts can assess your situation and recommend the best option for your needs, then handle the entire application process for you. Book a free consultation to get started.