Those planning to live in Thailand for a few months or longer must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa (known as an NIV). There are many types of non-immigrant visas, and each type has its restrictions and requirements, so you must learn about them before applying. In this article, we’ll review the various visa categories and their requirements, so you can decide which is best for your situation.
Tourist Visa (TR)
A tourist Visa is a Non-ED, Non-B, and Non-O visa, so it’s the most popular option. It is issued to those who want to visit Thailand but do not work or reside there. The length of the visa depends on the applicant’s nationality and age. For example, a tourist visa granted to an Australian citizen aged 18 years will be valid for 60 days, while a tourist visa granted to an Indian citizen aged 40 years will be valid for 30 days.
Business Visa (B)
Non-ED, Non-B, and Non-O visas are unsuitable for foreigners looking to live and work in Thailand. They are only issued to temporarily visiting the country who can’t find any other type of visa that would suit their needs.
Non-immigrant B Visa
To stay in Thailand long-term, you must apply for a Non-immigrant B Visa. This visa allows an individual to stay in the country for a maximum of one year at a time. To get this visa, you must be 18 years or older and prove that you have an income from abroad, more than 100 times the cost of living in Thailand. You must also provide evidence that your home country has sufficient health care coverage.
Investment / Retirement Visa (IRV)
If you are seeking a long-term stay in Thailand, it is important to understand the different visa types available. The most common tourist visa (THB) is only good for 30 days and must be applied for at a Thai Embassy or Consulate outside of Thailand. IRV visas can be issued if you intend to invest in Thailand, retire in Thailand, or engage in other business activities. IRV visas require at least 3 million baht investment by your company or individual investment into the country.
Employment Visa (EB)
To work in Thailand, you need to have an employment visa. The Employment Visa is the most common type of non-immigrant visa. Getting one is complicated, so research the requirements before applying.
Education / Training Visa (ED/E2)
An ED/E2 visa is for those who want to study or receive training in Thailand. This visa category can be divided into two subcategories, a) Foreign nationals residing abroad who want to come and study at Thai educational institutions (ED) and b) Foreign nationals residing abroad who want to come and receive training in Thailand (E2).
Long Term Stay Visa (LSI / O1)
LSI (Long Stay) visas are issued to those who intend to stay in the Kingdom for more than 90 days. The LSI visa is available to applicants from most countries and can be extended without having to leave the country.
Spouse / Fiancee Visa (O2 / OP – Surat Thani Only)
This visa is designed specifically for a Thai national’s spouse or fiancé(e). It is only available at the Thai consulate in Surat Thani and can be used to apply for a work permit and an extension to stay in the country. The requirements are as follows: 1. Valid passport (or travel document) with validity that exceeds one year from the date of application. 2. Completed application form along with three recent photos, full name, address, and contact information written on it.
