Available Visas for Foreigners in Thailand
Length of Stay, Requirements, and Costs — The Complete 2025-2026 Guide
Thailand’s visa system has evolved significantly in recent years, with new visa categories introduced to attract long-term residents, digital nomads, wealthy retirees, and investors.
Navigating this landscape requires current, accurate information — and because visa regulations change regularly, working with a relocation expert to confirm your pathway before committing to documents and applications is strongly recommended.
All costs are approximate and subject to change; verify current fees with the Thai embassy in your country or with a MOOD Travel Abroad Thailand expert at moodtravelabroad.com/mood-experts.
Visa Exemption on Arrival — 30 to 60 Days
Nationals of approximately sixty countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most EU member states, receive a visa exemption on arrival. The standard exemption grants 30 days, extended to 60 days in 2024 for many nationals — verify current policy for your specific nationality. The visa exemption can typically be extended once at a Thai immigration office for an additional 30 days (cost: 1,900 THB, approximately $55 USD).
Cost: Free on arrival | Extension: approximately $55 | Duration: 30-60 days on arrival plus 30 day extension possible
Tourist Visa (TR) — 60 Days
A tourist visa obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate before arriving grants 60 days of stay, extendable by 30 days at a Thai immigration office. Multiple-entry tourist visas allow repeated entries within a six-month window. Tourist visas are appropriate for those exploring Thailand before committing to a longer stay.
Cost: $30-$40 | Duration: 60 days plus 30 day extension | Apply: Thai embassy or consulate before travel
Non-Immigrant Visa Categories
Non-OA — Retirement Visa
The Non-Immigrant OA is Thailand’s primary retirement visa, available to applicants aged 50 and above. It grants a one-year stay, extendable annually indefinitely. Requirements: health insurance covering at least 40,000 THB outpatient and 400,000 THB inpatient (mandatory since 2019), financial requirements (800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, or monthly income of 65,000 THB, or a combination), no criminal record, and a current medical certificate.
Cost: approximately $50-$70 application fee | Duration: 1 year renewable annually | Age requirement: 50 and above
Non-B — Business and Employment Visa
Required for those working legally in Thailand. A work permit must accompany the visa and is tied to a specific employer. The visa grants 90 days initially; extensions of one year are tied to the work permit duration. Those working remotely for foreign companies should seek expert advice on their specific legal situation.
Cost: $50-$80 | Duration: 90 days plus 1 year extensions tied to work permit | Requires Thai employer and work permit
Non-ED — Education Visa
Allows those enrolled in approved educational programs — Thai language courses, Muay Thai training, cooking schools, university programs — to remain in Thailand for the duration of their studies. Genuine language study is worthwhile and legitimate; using it solely as a visa vehicle requires careful navigation with expert guidance.
Cost: $50-$70 | Duration: 1 year renewable with continued enrollment | Requires enrollment in approved institution
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa — Thailand’s Premium 10-Year Option
Introduced in 2022, the LTR Visa is Thailand’s most ambitious visa category — a ten-year visa (5+5 renewable) targeting specific high-value resident profiles. Four categories: Wealthy Global Citizen (assets $1M USD, income $80,000/year); Wealthy Pensioner (income $80,000/year or $40,000 with $250,000 Thai investment); Work-from-Thailand Professional (income $80,000/year, 5 years work experience); Highly Skilled Professional (employed in targeted Thai industries).
LTR benefits include 90-day reporting exemption, streamlined work permit approval, fast-track airport service, and import duty exemption on personal vehicles. Thailand’s clearest signal that it wants high-income, high-quality long-term residents.
Cost: 50,000 THB (approximately $1,400) | Duration: 10 years | Income or asset requirements apply | Significant additional benefits included
SMART Visa — For Investors, Executives, and Specialists
The SMART Visa targets those who invest significantly in Thai companies or work in targeted industries (technology, advanced manufacturing, medical, biotech, digital, and others). Categories include SMART T (technology), SMART I (investor), SMART E (executive), SMART S (startups). Duration varies from one to four years. Requires endorsement from relevant Thai government agencies.
Duration: 1-4 years depending on category | Requires endorsement from relevant Thai agency | Complex application process
90-Day Reporting Requirement
All non-immigrant visa holders must report their address to Thai immigration every 90 days. This can be done in person at immigration offices, by mail, or online through the immigration bureau’s website or app. Missing the reporting deadline incurs a 2,000 THB fine. Tracking this requirement carefully is part of responsible long-term Thailand residency.
Working with a Thailand Visa Expert
Thailand’s visa landscape changes regularly. New categories are introduced, requirements are adjusted, and enforcement patterns shift. Working with a MOOD Travel Abroad Thailand expert at moodtravelabroad.com/mood-experts provides current, accurate guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Ready to Make Thailand Your Home?
If reading this has sparked something in you — that quiet certainty that your life could look completely different — MOOD Travel Abroad is here to help you make it real. Our Thailand relocation experts have walked this path themselves and guided hundreds of intentional movers through every step, from visa strategy to neighborhood selection to building a life that actually fits.
Connect with a Thailand Relocation Expert
Visit: moodtravelabroad.com/mood-experts
Whether you’re planning a scouting trip, navigating visas, or ready to commit fully, we have the right expert to guide your journey.