Thailand Long-Term Visas 2025: How to Stay in Thailand for Years
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia for expats, retirees, and digital nomads. The incredible food, friendly locals, beautiful islands, and affordable cost of living make it a dream country to live in.
As someone who has traveled to Thailand multiple times, I completely understand why so many people want to stay here long-term. Over the years, I’ve met retirees who love Chiang Mai, entrepreneurs setting up businesses in Bangkok, and digital nomads soaking up the island life in Koh Samui.
If you’re considering moving to Thailand, you’ll need a visa that allows you to stay long-term. In this guide, I’ll break down the longest visa options for Thailand and which one might be best for you.
Thailand Elite Visa – Up to 20 Years
The Thailand Elite Visa is the longest visa option available. This visa is designed for wealthy individuals who want to stay in Thailand long-term without the hassle of visa renewals.
Key Features
- Available for 5, 10, or 20 years
- Multiple-entry visa
- No minimum stay requirement
- VIP benefits like airport services and government assistance
- No need to do 90-day check-ins at immigration
Requirements
- One-time membership fee, starting at:
- THB 900,000 (USD 25,000) for 5 years
- THB 1.5 million (USD 42,000) for 10 years
- THB 2.5 million (USD 70,000) for 20 years
One expat I met in Phuket, Simon from the UK, told me he applied for the Thailand Elite Visa because he didn’t want to deal with the usual visa restrictions. “It’s expensive,” he admitted, “but I never have to worry about leaving the country or doing visa runs.”
If you have the budget and want a hassle-free long-term stay, this visa is one of the best options.
Retirement Visa (O-A & O-X Visa) – 1 to 10 Years
Thailand is one of the best countries for retirees, and they offer a retirement visa for foreigners over 50 years old.
Types of Retirement Visas
- O-A Visa – 1-year visa, renewable annually
- O-X Visa – 10-year visa (5 years + 5-year extension)
Requirements
- Must be at least 50 years old
- Proof of THB 800,000 (USD 22,500) in a Thai bank or a monthly income of THB 65,000 (USD 1,800)
- Must have health insurance coverage of at least THB 3 million (USD 85,000)
I met a couple from Canada in Chiang Mai who had been living on the retirement visa for over five years. They love the low cost of living and warm weather, but they said one challenge is renewing the visa each year. If you qualify, this is a great way to live in Thailand long-term without working.
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – 10 Years
The LTR Visa is one of the newest long-term visa options for Thailand, introduced to attract wealthy expats, retirees, and digital nomads.
Who is Eligible?
- Wealthy individuals – Must have at least USD 1 million in assets
- Retirees – Must have at least USD 80,000 annual income
- Remote workers & digital nomads – Must work for a foreign company earning at least USD 80,000 per year
- Skilled professionals – Must work in a targeted industry with at least USD 80,000 per year income
Key Benefits
- 10-year renewable visa
- Fast-track service at airports
- No need for re-entry permits
- Permission to work in Thailand
A German entrepreneur I met in Bangkok recently switched to the LTR Visa. He said, “The process took a while, but once approved, I don’t have to worry about my visa for the next 10 years!”
Marriage Visa (O Visa) – 1 Year, Renewable
If you are married to a Thai citizen, you can apply for a Marriage Visa (O Visa), which allows you to stay in Thailand long-term.
Requirements
- Legally married to a Thai citizen
- THB 400,000 (USD 11,250) in a Thai bank OR a monthly income of THB 40,000 (USD 1,125)
- Must report to immigration every 90 days
A friend of mine, Michael, married a Thai woman and now lives in Hua Hin on a Marriage Visa. He told me that even though visa renewals can be a hassle, he loves being able to stay in Thailand with his wife.
Work Visa (Non-B Visa) – 1 Year, Renewable
If you plan to work in Thailand, your employer must sponsor a Non-B (Business) Visa and a Work Permit.
Key Features
- Issued for 1 year, renewable
- Must have a job offer from a Thai company
- Employer must provide supporting documents
- Allows legal employment in Thailand
A French teacher I met in Chiang Mai told me that getting a Work Visa was easy because her employer handled everything. However, she mentioned that changing jobs requires reapplying for a new visa.
Investment Visa – 10 Years
If you invest at least THB 10 million (USD 280,000) in Thailand, you can apply for an Investment Visa.
Accepted Investments
- Real estate
- Thai government bonds
- Fixed deposit in a Thai bank
This visa is valid for 10 years and allows the holder to stay in Thailand as an investor.
Final Thoughts – Which Thailand Visa is Best for You?
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best long-term visa:
- Want a hassle-free visa? → Thailand Elite Visa (5–20 years)
- Over 50 years old? → Retirement Visa (1–10 years)
- High-income professional? → LTR Visa (10 years)
- Married to a Thai citizen? → Marriage Visa (1 year, renewable)
- Have a job in Thailand? → Work Visa (1 year, renewable)
- Want to invest in Thailand? → Investment Visa (10 years)
If you’re looking for stability and convenience, the Thailand Elite Visa and LTR Visa are your best options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the longest visa available for Thailand?
The Thailand Elite Visa offers up to 20 years of residency.
Can I work in Thailand on an Elite Visa?
No, the Thailand Elite Visa does not allow work. You need a Non-B Visa or LTR Visa for employment.
Is Thailand’s Retirement Visa easy to renew?
Yes, but you need to prove financial stability and complete 90-day check-ins.
Can I get permanent residency in Thailand?
It’s possible after three years of holding a Work Visa, but requirements are strict.
Is Thailand’s LTR Visa good for digital nomads?
Yes, if you earn USD 80,000+ per year, you qualify for the LTR Visa.
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