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Types of Thai Visa in Thailand
Thailand offers several immigration schemes designed for foreigners who wish to stay in the country for tourism, business, employment, or long-term residence. Choosing the correct type of Thai visa is therefore a crucial first step before relocating, investing, or engaging in professional activities in the Kingdom.
Under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), foreign nationals must obtain the appropriate authorization to enter and remain in Thailand depending on the purpose of their stay. Each type of Thai visa corresponds to a specific legal status and determines the duration of stay, permitted activities, and renewal conditions.
For example, some visas are designed for professionals and entrepreneurs, while others target retirees, family members, or remote workers. Certain types of Thai visas may also require additional authorizations, such as a work permit issued under the Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree B.E. 2560 (2017) when a foreign national intends to engage in professional activities in Thailand. Understanding the different types of Thai visas is therefore essential to avoid immigration violations and to structure a long-term presence in Thailand in a compliant manner. The choice of visa can also affect tax residence, business opportunities, and the possibility of obtaining long-term stay extensions.
At Benoit & Partners, our legal team assists foreign investors, expatriates, and international families in identifying the most suitable Thai visa for their professional project and immigration objectives. Below is an overview of the main types of Thai visa currently available in Thailand, including visas for entrepreneurs, employees, retirees, and digital professionals.
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Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – A specific type of Thai visa for long-term residents
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa is a specific visa introduced by the Thai government to attract high-value foreign residents, investors, and skilled professionals. This visa category aims to strengthen Thailand’s economic competitiveness by facilitating long-term residence for qualified foreigners.
The LTR Visa allows eligible individuals to stay in Thailand for up to ten years, subject to compliance with the conditions established by the Thai authorities and administered by the Board of Investment (BOI). Depending on the applicant’s profile, this type of Thai visa may apply to wealthy global citizens, retirees, remote workers, or highly skilled professionals working for international companies.
Because the LTR program imposes stringent eligibility criteria for income, investments, and professional qualifications, securing this type of Thai visa typically demands a thorough legal evaluation.
Our legal team guides foreign nationals in assessing whether the LTR Visa best meets their long-term residence and professional goals in Thailand.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) – A flexible type of Thai visa for remote professionals
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a modern type of Thai visa introduced by the Thai government to attract digital professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who wish to live in Thailand while working for overseas businesses.
This visa category allows eligible foreigners to stay in Thailand for extended periods while maintaining professional activities outside the country. As a relatively new type of Thai visa, the DTV is particularly designed for individuals who benefit from location-independent work and wish to establish a long-term lifestyle in Thailand.
Unlike traditional employment visas, the DTV does not authorize work for a Thai employer. Foreign nationals must therefore ensure that their professional activities remain compliant with Thai immigration and labour regulations, including the provisions of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and the Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree B.E. 2560 (2017).
Our legal team assists digital entrepreneurs and remote professionals in determining whether the Destination Thailand Visa is the most appropriate visa for their situation and long-term plans in Thailand.
Family Visa (LTR Dependent Visa)
The Family Visa under the Long-Term Resident (LTR) programme is a specific visa designed for the immediate family members of an LTR visa holder. It allows spouses and dependent children to legally reside in Thailand alongside the principal applicant and benefit from the same long-term immigration framework.
This type of Thai visa is a dependent visa, meaning its validity is directly linked to the main LTR visa holder’s status. If the principal visa is granted or renewed, eligible family members may obtain the same residence authorization for the duration of the programme.
In practice, the Thai authorities generally allow the legally married spouse and children under 20 to apply for this type of Thai visa, provided that family relationships are properly documented with official certificates such as marriage or birth certificates.
Because this visa is directly connected to the LTR programme administered by the Board of Investment (BOI), the application must follow a specific procedure once the principal applicant has been approved.
Our legal team assists expatriates and international families in obtaining the appropriate type of Thai visa so that spouses and children can legally settle in Thailand under the LTR framework.
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Retirement Visa – A common type of Thai visa for retirees
The Retirement Visa is a well-known Thai visa for foreign nationals who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand. This visa category allows eligible retirees to live in the country for extended periods without engaging in professional activities.
This type of Thai visa is generally available to individuals aged 50 or older who meet the specific financial requirements set by Thai immigration authorities. Applicants must typically demonstrate sufficient financial resources, either through a deposit in a Thai bank account, regular income, or a combination of both.
The Retirement Visa is issued under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and requires periodic renewal in accordance with Thai immigration regulations. While visa allows long-term residence, it does not authorize the holder to work in Thailand.
Our legal team regularly assists retirees and long-term residents in determining whether the Retirement Visa is the most appropriate visa for their situation and in preparing the required documentation for the application process.
Work Permit Visa
Foreign nationals who intend to work in Thailand must obtain the appropriate Thai visa before engaging in any professional activity in the country. In most cases, this process begins with the Non-Immigrant B Visa, the visa category commonly used by foreign employees, executives, and business professionals.
Once the correct type of Thai visa has been issued, the foreign national must apply for a work permit from the Thai authorities to legally work in Thailand. The work permit is regulated under the Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree B.E. 2560 (2017) and is typically sponsored by the employer.
Because Thai immigration and labour regulations are closely connected, both the visa status and the work permit must remain valid throughout the employment period. Holding the appropriate type of Thai visa is therefore a key requirement for foreign professionals who plan to work legally in Thailand.
Our legal team assists companies and foreign employees in obtaining the correct immigration status and securing the appropriate visa for employment in Thailand.
SMART Visa – A type of Thai visa for investors and skilled professionals
The SMART Visa is a specific visa introduced by the Thai government in 2018 to attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals in strategic industries.
This type of Thai visa is intended mainly for individuals working in sectors promoted by the Thai authorities, such as digital technology, smart electronics, biotechnology, medical services, and advanced manufacturing. Depending on the applicant’s profile, it may apply to investors, company executives, entrepreneurs, or experts with specialized skills.
Because the eligibility criteria are strict and often tied to projects supported by the Thai authorities, determining whether the SMART Visa is the appropriate Thai visa may require a careful legal assessment.
Our legal team assists foreign investors and professionals in determining whether the SMART Visa is the most suitable visa for their activities in Thailand.
BOI Visa – A type of Thai visa for investors and promoted companies
The BOI Visa is a specialized Thai visa offered to foreign investors and employees of companies endorsed by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). This visa is typically issued to professionals involved in projects that drive Thailand’s economic development.
This type of Thai visa is commonly used by foreign executives, specialists, and employees working in BOI-promoted companies. It is usually combined with a work permit and may offer simplified immigration procedures for both the company and its foreign staff.
Because BOI promotion is governed by the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 (1977), securing this type of Thai visa requires prior approval of the investment project from the Thai authorities.
Our legal team assists investors and companies in structuring their projects and obtaining the appropriate type of Thai visa under the BOI framework.
More informations about Work Permit Thailand
Several options exist depending on the purpose of stay. The most common visa for long-term residence includes the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, the Retirement Visa, and certain business-related visas such as the SMART Visa or the BOI visa. Each visa category has its own eligibility requirements and conditions.
Foreign nationals who wish to work in Thailand usually need a Non-Immigrant B visa, which is a common type of Thai visa used for employment or business activities. After entering Thailand with this visa, the foreign employee must obtain a work permit issued by the Thai authorities.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a recent type of Thai visa designed for remote workers, digital entrepreneurs and professionals who work for companies located outside Thailand. It allows longer stays while maintaining overseas professional activities.
Foreign nationals aged 50 or older may apply for a Retirement Visa, which is a specific visa designed for individuals who wish to live in Thailand after retirement. Applicants must meet financial requirements established by Thai immigration authorities.
Certain visas allow family members to reside in Thailand. For example, under the LTR programme, spouses and dependent children may obtain a Family Visa, which is a visa linked to the principal visa holder.
Foreign investors and entrepreneurs may qualify for several types of Thai visa, including the SMART Visa, the BOI Visa, or certain long-term residence visas. These visas are generally designed for individuals involved in investment projects or innovation-driven sectors.
Highly skilled professionals working in targeted industries may apply for the SMART Visa, which is a visa created to attract international talent in sectors such as technology, biotechnology, digital services and advanced manufacturing.
In some situations, it is possible to change the type of Thai visa while staying in Thailand, depending on the immigration status and eligibility criteria. However, such changes must comply with the rules established by the Thai Immigration Bureau.