Last updated 2024-10-03
Retirement, long term stay, non-immigrant long-stay
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
For individuals aged 50 and over who wish to stay in Thailand for up to one year without working. Requires proof of age, a clean criminal record and a medical certificate. Proof of financial means: 800,000 THB deposit or 65,000 THB income/month. Allows a stay of up to one year, extendable.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
1 year
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Dates of start and end of validity are indicated on the visa. The start date is the day the visa is issued (when it is affixed in the passport). Validity period indicates a timeframe during which the visa can be used for entry into Thailand, but it does not limit a duration of stay in the country after entry. If the visa expires during the permitted stay, a single or multiple re-entry permit can be obtained to re-enter the country. These permits can be issued at Immigration offices and certain airports, with a cost of 1,000 THB for a single re-entry permit and 3,800 THB for a multiple. Foreign travelers are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card form no more than 3 days prior to their arrival in Thailand.
1 year
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The permitted stay is one year from the date of first entry. The stay can be either continuous or with an unlimited number of entries within this period. Upon entry, an immigration officer stamps the passport with the entry date and the date by which the visitor must leave the country or submit an application for an extension of stay. If the stay is extended, a new stamp with updated dates is added to the passport, serving as proof of the foreigner's legal stay in the country. For continuous stays in Thailand exceeding 90 days, a report confirming the current home address must be submitted to a local Immigration office every 90 days. The report can be submitted in person, by mail, or online. It must be filed no earlier than 15 days and no later than 7 days before the end of each 90-day period.
1 year
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
An extension of stay is possible for up to 1 year at a time. Extensions can be requested as long as financial, health, and other conditions for staying in Thailand continue to be met. To apply for an extension, the application must be submitted to the Thailand Immigration Bureau within the permitted stay period. Each application is processed individually, and immigration authorities may request additional documents or conduct an interview to ensure that extension conditions are met. After each extension, an immigration officer stamps the applicant’s passport with a new date indicating the permitted stay. This stamp serves as proof of legal stay in the country.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
from 3 days to 15 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Visa application processing times depend on the place of submission, the applicant's nationality, the purpose of the visit and its documentation, the workload of the consulate, and other factors. Typically, visas are processed within a few business days from the submission of a complete document package. However, it is recommended to submit applications several weeks before the travel date. The specified processing times do not include the time required for obtaining permits or additional documents, as well as any other procedures that must be completed before submitting the visa application. Almost all Thai embassies around the world stopped accepting paper applications and switched to online visa processing.
THB 5,000
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Payment of the consular fee is typically made in the local currency of the submission country or in US dollars, and may vary based on exchange rates. It is advisable to confirm the exact fee directly with the local embassy or consulate at the time of document submission. The consular fee is an official charge for processing visa applications by the Thai embassy or consulate and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, costs for permits and other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Photograph
Taken within the past six months. The photograph must have a light color background with a full-face view of the person without wearing a hat or dark glasses and covering up shoulders.
Passport
Must be valid within 6 months from travel date.
Proof of accommodation
A copy of hotel reservation/rental contract/deed. In case of residing with a family, an invitation from the host family along with a copy of their undersigned Thai ID or house registration is required. The name of the applicant must be indicated clearly.
Financial evidence
Amount of no less than 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family, e.g. bank statements, sponsorship letter (not required for E-visa).
Document indicating current location
Local ID, driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay.
Visa application form
Completely filled out (not required for E-visa).
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Additional financial evidence
Monthly income of no less than 65,000 THB or having the current balance of 800,000 THB, e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings.
Medical certificate
Issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (certificate shall be valid for not more than three months).
Foreign Insurance Certificate
Stipulated by the Office of Insurance Commission and Health Insurance of Thailand, which must be completed, signed and stamped by the insurance company. The form can be downloaded from Thai General Insurance Association website.
Certificate of criminal record
From the country of nationality or the country where the application is submitted.
Health Insurance
Issued by a Thai or foreign insurer for general illnesses, including COVID-19, with the insured sum of no less than 100,000 USD or 3,000,000 THB.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Letter of proof of employment
Confirming the position and work status, hand-signed by the authorized HR Department or Manager. Or a letter explaining and confirming sufficient funds for unemployed.
Letter of full-time student status
Issued by an educational institution, confirming student status, indicating the course/class and contacts of the educational institution.
Business license or registration
For self-employed, indicating the applicant’s name and business license or registration details.
Birth certificate
For minors under 20 years old.
Marriage certificate
For minors under 20 years old. In case of sole custody, notarized copy of the court order.
Passports or ID of parents/legal guardian
For minors under 20 years old.
Consent for the minor to travel abroad
For minors under 20 years old. Original letter of notarized consent for the minor to travel abroad from parents / legal guardian if the applicant is traveling alone.
Medical certificates
Yellow Fever vaccination, certificate attesting the absence of any infectious diseases, depending on the citizenship or country of residence of the applicant.
Certificate of criminal record
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
Registration documents
For companies, schools, businesses and organizations inviting the applicant.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purpose of the visit and documents confirming it, in accordance with the visa-free entry conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties with the home country and valid reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
O-A, O-X
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Non-Immigrant
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Long-stay for foreigners age over 50
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranasupp@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
1 year
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
THB 5,000