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【Latest】2025 Thailand Visa Guide – Tourist Visa Exemption, Student Visa, Elite Visa, DTV, Application Requirements, Fees Explained in One Article
The beaches with azure waters and clear skies, the glittering Buddhist temples, and the irresistible night markets have long made Thailand a dream destination for many. Whether you want to step onto this enchanting land for a short trip, a long-term job, or plan to embrace a slow lifestyle through relocation, the "visa" is your first ticket to entry! This article will help you understand the application methods for various types of Thailand visas, from tourist and student visas to long-term residency and elite visas, guiding you effortlessly through the cumbersome processes toward your ideal life in Thailand!
Short-Term Visa: Flexible Travel, Go Whenever You Want
1. Tourist Visa: Thailand Implements Visa Exemption for 93 Countries
目Before, Thailand implemented visa-free entry for 60 days for citizens of 93 countries, including Taiwan and mainland China. Previously, a single-entry tourist visa was valid for 3 months, allowing stays of 30 to 60 days, with a possible 30-day extension. Additionally, travelers could opt for a visa-on-arrival for 2,200 Thai Baht, but this only permitted a stay of 15 days and could not be extended.
After the implementation of visa-free entry, unless otherwise announced, Thailand's visa exemption measures will continue to apply for the long term. Upon entering, travelers must have a valid passport and also prepare a departure ticket for verification. Furthermore, starting from May 1, 2025, travelers must complete a digital arrival card (TDAC) upon entry, which can be filled out online within 72 hours before the flight arrival. For more details, you can refer to the article titled "2025 Thailand New Entry Regulations! Digital Arrival Card TDAC is now online!"
2. Business Visa
The business visa is primarily issued to individuals traveling to Thailand for business activities, such as conducting business, participating in meetings, or negotiating partnerships. This type of visa typically has a validity of 3 months, with each stay not exceeding 90 days (single entry). The advantage is that once the applicant arrives in Thailand, they can apply for a work visa or student visa or other long-term residence categories if needed.
3. Transit Visa
If your destination is a third country and you are only passing through Thailand for more than 12 hours, or if you need to enter Thailand first, you only need to apply for a transit visa. The duration of stay for a single application, intended for transit purposes, requires you to submit a confirmed flight ticket in English for the entire journey to the third country.
4. Family Visa
Foreigners' direct relatives in Thailand can apply for a relative visa, which is valid for 3 months and allows a stay of up to 90 days. If a child is studying at an international school in Thailand, or if parents or spouses are working in Thailand, they can apply for a relative visa to accompany the student or family member.
5. Medical Certificate
If you plan to go to Thailand for medical treatment or rehabilitation, you can apply for a medical visa. Each entry allows you to stay for 90 days, and within a year, you cannot stay for more than one year in total. You need to exit the country multiple times, and you can apply for a renewal.
One-Year Visa: A Transitional Tool for Rooting in Thailand
6. Work Visa
If you want to work in Thailand, a work visa is a necessity. The requirements are quite strict; you need an invitation letter from a Thai company, a work permit, and you must also prepare documents such as educational certificates, a health check report, and photos. Additionally, you must first apply for a three-month business visa (NON - B), then obtain a work permit, and only after that can you receive a one-year work visa.
Step 1: Convert from a Tourist Visa to a Non-B Visa (Valid for 3 months)
Documents Required:
1. Original passport
2. Tourist visa must have more than 21 days remaining
3. Visa application form (TM.86 / TM.87)
4. STM.2 form
5. 4 × 6 cm passport-sized photo
6. Educational documents certified by the Thai embassy
7. Company proof document within 6 months and shareholder list
8. Copy of partnership registration certificate (PS.0401 form)
9. Last 3 months' business withholding tax form (PND.1)
10. Corporate income tax return (PND.50)
11. VAT registration form (PP.20, if applicable)
12. Latest financial statement
13. Last 3 months' social security payment record
14. Map of the applicant's workplace
15. Photo of the business location
16. Address proof
17. Last 3 months' PP.30 report
Step 2: Apply for a Work Permit
Required Documents for Work Permit Application:
1. Original Passport
2. 3 Passport-sized Photos (3x4 cm, 3 copies)
3. Employment Confirmation Letter or Employment Contract
4. Highest Academic Qualification Certificate and Probation Confirmation
5. Medical Certificate (health checkup report)
6. Relevant Qualification Certificate (for positions requiring professional certification by law)
7. Employer Authorization Letter with Stamp Duty (If the employer is a foreigner, include a copy of the employer's work permit)
8. Agent's ID Copy(if you use an agent for the application process)
9. Company Tax and Social Security Documents
10. Company Certificate (issued within the last 6 months)
11. Proof of Address (TM.30 form)
Note:
* The work visa is issued by the Thai Immigration Bureau, while the work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour.
* The initial work permit is valid for **6 months.
Step 3: Convert the 3-Month Work Visa to a 1-Year Work Visa
Required Documents for Converting a 3-Month Work Visa to a 1-Year Work Visa:
1. Original Passport
2. Visa Conversion Application Documents:
- TM.7 Application Form
- STM.2 Form
3. Passport-sized Photos (4x6 cm)
4. Work Permit
5. DBD Certificate and Shareholder List (issued within the last 6 months)
6.Partnership Registration Certificate Copy (PK.0401)
7. Past 3-Month Corporate Withholding Tax Filing** (PND.1)
8. Corporate Income Tax Return(PND.50)
9. Personal Income Tax Filing (PND.91)
10. VAT Registration Form(PP.20, if applicable)
11. Sales Tax Registration Form** (PP.30)
12. Social Security Contribution Records(for the past 3 months)
13. Latest Financial Statements
14. Map of the Applicant’s Workplace
15. Photos of the Business Location
16. Address Proof (TM.30 Form)
These documents are necessary for processing your work visa extension. Be sure to prepare them in advance and verify all paperwork with the relevant Thai authorities.
7. Student Sign
If you want to study abroad in Thailand or learn Thai, then a student visa is your "stepping stone." The study visa requires materials such as a guarantee letter, acceptance notice, curriculum, and proof of savings. The language visa has an age requirement of 18 to 49 years and costs 33,500 Thai Baht for 8 months and 44,500 Thai Baht for 14 months.
Here are the required documents for applying for a Thai student visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa) from Taiwan:
Here are the required documents for applying for a Thai student visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa) from Taiwan, with more specific details:
Valid Passport or Travel Document: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least one full blank visa page.
Completed Visa Application Form: The application form should be fully filled out.
Passport-sized Photo (2x2 inches): One recent passport-sized photo (not photocopied). The photo must have a white background, and the face should be fully visible without wearing hats or sunglasses. The photo should be taken within the last 6 months.
Official Acceptance Letter from the Thai Ministry of Education: An original official letter confirming that the applicant has been accepted by a Thai educational institution approved by the Ministry of Education.
Official Letter from the School: A formal letter from the school to the Thai Embassy or Economic Office confirming the student's acceptance. The letter should mention the student's visa application, and it should be valid for one month.
Admission Notice from the School: The original admission notice from the school (valid for one month).
School License Copy: A copy of the school’s license, signed and stamped by an authorized representative.
Once you have gathered these documents, bring them along with the completed and signed visa application form and the original offer letter to the Thai Trade and Economic Office to process your visa application.
To apply for a student visa in Chiang Mai, Thailand (you can enter with a tourist visa and then convert it to a student visa), follow these steps and prepare the required documents:
Documents Required for Converting a Tourist Visa to a Student Visa in Chiang Mai:
Original Passport
Tourist Visa with Remaining Validity of More than 21 Days
4x6 cm Photo
Proof of Residence in Chiang Mai (TM.30)
Official Document from the Educational Institution: A letter from the institution confirming the application for a visa conversion in Chiang Mai.
Immigration Office Steps:
First Visit: Upon entering Thailand with a 60-day tourist visa, visit the Chiang Mai Immigration Office to convert the tourist visa into a 3-month student visa. You will need to have your photo taken.
Second Visit: After the 3-month student visa, return to the Chiang Mai Immigration Office to convert it into a 1-year student visa. You will need to have your photo taken again.
Be sure to prepare the necessary documents and follow the procedures as required by the Chiang Mai Immigration Office.
8.Elderly Care Plan
Individuals over 50 who wish to retire in Thailand can consider applying for a retirement visa. They must have a Thai bank account containing 800,000 Thai baht or prove a monthly pension income of 65,000 Thai baht. The application process includes obtaining a certificate of no criminal record, opening a bank account and depositing money, a medical examination, and submitting the necessary documents.
Here are the required documents for applying for a Thai Retirement Visa (NON-O):
800,000 THB in Thai Bank Account
The account should contain no less than 800,000 THB. This is required for both the initial visa application and renewal. The funds must remain in the account for a minimum of 3 months after your visa extension is approved.
Bangkok Address Proof (TM.30)
You need to provide proof of your address in Thailand. This can be a TM.30 form filed by your landlord or the person responsible for your residence.
Deposit Confirmation
A bank statement or certificate showing that you have the required 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account.
Passport-sized Photos (4x6 cm)
You will need to provide two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm). These should be recent, with a white background, and taken within the last 6 months.
Application Process for Thailand Retirement Visa (NON-O)
Step 1: Enter Thailand with a 60-Day Tourist Visa
First, enter Thailand using a 60-day tourist visa. This visa will serve as a short-term entry permit while you begin the process of applying for the retirement visa.
Step 2: Convert Tourist Visa to a 3-Month NON-O Visa
After arriving in Thailand, go to the immigration office to convert your 60-day tourist visa into a 3-month NON-O visa. This is the visa that allows you to stay in Thailand longer while preparing for the full retirement visa.
Step 3: Convert 3-Month NON-O Visa to a 1-Year Retirement Visa
At least 2 months before the expiration of the 3-month NON-O visa, deposit 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account. This deposit is a requirement for obtaining the 1-year retirement visa.
Apply for the 1-year retirement visa at your local immigration office.
After the visa is approved: You will be issued a 1-year NON-O visa.
Important Notes:
First-Year Requirement: The 800,000 THB deposit must remain in the account for at least 3 months after your visa extension is approved.
Second-Year Renewal: For your second year of the retirement visa, the 800,000 THB must still be in your Thai bank account.
Long-term Visa: Essential for Deep Integration into Thailand
9. Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)
The validity period is 5 years, allowing a stay of 180 days each time you enter, with one possible extension. The application fee is 10,000 Thai Baht, but a proof of funds or guarantee of 500,000 Thai Baht is required.
10. Smart Visa
The validity period is 1 to 4 years, primarily targeting high-tech talent and professionals in specific industries, providing them with a longer-term legal residence permit and related conveniences.
11. Long-term Residence Visa（LTR）
The validity period is 10 years, and the application fee is 50,000 Thai Baht. This is intended for wealthy individuals, retirees, professionals, and highly skilled persons. The application requirements cover aspects such as assets, income, education, and work experience. For example, wealthy individuals need to have assets of no less than 1 million USD, and retirees must have an annual income of no less than 80,000 USD.
12. Elite Visa（Thailand Elite）
The special visa offered by the government for foreigners who wish to reside in Thailand for the long term ranges from 5 to 20 years, starting at 900,000 baht for a 5-year term. Although the cost is relatively high, there are no requirements regarding language, profession, or bank deposits. There's no need to renew the visa annually, allowing for free entry and exit from Thailand. Additionally, holders enjoy various VIP privileges, including expedited airport clearance and transportation services. For more detailed information, please refer to >> Thailand Elite Visa.
12. EEC Long-Term Visa（EEC Visa）
The main service is aimed at enterprises and related talents in the Eastern Economic Corridor Special Economic Zone of Thailand. The validity period is 10 years, and those holding the visa can enjoy benefits such as a 17% fixed tax rate reduction on personal income tax and the ability to bring family members into the country.
The translation of the heading is "Guide to Avoid Pitfalls in Applying for a Thai Visa."
- Applying for a visa is not as simple as just filling out a form and paying a fee; there are many important details to be aware of:
- No Refund for Denied Applications: Visa application fees are generally non-refundable. If you apply through an agent, whether the service fee is refundable depends on the contract. So it’s essential to carefully assess your situation before applying to avoid wasting money.
- Information Must Be Accurate:If fake information is discovered, Thailand will directly deny your visa, and your application fee will effectively be lost. Additionally, obtaining a visa in the future will be significantly more challenging.
- Bring Enough Cash: When entering or exiting Thailand, customs may randomly check for cash. For a tourist visa, each person must carry at least 20,000 Thai Baht or 40,000 Thai Baht per household in cash or its equivalent in foreign currency.
- Visa Extensions Required: If your visa is nearing expiration, you must apply for an extension or a change at the Immigration Bureau in Thailand in advance; different visas have different extension requirements.
- Don’t Forget the Re-entry Visa:If you hold a one-year visa, such as a student visa, and need to leave Thailand briefly, don’t forget to apply for a re-entry visa when leaving. Otherwise, your one-year visa may become invalid.
Conclusion
To immigrate to Thailand, careful planning is required, and BEYOND360 GROUP can help you achieve a win-win situation in both investment and living. From investment, property buying and selling, property management to visa application, we handle various types of visa processing and consultations for Thailand. Please feel free to contact us for more details.
