Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Do you have to live in Thailand if you have a long-stay visa?

Aug 12, 2022
4 years ago
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
If you obtain a long-stay visa are you expected to remain a resident of Thailand? Can you get one but not use it immediately?
1,104
views
22
all likes
11
replies
6
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
When you obtain a long-stay visa for Thailand, you are not required to be a permanent resident. You can hold the visa without using it immediately and it remains valid until its expiry date. Some users mentioned they only use their visas sporadically and that there are no strict requirements for continuous residency. Additionally, a Multiple Re-entry Permit can be beneficial for those who wish to leave Thailand without the need to frequently visit the immigration office.
Andre *********
If you don’t want to visit everytime the immigration office before you leave Thailand it’s worthy to apply for a „Multiple Re-entry Permit“. It cost 3.500 THB.
Like
Reply
Michael ********
No I got marriage visa because it was the only way to get back in July 2020 but i am only there maybe 25 % of the time.
Like
Reply
Stephen *******
Do what you want with it! They don't care.
Like
Reply
Renaud ***********
Long stay visa ? What type of visa have you applied for ?
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm using that generic term to differentiate from a short-stay (
*****
day, etc.) visa
Like
Reply
Renaud ***********
@Greg ********
what type of visa are you looking for ?
Like
Reply
Reply to
Renaud ***********
Reply
Bobby ********
You can use it right up to the expiry date
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And must you be a resident during its entire valid period?
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Greg ********
If you leave get a re-entry permit to keep it live
Like
Reply
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
Ahh, thank you! 👍🏻
Like
Reply
Reply to
Greg *********
Reply
Bobby ********
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.