Answered6 years ago
What are my visa options for permanently moving to Thailand, and can I switch from a tourist visa to a non-immigrant visa?
Hello everyone I am new to the board. We are planning on flying into Bangkok in late July. We will be moving there permanently. What are my visa option. I was told I would need a non immigrate visa. But what if we came in on a tourist visa. What are my options?? We are thinking about buying a condo there.
Answer summary
The user plans to move permanently to Bangkok and is inquiring about visa options. They have received mixed responses about the feasibility of permanent residency for foreigners in Thailand and discussed the use of a tourist visa as a starting point. Comments suggest starting with a tourist visa, which can be extended, and highlight the necessity of securing the appropriate visa if planning to work. There are also concerns voiced about the risks involved in relocating and purchasing property.
25 repliesnewest first
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Giorgio ******
Don't forget to leave your brains ar the border 🤣🤣
Rocc ******
OP@Giorgio *****
gosh i thought this board is to get soome advise. People are so sensitive. Jyrki *********
How old are you?
Rocc ******
OPJyrki *********
@Rocc *****
Are married to a thai?Rocc ******
OP@Jyrki ********
i just pm you Jyrki *********
@Rocc *****
Business visa/work permitRocc ******
OP@Jyrki ********
nope. Lao American from the US. We have been stuck in laos thr past 3 years. Been trying to get over there 
Joel *******
Start with a 2 month tourist visa and take it from there. Currently you can extend a tourist visa indefinitely while the pandemic keeps the borders closed.
Rocc ******
OP@Joel ******
thank you joel. We are going to try that. Dónáld ********
@Joel ******
and if they find a job?Sammy *******
@Donald *******
would need the appropriate Visa and work permit.Rocc ******
OP@Donald *******
that is my question. Can it be switch. I m trying to get from Laos to Bangkok. I contact a visa companyand they suggested to get a non immigrate visa. Honestly with the plane ticket and also hotels for quaratine, and covid insuranc for a family of 4. It certainly add up. I m thinking maybe its cheaper to come on a tourist visa. Then i can switch or keep extending it. Dónáld ********
@Sammy ******
but can the tourist visa be switched ?
Nick ****************
Think of it as a gamble. If you move here permanently and buy a Condo can you afford to loose everything in what could be overnight,? If yes welcome.
Sammy *******
I'm sorry, but it's too typical of some who get way ahead of themselves with big plans to move "permanently" to a foreign country, buy a condo, etc, but seem to have failed to do some basic hw as to where u want to live.
search Google and this page, then return with specific questions about anything confusing. but u definitely need to gather more basic information.
search Google and this page, then return with specific questions about anything confusing. but u definitely need to gather more basic information.
Steve **********
@Sammy ******
visit first... never buy until you've been here a year...rents very cheap and economy unstable. Spend time travelling.Sammy *******
@Steve *********
exactly, but to state one is going to live here permanently and buy.......but doesnt know the slightest a out the legal requirements in order to do so; they need slow way done-- also, not sure of their ages-- would they qualify for an O or OA ??Steve **********
@Sammy ******
not at 42. Mai pen rai
Chinese saying.
" slowly catcha the monkey "
Have seen sooo
many come with gulliver's plans, to find they should have listened more.
Rocc ******
OPThis is not our first time. We have been to Bangkok over 12 times the last 5 years.
Sammy *******
@Rocc *****
bkk and cm very different places. what visas do u qualify for?Rocc ******
OP@Steve *********
well that is our plan. Rent for a couple years first.Sammy *******
@Rocc *****
that's a step in the right direction, but u said u were going to buy. also, will you qualify for visas that will allow you to stay long term? ages, financial status
Michael ********
@Steve *********
yep
Bobby ********
Permanently? You are aware less than 1% of foreigners are in Thailand permanently. The rest live year to year on visa extensions.
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