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

What are the best long-term residency options for expats in Thailand?

Dec 25, 2024
a year ago
Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dear Expat Community,

I'm reaching out because I'm growing weary of the constant cycle of 30- and 90-day visas. I'm seeking advice on long-term residency options. I'm fortunate to have sufficient financial resources and a retirement account.

I'm hoping to connect with fellow expats who have successfully navigated the process of obtaining a one-year visa or residency permit. Any insights, tips, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with peace, love, and prosperity.
3,714
views
79
all likes
29
replies
21
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat is seeking advice on long-term residency options in Thailand due to dissatisfaction with short-term visas. Community members share their personal experiences and insights on obtaining various visas, including the NON-O retirement visa, DTV visa, and options for Thai Elite visas. Suggestions include consulting immigration agents, exploring financial qualifications, and noting the challenges of establishing local bank accounts as part of the visa application process.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Anthony ******************
your location?
Like
Reply
Dennis ***********
If you’re in Pattaya-Go to Manareet Visa- Soi
****
( Soi Post Office.See NAN.You will be well taken care of
Like
Reply
David **********
Get an immigration agent and organise retirement visa I have been told that after 3 years on retirement visa you can get residency in thailand
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@David *********
you were told wrong
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Janelle *****
Bro just get the dtv
Like
Reply
Phil ******
You will have to explore the nuances of each option. I am currently getting my Non-O retirement visa while here on a tourist visa. I tried the "wealthy pensioner" route but the Thai Board of Investment doesn't acknowledge IRA withdrawals as passive income. strike 1. I have sufficient Social Security income to qualify for the Non-O but the U.S. Embassy here no longer will validate that income source. strike 2. Tried to open a Thai savings account with tourist visa. strike 3. Started looking for visa attorneys to assist and found Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok. They charge a decent amount but know how to work the system. I had to go to Bangkok from Koh Samui but it only took one day and I had my bank account and visa. They will also handle the "retirement" extension to add the 12 months to my current 3 month Non-O. Totally worth it for my situation. YMMD.
Like
Reply
James *********
DTV holder here - super easy, super cheap. Downside is - you can’t apply for it while in Thailand.
Like
Reply
Dana ******
In my experience getting the Thai bank account was the biggest hurdle. Working with immigration is easy. They seem to really want to help.
Like
Reply
Randy ******
Thailand is requested to relax these silly 90 days reporting. Yes, it has every right to control and vets who gets admitted into its territory , but once they legally do, stop these reporting. The country needs desperately legit expats as it has over 50 billion dollars parked in empty real estate.
Like
Reply
Anthony ******************
@Randy *****
You think Thailand;s requirements are stupid. Take a look at Australia's bio metric requirements. Thailand should start charging a biometric data collection fee to match Australia/ Australia's requirements are TOTALLY unnecessary, Corruption?
Like
Reply
Bonnie *********
@Randy *****
For ford's sake, you're ridiculous. Your home country is calling.
Like
Reply
Randy ******
Like
Reply
Reply to
Randy ******
Reply
Robert **********
**********************************************************************************
Like
Reply
John-Paul ******
AGENT?
Like
Reply
Tim *******
get a LTR visa, not difficult, annual reporting (unless you travel) Fast track at airport and all overseas income is tax free...
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
Legal Residency won't happen... But you can buy a 20 year Thai Elite visa πŸ‘
Like
Reply
Robert **********
@Paul **********
can happen as I have it
**********************************************************************************
Like
Reply
Robert **********
@Paul **********
I got this based on a business owner with work permit you cannot get as a retiree

Amongst other things you need continuous employment for three years
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
@Robert *********
precisely πŸ‘... The OP is talking about retirement savings etc, no intention of working etc by the looks of it.. That's why I said a 20 TE if he has the cash πŸ‘
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul ***********
Reply
Paul ***********
@Robert *********
you got it as a retiree, or non- business owner and never worked for at least 3 years earning and paying tax on at least 80k/m ❓
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul ***********
Reply
Sam *****
Depending on the country you come from, I advise checking the implications for your self, tax wise in your home country if you get a retirement visa.
Like
Reply
Zane **************
Look into the retirement Visa or the DTV Visa
Like
Reply
Matty ****
Before we got our business related visas. We had Thailand privilege.

Pay and stay, almost no requirements other than money.

The new bronze Visa is relatively cheap, and offers you more access than the DTV, 5 year's for around $19,000 if you break it down yearly is not bad
Like
Reply
Dave **********
@Matty ***
DTV is far better value than Elite.
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Dave *********
I think Elite and DTV are not compatible to each other, DTV cost less in THB for 5 years than Elite in USD for one year, but to say what is more value, you have to calculate what the privileges are worth.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Jeffrey ************
Visa options are on your local RTE website..
Like
Reply
Bonnie *********
@Jeffrey ***********
I have no clue why people don't check that first.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bonnie *********
Reply
Peter *******
If you have MONEY go for the 10 year LTR visa Thailand
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
You can forget about residency. Just look for longer term visa.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members Β· 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.