thailand
Ask question

What are the legal options for a Latvian passport holder looking to live in Thailand for 1-2 years?

Thai visa optionsLatvian passport holdervisa extensionMultiple Entry Tourist VisaSingle Entry Tourist VisaThai Elite VisaNon-immigrant visa optionsThai immigration rules
Jul 17, 2018
6 years ago
Eva ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, I need your help. I've read so much about visas and feel desperate. I have passport of Latvia. I can get 15 days on arrival which I can't even prolong, but I want to live in Thailand 1-2 years. How to do it legally?? I am 46, Latvian, not retired, no business owner, didn't plan to study or work. I sold my house therefore I have money on account for just living. What are my options??
1,716
views
2
likes
44
all likes
24
replies
1
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A Latvian passport holder seeking to live in Thailand for 1-2 years legally has several options. They can explore the possibility of obtaining a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), which might require financial documentation. Alternatively, they could start with a Single Entry Tourist Visa, allowing for a 60-day stay with a potential 30-day extension, though they will need to exit Thailand periodically to renew it. The Thai Elite Visa, while offering a long-term stay, requires a substantial upfront payment of $15,000. It is recommended to confirm these options with the Thai consulate.
Tod *********
Unfortunately
@E**
 you have limited options. :/ I'd say contact the thai consulate in Sweden and CHECK with them whether you can or can't get a 6 month METV. Most consulates are more concerned about the financial requirements (no matter what's written on their website).

If you can't get that you could do a single entry tourist visa from there before you came here. You could also go to thai consulates in nearby countries and get single entry tourist visas from them as well because Latvia is not on the list of countries that can't use them.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony *********
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Eva ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony ********
, this pattern doesn't work for me. I can't just do border runs as I get 15 days on arrival and can prolong for 7 days, not 30 :( I understand the best option for me is official SETV for 2 months and hopefully I will be able to prolong it to one more month (not just 7 days). And then again SETV.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Eva ***********
Reply
Eva ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thai Elite Visa is a nice option but requires to pay the full five year fee $15k upfront... omg, it's real money. Of course traveling every 3 months and prolonging visa for the third month, also cost money. Maybe in 5 years period it is more or less the same 15k. I wish they had elite visa for one year..
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Aanuchsara ******
Elite visa you can change the owner ship one time. For example if you just want to stay in Thailand only 1-2 year but elite visa minimum is 5 years you can sell to another person. Talk more detail with them.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert ********
Very true Eva...IF you were committed to 4 or 5 years here, I would have recommended it for the added perks, convenience and the services the Elite offices extend to members....but not for just 1 or 2 years. As Robert mentioned above, the SETV is likely your best option. Good luck whatever you decide :-)
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Eva ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***
 I agree, it is too pricey. Last 3 years I stayed in Nicaragua, we paid 17$ a month when prolonging visas. Investor's visa requires to invest $30k. Now it seams like paradise.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert ********
Eva, IF you only plan on staying in Thailand for 1 or 2 years, I do not think the Elite visa is a good option, as the minimum membership period is 5 years for Bt. 500,000. That costs about Bt. 270 per day for 5 years.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Robert ********
Reply
Robert *******
Than your only option is the Single Entry Tourist Visa, which gives you 60 days of stay, Extension of Stay for 30 days (1.900 Thb), travel to neighbor country apply for new Single Entry Tourist Visa and so on.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
For people who get a 15 day visa on arrival even if they get a tourist visa from their country (or the thai consulate that serves their country) before they come here they can't get a 30 day extension on a single entry tourist visa entry only a 7 day get out of thailand stamp.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert *******
You buy a visa for Thailand at a Thai Embassy or Consulate.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Eva ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry for naive question, but when I go to other country after 90 days to get a new single visa, can I do it in any neighbor country in Thai embassy (?) or I need to look for closest Latvia embassy?
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert *******
But to be sure, wait for our database of knowledge
@Tod ********
.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
James ********
Be sure the airline allows you to fly to Thailand without proof of return ticket.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert *******
This is as far as I know the only official rule: A 60 day Tourist Visa (every entry) and, since 29.8.2014, also the 30 day visa exempt stamp, will be extended for 30 days at Thai Immigration, THB 1,900.-.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Eva ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Are you sure I can get extension 30 days? In one of official articles I've seen it is only 7 days. Very confusing.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Eva ***********
Reply
Eva ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can't easily get METV or not to get at all. They say: "In case of unemployment, you are not eligible to apply for this visa."

This is my case actually, I don't fit in other categories, therefore look like unemployed or maybe even homeless.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert *******
Here you find the information:
**************************************
6 years ago
Like
Reply
James ********
Can you obtain a METV in Latvia before arrival?
6 years ago
Like
Reply
James ********
Ching Chang Doesnt require 6 mths merely current balance. Employer letter, be creative if you have to, be employed by someone doing contract work and you have a job to come back to. Stop saying no to people and offer potential solutions.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Eva ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
We can get Thai visas only in Sweden, but I will check about METV.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Eva ***********
Reply
Robert *******
Enter Thailand on a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, which give you almost 270 days of stay if correct used, after that Single Entry tourist visa and Extension of Stay. Or as mentioned the Thai Elite Visa.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Nikit ********
@Tod ********
 , can you advice her on this?
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel ************
buy Elite Visa , or study something and get ED Visa
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Daniel ************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice
... members ยท 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice
What is the best visa option for a 6-month to 1-year stay in Thailand?
16 comments
2 months ago
What are the best options for a 20-year-old seeking a one-year visa in Thailand?
28 comments
5 months ago
What visa options are available for a one-year stay in Thailand for expats?
26 comments
8 months ago
What visa options are available for staying in Thailand for 12 months?
29 comments
8 months ago
What are the best visa options for a long-term stay in Thailand for a Czech expat?
92 comments
9 months ago
What visa type is the best fit for a 44-year-old planning a long-term stay in Thailand?
21 comments
a year ago
What visa options are available for an Irish passport holder to stay in Thailand longer than 30 days?
20 comments
a year ago
What visa options are best for frequent visits to Thailand for 1-2 months at a time?
12 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for long-term stay in Thailand for a US citizen under 50?
21 comments
a year ago
What are the long-term visa options for living in Thailand without a job?
12 comments
a year ago
What Visa Options Are Available for Long-Term Stay in Thailand?
39 comments
a year ago
What are the residency options for Bulgarian citizens in Thailand, especially for those over 50?
21 comments
2 years ago
What visa options are available for long-term stays in Thailand under 50 years of age?
10 comments
2 years ago
What is the best visa option for an EU citizen planning a 4-5 month stay in Thailand between September and January?
10 comments
2 years ago
What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand for 6 months or more?
3 comments
3 years ago
What is the best long-term visa option for a 38-year-old expat planning to holiday in Thailand?
14 comments
3 years ago
What are my options for long-term stay in Thailand without frequent immigration visits?
7 comments
3 years ago
What is the best visa option for a year-long stay in Thailand for an online worker?
9 comments
5 years ago
What visa options are available for a US passport holder over 60 wishing to stay in Thailand for 6-9 months without substantial financial requirements?
12 comments
5 years ago
What are the options for a Dutch passport holder under 50 to stay in Thailand long-term without working?
41 comments
6 years ago
What are the options for a longer stay in Thailand on an Italian passport without frequent visa runs?
10 comments
6 years ago
What long-term visa options are available for foreigners wishing to live in Thailand for over 3 months without starting a business, studying, or marrying a Thai citizen?
47 comments
6 years ago
What is the best visa option for traveling in Thailand for over a year?
2 comments
7 years ago
What options do I have for long-term stays in Thailand before I turn 50?
26 comments
7 years ago
How can I stay in Thailand long term without a pension or job?
44 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq: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.