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What is the best hassle-free and cost-efficient multi-entry visa option for a one-year stay in Thailand?

visa options multi-entry visa ED visa SETV METV retirement visa ELITE visa cost-efficient visa immigration rules Thailand expat assistance

Jun 26, 2025

22 days ago

Infinity ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good evening! What type of multi-entry Visa (other than DTV) is fast (hassle free) and cost efficient for those who intend to stay up to 1 year in thailand.?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

For a hassle-free, year-long stay in Thailand, consider the ED visa, which allows for multiple entries and includes language study. Though it requires enrollment in a Thai language course, it has benefits like easy renewals and bank account access. Alternatives include the METV and SETV, but they may not be as straightforward. For those over 50, retirement visas might be an option, and the ELITE visa is available for expats under 50. All options will necessitate re-entry permits if you plan to leave the country.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Dany ********

ED is great. But you need re-entry permits if you want to leave the country.

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Peter ********

ED visa, ELITE visa, Marriage visa

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Brian *********

I had a good experience using the ED visa. If you want to stay for a year then learning some Thai language is useful. The school gave plenty of help with visa, renewals and reminder about 90 reports. They provided paperwork which let me open a bank account with no problems. Even if you want to travel around online classes were an option. You need to pay for re-entry permits but this is not too expensive.

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Dnatjugweme ************

Not sure if SETV are still issued, and they were not exactly hassle-free, if memory serves. Personally, I'd go for an ED visa, but you'd need to study Thai (or another language), and it's not exactly cost-efficient since you have to pay for the courses. However: No need to leave Thailand for a year, one can *theoretically* open a bank account, the school handles extensions, etc.

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Greg ********

@Dnatjugweme ***********

SETV - of course they are. Do you mean METV? They are more likely to be issued in your home country or country of residence. Like any visa no hassle if you qualify. People are going to apply for bthese as getting hassle for Visa Exempt - many of the "month on month" (FIFO) off guys coming in on Visa Exempt are getting questioned recently

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Dnatjugweme ************

Wondering how they were called now, not sure anymore, maybe STV. Those were special tourist visas that were a pain to apply for (high requirements, etc.). They were made available a bit before or during covid, I think. One could stay for 1 year in Thailand, or was it 18 months?

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Greg ********

@Dnatjugweme ***********

SETV is a single entry tourist visa for 60 days and can be extended for 30. METV is a multi entry tourist visa valid for 6 months and 60 days each entry and 30 day extension. The SETV is very simple but not needed for most as 60 Day Exempt. METV was a little more hassle but not too difficult

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Dnatjugweme ************

Yes I know that you meant "simple entry" now. I mixed them up, and thought you were talking about the STV - I've checked, this is how it was called. A lot of hassle with that one: criminal record check, health insurance, health certificate, proof of accommodation for the whole proposed stay(s).

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Greg ********

@Dnatjugweme ***********

I do not know what the STV is.

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Dnatjugweme ************

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Dnatjugweme ************

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Dnatjugweme ************

Note: Attending is required though. Otherwise they may not approve your next 3-month extension...

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Dnatjugweme ************

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John **********

If your over 50 then one of the retirement visas. If you're under 50 then the elite visa

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Infinity ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

if im not mistaken elite Visa cost almost 1M baht...,

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Anonymous ******************

@Infinity *****

650k

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John **********

@Infinity *****

don't think its quite that expensive

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John **********

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Greg ********

If under 50 then Ed with a multi re-entry permit. Having said that the multi-entry might be an obstacle as you are meant to be attending classes 🙂 Maybe a METV then renew or a SETV - that would get you almost a year.

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Dnatjugweme ************

I'm not sure, but I don't think they would be reluctant to issue a multiple re-entry permit to a non-imm ED language student. Exiting Thailand and returning does not necessarily mean that you spend a lot of time outside Thailand.

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Greg ********

@Dnatjugweme ***********

Have a look at previous posts in other groups. In and out often on Ed is likely to attract attention to yourself. More likely to be questioned about attendance and progress.

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Dnatjugweme ************

OK, I did not know. But I guess it's not an issue if one attends classes and studies genuinely.

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Dnatjugweme ************

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