Answered5 years ago
What is the best long-term visa option for expats under 50 in Thailand?
What is the ideal visa strategy for someone under 50(around 30 yrs old) who want to stay long term?
Answer summary
For expats under 50 looking to stay in Thailand long-term, there are several visa strategies to consider. Popular options include the Elite Visa for those seeking minimal hassle, and the NON-O Visa that can be obtained through marriage to a Thai or by demonstrating financial stability. Employment or educational visas are also viable routes—engaging in a job that offers a work permit or enrolling in a language school can provide a long-term stay. However, there are challenges, such as proving income or funds in a bank account, and the risk of relying on agents for visa processing, which can be fraught with legal concerns. It's advisable to thoroughly research each option and consult appropriate immigration channels.
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Native ****************
Hi Daniel, I read all the other posts and I was surprised nobody mention this easy one.... Last time I tried (=Dec 2021), we can Not get an ED Visa for a Language School or to get a special Muay Thai ED Visa from outside the country, but yet Immigration asks us to leave Thailand to change our Status... Go Figure?!? If you are US citizen, just come here on a Visa Exempt 30 day and go apply for and ED Visa at a language school such as Insight English or others and get a 1 year ED visa. Now, use to be you could Not change your Status from Tourist to ED from inside the country, but read in a post earlier that Immigration have made some accommodations due to Covid, but I would double check on that one by calling one of the Language Schools and talking with a Foreigner for easier exchange. I was told an ED Visa in language school is renewable for up to 3 years , but again check with the Schools. Hope this helps. Cheers!
Native ****************
Good to know this, thanks for sharing. I usually recommend to talk with a foreigner that works in the schools directly. Also, with Thailand Immigration offices having so many discrepancies from one to the other, it can sometimes help to check it out in different areas also. Cheers !
Michael ********
@Native ***************
if you arrive on tourist you can now apparently only get ED visas 3 months at a time, a new ruling starting to be enforced.Maxim ***********
@Native ***************
A few years ago you didn't have to go to school while on Ed Visa, but things have changed. They (officers) are testing your Thai skill every 3 months so at any point if you don't improve you are in trouble.Native ****************
@Maxim **********
Salut Maxim, Yah, very good point and some Officers are nice about it, but some are looking for tea money and can be a bit nasty, so learning what you sign up for is more important than before for sure. Shoke dee na pii, phob gan mai
Wat *************
Non ED
Sako *****************
@มีคนบอกกูว่าชื่อกูยาวเกินไป ******************************************************************************
how can find the school that available for that?if around salaya or bangkok sideSako *****************
actually om using 90days non o visa base on rising half child but to proceed 1year extension i cant face the 400k in bank acvoint actually and my visa expire on may will know there is any other easoptions to apply for another 1year extension?
Maxim ***********
@Sako ****************
You do not need 400k baht in bank if you use an agent. Everyone who use agent for Non-O does it due to not having the fund in bank. Like others have said, it's bribery, but it's not enforced since the 90s... so.Sako *****************
@Dale *********
ok thats mean with company ?thanks
Dale **********
@Sako ****************
get a work permit and salary of 40,000 a month
Bobby ********
If you want to stay without the dramas of border bounces, visa runs, studying, working etc etc the ONLY option for a 30 year old is as
@Michael *******
has said. Elite Visa
Daniel *******
OP@Bobby *******
let’s say I had an agent handle my visa for five year vs getting the 5years Thai elite visa. What roughly would be the price difference?Daniel *******
OPLol fuck that
Bobby ********
Daniel Leija. As someone who refuses point blank to use a lowlife "visa agent" I can't answer that. But why are you even asking the question? I prefer to stay legal, but that's me!! 🤣🤣🤣
Maxim ***********
@Daniel ******
It's not "legal" but getting in trouble for using an agent is extremely rare. The best way to stay long term is to get married.
Brandon ************
@Daniel ******
pretty much every ED or Volunteer visa from an agent is obtained through bribery.Daniel *******
OP@Bobby *******
I wasn’t completely aware that using visa agents were illegal but I guess that makes sense.
Dennis *********
Education Visa, can register for a 6 month or 1 year Thai language class. However is best to actually go to the classes, Immigration Officers it is easy for them to test you from time to time.
Thomas *************
1. Marry on paper to a Thai and get Non-O
2. Tourist visa (3 mo) then border crossing and re-entry, each time with 3 mo. I did this successfully for over 5 years. Twice land crossing and unlimited fly-in
3. Educational visa, most do Thai language or Muay Thai.
4. Start a company and get business visa
5. Teach English and get visa
2. Tourist visa (3 mo) then border crossing and re-entry, each time with 3 mo. I did this successfully for over 5 years. Twice land crossing and unlimited fly-in
3. Educational visa, most do Thai language or Muay Thai.
4. Start a company and get business visa
5. Teach English and get visa
Stuart *********
There’s not too many options. As Michael said there’s the Elite visa. There’s also options based on employment, volunteering or studying. Each have their own requirements. You’d probably need to research a bit on each option to see if any fit your circumstances.
Michael ********
Elite visa
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