Answered2 years ago

What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand for a year before committing to living there?

Thailand Visa Options 90 Day Visa Non-O Visa Multi-Entry Tourist Visa Visa Extension Immigration Rules

Rob *******

asked Apr 9, 2025

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Hi

Looking to stay for a year before i commit to living Thailand, what is the best way to do this ? Is it best to apply for 90 day visa and extend or just exit and re enter every 60 days ?

Any good advice appreciated

Answer summary

The user inquires about staying in Thailand for a year without committing to permanent residency, seeking the most effective visa strategy. Community responses suggest various approaches including applying for a 90-day visa followed by an extension, acquiring a multi-entry tourist visa (METV) for a more extended stay, and considerations based on age and financial situations for applying for a Non-O visa. Users also caution against the risk of being denied entry for repeated short-term tourism patterns and recommend checking specific visa requirements based on nationality.

10 repliesnewest first

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Ron ******

I'm picking your from the UK so suggest you check out the Thai Embassy website and see what options are available. If you're over 50 there are more options. Good to see you're going to check it out before committing to a permanent move👍

2 years ago

Rob *******

Thanks for advice folks even rene who is obviously struggling with his life

2 years ago

Henrik *****

If you go 60 days visa exempt, then extend with 30 days for 1900 Baht at Immigration office, before you travel out of Thailand, to get a new visa exempt period.

2 years ago

Andy ****

@Henrik ****

hi Henrik in this case ,could you enter Thailand with a one way ticket only ? Will the custom be asking you to show him whether you have a return ticket ? Thanks

2 years ago

Henrik *****

There are 3 main things that you need to be able to prove at Immigration.

20.000 Baht CASH

Booking of hotel / adress of where you will stay.

A ticket out of Thailand within the allowed lenght of stay at the visa scheme you enter on ( visa exempt 60 days = ticket out within 60 days, even if you plan to extend with 30 days at Immigration).

They grant you 60 days stay, of course you have to show them, that you intent to honeur that agreement, and your intent to leave within 60 days.

If those 3 requirements are met, it will be more difficult to deny you entry.

2 years ago

Jonny *********

90 days visa, then extend it

2 years ago

Rene ********

Jaeysus wept! Do some groundwork , then ask....

2 years ago

Tony **********

Would help to know you age, country of origin and statement of your financial condition. You could get non-o based on retirement, DTV, etc....

2 years ago

Andi ***********

Get a METV, gives you a 9 month stay.

2 years ago

David **********

Doubt you will be able to just keep coming and going on 60 day entries as this shows a "pattern" that you are living here and not a tourist. Many stories recently of people being denied entry as immigration is cracking down. I don't know the details on the multi-entry tourist visa, but I'm sure someone here can fill you in.

2 years ago