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

What visa do I need to live permanently in Thailand and how can I obtain it?

May 13, 2025
a year ago
Haroon ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Which visa is need for living permanently in Thailand and how I will get?
4,747
views
105
all likes
47
replies
33
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
To live permanently in Thailand, options include the Retirement Visa for those over 50 with certain financial requirements, and the Thailand Elite Visa for younger individuals who can afford it. Permanent Residency is also an option, but generally challenging to obtain. Many commenters advise researching and consulting with experts or agents for personalized guidance.
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.
Carlos *********
Marry Thai lady
Like
Reply
Haroon ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Like
Reply
Reply to
Haroon ***************
Reply
Andy *******
The purple one
Like
Reply
JP *******
Just be a baller and get the elite visa. Life is good at the top!
Like
Reply
Sonny ******
Buy yearly visa get the good visa agent
Like
Reply
John ********
It's called the immortal visa , apply to The Budda personally , and remember 100,000 bhat is required on application . Or send it directly to my bank account and I will put in a good word for you ! 😁
Like
Reply
Mark *******
Do some work yourself before asking others.
Like
Reply
Peter *****************
Best option.Married an old cow with adults children and ask children sponsor your visa.No need 80k in bank.
Like
Reply
Anna *********
Ridiculous question How on earth can we know when you provide no information
Like
Reply
Andrew ********
Can someone explain to me why people in a group is responding to someone asking a question and your response is try Google, jist answer the question as asked all you can do. Perhaps they have googled and want another point of view opinions options they may not understand
Like
Reply
Martin ********
@Andrew *******
totally agree with you there's nothing better than getting advice from people who have actually gone through it. Otherwise what is the purpose of this group 🤷‍♂️
Like
Reply
Wayne *******
@Andrew *******
Not sure if you have noticed but society is becoming increasingly idiotic. While most of us recognise there are no stupid questions, becuse if someone doesnt know something, they need to or have to ask a question to find out, right?

What this person has done is basically asked someone to do the work he should be doing himself! Anyone can figure out what they need to enter a country by searching google, hes got wifi or he wouldnt be able to ask on here!!! If one has searched google and found all the FACTS they require (no grey areas) but want some more intricate info, then fine, ask away for peoples personal experiences

If someone cannot figure out what the requirements are for themselves, or at least work out close to whats required, are you confident they should be wandering around an airport by themself?

The intelligence level of questions being asked on here on a regular basis are actually worrying
Like
Reply
Anna *********
@Andrew *******
how do you answer a question that has no details

He could be a 17 year old multi millionaire or a 54 single man with no job no saving and no income Seriously what would you suggest
Like
Reply
Martin ********
@Anna ********
ask him then, if you're a helpful decent person 👍🏻
Like
Reply
Tom *******
@Anna ********
The first question is the starting point. What's the point of this group if you can't ask questions? Point somebody in the right direction instead of finding ways to complicate everything Karen.
Like
Reply
Andrew ********
@Anna ********
answer the question at hand they ask all you need to do is that simple 😉 you are reading too much into this. Your life must be complicated
Like
Reply
Anna *********
@Andrew *******
no it wasn’t, a few options were suggested
Like
Reply
Anna *********
@Andrew *******
you try answering the question rather than criticising others

you patronising pratt 😀
Like
Reply
Andrew ********
@Anna ********
excuse me the question was answered several times by others, you clearly dont read. I just pointed out what I did like it or not that's a you issue
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andrew ********
Reply
Porky ******
If you’re interested in a Long Term Residency or Permanent Residency Permit a very important question arises.

Are you stinking rich and have the time and patience to learn to speak, read & write Thai proficiently??
Like
Reply
Ho ******
None. Longest is 20 y TPV.
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
************************************************************************************************************************
*****
-10-questions-about-thailand-visa-for-pakistan-and-afganistan-passport
Like
Reply
Richard ************
Retirement visa, chat me let's talk, there is a way we do it now
Like
Reply
Sonja ******
Depends on your age, retirement visa
Like
Reply
Jo **********
there is no visa that allows you to live here permanently. Nonsense comments
Like
Reply
Alexey **********
How old are you? If below 50 y.o. and you don't plan to work in Thailand you can obtain Thailand Elite visa for 5-10-20 years (600.000-800.000-1.000.000THB). Now Elite visa is eligible for Pakistani citizens too. If 50+ y.o. and you have 800.000THB at Thai bank you can get retirement visa. If you have Thai girlfriend you can marry her but you need to show 400.000THB.
Like
Reply
Thomas *******
@Alexey *********
you elite prices are very outdated. It's 900k for a 5 year and a 20 year is 5 million baht and invitation only.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Thomas *******
Reply
Amore ****
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
The PR will get you a lifetime in Thailand
Like
Reply
Cole *********
Listen to some visa videos on YouTube pick the one that fits your situation and get an agent or lawyer to process it for you
Like
Reply
Tom ********
Like
Reply
Ian *****
Yo it post several different Q's to different groups.
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
The elite visa is the easiest if you can afford it.

Living there permanently is a little more tricky. If you are over 50 then you can get one of the retirement visas.

DTV is another option but you can’t stay permanently with it.

In most cases you can’t work. You would need a work permit.
Like
Reply
Hans *********
@Ralph ******
I got dtv its relatively cheap,easy,gives you as many returns as you want ,can't stay over 180 days,can get a 180 day extension though..if you want a bank account,drivers license it'll cost at a visa service
Like
Reply
Andreas *********
@Ralph ******
you can't work on ANY of the visas you listed - you won't even get a work permit issued
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
@Andreas ********
If you can get a job offer with a work permit then you change your visa. The author hasn’t said that he wants to work but I suspect that’s the intention.
Like
Reply
Andreas *********
@Ralph ******
a foreigner first needs a Non-Imm-B visa, in order to apply for a work permit. So, in order to change the visa or receive a Non-Imm-B visa, a foreigners needs to invalidate his existing visa or stay permit, which in most cases is done by exiting Thailand without a re-entry permit
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andreas *********
Reply
Bryce *******
@Ralph ******
Good answer.
Like
Reply
Andreas *********
@Bryce ******
I'd say it is not such a good answer, most of all the last sentence doesn't make any sense . . . . . . .as you can't work on ANY of the visas Ralph listed - you won't even get a work permit issued
Like
Reply
Bryce *******
@Andreas ********
He distinctly said "in most cases you can't work", and doesn't everyone know you don't (usually) come to Thailand to work? He was also up front admitting it's "a little more tricky" trying to stay permanently. But alas, it IS doable.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bryce *******
Reply
Brett *****
Google do own research information you have given is limited
Like
Reply
Todd *********
all you need is here
*******************************************************************************************************
%20elite%20visa&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goCYShqsitJW1IY9hDycXZ5Lfqvy7A0O-591x1ZLhUwYzIsPf70CYEBoC55AQAvD_BwE
**********
*****
*****
4&utm_term=thailand%20elite%20visa&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goCYShqsitJW1IY9hDycXZ5Lfqvy7A0O-591x1ZLhUwYzIsPf70CYEBoC55AQAvD_BwE
Like
Reply
Chad **********
@Todd ********
this is awesome. Not moving yet but would definitely consider using it.
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Chad *********
it's a great visa, but a distant second to LTR if you qualify it.
**********************
Like
Reply
Chad **********
@Todd ********
I will check that out also
Like
Reply
Chad **********
How it looks to me is you have to buy property in Thailand to qualify for LTR. Is that correct?
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chad **********
Reply
Michael **********
Google
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael **********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 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.