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What visa option allows for the longest stay in Thailand without frequent renewals?
Visa optionsRetirement visaMarriage visaLong term visaThai Elite visaThai immigration rulesExpatriates in Thailand
Jul 19, 2025
9 months ago
Mick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, I have been married to my Thai wife 25 yrs next month. She has lived hear in the UK for most of that time.I am currently building our house in Thailand. I have the land, I have built the boundary walls & raised the ground level ready for the house build to start. I am due to retire in 3 yrs. What would be the visa I need to stay the longest time without renewing?? If it’s only a few months the I don’t want to waste money building for nothing. What would my best option please?
Thanks Mick A
Thanks Mick A
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster, married to a Thai citizen and planning to retire in Thailand, seeks advice on obtaining a visa that allows for extended stays without frequent renewals. Various responses suggest considering a retirement visa or a marriage visa, both requiring annual renewals but differing in deposit requirements. Alternatives like the Elite or Long-Term Resident visas are also discussed, which offer longer durations but come at higher costs. Most commenters agree that annual paperwork is necessary regardless of the visa type.
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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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Lee *************
Married to a thai wife....
Chris *******
Welcome to the Thailand boards
Where almost every question is answered by people who don’t live here
Where almost every question is answered by people who don’t live here
J **************
Depends how much money you have to spend on a visa
Samuel ********
congratulations to long marriage time. Thai immigration doesn’t care about that. They are issuing a new visa every year like you were newly married. Same questions asked.
How do you know each other and so on You are going to be tired of this
How do you know each other and so on You are going to be tired of this
Ann-Louise ********
LTR visa , we just got ours, 10 years.
Paul ***********
@Mick Aveling … “Elite Visa”
There are to many differing opinions here which only leaves the question of which is the right advice.
The elite visa in its various forms will allow you to stay in Thailand from 5 to 20 years. Google it, review it and if you have any further questions, I recommend you contact your local Thai Embassy
There are to many differing opinions here which only leaves the question of which is the right advice.
The elite visa in its various forms will allow you to stay in Thailand from 5 to 20 years. Google it, review it and if you have any further questions, I recommend you contact your local Thai Embassy
Julian *******
You can opt for the elite or privilege visa 5, 10 or 20 years. It’s not cheap but comes with numerous benefits
Nigel ***********
Why go back ,? She is better off in the uk, not have to pay if get sick, you and she will or should have a pension
Jim *******
Quite something you see here. If they are calling our Mods, Admins almost always right as "arrogant", I have a bag full of that done to me.
John *********
If you are not on-site every day for the building process, you are wasting money. I did that and regret it.
Julius *********
Great Question.
Mitchell *******
Elite/privilege visa, if you have the cash. Otherwise, you will need to get a marriage or retirement visa with the 90 day check-ins. No need to leave the country.
Ste *******
Can't understand the crap this guy is getting for asking a detailed question. Not everyone understands the complicated process. So hes been martied to a Thai for years, living in the UK. This is not about a UK visa, which btw was non existant 25 years ago! Its about the ever changing and multi choice landscape of a Thai visa! It can be easier to ask for layman's terms in a group dedicated to the subject. Unfortunately this group is full of arrogant arseholes! Chill out, you are going to get questions about visas in a group called Thailand visa advice!!! or shut your trap or better, jog on!
Mick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ste ******
well said !!Reply to
Mick *********
Reply
Max *************
How is it possible you need to ask this after being married 25 years? You have no friends staying long term in Thailand or no smartphone or computer where you can check out your options?
Mick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
I wanted advice that’s all. I’m using my smart phone now!!!Max *************
@Mick ********
Your using it asking questions on FB,not for checking out options via your immigration office's official website regarding for example visa options.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Paul ********
marriage visa renew anually .... sorted
Mark ********
I would factor in the cost of applying for a LTR into your retirement planning if you plan to relocate here permanently when the house is built. I live here and work here already and thinking about what to do when i retire already have houses in my wifes name and a son with plenty of visa options.
Jenny ******
The DTV gives you 5 years with 180 days on each entry stamp.
Andy ********
Longest visa with least hassle is the Elite visa - do some research, as there are different ones. Quite expensive, but less paperwork in the long run. Look at how easy it is to answer a question without being rude... 😉
Mick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *******
easy Andy cheersMick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *******
cheers Andy. There is always some idiots who are very negative when you need some advice.Andy ********
@Mick ********
unfortunately that's how it works in most places around the world, but particularly in the expat world. All the best...Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
Stuart ***********
Get the non O retirement or marriage visa from the Thai Embassy before coming back to Thailand. They last for 3 months but then can extend for 12 months and you will then need to extend annually, but extensions are relatively easy to do yourself. The retirement option is the easiest. They require funds in a Thai bank (
*******
k), but if you transfer a monthly sum to your account (*****
k) you can use the monthly deposits instead of having money in the bank for the second extension and withdraw the lump sum. Good luck.Daniel *****
This one:
***************************
Stephen ********
Your wife owns the land, you own the house, you can get a legal document signed, stating that your wife can’t sell the land without your permission.
My partner is Thai and she’s in realestate, I can pass you her details and she can sort the paperwork for you.
My partner is Thai and she’s in realestate, I can pass you her details and she can sort the paperwork for you.
Kieron *****
@Stephen *******
most sensible part of the post and worksReply to
Kieron *****
Reply
Pete ******
Mick, the Thai Privilege Card will work for you, if money is not an issue.
Will ********
@Pete *****
It almost always is though.Reply to
Will ********
Reply
Pete ******
@Brandon ***********
He didn't say that. The question was, what visa lasted the longest without renewals. I believe the answer is the Elite visa, or Thai Privilege Card.Robert *********
You can own the house but not the land. 30 yr land lease. If you have a child well there .you can leave the house to your child.
Andy ************
Whether you have built a 5-bedroom mansion on the river in Bangkok, or you rent a studio squat in the Khlong Toei slum makes zero difference to visas. You can get a "married to a Thai" visa which you will need to extend each year, and each year you have to prove to immigration that you're still married. Another option is a "retirement" visa, which is dependant on finances (either savings or income). Probably the best hassle free visa is the Long Term Resident Visa for Wealthy Pensioners, which is ten years multiple entry, and costs only 50,000 baht. It's the most hassle-free if you meet the criteria
Marty *********
If you are somewhat wealthy then there is the Elite visa which you can get for 5, 10, or 15 years or the LTR visa which is 10 years. Otherwise you have to get an O visa which you extend yearly. Also, with an O visa you will have to do 90 day reports.
Brook ********
@Marty ********
elite visa is a terribly expensive and not recommended option for someone eligible for a non o based on retirement, marriage, or maybe even supporting a Thai child. Not only that, but there are renewal hassles with elite as well.
What’s wrong with you people?
Marty *********
@Brook *******
He asked about visas that didn’t require frequent extensions. I know several people with 20 year Elite visas. I have a pensioner LTR.Leon ****
@Marty ********
elite visa is valid for 5-20 yrs. But length of stay is 1 yr also able to extend 1 more yr at IO?Marty *********
@Leon ***
my understanding is that the Elite visa staff assist you with this type of of stuff. Personally I think the Elite visa makes the most sense if you are under 50 years old. I know a guy that retired at 44 and got a 5 year Elite visa which he converted it to a 20 year before the price change.
Now you can get the 20 by invitation. I don’t know what invitation means.
Reply to
Marty *********
Reply
Lim ***********
@Brook *******
just curious about what sort of renewal hassles there are for Thai Elite?Reply to
Lim ***********
Reply
Robert *********
Buy health insurance adap
Phillip ******
It's getting a bit heated...but as too your question, have you looked into a marriage visa, its more flexible and requires less deposit in bank and you are also able to work with a permit.
Nongnuch ********
@Mick ********
you wrote "What would be the visa I need to stay the longest time without renewing??" . . . . . . . . . put 400,000 or 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account in your sole name, apply for the "1-year Extension of the Temporary Stay", and you can get a yearlong stay permit issued, that, if you buy a multi re-entry permit for it for 3800 Baht, allows you to enter and exit Thailand for unlimited times withing the duration of the one-year stay permit. It's easier if you use an agent to help you with each step and doesn't cost an arm and a legGeorge *****
@Nongnuch *******
hello, I’m looking to do a retirement one year visa. Can you please recommend some agents?  also, I went into an agency and they wanted to charge $5000 for the services. I was told that is a very high fee. Nongnuch ********
@George ****
5000 U.S. Dollars is a ridiculous price 😄 Just imagine, you could do everything by yourself if you got the required funds (a minimum of equivalent of 800,000 THB). The 90-days visa through the E-Visa online system in your home country costs 80 USD fee, and the 1-year extension on Immigration costs 1900 THB (50 USD) But you need own funds, and you might need an agent in Thailand to help you with opening a bank account, which would cost around 5000 to 7000 THB service feeNongnuch ********
@George ****
if you enter Thailand on a Non-Imm-O Retirement visa, you can get an agent help you with the rest of the process (that's opening a bank account and front you with the funds in case you do not use your own 800,000 THB) for around 32,000 THB. That's the going price from agents in Pattaya. But you NEED to arrive with a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa which you got issued in your home country. If you arrive on a tourist visaor visa exempt, most agents cannot open a bank account for you. Without a bank account, you cannot get the 12-months extension of the stay permitReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Kevin *******
Please don't take advice from expats ! Better ask professionals as most on here are just one eyed poor, tight fisted, selfish fallang ! Enjoy ! 😉
Carlos *********
Happy anniversary 🎉 💗
You need a 20yr elite visa
You need a 20yr elite visa
Samuel ********
@Carlos ********
which is a tourist visa and cost more than the houseCarlos *********
@Samuel *******
" the longest visa, without renewing" didnt say anything about price being a factor 🤔Colin *******
@Carlos ********
the LTR is 10 years, costs 50,000 (for the 10 years), only report once a year instead of every 90 days, exemption from tax on world wide assets ( just in case they decide to tax world wide income which is what the messaging has started), no money in Thailand - ever. Just meet the criteria. BOI LTR , do a Google search but make sure you go the the BOI site and not one of the advertisers.Reply to
Colin *******
Reply
Nick *******
The simple answer is….
Both marriage Visa and retirement visa suit your situation, there are plus’s and minus!s to both.
Retirement visa is easier to apply for but you need to put 800k bht in the bank.
Marriage visa has way more paperwork but only need 400k in the bank.
Both are renewable annually and you have to report to immigration every 90 days just to confirm your status hasn’t changed.
Both marriage Visa and retirement visa suit your situation, there are plus’s and minus!s to both.
Retirement visa is easier to apply for but you need to put 800k bht in the bank.
Marriage visa has way more paperwork but only need 400k in the bank.
Both are renewable annually and you have to report to immigration every 90 days just to confirm your status hasn’t changed.
Brandon ************
@Nick ******
but he specifically said he doesn't want to renew anythingNick *******
@Brandon ***********
I read the post a different way. The OP is saying if he has to renew every couple of months he’s not interested. He’s from same country as me so I think I’ve understood him differently to you.Reply to
Nick *******
Reply
Jack ****************
Hey Mike, it's difficult to tell what you are actually worried about. Both marriage and retirement visa all you to stay "forever" but there are administrative obligations. It's not that big of a deal. Marriage visa is about 1 hour every 3 months plus annual paperwork. I think retirement might be a little easier. The elite visa might have let you avoid some of that, I'm not sure and I think it's gone.
Lim ***********
@Jack ***************
Elite visa packages is available for 5 years & above. Complete a couple of forms, email it to them, it typically gets approved in less than 8 weeks. Get visa affixed at airport or at chaengwattana immigration in BKK. Fairly straight forward. But have to pay THB 650K for the bronze 5 yr package.Cato *******************
@Jack ***************
Thats a great informative answer which I am sure the OP will appreciate without the rudeness of some!Brandon ************
@Cato ******************
except he specifically and arrogantly said he's not interested in anything that requires him to renewJack ****************
@Brandon ***********
I think he is confusing renewing/checking in with visa runs. Sounds like someone who hasn't been in this bubble. Maybe wrong, but that was my read.Karyn *******
@Brandon ***********
rubbishReply to
Karyn *******
Reply
Mick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERWe are both paying
*****
for the house but I know I would never have a claim on the house. The issue is if I have only a short term when I can live there due to the visa then we will both be better off not building.Philip *******
@Mick ********
just apply for a non "O" retirement visa from your home country usually done via internet. You could pay an agent in your home country to do this, you will need some documentation over and above passport eg proof of income. This is initially a 90 day visa, once you arrive in Thailand go to your local immigration office get the list of their requirements for extension of stay. Fulfill requirements then lodge paperwork and once it's granted you only have to report every 90 days. There are visa agents in Thailand that for a small amount of money would assist in lodging extension of stay documentation and do your 90 day reportingJames ********
@Mick ********
keep taking the medicine.Kevin *******
@Mick ********
if you can afford it do ut ! I did been with my wife e4 years son 17 October ! I built the house for us but I know it would never be mine it's ours ! I have a condo in pattaya ! I HAVE Z ! WE HAVE A HOUSE AND LAND IN UDONTHANI ! IM HAPPY I CAN AFFORD TO LEAVE THEM SOMETHING APART FROM MONEY ! OWNING A HOUSE IS MASSIVE SECURITY FOR THAIS ! JUST FO IT ! ENJOYBradford ******
@Mick ********
25 years together and she has to pay half?Paul *********
@Bradford *****
Why not?Gustavo *********
@Bradford *****
Family they do it togetherBruce ***********
@Bradford *****
there doing it together is my guess, it's called family.Reply to
Bruce ***********
Reply
Fred *********
@Mick ********
When you hit 50 you will be able to stay long term in Thailand relatively easy. But you will have to do paperwork every year. And put money in the bank. Ill be going myself fairly soon. And ignore all the ones going on about you cant own this and that. Good luck to youPaul *******
@Mick ********
a short term when you can live?Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Us *****
Hold your horses there buddy. Your wife owns the land and if you choose to build the house on it then she will thank you for it. As for the visa, you will always have to renew it depending on which type. But to really answer your question, you will waste money building something that will never be yours.
Ron ******
@Us ****
He was asking advice regarding visa options not being lectured on the pros and cons of ownership. Try staying on topic.Us *****
@Ron *****
I did give him visa advice. I told him that he would need to renew all types of visas.Reply to
Us *****
Reply
Roger **********
@Us ****
I brought a house And I really don't care What happens to it when I die or even if we split was only 1.5 million so no worries I've lived there for 8 years already With a bit of luck I've got about 20 years left in me so I don't careJohn *******
@Roger *********
yes Agree better than paying rent for 30 or more years with nothing at the end of it and much better than HotelRoger **********
You can't take your money With you
Us *****
@Roger *********
if you can't really take your money with you then wouldn't it be better than to use the money to party it up instead of dumping it on a house. You can't take the house with you but those memories of you partying it up will go to the grave with you.Roger **********
@Us ****
yeah but you forgot I don't care what happens to my property after im goneRoger **********
@Us ****
I party everyday anyway just because you have not got a content life doesn't mean everyone else has to do it your way Have a good day and good byeRoger **********
Just because your idea of life is getting drunk in a bar every day doesn't mean everyone else have to be like that I'm quite content with my grandchild and my wife living in my house in issan and visit party towns when I need to have a good day
Reply to
Roger **********
Reply
Roger **********
@Us ****
They been together 25 years I'm sure they're quite settled and he don't care who's name the house is In get a gripUs *****
@Roger *********
what makes you think he won't have a couple of side pieces while he's back in action in Thailand. The wife will take everything from him in her land once she finds out.Roger **********
@Us ****
Well in that case it's all his own fault anyway I do like the way you look at the worst case scenario in everything Have a happy dayReply to
Roger **********
Reply
Markie ******
@Roger *********
has a friend married for 45 years ended up divorced. Time does not prove anything. Just sayingReply to
Markie ******
Reply
Kevin *******
@Us ****
rubbish ! Typical selfish fallang answer ! All about you huh ? Obviously not married or sadly divorced ! Cheer up !Chris *********************
@Kevin ******
well said he's one of them people who spend most of the time in Pattaya not married spending money on lady's everyday 🙄Kevin *******
@Chris ********************
been there done that ! Happily married (sometimes ) for 20 years now !Chris *********************
@Kevin ******
me going on 15 years now with 2 daughtersReply to
Chris *********************
Reply
Us *****
@Kevin ******
his post was a little conceited so I had to give him a reality checkSam *******
@Us ****
leave the missus in the UK ...move to pattaya and set up a bachelor pad...next question...Reply to
Sam *******
Reply
Andy ************
@Kevin ******
He's pretty close as far as land ownership is concerned. Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand - end of story.Andrew **********
@Andy ***********
Farang who have a Thai wife can be tenants though, can't they ?Andy ************
@Andrew *********
Anyone can be a tenant. You don't need a Thai wife for that!Kevin *******
@Andrew *********
need to set up a contract that the house is yours and the land is hers and you have permission to access the house via her land !Andrew **********
That is how she explained it to me. Thank you !
Jeff *************
@Andrew *********
do a 30 yr land lease from her before you build then you have the right to use the land for 30 yrsReply to
Jeff *************
Reply
Mick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe point was not wasting the money building it for only being allowed to stay a few months at a time. Durrrr
Nongnuch ********
@Mick ********
Mike, you being building a house or not, doesn't cut no ice for your visa situation. You have got two options to achieve a one-year stay permit in Thailand, which you can renew every year. You can get this one-year stay permit issued based on marriage to a Thai wife, OR you can get it issued based on being over 50 years old. The first option requires you got a minimum of 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account in your sole name. The second option requires you to hold a minimum of 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account. In order to be able to get a bank account opened, you need to enter Thailand on a Non-Imm-O visatype which you aquired in your home country from the E-Visa online system of the Thai Embassy LondonBradford ******
@Mick ********
you have been married for 25 years and have no idea how it works?James ********
@Bradford *****
now that was my first thought as well. Thai wife for 25 years ? Must have been to Thailand a zillion times.Kenneth *******
@Bradford *****
cut him some slack these things change oftenNongnuch ********
@Kenneth ******
that's a lot of slack for a 25-years period 😂Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Mick ********
So get a long term visa and you can stay as long as you want? Obviously. But if you're not willing to apply for extensions and do paperwork, then go elsewhere. That's a part of living anywhere that's not your home country.Tracey ********
@Brandon ***********
except the UK!!!! Forgot that did you? No one does paperwork here, they come ,invade, stay as long as they want, do nothing, get a home and paid for the privilegeReply to
Tracey ********
Reply
Patrick ********
@Brandon ***********
You are so bloody rude and arrogant. Don't be such an idiot. Get off your high horse. PatheticKevin *********
@Patrick *******
Agreed,theres some sad people on here who love to answer by rudeness and sarcasm.Jozef *********
@Kevin ********
don't be such a snowflakeReply to
Jozef *********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Patrick *******
I'm not the one being arrogant. The op is the one being arrogant. "I can either live here without having to do anything or I don't want to live here"Tracey ********
@Brandon ***********
he never said that, you did, moron.Mick **********
@Brandon ***********
he could get a golden visa!Jae *****
@Mick *********
Golden Visa in Thailand? Like buying 1KG gold and the government grant your lifetime residency?Leon ****
@Jae ****
I think he is referring to Elite Visa.Reply to
Leon ****
Reply
Steve ********
@Brandon ***********
I didn’t read it like that.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Brandon ************
"What would be the visa I need to stay the longest time without renewing"
What are you even talking about? You want to just live in Thailand without having to do anything? What if a Thai person wants to live in your country? It's as simple as them just saying they want to and they can go there without having to do anything?
You get a retirement visa, and then you get annual extensions with relatively little paperwork. Or you get a marriage visa and apply for annual extensions with a lot of paperwork. If you don't like paperwork then Thailand isn't for you. Owning a house literally means nothing as far as your ability to stay in Thailand.
What are you even talking about? You want to just live in Thailand without having to do anything? What if a Thai person wants to live in your country? It's as simple as them just saying they want to and they can go there without having to do anything?
You get a retirement visa, and then you get annual extensions with relatively little paperwork. Or you get a marriage visa and apply for annual extensions with a lot of paperwork. If you don't like paperwork then Thailand isn't for you. Owning a house literally means nothing as far as your ability to stay in Thailand.
Jay **********
@Brandon ***********
rude idiot.Mick ********
@Brandon ***********
Trust me mate if he's in the UK the immigration laws are very loose But I'm with you on the renewal thing No big deal if you follow the rulesI have a marriage visa and it's up for extending /renewal soon It can be daunting but it has to be done
Tracey ********
@Brandon ***********
you do realize the UK is full of people who have come here to do absolutely nothing and get paid for the privilege?????Steve ********
@Brandon ***********
Your third paragraph was the answer the OP was asking for. Not sure why you jumped down his throat with the other two paragraphs. I don’t feel his question deserved such a rude response.Mark ******
@Steve *******
I agree Steve. Why are people so angry?Tracey ********
@Steve *******
because all these pages that are for people to ask questions about something they don't understand, is full of obnoxious pricks like this man who has been in Thailand a few years and thinks he knows everything, and he's never asked a question in his life, so decides to be a dick to everyone asking questions he knows the answers to.Brendan ********
@Steve *******
totally agree he is asking for advice not a telling off by his teacherReply to
Brendan ********
Reply
Trav **********
@Brandon ***********
There are plenty of entitled people in this world mate, it amazes me at some peoples arrogance.Reply to
Trav **********
Reply
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