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What visa option allows for the longest stay in Thailand without frequent renewals?

Thailand Visa Retirement Visa Marriage Visa Long Term Resident Visa Visa Extensions Expat Living Property Ownership in Thailand

Jul 19, 2025

21 hours ago

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, 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

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses a person's concerns about obtaining a visa to stay in Thailand indefinitely. They are married to a Thai national and are in the process of building a house in Thailand. They seek advice on which visa would allow them to stay the longest without frequent renewals, expressing interest in minimizing administrative hassles. Various commenters suggest options such as a Non-O retirement visa, a marriage visa, and mention the Elite visa as a longer-term but expensive option. The consensus leans towards the necessity of annual renewals and maintaining certain financial requirements regardless of the visa type.

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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.

an hour ago

John *********

If you are not on-site every day for the building process, you are wasting money. I did that and regret it.

6 hours ago

Julius *********

Great Question.

6 hours ago

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.

8 hours ago

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!

9 hours ago

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?

11 hours ago

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Max ************

I wanted advice that’s all. I’m using my smart phone now!!!

11 hours ago

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.

10 hours ago

Reply to

Max *************

Paul ********

marriage visa renew anually .... sorted

13 hours ago

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.

14 hours ago

Jenny ******

The DTV gives you 5 years with 180 days on each entry stamp.

15 hours ago

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... 😉

16 hours ago

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andy *******

cheers Andy. There is always some idiots who are very negative when you need some advice.

11 hours ago

Andy ********

@Mick ********

unfortunately that's how it works in most places around the world, but particularly in the expat world. All the best...

11 hours ago

Reply to

Andy ********

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.

16 hours ago

Daniel *****

This one:

***************************

18 hours ago

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.

18 hours ago

Ken **********

18 hours ago

Pete ******

Mick, the Thai Privilege Card will work for you, if money is not an issue.

19 hours ago

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.

19 hours ago

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.

19 hours ago

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

19 hours ago

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.

19 hours ago

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?

16 hours ago

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.

15 hours ago

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?

15 hours ago

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.

14 hours ago

Reply to

Marty *********

Lim ***********

@Brook *******

just curious about what sort of renewal hassles there are for Thai Elite?

16 hours ago

Reply to

Lim ***********

Robert *********

Buy health insurance adap

19 hours ago

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.

20 hours ago

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 leg

20 hours ago

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 ! 😉

20 hours ago

Carlos *********

Happy anniversary 🎉 💗

You need a 20yr elite visa

20 hours ago

Samuel ********

@Carlos ********

which is a tourist visa and cost more than the house

16 hours ago

Carlos *********

@Samuel *******

" the longest visa, without renewing" didnt say anything about price being a factor 🤔

15 hours ago

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.

9 hours ago

Reply to

Colin *******

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.

20 hours ago

Brandon ************

@Nick ******

but he specifically said he doesn't want to renew anything

20 hours ago

Nick *******

@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.

20 hours ago

Reply to

Nick *******

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.

20 hours ago

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.

16 hours ago

Cato *******************

@Jack ***************

Thats a great informative answer which I am sure the OP will appreciate without the rudeness of some!

20 hours ago

Brandon ************

@Cato ******************

except he specifically and arrogantly said he's not interested in anything that requires him to renew

20 hours ago

Jack ****************

@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.

15 hours ago

Karyn *******

@Brandon ***********

rubbish

19 hours ago

Reply to

Karyn *******

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

We 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.

21 hours ago

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 reporting

18 hours ago

James ********

@Mick ********

keep taking the medicine.

20 hours ago

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 ! ENJOY

20 hours ago

Bradford ******

@Mick ********

25 years together and she has to pay half?

Paul *********

Why not?

Gustavo *********

Family they do it together

16 hours ago

Bruce ***********

@Bradford *****

there doing it together is my guess, it's called family.

20 hours ago

Reply to

Bruce ***********

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 you

20 hours ago

Paul *******

@Mick ********

a short term when you can live?

20 hours ago

Reply to

Paul *******

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.

21 hours ago

Ron ******

@Us ****

He was asking advice regarding visa options not being lectured on the pros and cons of ownership. Try staying on topic.

17 hours ago

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 care

19 hours ago

John *******

@Roger *********

yes Agree better than paying rent for 30 or more years with nothing at the end of it and much better than Hotel

13 hours ago

Roger **********

You can't take your money With you

19 hours ago

Reply to

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 grip

19 hours ago

Us *****

@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.

15 hours ago

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 day

11 hours ago

Reply to

Roger **********

Markie ******

@Roger *********

has a friend married for 45 years ended up divorced. Time does not prove anything. Just saying

19 hours ago

Reply to

Markie ******

Kevin *******

@Us ****

rubbish ! Typical selfish fallang answer ! All about you huh ? Obviously not married or sadly divorced ! Cheer up !

20 hours ago

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 🙄

10 hours ago

Kevin *******

@Chris ********************

been there done that ! Happily married (sometimes ) for 20 years now !

8 hours ago

Chris *********************

@Kevin ******

me going on 15 years now with 2 daughters

7 hours ago

Reply to

Chris *********************

Us *****

@Kevin ******

his post was a little conceited so I had to give him a reality check

15 hours ago

Andy ************

@Kevin ******

He's pretty close as far as land ownership is concerned. Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand - end of story.

20 hours ago

Andrew **********

@Andy ***********

Farang who have a Thai wife can be tenants though, can't they ?

11 hours ago

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 !

11 hours ago

Andrew **********

That is how she explained it to me. Thank you !

10 hours ago

Jeff *************

@Andrew *********

do a 30 yr land lease from her before you build then you have the right to use the land for 30 yrs

3 hours ago

Reply to

Jeff *************

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

The point was not wasting the money building it for only being allowed to stay a few months at a time. Durrrr

21 hours ago

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 London

20 hours ago

Bradford ******

@Mick ********

you have been married for 25 years and have no idea how it works?

20 hours ago

James ********

@Bradford *****

now that was my first thought as well. Thai wife for 25 years ? Must have been to Thailand a zillion times.

20 hours ago

Kenneth *******

@Bradford *****

cut him some slack these things change often

20 hours ago

Nongnuch ********

@Kenneth ******

that's a lot of slack for a 25-years period 😂

20 hours ago

Reply to

Nongnuch ********

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.

21 hours ago

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 privilege

4 hours ago

Reply to

Tracey ********

Patrick ********

@Brandon ***********

You are so bloody rude and arrogant. Don't be such an idiot. Get off your high horse. Pathetic

21 hours ago

Kevin *********

@Patrick *******

Agreed,theres some sad people on here who love to answer by rudeness and sarcasm.

8 hours ago

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"

21 hours ago

Tracey ********

@Brandon ***********

he never said that, you did, moron.

4 hours ago

Mick **********

@Brandon ***********

he could get a golden visa!

18 hours ago

Jae *****

@Mick *********

Golden Visa in Thailand? Like buying 1KG gold and the government grant your lifetime residency?

16 hours ago

Leon ****

@Jae ****

I think he is referring to Elite Visa.

15 hours ago

Reply to

Leon ****

Steve ********

@Brandon ***********

I didn’t read it like that.

18 hours ago

Reply to

Steve ********

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.

21 hours ago

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?????

4 hours ago

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.

18 hours ago

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.

4 hours ago

Brendan ********

@Steve *******

totally agree he is asking for advice not a telling off by his teacher

17 hours ago

Reply to

Brendan ********

Trav **********

@Brandon ***********

There are plenty of entitled people in this world mate, it amazes me at some peoples arrogance.

18 hours ago

Reply to