What visa options are available for long-term stays in Thailand under 50 years of age?

Jan 30, 2023
2 years ago
Kiko ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello to everyone,

I apology in advance if my question has been previously asked and answered.

I plan to go to Thailand for long term but i am not over 50 to apply for a retirement visa, also saw elite visas but I can't afford them at the moment.

Which visa would you suggest me? I've got a Spanish passport so if i am not wrong, the first 30 days are covered and then I could extend another 30. After that period, is when i am not sure. I've hear about paying a school to learn Thai and they help me to get a student visa that works for a year. Is that the best option? And after that 1st year, what would be the next way to continue with a visa?

Appreciate your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on visa options for long-term stays in Thailand, particularly because they are under 50 and cannot apply for a retirement visa. They mention the possibility of initially entering Thailand on a tourist visa for 30 days (extendable for an additional 30 days) and inquire about obtaining a student visa through a Thai language course. Comments suggest the user may look into a multi-entry tourist visa for a longer stay, with extensions possible, or consider an education visa, with the caveat that regulations have become stricter. Alternatives mentioned include employment visas or marriage to a Thai citizen.
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Chris ****
Honestly the best thing is to bounce around SEA. If you decide to stay here long term when you turn 50 you will be clean on your passport.
Brandon ************
If you arrive before April 1st without a visa, you'll be stamped in for 45 days, and you can extend one time for 30 days.

You can see if your embassy will sell you a multi-entry tourist visa. This is valid for 6 months from the day it is issued, and each time you enter the country in those 6 months you will be stamped in for 60 days, which you can extend for 30 days.

This means if you enter and do 60+30, then leave and return for 60+30, then do that one last time just before the visa expires you can get a final 60+30 and get almost 9 months out of this visa.

Many embassies now require you to prove the need for a multi-entry tourist visa, which usually includes proof of a flight to Thailand, proof of booked travel out of Thailand within 60 days, and then proof of another flight returning to Thailand after that. If they are not satisfied that you need the multi-entry visa they will just give you a single-entry but keep the extra that you paid for the multi-entry.

An education visa may be a viable option for a year after your initial arrival. Beware that there was just a large investigation into ED visas, so expect to have to attend class and make progress in learning Thai, as you will be asked questions in Thai when you go for your 90 day extensions (the ED is only given 90 days at a time).

After that your option are very limited. Elite visa as you said. Get a job in Thailand and a non-B visa. Get married and get a Thai spouse visa. Have a Thai child and a visa based on that. Staying long term without a long-term visa is no longer an option.
Ernesto ********
@Brandon ***********
having a Thai child to get an extension of visa is an idiotic idea and poor advice
Alistair **********
@Ernesto *******
how? How is it poor? He asked for visa options, they are his options. You go to a restaurant, your allergic to prawns, do you abuse the wait staff for giving you a menu with prawns in some meals? No, one shut up and pick an appropriate option for you... Jesus christ
Bobby ********
@Ernesto *******
The OP asked for options. Having a Thai child is one such option. I know people who have done this just to remain in Thailand. And yes, I know they're stupid, but that's life
Ernesto ********
@Bobby *******
only an a_hole would call that an option.
Bobby ********
@Ernesto *******
That's not a nice thing to say about
@Brandon ***********
. All he's doing is speaking the truth. You've zero idea how many stupid farangs have spread their seed around in Thailand. Some are even stupid enough to marry a Thai!
Phil ********
No. You can not get a tourist visa in Thailand.

Get the tourist visa in your home country online.

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


Or, as Brandon suggested:

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Kiko ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
regarding the embassy, should it be in Thailand? I am planning to land in Chiang mai and there is only a consulate. Do you know if the consulate also sells this kind of tourist visa?
Kiko ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for the information
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