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What visa options do I have for long-term stay in Thailand, and can my mother-in-law help with a work permit?
Thailand Visa OptionsThai Elite VisaTourist VisaWork PermitLong-term Stay in ThailandVisa Agency RecommendationsVolunteer VisaFamily Business Work Permit
Jan 9, 2022
4 years ago
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTERHi guys,
I hope everyone is doing allright in these circumstances.
So march 28, i want to move to Thailand for a undetermined time. Actually would like to go there and settle there.
I already spoke with Trunk visa agency, that i could go on touristvisa and they would extend it to a year visa (probably volunteer or student visa).
What are my other options?
Anyone have experience with the Elite visa of 1 million baht for 20 years?
What if my mother in law has 'lets say' her own business. Could she give me a work permit or something? Or is that really hard?
Any other tips or things i need to think about?
Thanks in advance!
I hope everyone is doing allright in these circumstances.
So march 28, i want to move to Thailand for a undetermined time. Actually would like to go there and settle there.
I already spoke with Trunk visa agency, that i could go on touristvisa and they would extend it to a year visa (probably volunteer or student visa).
What are my other options?
Anyone have experience with the Elite visa of 1 million baht for 20 years?
What if my mother in law has 'lets say' her own business. Could she give me a work permit or something? Or is that really hard?
Any other tips or things i need to think about?
Thanks in advance!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author is planning to move to Thailand for an indefinite time and is exploring various visa options, including extending a tourist visa to a longer-term visa like a volunteer or student visa. They also inquire about the Elite Visa and the possibility of obtaining a work permit through their mother-in-law's business. Comments suggest considering a shorter Elite Visa duration, verifying the relationship to a Thai citizen for potential benefits, and cautioning against using the Elite Visa for employment.
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Rakthai *********
You need to get a visa, business, open a company, whatever, and issue a work permit for yourself
Umer *********
Volunteer visa price
Austin *******
We used to be able to bounce in and out of Thailand at border crossings and just get new stamps when we come back (thai immigration frowns on that and can cause future problems when trying to enter again) but the surrounding countries have their own new entry rules so you can rule out that option. It's very hard to stay in Thailand long term as a tourist. Just FYI
Austin *******
If you go with the elite visa (classified as a tourist visa) you cannot get a work permit until you cancel the elite visa and therefore cannot legally work in Thailand on an elite visa. Also, beware of visa agents.
Kool *******
When you say "mother-in-law", are you married to a Thai woman? If so, that changed everything, and your agent isn't treating you correctly.
Carlos *********
Are thai banks even insured? Like FDIC? I wouldnt put gobs of money in a thai bank.
Kool *******
@Carlos ********
Thai banks are insured up to bt200,000 for each account, but, under an investment visa just having the money in a Thai bank account doesn't qualify.Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
No not yet married haha. Am just checking my options.Josh ***********
@Kool ******
does the investment visa count as a non immigrant visa that could be eligible for permanent residency in the future ? I am aware perm res is not guaranteed, but I know for example the elite visa is never eligible for it.Kool *******
@Josh **********
one of the major requirements for permanent residency is working in Thailand, and having a certain level of income each month, and paying your Thai taxes. With an investment visa you can work. Many large corporations use this visa type for their executives.Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Kool *******
@Michael ***
are you over 50 years old?Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
No im only 31 years old yet.Kool *******
@Michael ***
do you have a university 4 year degree?Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
Nah, i do own multiple businesses here in my country. So can consider myself as a digital nomad.Kool *******
@Michael ***
being a digital nomad does not get you a long term visa extension. You will need lots of cash.Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
Yeah might just do the elite visa haha.Kool *******
@Michael ***
as a better alternative, if you have the money, and can pass the extensive background check, is the investment visa. It takes a minimum of bt10million invested into approved financial instruments, and this is not a grab your money scam like the elite visa. Thailand does not want investment visa holders to go broke so the approved investments are very conservative. You can't have bt10million in crypto, or anything like that. Just very safe investments. It is the only visa you can actually end up with more money than you started with if you decide to cash out and leave, but, the initial investment is at least bt10million and there is an extensive background investigation. It is the best visa extension.Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Chris ****
It takes about 5 years to decide if you want to settle here permanently so you don’t need a 20 year elite can just go for 5.
Reply to
Chris ****
Reply
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