Answered6 years ago
What visa options do I have to move to Thailand if I don’t qualify for a retirement visa or a work visa?
Hi guy's. I'm looking for some advice on visas, I'm hoping to move out to Thailand next year. I don't qualify for a retirement Visa as I'm not 50 for quite a while and I don't need a work visa.
What is my best way. Thanks
What is my best way. Thanks
Answer summary
The discussion outlines various visa options for individuals planning to move to Thailand without qualifying for a retirement or work visa. Suggested options include the Elite Visa, which is a paid visa offering convenience; an education visa, which requires some attendance in language classes; a tourist visa with potential renewal or border runs; a marriage visa if applicable; and general advice on consulting an immigration lawyer upon arrival in Thailand.
38 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Steve **********
If you hope to move out next year. You dont need advice. Only a ticket.
Adam *********
set up a company, buy a company or pay for elite visa
Terary **********
I have been here now on back-to-back tourist visas. I have had success but most would advise against it. It's a risk. PM if you want to know more
Ryan *************
@Terary *********
they placed a stamp in my passport also added it to the computer file for me, I confirmed it too with immigration, Tom boy officer at dm airport did as she was having a bad day and wasn’t appreciating tourists doing back to back, surely you know about the big crackdown on it? Just to note bud Terary **********
How do the ban you from ever using a tourist stamp?
Ryan *************
you wont anymore man, I did that for 6 years, until recently I was denied and banned from every using a tourist stamp here again, no way your getting into Thailand back to back tourist, I wish it was like the good old days, id drive up to laos, park the car up and be back out in 30mins with a fresh stamp heh
Georgia ****
Go to Cambodia first and enter Thailand via boarder, Ithink they do visa there
Shayne **********
There are many options available at
****************
. Not only Chiang Mai.
Rick *******
And the Thai immigration tries to push everyone in that direction by being such jerks.
Wayne ********
Thai Elite takes all the hassle away but obviously it comes at a cost
Adam *******
Elite visa, just pay the money and be done with it.
Abadi *******
@Adam ******
how much? And anybody can get it ? What they need exactly? Please
Scott *********
I come here 12 years ago and did 3 years education visa.
I believe attendance is required now but it’s only 2-4 hrs a week.
It will give you time to look at all the options and maybe learn a bit of thai.
Marriage visa now for the last 7 years.
Very easy.
I believe attendance is required now but it’s only 2-4 hrs a week.
It will give you time to look at all the options and maybe learn a bit of thai.
Marriage visa now for the last 7 years.
Very easy.
Karl ********
OP@Scott ********
I'd be happy to attend a few hours of thai classes per week as long as it's not an every day thing.
Steve *********
Elite is a good option
Abadi *******
@Steve ********
how i get Eliet ? And can i have that while I’m in Thailand already on tourist visa ? 
Matthew *******
@Steve ********
that very expensive isn’t it ?Matthew *******
Where are u from Karl ?
Karl ********
OP
Marguyvin **********
*************************************************************************
Ryan *************
I have a none O visa based on having a foreign child in a Thai private school, even though he was born in Thailand and is half Thai, I have to show the school receipts/licences and a his birth cert plus a few other bits etc except nothing financial though. I get my visa from the Thai Embassy in Hull in the UK which just so happens to be my home town, not sure if you have kids but I think its either none o for supporting a child or marriage.
Ryan *************
btw, you might do best to call the school direct and bipass the ex if that makes sense, I deal directly with the school anyway
Ryan *************
I get you, thats not a problem, did you register your kid in the UK? if not
I will confirm this but to be blunt to get the none O
Birth Cert
Copy of the schools licences
Copy of letter from the school stating he is in etc term info
Copy of his passports (thai and UK)
... sorry hit enter to early but just found this, seems spot on what I needed
If your doing it in Hull and your from the UK you do not need to show any financial stuff at all.
***********************************
I will confirm this but to be blunt to get the none O
Birth Cert
Copy of the schools licences
Copy of letter from the school stating he is in etc term info
Copy of his passports (thai and UK)
... sorry hit enter to early but just found this, seems spot on what I needed
***********************************************************************
If your doing it in Hull and your from the UK you do not need to show any financial stuff at all.
Ryan *************
@Ryan *****
might be worth speaking too, cheersKarl ********
OP@Ryan ************
thanks. I don't have any kids.
Ross ********
Maybe set up Company get business visa go on tourist visa and go see a immigration lawyer when you get there
Karl ********
OP@Ross *******
I don't want to work or set up a business. Just lots of training and beach time lol
Dean ********
Non immigrant visa.
Brian *******
Elite Visa or start-up a company under Amity Treaty Rules.
Brian *******
Parking Garages next big thing!! They don't borrow money, they don't eat and they never ever talk back.
Rob *******
education visa is only 6 month
Garrett ***********
@R**
A retirement visa is only 90 days...
La ***********
education visa
Wojciech ***********
Elite visa
Eddie *******
Marriage Visa.
Garrett ***********
Education based visa, tourist visas, volunteer, elite visa. - those are your options, all come with different costs and obstacles.
Cameron ********
Elite visa
Activity
25 joined25
people
Related
25What is the best visa option for a 64-year-old expat who plans to stay in Thailand for no more than 3 months at a time?
8.3k421675mo
Can I enter Thailand for 40 days in February 2026 after previously visiting for 100 days in 2025 under the new visa rules?
6.1k49521y
What visa do I need for two visits to Thailand, staying 1 month in June and 3 months starting December 26?
49331y
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand permanently, particularly for Education, Retirement, and DTV visas?
7.2k71482y
What are the current requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner, particularly regarding residency permits?
7.4k49542y
What are the best ways for a retired U.S. citizen to stay in Thailand for 6 months before applying for a marriage visa?
851612y
Can I border run to Vietnam and return to Thailand on a tourist visa after being on an education visa for over a year?
2.5k21112y
What are my options for staying in Thailand after my education visa expires before applying for a retirement visa?
1.5k9102y
What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand with my girlfriend until March next year?
6k47642y
What are the options for short-term visas in Thailand if I'm facing difficulties with border runs?
2.5k22153y
Can I obtain a 12 month visa extension after my 60 day tourist visa ends in Thailand?
2.5k21183y
How can I extend my stay in Thailand with a tourist visa that has an approaching expiration date?
3k18423y
Do you need a return flight ticket to enter Thailand on a Tourist Visa after exiting with an Elite visa?
1.2k794y
What are the current rules and options for extending a non-visa entry stamp and obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand?
2.2k19114y
How can I transition from a Non-Immigrant O visa to a marriage visa when facing a funding delay?
1.9k14155y
What are the best visa options for digital nomads moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand?
3.6k31285y
What are the options for extending stay in Thailand after the STV visa ends on October 1st?
935646y
What are my options for obtaining a visa while in Thailand on an expired tourist visa with a pregnant girlfriend?
12.5k126846y
What are the options for tourist visa holders stuck in Thailand after July 31st?
4.5k42296y
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand on a short-term visa?
1.4k1137y
What are the options for extending a Tourist visa in Thailand for six months while visiting family?
1.3k968y
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand after multiple tourist visa renewals and without sufficient documentation for a non-immigrant visa?
41138y
What long-term visa options are available for expats in Thailand who want to stay with their partner?
2.9k18398y
What options do UK citizens have to extend their stay in Thailand after their educational visa expires?
1.4k1268y
How can my boyfriend convince Thai immigration he won't be working while studying online instead?
3.1k29178y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served