What visa options should I consider for moving to Thailand as a remote worker in 2025?

LTR Visa Remote Work Visa SMART Visa Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)Thai Immigration Visa Preparation Life in Thailand Expat Advice

May 3, 2024

8 months ago

Ryanne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey there ! My partner and I are moving to Thailand from the US. It’s looking like the move might be end of summer 2025. I’ve been looking into visas trying to figure out which one would be best for us and could use some direction. I’m seeing work visas and 90 day visas that would require extentions and make me hesitant to sign a year lease. We plan on spending 1-2 years there split between Chiang Mai and Phuket. We will continue with our current US based jobs and work remotely in Thailand. Curious about which visa would be the best option and how far out we should start preparing our visas. Any info helps! Thanks in advance 🫶🏻

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat couple from the US is planning a move to Thailand in early 2025 and seeks advice on the most suitable visa options for remote workers. They are considering the LTR visa, which is touted as a prime option but challenging to qualify for. Other suggestions include the SMART visa and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV). Community feedback emphasizes the importance of understanding visa rules before making definitive plans and the implications of working remotely from Thailand. The couple's experience with the Thai language and culture, including trial runs with tourist visas, is also discussed.

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Alan ******

Ever been to Thailand. Do you know the language can you read Thai. Do you understand Thai culture.

7 months ago

Ryanne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alan *****

we have spent a bit of time in Thailand and SE Asia but no don’t read or write in thai . I don’t think you need to speak thai to move there though. Basic phrases can get you what you need until you learn more. The language barrier and the foreign aspect of it all is part of the adventure🙌🏻

7 months ago

Ryanne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

To each their own. People have google and the internet now too which has to make it easier than it was 35 years ago. I spent 12 years in five countries and 4 were not english speaking countries . Everyone’s comfort levels are different and if that’s what works for you more power to you. I don’t mind the challenge and again I think the foreign aspect of it all is what’s exciting to me. Eager to get there and have the opportunity to learn more of the language and befriend some local folks.

7 months ago

Alan ******

I was told 35 years ago Ryanne you need someone from Thai to operate in Thai and I still do that today I have special people who are my eyes ears.

7 months ago

Reply to

Alan ******

Nigel **************

Thai immigration are not up to speed with digital nomads working yet. It is still illegal without a work permit even tho many people do it. There is talk of a DN visa but it is not legal yet.

7 months ago

Ryanne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nigel *************

Thats good to know, thank you!

7 months ago

Reply to

Ryanne *******

Cris ******

Interesting how people make their plans but don't research really the 1 big part of moving here. Unless you get the LTR visa, which is very expensive, you realistically can't work here. There are ways around it... but ya.

8 months ago

Ryanne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Cris *****

Always good to have a game plan in mind. We’re doing our research now and trying to find all the information we can . Thanks for the help!

7 months ago

Reply to

Ryanne *******

Terary **********

Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV). It gets you up to 9 months but you have to do a border-bound every 90 days.

You can do most things with a tourist visa and an agent.

Once you're here and you've talked to some fellow expats you'll have a better idea of what is possible and what you want to do.

8 months ago

Ryanne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Terary *********

Thanks , Terary!

7 months ago

Reply to

Ryanne *******

John **********

The visa that will allow you to work legally in Thailand is the LTR - Work from Thailand Professionals visa but the criteria to obtain it difficult. You may also want to look at SMART visas but you will most likely need to start a Thai company for that.

Once you spend 180 days or more inside Thailand in a calendar year you will also be Thai tax resident which further complicates things for you. The LTR visa gives a tax exemption for overseas income though so is really the best option

8 months ago

Ryanne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thank you so much!

7 months ago

Reply to

Ryanne *******

Dylan ********************

Ed visa learn Thai language you can take in person or online.

8 months ago

Ryanne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dylan *******************

thank you!!

7 months ago

Reply to

Ryanne *******

Christopher *************

Good advice Henrik.

8 months ago

Henrik *****

If you haven’t stayed in Thailand for more than a couple of weeks, thats where you should start, by making a trial run at least 60 day touristvisa + 30 days extension, since everyday life can be far off compared with holiday life.

Don’t burn you bridges at least the first 6 month.

8 months ago

Ryanne *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henrik ****

Trial runs are very smart! We have spent some time in Thailand and are experienced in living abroad. Just trying to soak in as much info on visas as we can! It’s a lot to unpack

7 months ago

Reply to

Ryanne *******

Todd *********

until you fully grasp the visa situation, you wont be moving anywhere. That is the first step, not the last

8 months ago

JD *******

@Todd ********

Right On Todd

7 months ago

Reply to

JD *******