Every Thailand Visa Explained (2026): What You Actually Need to Move and Stay Long-Term
- docandbean
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
If you’re thinking about moving to Thailand… this is where most people get it wrong.
Getting here is easy. Staying here is what trips people up.
Your visa is the one thing that can make or break your move abroad.
So, in this guide, we’re breaking down every Thailand visa option so you can actually understand what it takes to live here long-term.
Short-Term Visas (Where Most People Start)
Most people don’t jump straight into a long-term visa. They start here.
1. Visa Exemption (Free Entry)
This is the easiest way to enter Thailand.
Stay: 60 days
Extension: +30 days (1,900 THB)
Cost: Free
Requirements:
Passport (6+ months)
Proof of onward travel
👉 Best for: First-time visitors, scouting trips, testing life in Thailand
2. Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV)
A step up if you want a little more structure.
Stay: 60 days
Extension: +30 days
Cost: ~1,400–1,500 THB
Requirements:
~20,000 THB in funds
Flight out
Address or hotel
👉 Best for: People planning a longer first stay without needing multiple entries
3. Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)
This is where things get interesting.
Valid: 6 months
Stay per entry: 60 days
Extensions: +30 days each entry
Cost: ~7,000 THB
👉 You can stretch this close to 9 months total.
Requirements:
~200,000 THB in the bank
Proof funds have been there over time
👉 Best for: People serious about staying longer but not ready to commit to a long-term visa
Watch our full video below for the full breakdown and real-life context
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Long-Stay Visas (Living in Thailand)
1. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
This is the visa everyone’s talking about right now.
Valid: 5 years
Stay: 180 days per entry
Extendable: +180 days
Cost: ~10,000 THB
Requirements:
~500,000 THB in assets
Proof of:
Remote work OR
Soft power activity (Muay Thai, cooking, etc.)
👉 Best for: Digital nomads, remote workers, flexible long-term living
2. Retirement Visas (O-A and O-X)
One of the most stable options.
O-A Visa (Most Common)
Age: 50+
Stay: 1 year (renewable)
Requirements:
800,000 THB in a Thai bank
OR
65,000 THB monthly income
Health insurance (3M THB coverage)
Medical + background check
O-X Visa (10-Year Option)
Stay: 5 years + 5 years
Higher financial requirements
Requirements:
3,000,000 THB in bank
OR
Combination of savings + income
👉 Best for: Retirees who want long-term stability without constant renewals
3. Education Visa (ED Visa)
Stay while learning.
Length: 6–12 months (depends on program)
Requirements:
Enrollment in approved school
Attendance required
~20,000 THB in bank
Costs:
Tuition: 25,000–45,000 THB
Visa fee + extensions
👉 Best for: Learning Thai or buying time while planning your next move
Premium & Long-Term Visas
1. Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
A serious long-term option.
Valid: 10 years
Cost: ~50,000 THB
4 Categories:
Wealthy Global Citizen
Wealthy Pensioner
Remote Professional
Highly Skilled Professional
Typical Requirements:
~$80,000 annual income OR
Significant assets/investment
👉 Best for: High earners, professionals, investors
2. Thailand Elite Visa
This is the “no stress” visa.
Valid: 5–20 years
No income or age requirements
Cost:
Starts at ~650,000 THB
👉 Best for: People who want simplicity and are willing to pay for it
Work & Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B)
If you want to work or start a business in Thailand, this is your path.
Two routes:
Employment (Thai company)
Business ownership
Requirements:
Company sponsorship
Work permit
Salary requirements
Business route:
2M THB registered capital
4 Thai employees per foreigner
👉 Best for: People working locally or building a business in Thailand
What Most People Get Wrong About Visas
Here’s the truth…
👉 Moving to Thailand isn’t hard👉 Staying long-term without a plan is
The biggest mistakes we see:
Choosing the wrong visa
Not planning long-term
Thinking you’ll “figure it out later”
That can cost you money, stress… and even force you to leave.
For the most up-to-date and official visa requirements, always check the Thailand Immigration Bureau website: https://www.immigration.go.th/
Our Advice (If You’re Serious About Moving)
Have a plan! Even if it’s just your next step.
Most people:
Start with a tourist visa
Come to Thailand
Figure out their long-term visa while here
And that’s a perfectly valid strategy.
Need Help Planning Your Move?
If you’re serious about moving abroad, we’ve built everything out for you:
Step-by-step relocation guides
Thailand-specific planning tools
Scouting trip strategies
One-on-one consultations
👉 You can find everything at DocAndBean.com
Need Help With Your Thailand Visa?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to make sure, you’re choosing the right visa, working with a professional can save you a lot of time and stress.
We recommend Issa Compass Group. They specialize in helping people navigate Thailand’s visa options and offer a free 15-minute consultation to get you started.
👉 Check them out here: https://www.issacompass.com/
If you decide to move forward with them, you can use our referral code:
Code: 9R7JR3F9🎉 You’ll receive 500 THB off their visa services