Your guide to living in Thailand. Thailand visas and more.

Why live in Thailand?

So many thousands visit Thailand each year but some find it impossible to leave and make Thailand their new home. Thailand has so much going for it as a place to live for Expats and here are just a few reasons:

1. The weather

Thailand’s weather can vary depending on where you are but in general it is warm and humid and doesn’t often get over 35 degrees celsius. Sure you have the rainy season but even then there tends to be a thunderstorm and massive downpour in the afternoon and after that it is beautiful again.

2. Thai food

There is something about the soil and water in Thailand that means it’s herbs, fruits and vegetables are so aromatic and tasty. You just can’t make Thai food like that anywhere but in Thailand. Whether it is a street market or a fancy restaurant, you simply cannot go wrong in Thailand when it comes to food. And there seems to be so much variety from spicy through to mild and tasty.

3. The people

Thai people are extremely kind, generous and positive once you get to know them. Relationships built on trust are important in Thai business culture and hierarchy also plays a major role. The Thai kids are so happy and always have a smile on their faces – they can make anyone forget about a bad day.

4. Choice

Do you prefer modern city living in Bangkok or do you prefer a laid back slower pace of life in Chiang Mai? Or perhaps you prefer the tropical island feel of Koh Samui? Thailand has many options to ensure a fantastic lifestyle.

5. Cost of living

If you are thinking of working in Thailand then you may need to lower your expectations on what you will earn as Thailand wages are much lower than western countries. You will however spend less as the cost of living is much lower too! So many people choose to retire to Thailand as their money goes so much further. Rents and utilities are a fraction of what you’d be paying back home, and food prices are much cheaper too, leaving you with more disposable income to do with as you please.

Two girls enjoying a drink in one of the cheapest countries in the world

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Thailand Visas and Permits

Thailand Work Permit

Foreigners need a work permit to work in Thailand, which states the immigrant’s position and the Thai company they’re working for. Starting work before the work permit is granted is not allowed and the foreigner must enter the country on a non-immigrant visa.

The application, processed by the Ministry of Labour Office, takes 7 working days to complete. The work permit becomes invalid when the immigrant changes to a new job or position, even if the new position is with the same company. The employer must apply for a new permit in this case.

Thailand Elite Residence Program

This program delivers residence visas and other privileges for a fixed fee. VIP privileges include an expedited immigration and passport control service, a dedicated Elite personal assistant for international flights and lounge access, fast track immigration, airport transfers, and a 24-hour member contact center which operates in several languages. There are seven program options, each varying in validity, benefits and costs. The following are the three most popular options available:

Elite Easy Access gives you a renewable, multi entry five year residence visa. There is a one time fee of THB 500,000 including VAT (approx. USD 16,000).
Elite Family Excursion is designed for a minimum of two people delivering a renewable multi entry five-year residence visa for each member. The one-time fee of THB 800,000 including VAT (approx. USD 25,000) covers both applicants with an additional charge of THB 300,000 including VAT (approx. USD 10,000) per dependent.
Elite Superiority Extension — delivers a 20-year renewable, multi entry residence visa for individuals who pay a one-time fee of THB 1 million including VAT (approx. USD 32,000).

Thailand Investment Visa

If you invest a minimum of ฿3,000,000 in Thailand and have been resident for at least three years, you can then apply for permanent residency.

Retirement Visa

If you can prove a monthly income of THB65,000 or a deposit account plus a monthly income totalling not less than THB800,000 and you are over 50 years of age, you can apply for a retirement visa in Thailand.

Youth Mobility Visa

If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen between the ages of 18-30, you may be eligible under the Working and Holiday Visa programme. Note: you may need a letter of government support to undertake this type of visa.

Family Visas

If your adult child is a citizen or permanent resident of Thailand, you may apply for a parent residency visa.
If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Thailand, you are eligible for residency. If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after being resident in Thailand for a period of 3 years. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.

Short term Tourist visas

To find out if you need a tourist visa to visit Thailand, please use the VisaHQ tool below.

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Here are some of the ways to get citizenship in Thailand:

If one or both of your parents were citizens of Thailand when you were born, you are probably also a citizen of Thailand.
If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Thailand, you are eligible for residency. If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after being resident in Thailand for a period of 3 years. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.

Thailand Investment Visa

If you invest a minimum of ฿3,000,000 in Thailand and have been resident for at least three years, you can then apply for permanent residency.

Check out detail on other investment visas here.

A moving abroad checklist is critical to a successful move overseas.

Useful Links:

http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/work-permit-rules.php

http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/thailand/overview