Thailand Guide: Visas & Permits

Which documents do you need when going abroad? What are the regulations on visas and residence permits? Our legal guide will help you understand the paperwork you need to complete before moving abroad.

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  Visas in Thailand

  Who needs Visa for Thailand? And how to apply?

  If you want to travel, work, study, get married or retire in Thailand you need a visa to enter the country.

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  Short-stay visas

  Tourist and Transit Visas

  Many foreign citizens require a visa to enter Thailand for a short stay of up to three months. For all types of visa we recommend you consult the Thai embassy in your country of residence to ensure you have the current information.

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  Non-immigrant visas

  Staying for a limited time in Thailand

  A non-immigrant visa gives you the right to come to Thailand to work, study, retire or join the family.

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  Student Visas for Thailand

  Visa application and registration

  People of any nationality can apply for a one-year non-immigrant education visa (ED visa). The student visa can then be renewed up until you have finished your studies in Thailand.

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  Business and work visa

  How to get a work permit for Thailand

  To work in Thailand legally, you will need a B visa and a work permit (the blue workbook). Normally, you need a B visa first in order to obtain the work permit. Before applying for a B visa, you should consult the Labour Department to see which jobs you can apply for as a foreigner (many jobs are reserved solely for Thai nationals).

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  Category O

  Visas for family members or retirees

  If you want to retire in Thailand or wish to stay with your spouse (who might be a B visa holder) you will have to apply for an O visa. The O visa is valid for 1 year and does not allow you to take up employment.

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  Permanent residence

  How to apply for permanent residency in Thailand

  Applying for permanent residence in Thailand is a confusing process and is only open to a few thousand people every year. If you decide to apply for permanent residency, be prepared for a bureaucratic roller-coaster ride!

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  Thai Citizenship

  Acquiring Thai Nationality

  Getting Thai citizenship is a complicated procedure that takes between 3-5 years. Thai citizenship allows you to buy property, own any business and apply for any kind of job.

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  Driving in Thailand:

  Validity of foreign driving licenses

  If you wish to drive in Thailand you may wish to hold a Thai driving licence. Though international drivers´ licenses are legally accepted, a Thai drivers licence allows you to avoid the farang prices (higher prices for foreigners) on toll roads.

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