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Visa regime in Thailand: types of visas, long-term and tourist visas

Visa regime in Thailand: types of visas, long-term and tourist visas

Visa regime in Thailand: types of visas, long-term and tourist visas

  • How to obtain a visa for Thailand: rules and recommendations until 2020

  • Visas for staying in Thailand: students, work, business, and retirees

  • Obtaining a long-term visa to Thailand: How to apply and what is required?

  • How to obtain a residence permit in Thailand: a step-by-step guide

Obtaining a visa for Thailand

Until 2014, many tourists who wanted to stay in Thailand longer than allowed by the visa-free regime often engaged in so-called "visa runs" - crossing the border to a neighboring country and back to get a new stamp in their passport and an additional 30 days in the country. However, this practice has become less reliable now due to stricter control by the Thai authorities.

If you plan to stay in Thailand for an extended period, you need to obtain a tourist visa. It can be a single-entry visa (up to 30 days within 3 months) or a multiple-entry visa (up to 60 days within 6 months). To obtain a visa at the Thai embassy, you will need an application form, a passport valid for at least 6 months, a photo, proof of financial means, return tickets, and hotel reservation confirmation in Thailand.

When submitting documents, it is important that all of them are in English; in some cases, a notarized translation may be required. If you need to stay in Thailand even longer, it is worth considering applying for a long-term visa. There are various grounds for this, such as work, study, business, or family circumstances.

Investment program Thailand Elite

Of particular note is the Thailand Elite investment program, which allows foreigners to obtain a long-term visa for 5-20 years for investments of $15,000 or more. The program also includes a number of privileges such as VIP treatment at the airport and access to prestigious golf clubs.

Conclusion

Thus, despite the tightening of rules regarding "visa runners," there are several official ways to extend your stay in Thailand - from short tourist visas to long-term investment programs. The choice of the right option depends on your goals and plans for your stay in this amazing country.

And remember that it's important to stay updated on the latest changes in Thailand's immigration laws, as requirements can change.

Visa regime in Thailand: types of visas, long-term and tourist visas

Student visa

Wishing to spend an extended period in Thailand, a very straightforward option is to enroll in studies. A one-year visa can be obtained not only by applying to universities but also to other educational institutions that offer various courses, including English language studies. It is worth noting that parents of students in Thailand also have the opportunity to obtain a visa.

Visa for work

Upon receiving a contract with a Thai company, one can obtain a visa for 1-3 years. However, it is important to remember that foreigners cannot engage in activities that can be performed by Thais. Certain types of activities are prohibited for foreigners. For example, jobs in sales or taxi services are not available. A list of prohibited sectors can be found on the official website. The work visa for Thailand is particularly suitable for specialists in IT, media, finance, and other technological fields. However, it is important to note that the process of obtaining such a visa can be complicated, and assistance from a specialized company may be required.

Business visa

Another option is to register your business in Thailand and become its employee. By law, 51% of the company's shares must be owned by a Thai national, but there are legal ways for a foreigner to maintain control over the firm.

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A business visa is issued for one year with the possibility of extension, provided that the company is genuinely operating and generating profit.

Visa for retirees

In Thailand, there is a special program for retirees that offers long-term visas. The main requirements are being at least 50 years old, having no infectious diseases or criminal records, and having sufficient funds for living, which amounts to 800,000 baht per year. These funds must be deposited in a Thai bank for 3 months prior to applying. The retirement visa is issued for one year with the possibility of extension if the conditions are met.

Given the above visa options, it is worth remembering that up-to-date information should be checked and additional sources should be consulted for more information.

Obtaining a long-term visa for property owners in Thailand

Obtaining a visa for property owners in Thailand is not a guaranteed way to obtain residency or citizenship. However, there are several pathways to obtaining long-term visas in Thailand, including:

  • The Thailand Elite program, which allows you to obtain a visa for up to 20 years;

  • Developers offering visa arrangements in exchange for purchasing property;

  • Invitations from Thai authorities, journalists, movie producers, missionaries, investors and others.

The documents required for obtaining a long-term visa depend on the purpose of your stay in Thailand. You will need a completed application form, a passport valid for more than 18 months, photographs, proof of financial status, a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, and other documents that confirm the purpose of your trip.

Obtaining a residence permit and citizenship in Thailand

To obtain a residence permit, permanent residency, or citizenship in Thailand, the first step is to acquire a long-term visa. For this, you need to gather the necessary documents, register online on the consulate's website, submit the documents, and pay the visa fee. Usually, the visa application process takes about 3 days.

#### Visa processing and obtaining residence permits in Thailand

Processing visas and obtaining residency permits in Thailand is important for foreigners wishing to reside in the country. There are several types of visas with different costs:

  • Transit visa - $35

  • Single-entry tourist visa - $40

  • Multiple-entry tourist visa - $200

  • One-time long-term - $80

  • Multiple long-term - $200

At the same time, there is a possibility of extending the visa. To obtain residence permits, certain grounds are required, such as investments, tax payments, marriage to a local resident, or possession of professional skills.

#### The process of visa renewal and obtaining resident status

Extending a long-term visa is possible after a minimum of 3 years and without any legal violations. It is also important to have a basic command of the Thai language for communication and to provide information about income and assets. Applications for resident status are submitted to the immigration office for a fee of 7,600 baht. If approved, an additional government fee must be paid.

#### Advice on obtaining residence permits

Although it is not necessary to hire lawyers, the help of a professional can be useful, though it will add to the costs. The process of obtaining residence permits in Thailand is quite complex, requiring careful preparation and document processing.

In conclusion, travelers from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan can travel to Thailand without a visa for 30 days, and they can also obtain a tourist visa for 60 days or a long-term visa for one year based on "study," "work," "business," or "family ties." There is also the Thailand Elite program, which offers VIP status and a long-term visa for 5-20 years with an investment starting from $15,000. To obtain a residence permit in Thailand, you need to gather a package of documents, submit an application to the immigration office, and pay the fees. Residence permit holders have the right to permanent residence in Thailand, work, do business, and enjoy other benefits. Explore the options and choose the one that suits you best.

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