Thailand is an exotic country of Southeast Asia, which is one of the popular destinations for tourists. Warm climate, an incredible variety of attractions, delicious national cuisine, unique culture and hospitality of the locals – this is what attracts travel lovers to the Kingdom.
The tourism industry provides at least 20% of the country's GDP. But they go to Thailand not only to relax in resorts characterized by picturesque nature and a high level of service (Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya). Some consider the prospect of moving to the Asian country in order to build a career or organize (expand) their own business. Those who plan to obtain citizenship in an Asian country should remember that having a Thai passport does not exempt them from the need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit the EU.
Documents for obtaining a visa should be submitted to the VFS Global EC. The standard period for consideration of the application is 15 days (it can be extended at the initiative of the country's migration department).
Freelancer Visa
Since 15.07.2024, the Thai authorities have launched a program of relocation for digital nomads ("Destination Thailand Visa"). But in fact, an expanded range of applicants is entitled to it – highly qualified employees, sports coaches, patients of medical institutions, representatives of liberal professions.
A multiple-entry visa is issued for a period of 5 years. Its owner can stay in the country for up to 6 months per visit. An additional preference is the opportunity to include close relatives (spouse and children) in the application.
The applicant for the Destination Thailand Visa must prove financial reliability by providing an extract from the bank (the minimum deposit amount is $14,600). The candidate will also need to attach documents confirming the purpose of the visit to the Kingdom (contract with the clinic, invitation from sponsors, professional portfolio, etc.). "Destination Thailand Visa" can be extended for six months, but only once.
The cost of applying for a digital nomad visa is $292.
How much does the visa cost
The price for services for obtaining an entry permit to the Thai Kingdom depends on the category of the document and its validity period.
The table below shows the fee costs for the different categories of applicants.
| Visa Category | Validity period | Visa fee amount (USD) |
| 1. Tourist (single) | up to 90 days | $40 |
| 2. Tourist (multiple) | up to 180 days | $200 |
| 3. Non-immigrant (single) | up to 90 days | $80 |
| 4. Non-immigrant (multiple) | 1 year | $200 |
| 5. SMART (multiple) | 1 year; 2 years; 3 years; 4 years | $350; $700; $1,050; $1,400 |
| 6. Long Term Resident Visa (LTR) | 10 years | $2,000 |
When submitting documents through the VFS Global Visa Center, the candidate additionally needs to pay a service fee of $22. The applicant must also take into account the costs of translating various documents and certificates. The translation of all documents must be certified by a notary.
Detailed information on the cost of obtaining a visa can be found on the website of the Thai Embassy.
Types of visas
To legally cross the borders of the Kingdom of Thailand, foreigners have access to several types of entry permits.
The types of entry permits are:
- Tourist visa (“TR”);
- Resident visa ("Thailand Elite");
- Non-immigrant visa ("Non-Immigrant" - for different categories of applicants);
- SMART visas of the updated format;
- Destination Thailand Visa (“DTV”).
Tourist Visa
The authorities have provided foreign visitors with a multiple-entry visa, which allows them to stay in the Kingdom for up to 6 months a year. This format of entry permit is mainly requested by those who rest in Thailand several times during six months.
The visa is issued if the applicant has a permanent place of residence, as well as confirmation of financial guarantees (at least $583 in a bank account – if the candidate travels alone and $1,166 – subject to joint holidays with family members).
Resident visa ("Thailand Elite")
The Thailand Elite program is considered to be an analogue of acquiring Thai citizenship for money. The visa holder has the right to cross the state borders of the Kingdom without any restrictions and enjoy a wide range of preferences. For example, VIP service at the airport, concierge services, discounts at various establishments.
For a certain share of the investment, a foreign guest receives the right to a long stay in the country. The amount of the investment depends on the validity period of the visa. In particular, the document will cost the relocator $26,240 for 5 years, $43,730 for 10 years, $72,800 for 15 years and $145,700 for 20 years.
Non-immigrant visa
Such a format of crossing the border of Thailand can be claimed by: employees, businessmen, pensioners, persons wishing to marry a citizen of the Kingdom and some other groups of people.
In particular, a category "B" visa is "opened" for those who want to organize their own business or acquire an enterprise in the Asian state.
Students receive an entry permit of the "ED" category. The visa is issued provided that the applicant is ready to submit an invitation from the university and a sponsorship letter.
There are also special types of non-immigrant visas that are requested by civil servants and representatives of the scientific community. They are united by the fact that they are issued with the approval of the relevant departments of the Kingdom or only at the invitation of the host party.
SMART visa
SMART visas are designed for highly qualified specialists and investors who are ready to invest in promising sectors of the economy (robotics, medicine, smart electronics, IT-industry, etc.).
Necessary documents
The applicant must provide a set of personal documents.
The standard file includes:
- e-questionnaire;
- foreign passport (the document must be valid for at least 6 months);
- photo in 1 copy (4 x 6 cm);
- bank statement;
- housing lease agreement;
- receipt for payment of the fee.
The list of documents may vary depending on the purpose of arrival in Thailand. The student will additionally need an invitation from the university, from the entrepreneur – a permit for commercial activities, from the tourist – a certificate from the place of work.
All submitted documents must be translated into Thai, and the correctness of the translation must be certified by a notary.
Latest changes in Thailand visa issuance
Thai officials began issuing a special visa ("Destination Thailand Visa") for freelancers and free professionals. As noted above, the document allows one to legally stay in the country for at least 6 months a year. The visa is valid for 5 years (it can be extended if desired).