Are you planning on living in Thailand permanently? Then, there are a few things you need to know. From the different visas to tips from ex-pats, here’s everything you need to know about moving and living in Thailand for good.
But before you make this hasty decision, remember, it takes more than a holiday high to move. Otherwise, the guide below will help make the process easier for you.
Moving to Thailand
Thailand is famous for being one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. For this reason, it’s become a favorite among ex-pats looking to relocate for good. After all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy an endless tropical paradise? So, what does moving and living in Thailand permanently have in store for you?
Ex-pats may enjoy what the modern world has to provide, letting you live a life of affordable luxury! You can live comfortably in the country for a modest budget of 1,800 to 2,300 USD per month. And those looking to move to smaller towns will save even more on costs.
In addition, the country has become a popular residency option for retirees. The reason for this is it has one of the most advanced and high-tech medical and dental industries. There’s a wide range of treatments and medications available—all of which are modestly priced.
Overall, moving to Thailand will introduce you to a gorgeous and diverse nation. It gives you a unique experience of conventional and ultra-modern. And there’s something here for everyone. From urban metropolises to quaint country homes, you’ll find your perfect home in no time.
Permanently Living in Thailand: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Thailand is a diverse country, welcoming people across the world.
- There are a considerable amount of ex-pat communities in the nation. You can ask for support here regarding moving to the country.
- Thailand is a beautiful country littered with thousands of attractions. From national parks, beaches to ancient temples, there’s plenty to explore in Thailand.
- You can live comfortably and save money while in Thailand. Although the prices continually rise, the country is still one of the cheapest places to live, especially if you follow the local lifestyle.
- Thai food is delicious, and you can get most of the delicacies in the streets or local eateries.
- The people here are kind and hospitable and are famous for going out of their way to assist visitors.
- You can get access to top-tier medical facilities in the country as it’s home to some of the world’s best hospitals.
- Healthcare is affordable and varied.
Disadvantages:
- Non-Thai commodities are expensive.
- As a foreigner, you’re bound to experience scams. So expect to pay more when in Thailand.
- The cultural difference might be a shock to most foreigners.
- Getting your necessary documents like visas and permits is a massive hassle, and this applies to foreigners as well.
- The weather is primarily scorching and humid all year long.
- Like any other country, the political stability in Thailand is questionable. And laws and policies are constantly changing, which may affect your stay in the country.
Different Thailand Visas and How to Get Permanent Residency
Ex-pats looking to move to the land of smiles must secure the appropriate visa. You need to get one from the Thai Embassy in your area before you can move to Thailand. If not available, getting one from a consulate should suffice.
Below are the different kinds of non-immigrant visas you can get in Thailand:
Thailand Tourist Visa
You can’t use this type of visa for business or employment purposes. After all, it only allows you to stay up to 60 days in the country. And you can extend your Thailand tourist visa for an additional 30 days at most.
Moreover, you can only apply for this visa if you have the following requirements:
- An updated passport
- Have two vacant pages on your passport
- A properly filled-out visa application form
Thailand Business Visa
If you’re moving to Thailand to open up a business, you’ll need to acquire a business visa. Usually, the company you’re partnering with in the country should provide this to you. And this visa lets you stay in the country for up to 90 days. This can apply as a single entry for 90 days or multiple entries for a year.
To get the business visa, you’ll need to meet the requirements below:
- Have a clean record
- A decent educational background
- An acceptable business plan
Thailand Student Visa
If you’re moving to the country to study, you must get a Thailand student visa. This type of visa lets you stay in the country for up to 90 days for one or several entries for a year. But you’ll need to submit official documents before and after applying.
Necessary documents include an official letter from the school and evidence of your financial capability. In addition, though you can use this to work part-time, there are still restrictions you need to be aware of.
Thailand Work Visa
If you’re looking to work in Thailand, you’ll need to get a Thailand work visa. This is only valid if you’ve been offered a job position from a Thai company. In addition, you need to get a non-immigrant visa before you can apply for this one.
Thailand Retirement Visa
Individuals over 50 years old looking to retire to the country need to get a Thailand retirement visa. It lets you stay for 90 days in the country and applies as a single entry or multiple entries for a year. And like other visas, there are financial requirements with this one. So you’ll need to show evidence of your financial capabilities.
Thailand Marriage Visa
Finally, if you’re looking to get married to a Thai national and live in Thailand permanently, you’ll need to get a Thailand marriage visa. The Thailand Marriage Visa lets you stay for 90 days as a single entry or several entries for one year. Again, like the other Thailand visas, you’ll need to show your financial capabilities.
Additionally, you must provide a marriage certificate copy. Moreover, officials might ask to see proof of your relationship’s legitimacy. Whether it’s hugging or kissing, you’ll need to show your relationship’s genuineness.
Once you choose the right visa for you, the process of living permanently in Thailand will be much easier. From here, you can now focus on embracing your new life in Thailand. On the other hand, it’s best to first apply for these visas to get permanent residency. After all, the country only grants permanent residence to 100 individuals every year, making it challenging to get.
So, How Do I Secure a Permanent Residency in Thailand?
Firstly, you need to hold a non-immigrant visa for at least three years. And these only apply to specific categories, including:
- Investment (where you need to have invested at least 3 to 10 million Thai Baht in the country)
- Working
- Business
- Support a family
- Humanity reasons related to a Thai citizen or ex-pat
- Expert
- Academic
From here, you can also apply for citizenship. You can get this if you’ve lived and worked in the country for three years and speak basic Thai. Also, you need to show proof that you’ve been paying taxes for the same period, have a clean record, and earn at least 80,000 Thai Baht monthly.
Finally, you’ll undergo interviews and written tests to be eligible to stay in Thailand for good.
Where to Live in Thailand
Once you’re sure that you want to move to the country, you need to decide where you wish to reside. Thailand is a significant transport hub in Asia, making travel more convenient. And this means you can pick wherever you want to live hassle-free.
Here are some of the most popular residencies for ex-pats:
Bangkok
Being the capital, it only makes sense that Bangkok has become a popular residency option. This city is an excellent choice if you want convenience, fun, and endless opportunities! You have easy access to malls, markets, sky trains, and medical facilities. The only issue is that the place is home to over 14 million residents, so expect it to get crowded.
Phuket
Meanwhile, if you love beaches and serenity, moving to Phuket is the dream move! With thousands of beaches on the island itself, you’ll never run out of things to do here. And you’ll feel welcome in this place in no time as it’s home to over 100,000 ex-pats of different nationalities.
Chiang Mai
If you fell in love with Thailand’s deep history, then living in Chiang Mai is perfect for you. This city is situated in the north of the nation, where you can witness its fortified walls and moat. And since it’s ways away from popular touristy spots, living here is inexpensive. So if you want a modest lifestyle, Chiang Mai is the way to go.
Hua Hin
If you’re moving to Thailand to live a life of luxury, this royal beach resort town is the perfect place for you. It’s home to high-end beaches, shopping malls, golf courses, and hospitals! Aside from this, the most prestigious festivals in the country are held here.
Living in Thailand Permanently – Tips and Recommendations
Relocating to a different country can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re going alone. To make the process more manageable, here are tips and recommendations to keep in mind:
- Reach out to the ex-pat community in Thailand. Doing so lets you understand the process better and meet new people along the way. Talking to these people early on lets you know the littlest details about the country. So make sure to ask the right questions, such as “What company offers the fastest internet?”
- Choose your location carefully. Although Thailand is full of gorgeous sights, it also has its bad sides. It’s difficult to oversee the sordid side of this country. For example, the red-light districts in Bangkok can be a dangerous place to stay in. So, before moving and applying for a visa, consider your options.
- Beware of crime-prone areas. Thailand is a generally safe country, but it still has its fair share of crimes. In fact, purse-snatching has become such an issue that people are advised not to bring one on a busy street.
- Be aware of the dominant language. Many Thai people are excellent at speaking English, but not all. And communication is crucial, especially when you’re trying to adjust to a new place. So it’s best to know what language is dominant in each area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to live in Thailand Permanently?
A: Getting a permanent resident status in Thailand is possible for anyone, but it is a lengthy process. And the country only grants 100 people this status every year. But once you get your permanent residency status, you can live in the country for good without additional requirements. Also, you can now bring your family to the country.
Q: How much do I need to live comfortably in Thailand for good?
A: You’ll need to earn at least $1,500 to $2,000 per month to live comfortably in the country. This amount will let you live without worries in the country, allowing you to live your best life! But you can also live modestly for around $1,000 per month as long as you stay in the countryside.
Q: Is Thailand a safe country to live in?
A: Thailand is a generally safe country, but there are a couple of safety issues circulating in Thailand. From robberies to drug trafficking, there are a lot of hazards in the nation. But despite this, Thailand has been consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Asia.
Q: How long can a foreigner live in Thailand?
Q: Most non-immigrant visas the country offers are valid for 90 days up to a year. After three years, you can file your application for your permanent resident status in Thailand.
Q: Can I buy citizenship in Thailand?
A: Purchasing citizenship in the country isn’t possible. However, you can apply for a similar status known as the Thailand Elite Residence visa. However, this is costly and can cost you up to $15,000 for just five years.
Final Words
Living in Thailand permanently lets you experience paradise every day. However, the process to get here is lengthy but definitely worth it! So if you’re ready to live your dream of relocating to the land of smiles, follow the guide above to make the process more manageable.