Choosing the right Thai visa is the single most important decision for anyone planning to stay, work remotely, or retire in Thailand. With options like the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and LTR Visa alongside traditional Retirement, Marriage, and Tourist visas, requirements and perks vary significantly. Answer the 7 quick questions below to find your highest-scoring visa match, or scroll down to review all visas in a side-by-side comparison table.
Your Purpose & Stay Duration
Age & Work Permissions
Financial Profile & Budget
Read our step-by-step walkthrough covering required documents, fees, extension rules, and practical tips.
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Side-by-Side Thailand Visa Comparison
Compare key criteria across all major Thai visa options side-by-side, including stay periods, costs, work rights, and financial rules.
| Visa Type | Stay & Validity | Cost / Fees | Remote Work | Thai Work | Financial Requirement | Family / Dependents | Full Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa & 60-Day Exemption | 60 Days (+30 day extension at immigration) | Free (Exemption) or ~1,500 THB | Testing waters only | Strictly Prohibited | Proof of onward travel + 20,000 THB cash equivalent | Individual only | Read Tourist Guide → |
| DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) | 5 Years (Multiple Entry) 180 days/entry (+180 day ext.) |
10,000 THB (~$290) | Legal & Permitted | Not Allowed | 500,000 THB (~$14k USD) in personal bank | Spouse & kids (<20) | Read DTV Guide → |
| Retirement Visa (Non-O / Non-OA) | 1 Year (Renewable annually inside Thailand) | 1,900 THB/yr (+ re-entry permit) | Grey area / No local income | Strictly Prohibited | 800,000 THB in Thai bank or 65,000 THB/mo pension. Age 50+ | Spouse under Non-O dep. | Read Retirement Guide → |
| LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident) | 10 Years (5+5 Years, Renewable) | 50,000 THB (~$1,400) for 10 yrs | Digital Work Permit | Permitted (Fast Track) | $80,000 USD/yr salary OR $40k+ with Master’s/investment + $50k health ins. | Up to 4 dependents | Read LTR Guide → |
| Thailand Privilege (Elite Visa) | 5, 10, 15, or 20 Years (VIP Airport Services) | 900,000 to 5,000,000 THB | Unofficially common | No (Requires Non-B) | Membership fee payment only. No age/income limits. | Family packages available | Read Privilege Guide → |
| Marriage Visa (Non-O Thai Spouse) | 1 Year (Renewable annually inside Thailand) | 1,900 THB/yr (+ re-entry permit) | Allowed via remote | Can apply for Work Permit | 400,000 THB in Thai bank or 40,000 THB/mo income + marriage cert | Covers foreign children | Read Marriage Guide → |
| Business Visa & Work Permit (Non-B) | 1 to 2 Years (Renewable with employment, tied to job) | ~1,900–3,800 THB + WP fees (Employer paid) | Tied to employer | Full Legal Work Rights | Employed by registered Thai firm (4 Thai staff per foreigner) or BOI | Non-O Dependent for family | Read Business Guide → |
| Education Visa (Non-ED) | 90 Days to 1 Year (Renewable while enrolled) | Course fee (25k–60k THB) + 1,900 THB/ext | Strictly Prohibited | Strictly Prohibited | Enrollment in MOE certified Thai school, Muay Thai gym, or University | Individual only | Read ED Visa Guide → |