Non-immigrant visa in Thailand: Your ultimate guide
A non-immigrant visa in Thailand is a crucial document for individuals who wish to stay in the country for an extended period without seeking permanent residency. This type of visa caters to various purposes, such as business, education, marriage, and retirement, allowing foreigners to reside in the country while they engage in their respective activities.
The non-immigrant visa in Thailand ensures that visitors can enjoy the nation’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and diverse opportunities without worrying about legal complications. Moreover, this visa offers multiple options and requirements, making it a flexible choice for individuals with different needs and circumstances. With proper planning and adherence to the application process, obtaining a non-immigrant visa in Thailand can be a straightforward and rewarding experience.
4 main visa types offered to foreigners
Tourist visa
Thailand tourist visa is granted to foreign nationals requiring a visa for entering Thailand for recreational or leisure pursuits.
Transit visa
Transit visa is provided to foreign individuals transiting through the territory of the Kingdom of Thailand en route to a third destination country.
Thailand SMART visa
SMART visa is targeting highly-qualified foreigners and motivating them to work or invest in any of Thailand’s ten prioritized sectors. You may also want to read our guide on Thailand’s highly sought-after LTR visa.
Thailand non-immigrant visa
Granted to foreigners arriving in Thailand for purposes other than tourism or leisure activities.
What is a non-immigrant visa in Thailand?
If you plan to stay in Thailand long-term or visit for reasons other than tourism or transit, such as studying, working, investing, seeking medical treatment, or joining your Thai spouse, you need to apply for a Thailand Non-immigrant Visa.
To ensure a smooth application process, it is essential to select and apply for the specific Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa that best matches your travel purpose.
Who is eligible for a non-immigrant visa in Thailand?
If you intend to travel to Thailand for any purpose that falls under the Thai Non-Immigrant Visa category, applying for one is necessary.
While several countries have nationals exempt from obtaining a Thai Visa for tourism purposes, they must still apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa because the exemption only covers tourism. Furthermore, in most instances, after entering the country with a Non-Immigrant Visa, you need to visit the Immigration Department in Thailand to extend your stay (e.g., for studying, working, retiring, etc.). It is important to note that you cannot extend your stay if you are in the country under the visa-exemption rule.
Thai Non-Immigrant visa types
F Visa
The F visa category in Thailand falls under the non-immigrant visa in Thailand, specifically designed for those who are traveling to the country for official purposes or to perform duties for their respective governments. This visa type ensures that government representatives and officials can carry out their tasks in Thailand while abiding by local regulations and enjoying a hassle-free stay.
B Visa
The B visa in Thailand is a type of non-immigrant visa in Thailand that caters to individuals traveling to the country for business or employment purposes. This visa enables foreigners to work, conduct business, or invest in Thailand, ensuring they comply with the local regulations and enjoy a smooth experience during their stay. To work in Thailand, obtaining a Thai Work Permit is also necessary. It is important to note that you cannot secure a Work Permit without first having a Non-Immigrant Visa Category B.
IM Visa
The IM visa in Thailand is a type of non-immigrant visa in Thailand catering to foreign investors who intend to invest in the country. This visa category allows individuals to participate in investment activities and contribute to the Thai economy while adhering to local regulations.
ED Visa
The ED visa in Thailand, which falls under the non-immigrant visa in Thailand category, is specifically designed for individuals planning to pursue their education in the country. This visa type enables students to attend schools, colleges, or universities in Thailand while complying with local regulations and ensuring a seamless experience throughout their academic journey.
M Visa
The M visa in Thailand is a type of non-immigrant visa in Thailand, tailored for foreign media professionals, such as journalists, reporters, and film crews. This visa allows individuals to perform their media-related duties and cover events or stories in Thailand.
R Visa
The R visa in Thailand is a category of non-immigrant visa in Thailand, specifically intended for religious workers or missionaries. This visa type enables individuals to engage in religious or missionary activities within the country while respecting local regulations and ensuring a smooth and fulfilling experience during their spiritual endeavors.
RS Visa
An RS visa is a distinct category within the realm of non-immigrant visas in Thailand, aimed at supporting researchers and scholars. This visa type grants permission to individuals who wish to conduct research, attend seminars, or participate in academic activities within Thailand, all while complying with local regulations and enjoying a seamless stay throughout their scholarly pursuits.
EX Visa
The EX visa is a type of non-immigrant visa in Thailand, specifically designed for foreign experts and skilled professionals. This visa category allows individuals with specialized knowledge or expertise to work, provide technical assistance, or share their skills in Thailand.
O Visa
The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa O serves various purposes, such as accompanying a Thai spouse (Thai Marriage Visa), travelling with a family member for work or education, working for a state enterprise or social welfare organization, or assisting in the household of someone on a diplomatic mission. Additionally, this visa enables individuals to seek medical treatment, participate as a contestant or witness in legal proceedings, or act as a sports coach upon the request of the Thai Government. This versatile visa ensures that visitors have a hassle-free experience while fulfilling these diverse objectives in Thailand.
O-A and O-X Visa category
The Non-Immigrant Visas O-A and O-X both serve as Thai Retirement Visas, with some differences between them. The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa O-A is available to foreigners aged 50 and above from all countries, offering a maximum validity of 1 year with the option to renew. On the other hand, the Thai Non-Immigrant Visa O-X targets foreigners aged 50 and above from specific countries, granting a 5-year duration with the possibility of renewal for an additional five years.
What documents will I require?
When applying for a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa, it is essential to gather several supporting documents, including:
1. A passport with a validity of at least six months and a minimum of two blank visa pages. For a one-year visa, the passport should be valid for at least another 18 months.
2. A completed and signed Thailand Visa application form, which can be downloaded from the Embassy or Consulate website or obtained in person.
3. A recent passport-sized photo
4. Proof of adequate financial means for the duration of your stay, requiring 20,000 Thai Baht for solo travelers and 40,000 Thai Baht for families.
5. Payment of the Thai Non-Immigrant Visa fee.
Additionally, prepare any extra documents based on the specific purpose of your stay. By ensuring all necessary documentation is in place, you can streamline the application process.
Is it possible to obtain a Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa upon arrival?
No, it is not possible. The Thailand Visa On Arrival is exclusively for tourism purposes and grants a non-extendable stay of 15 days.
Validity of a non-immigrant visa in Thailand
Both single-entry and multiple-entry visas have a validity of three months, with the option for multiple-entry visas to be valid for one year. For single-entry visas, the passport must have at least six months of validity, while for multiple-entry visas, the passport must be valid for 18 months or more.
Typically, Non-Immigrant Visas have a maximum validity of 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, you must obtain a one-year visa extension from the Bureau of Immigration in Bangkok. You can re-apply for another one-year extension before the current extension expires, provided you meet the requirements for an extended stay in Thailand. After living in Thailand on visa extensions for at least three years, you may become eligible for Thailand Permanent Residency.
How much will a non-immigrant visa in Thailand cost?
The cost of a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa varies based on several factors, including the local currency, visa duration, and the specific Embassy/Consulate where you apply.
Nonetheless, the approximate fees are as follows:
2,000 Thai Baht for a single-entry Non-Immigrant Visa is valid for three months.
5,000 Thai Baht for a multiple-entry Non-Immigrant Visa is valid for one year.
securing a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa opens a door to various opportunities in the Land of Smiles. By understanding the different visa categories, required documents, and application procedures, you can ensure a smooth and successful experience. To plan well in advance, gather the necessary documentation, and apply through the appropriate channels. With careful planning and preparation, a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa can be your gateway to an extended and fulfilling stay in Thailand.
