What you need to move to Thailand
A valid visa is required to stay in the country for a specific duration. The following visas allow you to move to Thailand:
- Thai Elite Visa: The Thai Elite Visa is a long-term tourist visa that allows residency in Thailand for up to 20 years of uninterrupted stays without the obligation to leave every 90 days. It also offers a 5-year renewable multiple-entry visa with an extendable 1-year stay per entry.
- Tourist visa: This visa offers single-entry and multiple-entry options. The single-entry visa is valid for three months and allows a 60-day stay that can be extended to 30 days at the immigration office. The multiple-entry visa is valid for six months and allows a 60-day stay, which is also extendable for 30 days.
- Non-immigrant visa: This is a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, and depending on the non-immigrant visa applied, it can be extended into a long-term visa.
- Retirement visa: The retirement visa allows the holder to stay in Thailand uninterrupted for up to at least 1 year, acquire a re-entry permit to enter and exit the country, and renew the visa annually without leaving the country. You must be at least 50 and meet specific financial requirements to qualify for this visa.
- Work visa: Expats in Thailand applying for a work permit must possess a work visa. A work visa is valid for 3 months for single entry and 1 year for multiple entry.
- Student visa: This allows foreign students pursuing education in Thailand to stay in the country throughout their academic studies. A Thailand student visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days for single or multiple entries but can be extended every 90 days before the visa expires.
Although the cost of living in Thailand as an expat is generally affordable, planning how to move to Thailand first requires secured finances. Applying for a visa requires a certain amount to pay and a maintaining balance on your bank account. Besides securing finances, which can cost anywhere from ฿ 36,600 ($1,053) to ฿ 76,500 ($2,202), expats in Thailand must learn the Thai language. Thailand has a different writing system, and communication can be challenging if you cannot read and speak the language since most Thai people only know Thai or its dialects. Moreover, learning the Thai language is required if you want to undergo naturalization to move to Thailand and become a Thai citizen.
Where to live in Thailand
There are various cities and regions suitable for living in Thailand as an expat. You can check these places to live in Thailand:
- Bangkok: Is Thailand’s capital city and one of the most visited cities in the world, known for its famous shopping malls, bustling markets, and temples like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Moving to Bangkok is at the top of the list of many foreigners who plan to reside in Thailand for easy access to living amenities at an affordable price. Foreigners move to Bangkok to experience its vibrant night scene and delectable cuisine.
- Chiang Mai: Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its historical temples, beautiful mountains, cool weather, and scenic views. Foreigners moving to Thailand choose to live in Chiang Mai because of its cheaper prices, accommodations, and close access to rural areas.
- Phuket: The largest island of Thailand lies off the west coast of the mainland. Phuket is a known tourist destination because of its white sand beaches, rich marine life, and beautiful temples.
- Koh Samui: Is an island paradise in southern Thailand known for its waterfalls and beautiful beaches. It is the second-largest island in Thailand and boasts rich ecotourism.
Is Thailand a good place to live?
Thailand is a good place to live for various reasons. In 2024, Thailand ranked third in quality of life among six Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It is second in safety with a safety index of 62.1 and first in health care with an index of 77.2. Living in Thailand is preferred by those who enjoy the year-round warmth from its tropical climate. It has a promising and competitive economy, with significant economic sectors in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, service, and natural resources.
How much does it cost to move to Thailand?
The following are the costs of moving to Thailand, including the fee to apply for a visa, rent or buy a place, and the living expenses:
- Visa application: The visa application fee can cost ฿ 7,000 ($201) to ฿ 3,500 ($101) for a non-immigrant visa, ฿ 3,500 ($101) to ฿ 17,000 ($489) for a tourist visa, and ฿ 900,000 ($25,902) to ฿ 5 million ($143,900) for a Thai Elite Visa.
- Buying a property: The average cost of a house in Thailand ranges from ฿ 3.64 million ($104,759) million to ฿ 5.09 million ($146,490), with an average of ฿ 144,832 ($4,168) per square meter.
- Renting a property: An apartment in Thailand costs ฿ 16,532 ($476) inside the city centers, like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chang Mai, and ฿ 8,605 ($248) outside the city centers.
- Cost of living: The estimated monthly cost of living without rent is ฿ 73,139 ($2,105) for a family of four and ฿ 20,579 ($592) for a single person. This average cost includes transportation, clothing, monthly utilities, food, sports, and leisure activities.
Move to Thailand with Own Property Abroad
Are you ready to make the move to Thailand? Navigating visa options and settling into a new country can be overwhelming. Let us help you with expert guidance every step of the way!
For more details on how we can assist you, please leave your information below or email us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do I need to move to Thailand?
You need a visa to move to Thailand if you plan to stay more than 30 days. Multiple visa options are available for varied durations of stay, including a Thai Elite Visa, a tourist visa, a non-immigrant visa, a retirement visa, a work visa, and a student visa.
Is Thailand safe to live in?
Yes, Thailand is a safe place to live. It ranks second as the safest country to live in Southeast Asia, just after Singapore.
Should I move to Thailand?
Yes, you should move to Thailand if you plan to work or study there. You can also move to Thailand if you want to experience the rich Thai culture or the tropical climate.
What visa do I need to immigrate to Thailand?
You need a non-immigrant visa to immigrate to Thailand. Applicants who want to move to Thailand must have a Thai non-immigrant visa extension of stay for at least three years before submitting an application for permanent residence.
Can any foreigners relocate to Thailand?
Yes, any foreigner can relocate to Thailand. Immigration law provides specific requirements for relocating to Thailand, including getting a non-immigrant visa to apply for a permanent residence permit at the local Thailand Immigration Office.
What are the downsides of immigrating to Thailand?
Immigrating to Thailand also has downsides, such as the low purchasing power of Thai currency and relatively difficult language.
How long can you stay in Thailand?
You can stay in Thailand for 60 days without a visa if you are from the countries allowed to enter Thailand under the visa exemption rule. If the country you are from is not on the list, or you want to stay more than 60 days, you must apply for a Thailand visa.
