Long-Stay Visas

Long Stay Visas for Thailand

Complete information on Thai visas designed for stays of 6 months or longer. Compare Education, Retirement, Marriage, Business, DTV, LTR, and Elite options to find the right path for your situation.

Visa Types

Long Stay Visa Categories

Each card below links to a dedicated guide for that visa type. All guides include eligibility, financial requirements, renewal rules, and Chiang Mai-specific immigration notes.

🎓

Education Visa

6–12 months

Study Thai language, martial arts, Muay Thai, or other programs at accredited institutions. Extensions available every 3 months.

ED Visa guide
🏡

Retirement Visa

1 year (renewable)

For retirees aged 50+ with passive income or savings. Straightforward requirements and low-cost option for settling long-term.

Retirement guide
💍

Marriage Visa

1 year (renewable)

For those married to a Thai national. Requires documentation of the relationship and financial proof.

Marriage guide
💼

Business Visa

3 months–1 year

For entrepreneurs and business owners. Requires company registration and documentation showing Thai business investment.

Business guide
🌍

DTV (Destination Thailand)

5 years

New visa for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers. 180 days per entry, multiple entries, no local work permitted.

DTV guide
🏆

LTR (Long-Term Resident)

10 years

Premium visa for professionals, remote workers, and high-income earners. Includes work permit and government support.

LTR guide
💎

Thailand Privilege Elite

5–20 years

Premium membership program with visa, work permit, and concierge support. Highest cost option with maximum flexibility.

Elite guide
📊

Investment Visa

1 year (renewable)

For investors in Thai businesses or real estate. Requires significant capital commitment and documentation.

Investment guide
🆚

Volunteer Visa

1 year (renewable)

For volunteering with registered Thai NGOs and organizations. Low-cost option with flexibility for volunteer work.

Volunteer guide
CMLocals Chiang Mai Locals non-immigrant education visa stamp showing official approval details
CMLocals Chiang Mai Locals education visa group including martial arts and training students

Visa requirements, financial thresholds, and processing rules are updated annually by Thai immigration. Always verify current requirements with official sources or contact us before applying.

Quick Comparison

Long Stay at a Glance

Use this table to compare duration, cost, work rights, and best use cases across the main long-stay visa options.

Visa Duration Work Permit Approx. Cost Best For
ED Visa 6–12 months No 35,000–50,000 THB Budget learners, students
Retirement 1 year renewable No ~1,000 THB fee Retirees 50+
DTV 5 years No ~10,000 THB Digital nomads, remote workers
LTR 10 years Yes Varies High-income professionals
Elite 5–20 years Yes 900,000+ THB Premium, hassle-free
CMLocals Chiang Mai Locals tourist visa stamp showing travel history and visa approval
CMLocals Chiang Mai Locals formal event with professional group representing long-stay community

Help Choosing a Long-Stay Visa?

We've guided hundreds of people through the options. Get in touch and we'll help you identify the right visa for your goals and situation.