Thailand Visas: Which Option is Best for Life & Investment in Phuket?
Looking for a visa for long-term living or investing in Phuket? Here are the top 7 Thailand visa options for 2025—with details on duration, costs, benefits, and who they’re best suited for: investors, retirees, remote workers, and families.
1. Thailand Elite Visa (Privilege Visa)
Duration & Cost
Long-term entry options—5, 10, 15, or 20 years. Packages include:
- Bronze (5 years, 650 000 ฿)
- Gold (5 years, 900 000 ฿)
- Platinum (10 years, 1.5 million ฿)
- Diamond (15 years, 2.5 million ฿)
- Reserve (20 years, invitation only, 5 million ฿)
Benefits
- Multiple entries without 90-day reporting (only once a year)
- VIP Fast Track lines at Thai airports
- Bank account opening assistance
- Discounts on hotels, golf, dining
- Priority services and legal convenience
Requirements
- Valid passport
- No criminal records or bankruptcy
- No income or investment requirements
Family can join for an additional fee.
2. LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident Visa)
Duration & Cost
Valid for 5 years, renewable once for a total of 10 years.
Eligibility Categories
- Wealthy Global Citizen: Assets ≥ $1M + Thailand investment ≥ $500K
- Wealthy Pensioner: Annual income ≥ $80K or assets ≥ $250K
- Work-from-Thailand Professional: Income ≥ $80K/year or postgraduate degree + employer revenue ≥ $50M
- Highly Skilled Professional: High-income expertise
Benefits
- Bring your family
- Flat 17% income tax
- Exempt from foreign income tax
Unlimited dependents.
3. Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A)
Duration & Cost
Issued for 1 year, renewable annually.
Requirements
- Aged 50+
- Bank balance ≥ 800 000 ฿ or monthly income ≥ 65 000 ฿ or assets ≥ 800 000 ฿
- Health insurance: 400 000 ฿ inpatient + 40 000 ฿ outpatient
- Clean criminal record and good health
Limitations
- No employment allowed
- Can apply for permanent residency after 3 years
Option to add spouse and children on Dependent visas.
4. Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B)
Duration & Cost
1-year visa, annual renewal available.
For
- Employed individuals at Thai companies
- Business owners
Requirements
- Company invitation and valid Work Permit
Family visas available for spouses and children.
5. Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED)
Duration & Cost
Valid for the duration of study, renewable as needed.
For
- Students attending accredited Thai universities, language courses, or international schools
Family members qualify for Dependent visas.
6. Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)
Duration & Cost
Valid up to 5 years with exit requirement every 180 days. Fees start from 10 000 ฿.
For
- Remote workers and freelancers employed by foreign companies
Option to include spouse and children under 20 in your application.
7. Tourist Visa
Options
- TR (Tourist Visa): 60 days + 30-day extension = 90 days
- VOA (Visa On Arrival): 30 days for nationalities including Russians + 7-day extension
Family Options
Separate tourist visas for spouse and children
Important
Don’t forget to apply for the TDAC Arrival Card 5 days before your flight—required for entry.
📄 Summary Table – Thailand Visas
✅ Don’t Forget the TDAC Arrival Card!
Apply online 5 days before departure, or you may be denied entry. Read more about Thai TDAC Card in our previous article.
🏠 VillaCarte Can Help With:
- Choosing and applying for the right Thailand visa
- Selecting investment-ready apartments or private villas in Phuket
- Legal transaction support and full 24/7 concierge service
- Property management, rental marketing, documentation, and airport transfers
Contact VillaCarte now for personalized visa and real estate advice—your gateway to living in Thailand!