Before Coming to Thailand! How Many Types of Thai Visas Are There, and How Are They Different from Each Other?

When planning to enter Thailand regardless of the purpose it is essential to understand the appropriate type of visa. Each visa category comes with specific requirements, durations, and conditions depending on the intended purpose of stay. Moreover, there are legal regulations that must be strictly followed. 

You Need to Know This! How Many Types of Thai Visas Are There ? 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. has provided important and insightful information regarding the types and criteria for applying for a Thai visa, as follows: 

1. Temporary Residence for Long-Term Stay in the Kingdom (Long Stay O-A, O-X Visas) 

2.Courtesy Visa

3.Official Visa

4.Diplomatic Visa

5. Non-Immigrant Visa

6. Tourist Visa

7. Transit Visa

If you wish to read detailed eligibility criteria for each type of visa application, you can visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand . 

Get Ready Before Entering Thailand: A Deep Dive into the Differences Between the 3 Main Types of Visas

1. Tourist Visa

Purpose : A tourist visa is suitable for individuals traveling to Thailand for purposes such as tourism, leisure, visiting relatives, or participating in non-commercial activities. These may include general seminars, cultural events, or short-term courses that do not constitute full-time education.

Duration of Stay 

• A single-entry tourist visa allows a maximum Single Entry stay of up to 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Office.
• A multiple-entry tourist visa may be valid for 6 months, but travelers are required to leave and re-enter the country every 60 days.

Limitations of this visa type:

• Working or conducting business is strictly prohibited.
• If found working without a valid permit, the individual may face legal action and deportation to their home country. 

Examples of Individuals Using a Tourist Visa 

• Regular international tourists
• Individuals visiting family members in Thailand
• Individuals attending short-term cultural events

2. Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B)

Purpose : The Business Visa is intended for individuals who wish to work, engage in business negotiations, attend meetings, or liaise with companies in Thailand. It can be divided into two main categories:

1. Applicable to those who have not yet commenced employment in Thailand but are entering for the purpose of conducting business discussions, negotiations, or exploring partnership opportunities.
2. Applicable to those who have secured employment in Thailand and must apply for a work permit alongside their visa application.

Duration of Stay:

• Single-Entry Visa: Allows a stay of up to 90 days
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Valid for 1 year, with mandatory reporting to the immigration office every 90 days.
• An extension of stay may be granted in Thailand upon the fulfillment of required conditions, such as presenting a valid employment contract.

Required Documents:

• Official invitation letter issued by a Thai company
• Company letter of certification (required for those entering Thailand for employment)
• Evidence of financial status and supporting documents related to business operations

Typical Users of a Business Visa

• International investor
• Participants in business meetings or corporate training programs hosted by a Thai company
• Staff of a multinational corporation relocated to a post in Thailand

3. Long-Stay Visa

Purpose : Long-term visas commonly known as Non-Immigrant O, O-A, O-X, and LTR visas are intended for individuals who wish to reside in Thailand for an extended period. These include retirees, students, family members of foreign nationals, and high-potential foreigners under the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa category.

Main Categories of Long-Term Visas:

• O-A VisaApplicable to individuals aged 50 or older; permits a stay of up to one year and may be extended annually.
• O-X Visa: Applicable to retirees from specified countries; permits a long-term stay in Thailand for up to 10 years, granted in two consecutive 5-year terms.
• LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident): Designed for investors, high-skilled professionals, or individuals with high income, the visa grants a 10-year stay along with privileges such as tax incentives and fast-track immigration procedures.

Important Requirements:

• Applicants must meet financial requirements, such as having a deposit of no less than 800,000 THB in a Thai bank (for O-A visa), or a minimum monthly income of 80,000 THB.
• Comprehensive health insurance for the full period of residence

Examples of Long-Term Visa Holders

• Retirees who wish to reside permanently in Thailand
• Foreign company executive Executive-level expatriate
• Dependents or family members of Thai citizens or foreigners holding long-term visas
  

Important Information Before Submitting a Thai Visa Application Key Considerations Before Applying for a Visa to Thailand

1. Check your country of origin's status : Citizens of certain countries are eligible for a visa exemption or can apply for a Visa on Arrival.
2. Prepare Documents in Advance : Incomplete documentation is one of the main reasons for visa application rejection.
3. A visa is not a work permit : Anyone who wishes to work in Thailand must obtain a valid Work Permit.
4. Late Extension May Lead to Penalties : Staying beyond the permitted period is considered an overstay, which can result in fines and possible future entry bans.

In summary, ไม่ว่าจะเข้าประเทศไทยด้วยวัตถุประสงค์ใด การเลือกประเภทวีซ่าที่ถูกต้องจึงเป็นสิ่งที่จำเป็น ทั้งเพื่อความสะดวก ถูกต้อง ในขั้นตอนการตรวจผ่านเข้าเมือง และเพื่อไม่ให้เกิดปัญหาทางกฎหมายในภายหลัง ซึ่งถ้าหากไม่แน่ใจว่าควรเลือกวีซ่าแบบใดหรือวีซ่าเข้าไทยมีกี่ประเภท ผู้เดินทางควรปรึกษาผู้เชี่ยวชาญด้านวีซ่า หรือใช้บริการบริษัทที่ปรึกษาวีซ่าและใบอนุญาตทำงาน เพื่อช่วยให้คุณเตรียมเอกสารได้ครบถ้วนและถูกต้องตามกระบวนการ 

If you're seeking professional assistance with visas and work permits in Thailand

The expert team at FDI Visa Consulting is ready to guide you through every step — from selecting the right visa type and preparing your documents to correctly applying for a work permit. Interested in our services? Contact us today! 

Why Choose Our Services?

1.Comprehensive visa and work permit servicesincluding document preparation, application submission, and representation throughout the process all guided by experienced specialists. Our services are tailored for organizations, companies, and foreign nationals looking to invest or conduct business in Thailand.

2. Our team provides support in four languages Thai, English, Japanese, and Chinese to ensure smooth and clear communication for every client.

3. We provide professional, efficient, and verifiable services, strictly adhering to all legal procedures and requirements under Thai law.

Contact Us 

• Facebook : FDI Group – Business Consulting
• @fdigroup
• Phone : 02-642-6866, 02-642-6869, 02-642-6895
• E-mail : infojob@fdi.co.th
• Website : www.fdi.co.th