Which Thai Visa Is Right for You?
If you’re considering retiring, working, investing, or simply enjoying the vibrant lifestyle of Thailand for an extended period, selecting the right visa is essential. In 2025, Thailand offers various long-term visa options, each designed to meet different needs and eligibility requirements. This guide compares the most popular long-term visa types to help you identify the one that best aligns with your goals.
Overview of Long-Term Visa Options
Visa Type | Best For | Duration | Key Requirement | Can Work? | Health Insurance Required? |
LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident) | Wealthy individuals, retirees, skilled professionals, remote workers | 10 years (renewable) | High-income or Thai investment | ✅ Yes (with endorsement) | ✅ Required for some categories |
Non-B Visa + Work Permit | Foreign employees, business owners, company directors | 1 year (renewable) | Job offer or own Thai company | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not mandatory, but recommended |
Retirement Visa (O / O-A / O-X) | Individuals aged 50+ | 1 to 10 years (depending on type) | Age + financial proof | ❌ No | ✅ Required for O-A & O-X |
DTV Visa (Destination Thailand Visa) | Digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers | Up to 5 years (180 days per stay) | Financial proof + remote work background | ❌ Not for local jobs | ✅ Required |
📌 Key Features of Each Long-Term Visa
1. LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident)
- Valid for 10 years (initial 5 years + 5-year renewal)
- Categories: Wealthy Global Citizens, Retirees, Remote Workers, Highly Skilled Professionals
- Tax benefits (flat 17% for skilled professionals)
- No 90-day reporting — only once per year
- Includes fast-track airport services, work permission, and dependent visas
2. Non-B Visa + Work Permit
- Valid for 1 year with annual renewal
- Requires Thai employer or own registered company
- Work Permit is mandatory for legal employment
- Common for expats living and working in Thailand long-term
- Allows visa extension and digital work permit (for BOI companies only)
3. Retirement Visa (O, O-A, O-X)
- For applicants aged 50 and above
- Non-O: Extendable inside Thailand
- O-A: Requires application from home country + health insurance
- O-X: 10-year visa for nationals of 14 specific countries with strict financial proof
- Employment is not allowed under any retirement category
4. DTV Visa (Destination Thailand Visa)
- Ideal for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote entrepreneurs
- Up to 5 years validity with multiple 180-day stays
- No local employment allowed
- Must show income or proof of remote work + health insurance
- Can apply online via e-Visa portal
Summary Table: Which Visa Fits You?
You Are… | Recommended Visa |
Retiree aged 50+ | Retirement Visa (O, O-A, O-X) |
Employee or business owner | Non-B Visa + Work Permit |
Remote worker or digital nomad | DTV Visa or LTR Visa (Work-from-Thailand) |
Investor or high net-worth individual | LTR Visa (Wealthy Global Citizen) |
Highly-skilled talent in target industries | LTR Visa (Highly Skilled Professional) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I switch from a Tourist Visa to a Long-Term Visa inside Thailand?
A: In most cases, yes — you can convert a tourist visa to a Non-B or Retirement Visa inside Thailand, but the process may involve additional documentation and approval. DTV and O-A visas must be applied from abroad.
2. Can I bring my spouse and children under a long-term visa?
A: Yes. Most long-term visas allow for dependent visas for spouses and children (under 20). LTR and Non-B visas specifically allow this, and retirement visa holders can support dependent spouses.
3. Which visa is best if I want to work remotely in Thailand?
A: The DTV Visa is designed for digital nomads and remote workers. The LTR Visa (Work-from-Thailand category) is also ideal for remote employees with higher income and a long-term plan.
4. Can you help me apply for one of these long-term visas?
A: Absolutely. Act & Align Advisor offers end-to-end visa assistance — from evaluating eligibility and preparing documents to filing applications and guiding you through immigration compliance.
Need Help Deciding?
Each visa has specific conditions, required documents, and application timelines. Choosing the right one depends on your long-term goals, financial background, and eligibility.
Don’t know where to start? Consult with our team.
