Non-Immigrant Visas
Find out about the types of non-immigrant visas, how to make the application and the documentation required...
Anyone
wishing to stay in Thailand for more than two months must apply for a
Non-Immigrant Visa. Either a one-year multi-entry visa with a maximum 90-day
stay is issued or a single entry 90-day visa. For those wishing to travel
outside of Thailand during their stay a multi-entry visa must be obtained. The
visa indicates the dates between which the holder can apply to enter Thailand
and does not necessarily show the length of time the holder will be granted
"permission to stay". This is shown by the stamp in the holder's
passport on arrival.
It is
possible to apply for an "extension of stay" after 90 days from
within Thailand, although the rules are different for each type of visa.
Requirements for an extension vary; for a retirement visa it is normally a
straightforward process, but a business visa has more strenuous rules. Contact
the Immigration Bureau for exact details.
If an
"extension of stay" is granted, the visitors should register their
address with immigration every 90 days. Failure to do this can result in a fine
of 200 baht/day up to a maximum of 5,000 baht. It should be possible to
register by post although check with the local immigration bureau.
- More
information on registering
by post
- The
appropriate form (For Alien to Notify of Staying Longer Than 90
Days: Form
TM.47) can be downloaded from the Immigration bureau website
If an
"extension of stay" is not possible, a "visa run" will need
to be completed by anyone wishing to stay longer than 90 days. Those who do not
have a multi-entry visa, must obtain a re-entry permit at the airport or at the
Immigration Bureau before leaving the country, otherwise the Non-Immigrant visa
will not be valid on their return to Thailand.
- For further
information and for a list of required documents see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
Types of Non-Immigrant Visas
Those
who can apply for Non-Immigrant Visas include, but are not limited to, the
following:
- Foreigners who
wish to work in Thailand
- Foreigners who
wish to invest in Thailand
- Family of the
people in the above categories
- Foreigners
married to Thai nationals or with relatives who are Thai nationals
- Foreigners who
wish to spend their retirement in Thailand
If
intending to travel in and out of Thailand during the validity of the visa it
will be necessary to get a multi-entry visa.
Non-Immigrant O (Other) Visa
This
allows visitors to visit for a number of reasons
- Visiting Thai
spouse or family (Copy of marriage certificate required)
- To look for
work
- Voluntary work
- Visiting
non-Thai family members
- For the
purpose of retirement (Type "O-A", see below)
- For further
information and for a list of required documents see the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs website
Non-Immigrant B (Business) Visa
This
is a business or paid employment visa for those employed by any company in
Thailand. It is necessary to file an application with a Thai Embassy or
Consulate outside of Thailand. It is also necessary for anyone wishing to teach
in Thailand to get this type of visa although the requirements are slightly different.
A letter from the company will be required before this visa is issued.
- For details on
the procedure: Non-Immigrant visa B
Non-Immigrant IB (Investment & Business)
Visa
Foreign
employees working on a project that has been approved by the Board of
Investment (BOI) must have this type of visa.
- For
details see: Business
visa
Non-Immigrant ED (Education-Unpaid
Work) Visa
This type of visa is granted to those who would like to study in Thailand, to attend a conference, for training or to study as a Buddhist monk. An acceptance letter from the educational establishment or training establishment is required.
Thailand Immigration Services hotline
Tel: 1178 or 1111
One Stop Service Center
The
One Stop Service Center is available for use by certain applicants. It is
possible to be granted visa extensions and work permits in one day, at one
location.
- One–Stop Service Center for
Visas and Work Permits
At: 18th Floor, Chamchuri Square Building, 319 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 02 209 1100
Fax: 02 209 1199
email