Every year, more and more expats dream of moving to Thailand for permanent residence because of its golden beaches, affordable prices, and relaxed pace of life. If foreigners cannot obtain citizenship of this country, it is quite possible to obtain a residence permit. Learn more about the requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Thailand
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Thailand has long been a magnet for expats and digital nomads with its stunning scenery, low cost of living, and vibrant culture. Nationals from all over the world are moving here to settle permanently, including citizens of the
Philippines,
Ethiopia,
Kyrgyzstan, and
Moldova. Moving to Thailand for permanent residency is still a viable option in 2025, but it’s important to understand the rules, visa options, and requirements that apply.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to move to Thailand and ultimately obtain a permanent residency permit in 2025.
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Employment for foreigners in Thailand in 2025
In order to work legally in Thailand for a long term, foreigners need to have a Work permit or a long-term worker visa. These documents are issued only to representatives of highly qualified labor, such as school and university teachers, IT specialists, designers, high-ranking officials and scientists.
One of the most important conditions for obtaining a work visa or Work permit is excellent knowledge of the English language. This is especially important for teachers who want to work in Thai schools, where the level of English must be high enough for effective teaching and communication with students.
- For employment, the following documents must be provided
1. Resume;
2. University diploma;
3. Certificate of no criminal record;
4. Recommendation letter from the previous place of work;
5. If necessary - IELTS or TOEFL certificate (international English proficiency tests).
Initially, many employers accept foreign workers for a trial period lasting from 1 to 3 months.
After successfully completing the trial period, you can obtain a long-term work residence permit. This is usually done outside Thailand, in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia or Laos. The cost of this permit is approximately 20 thousand Thai baht, but often these costs are covered by the employer.
- Finding a job in Thailand has its own characteristics
1. Local employers almost never respond to electronic requests, so it is better to apply in person.
2. Thais usually do not need foreign doctors or lawyers of the middle category.
3. Be wary of agencies that ask you to sign a contract before meeting with the employer.
A work visa is issued for a period of one year with the possibility of further extension if necessary. This gives foreign workers the opportunity to legally reside and work in Thailand for a long period of time.
Education for foreigners in Thailand
To get a long-term stay in Thailand, one of the easiest ways is to study. This gives you the opportunity to legally stay in the country for a long time and gain useful skills. There are many courses for foreigners in Thailand, ranging from learning English or Thai to exotic areas such as Thai boxing or cooking.
The process of enrolling in a course is quite simple. First, you need to get a “stamp on arrival” or a tourist visa for 30 days. After that, you can consider the available educational offers.
Having chosen a course, you should contact the course organizers with the following package of documents:
1. International passport;
2. Several photos;
3. Copy of the rental agreement;
4. Receipt of payment.
The average cost of training is 25 thousand baht, but if you are planning language courses with native speakers, it is better to prepare about 35 thousand baht. Prices may vary depending on the course chosen and the duration of study.
Although a student visa allows you to live in Thailand indefinitely, provided you have the appropriate courses and financial resources, it is worth remembering that this path requires a lot of responsibility and expense.
Interethnic marriage with a Thai citizen
One of the effective methods for foreigners to obtain a residence permit in Thailand is to marry a Thai citizen.
For women, this path often turns out to be very favorable, since they have more privileges if they become Thai citizens after marrying a Thai.
Foreign men who wish to settle in the country through marriage to a local woman must meet certain requirements:
1. Officially earn at least 40 thousand Thai baht, working for a Thai company;
2. Have at least 400 thousand Thai baht in their bank account;
3. Be prepared to wait until after 12 years of married life to obtain citizenship.
It is worth avoiding using the services of intermediaries who may offer a fictitious marriage to obtain a residence permit. The state police closely monitor such situations, and participants in such scams face serious fines and deportation.
Family visa to move to Thailand in 2025
A family visa is different from a marriage visa in Thailand. This type of visa allows the following categories of persons to obtain a Thai residence permit:
1. Persons whose spouse is legally and permanently employed in Thailand;
2. Persons whose husband or wife has a joint business with Thais;
3. Persons whose children study in one of the international schools in Thailand.
Moving to Thailand for retirees
The healing sea air and mild climate of the summer months attract wealthy Europeans and retired Americans to the peninsula. Thai legislation provides for a special retirement visa for foreign nationals over 50 years of age who have assets equivalent to 800 thousand Thai baht or more.
Those who have such an amount in their accounts and dream of moving to the ocean need to follow a few steps:
1. Visit the Thai embassy and submit an application for a pensioner visa-permit;
2. Arrive in Thailand on a regular visa (stamped upon arrival), which will allow you to stay in the country for a certain period of time;
3. Apply to the nearest immigration office for a pensioner visa.
The obtained license is valid for a year, but it can be extended indefinitely, allowing you to enjoy life in Thailand during a well-deserved vacation.
Business visa for moving to Thailand for permanent residence
To obtain a residence permit in Thailand for business purposes, foreign entrepreneurs need to take into account a number of important requirements and conditions. You have the opportunity to invest in a ready-made business or start your own business, but you must have at least 51% Thai ownership.
To start a business in Thailand, you must have a registered capital of the company equivalent to at least 2 million baht or USD. Thai business visas will be issued to you for a period of one year, and after that they can be extended.
It is important to note that business visa extensions are not allowed for employees with zero income. Investing in the Thai economy and real estate can give you not only a residence permit, but also benefits such as stable income and interest payments from real estate rentals.
Moving to Thailand is possible, but both positive and negative aspects, such as the Asian mentality and local legislation, should be taken into account. It is important to carefully read the terms of the program and weigh all the advantages and limitations before deciding to invest in Thai citizenship.
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