Thailand
Kingdom of Thailand · Capital: Bangkok
Thailand is a top lifestyle and remote-work base: low living costs, renowned private healthcare and a string of new long-stay routes, the 10-year Long-Term Resident visa, the Smart Visa for tech talent and investors, and the DTV digital-nomad visa. Salaried work still runs through the Non-Immigrant B permit.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Thailand.
Policy overview
7 visa routes into Thailand
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
Long-Term Resident Visa
TalentLTR
A 10-year visa for wealthy global citizens, pensioners, remote professionals and highly skilled experts, with tax and work perks.
Eligibility
- Qualifying category (wealth, pension, remote pro, expert)
- Income/asset thresholds by category
- Health insurance or deposit
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Smart Visa
SkilledSmart Visa
A route for skilled tech professionals, investors, executives and startup founders in targeted industries, no work permit needed.
Eligibility
- Role in a targeted S-curve industry
- Salary/endorsement criteria
- BOI / agency certification
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
DTV
A 5-year multiple-entry visa for remote workers, freelancers and those joining Thai soft-power activities (long stays per entry).
Eligibility
- Remote work for a foreign employer, or a soft-power activity (Muay Thai, cooking, medical care); Thai-language schools no longer qualify
- Funds of at least THB 500,000
- Since 31 August 2026: apply in your country of nationality or permanent residence, with a police certificate issued within 6 months
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Non-B
The standard employer-sponsored visa paired with a work permit, for salaried roles with a Thai company.
Eligibility
- Job offer from a Thai employer
- Work permit application
- Company documentation and ratios
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Background
Thailand Privilege Visa
InvestorPrivilege (Elite)
A paid membership visa granting 5-20 years of residence and concierge privileges. Tiers run from Bronze (THB 650,000, 5 years) to Reserve (THB 5M, 20 years); Bronze is reported to close after 30 September 2026, leaving Gold (THB 900,000) as the entry tier.
Eligibility
- One-off membership fee by tier
- THB 50,000 application fee, credited on approval
- Clean record
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Education Visa (ED)
StudentTH-ED
Study at an accredited institution, usually with limited work rights and a post-study route.
Eligibility
- Acceptance from an approved institution
- Proof of funds for tuition + living costs
- Health cover
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
TH-O
Join a spouse, partner or close family member who is a citizen or resident.
Eligibility
- Genuine relationship to a citizen/resident
- Sponsor meets income/housing rules
- Relationship evidence
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Thailand, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Thailand needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Technology & digital
Smart Visa targets tech talent for the digital economy.
Automotive & electronics
An EV manufacturing pivot drives demand for automotive engineers.
Healthcare & wellness
World-class medical tourism recruits clinical and wellness staff.
Tourism & hospitality
A vast tourism sector needs experienced hospitality staff.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
- TighterSep 15, 2026 · 27 days ago
Visa-free stay cut from 60 to 30 days
Nationals of 60 countries and territories (down from 93) can enter visa-free for tourism only, for up to 30 days, extendable once by 30 days. Land entries are limited to two a year for most nationalities, and Visa on Arrival is limited to three nationalities. Long-stay visas are not affected.
60 days for 93 countries30 days for 60 countries - TighterAug 31, 2026 · 1 month ago
DTV applications tightened
Destination Thailand Visa applicants must apply in their country of nationality or permanent residence and provide a police clearance certificate issued within 6 months. Applications paid before 31 August 2026 follow the old rules.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Bangkok
Capital & valueA world-class, affordable capital with the most jobs, top hospitals and great connectivity.
- Cost index
- 50
- 1-bed rent
- $800
- Quality
- 76
Chiang Mai
Nomad & retiree favouriteA long-time nomad and retiree capital, cheap, calm, cultured and surrounded by mountains.
- Cost index
- 38
- 1-bed rent
- $450
- Quality
- 80
Phuket
Island infrastructureThailand's largest island, with strong infrastructure, international schools and beaches.
- Cost index
- 50
- 1-bed rent
- $750
- Quality
- 78
Hua Hin
Calm beach townA relaxed, safe beach town within reach of Bangkok, popular with retirees and families.
- Cost index
- 42
- 1-bed rent
- $550
- Quality
- 80
Pattaya
Affordable coastAn affordable, well-equipped beach city close to Bangkok with a large expat base.
- Cost index
- 44
- 1-bed rent
- $600
- Quality
- 72
Koh Samui
Island remote-workA developed resort island with growing nomad infrastructure and good flight links.
- Cost index
- 48
- 1-bed rent
- $700
- Quality
- 79
Krabi
Nature & beachesA scenic Andaman-coast province, quieter than Phuket and very affordable.
- Cost index
- 42
- 1-bed rent
- $550
- Quality
- 79
Living essentials
The practical day-to-day of settling in Thailand.
Excellent, affordable private hospitals; a top medical-tourism destination.
Strong international schools in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Low, superb value on food, rent and services.
Fast and cheap in cities and nomad hubs.
Tropical, hot, with a rainy monsoon season.
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendFamously welcoming to visitors and expats, against a backdrop of political volatility.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Generally safe; scams and road safety are the main risks.
Higher = safer (crime index 38/100).
Where to live
Which Thailand city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Chiang Mai
Laid-back mountain city
A long-time nomad and retiree capital, cheap, calm, cultured and surrounded by mountains.
Bangkok
Electric megacity
A world-class, affordable capital with the most jobs, top hospitals and great connectivity.
Hua Hin
Royal seaside retreat
A relaxed, safe beach town within reach of Bangkok, popular with retirees and families.
Krabi
Dramatic coastline
A scenic Andaman-coast province, quieter than Phuket and very affordable.
Koh Samui
Tropical island hub
A developed resort island with growing nomad infrastructure and good flight links.
Phuket
Beach resort island
Thailand's largest island, with strong infrastructure, international schools and beaches.
Pattaya
Lively beach city
An affordable, well-equipped beach city close to Bangkok with a large expat base.
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