Types of Visas Available in Thailand

Navigating Thailand’s visa options can be overwhelming, especially with various visa categories available for different purposes.

Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or business, understanding the different visa types will help streamline your application process. In this guide, we will explore the main visa options available in Thailand, focusing on Non-B, LTR, SMART, and Non-O visas.

Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) Visa

The Non-Immigrant B (Business) visa is one of the most common visas for foreigners wishing to work or conduct business in Thailand.

The Non-B Visa covers:

  • Work Visa: This visa is required if you are employed in Thailand. It allows you to legally work and apply for a work permit.
  • Business Visa: If you are conducting business or investing in a company, this visa is necessary for legal business activities in Thailand.

How to Apply for a Non-B Visa:

  • Employer Sponsorship: Applicants usually need to have a Thai employer sponsor them for a work visa.
  • Supporting Documents: Documents such as an employment contract, company registration, and tax information are typically required.

How Issa helps:

  • Step-by-Step Instructions: Issa guides you through each step of the Non-B visa process, ensuring you submit the right documents at the right time.
  • Document Checklists: The app provides personalized checklists to ensure you have all necessary documents before submitting your application.

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

The LTR visa is designed for high-net-worth individuals, retirees, digital nomads, and highly skilled professionals who want to stay in Thailand long-term.

Categories of LTR Visa:

  • Wealthy Global Citizens: Requires a minimum of USD 1 million in assets and USD 80,000/year personal income.
  • Wealthy Pensioners: For retirees with at least USD 80,000/year in income or lower-income retirees who invest in Thai bonds or property.
  • Work-From-Thailand Professionals: Designed for remote workers employed by companies abroad.
  • Highly Skilled Professionals: For individuals with special expertise in targeted industries such as healthcare, digital tech, or clean energy.

How Issa helps:

  • Real-Time Updates: The app provides the latest eligibility criteria for each LTR visa category, so you never miss important changes.
  • Guided Application: Issa walks you through the application process for the LTR visa, ensuring you meet the financial and employment requirements.

SMART Visa

The SMART visa is a specialized visa designed to attract investors, executives, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals in Thailand's targeted industries.

Types of SMART Visas:

  • SMART T (Talent): For experts in targeted industries such as automation, healthcare, or digital.
  • SMART I (Investor): For investors in technology-based startups or companies in Thailand.
  • SMART E (Executive): For high-level executives working in targeted industries.
  • SMART S (Startup): For entrepreneurs planning to establish a startup in Thailand.

Benefits of SMART Visa:

  • Work Permit Exemption: Holders of a SMART visa do not need a separate work permit.
  • Extended Stay: The visa is valid for up to four years, providing long-term security for professionals and investors.

How Issa helps:

  • Tailored Checklists: Issa ensures that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the SMART visa.
  • Error-Free Applications: The app reviews your application in real-time, reducing the chances of errors and rejections.

Non-Immigrant O (Non-O) Visa

The Non-Immigrant O visa is available for individuals with specific personal connections or roles in Thailand, such as retirees, volunteers, or family members of Thai citizens.

Types of Non-O Visas:

  • Retirement Visa: For individuals aged 50 or older who meet financial requirements for long-term retirement in Thailand.
  • Marriage Visa: Available to foreigners married to Thai nationals. Financial and documentation requirements must be met.
  • Volunteer Visa: Issued for individuals volunteering with registered NGOs or charities in Thailand.
  • Dependent Visa: Available for family members of Non-B or Non-O visa holders.

How Issa helps:

  • Clear Requirements: Issa provides up-to-date requirements for each type of Non-O visa, so you know exactly what to submit.
  • Easy Document Uploads: The app allows you to upload your required documents for the Non-O visa, simplifying the process.

Understanding the various visa options available in Thailand is crucial for a smooth immigration process. Whether you are applying for a Non-B visa to work, an LTR visa for long-term residency, a SMART visa for specialized professionals, or a Non-O visa for personal connections, Issa can help you navigate the process with ease. By providing simple instructions, up-to-date forms, and real-time guidance, Issa ensures you can secure your visa without unnecessary delays.


Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +66 66-146-8724 or on Line at @issacompass and ask our in-house legal team about your specific situation.

Note: Issa Compass is a software platform designed to streamline visa applications and connect you with immigration professionals. We're here to make the process faster and easier, but we're not a law firm or government agency. The final decision for visa approval rests with government officials and immigration policies.