Visa and residence permit in Thailand: from tourist to citizen

Briefly about the main thing

One of the most attractive countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand is deservedly a top destination for tourists from all over the world who come here to rest at any time of the year.

Fantastic islands, «cultural north», excellent golf, beach and outdoor activities, exquisite exotic gastronomy, lots of entertainment, relaxation for body and soul – that's why «Thai» is so loved by representatives of all nationalities. Tourism is thriving here, developing and encouraged by the government. At the same time, the infrastructure of the "five stars" level costs the guests of the Kingdom an order of magnitude cheaper than in the old Europe, America and even in a number of neighboring Asian states.

 

Despite political fluctuations, Thailand's economy has traditionally remained strong, including due to stable exports of rice, textiles, seafood, cars, computers and jewelry. And, of course, the ever-growing tourist flow. By the way, according to the Mastercard Global Destinations Cities Index, it is the capital of Thailand that ranks first in the world in terms of the number of tourist overnight stays, leaving behind such "giants" as London, Paris and New York. This year, the total number of Bangkok guests staying here at least overnight will reach a record figure of 21.47 million people. 85.6% of them will come to Thailand as tourists and 14.4% for business.

As for a permanent residence permit in Thailand, it is possible to get it, but it will become a very "long-term" project, it will require true seriousness of intentions, strict compliance with the law and quite large amounts of investment. In Thailand, there is no official program for obtaining "golden visas" with buying real estate, however, the purchase of housing of a certain value may become the basis for obtaining an investor visa and, in the case of permanent residence on it in the country, – opportunities submission of documents for permanent residence, and then citizenship.

Let's consider the main types of visas and residence permits in Thailand today.

Tourist visas

Thailand's visa regime is one of the most loyal in the world. Russians can stay in the country by "stamp on arrival" for 30 days, and for a longer stay in the country, you can get a tourist visa valid for three months or 6 months. Tourist visas are issued at embassies or Consulates General of Thailand in any country.

Nonimmigrant visas

Work visa

Foreign specialists whose field of competence is in demand in Thailand can obtain a work permit from a Thai or international company. It should be noted that officially in Thailand foreigners can work only in those positions that the citizens of the country themselves cannot do. For example, representatives of other states do not have the right to work in Thailand as chefs, waiters, tourist guides, etc. The validity period of a work visa can range from one to three years and is extended together with the employee's contract.

It is worth noting that employment in Thailand is allowed only on a work visa.The Immigration Service does not hesitate to deport and issue a verdict on the prohibition of entry into the country if foreigners working illegally in Thailand on other types of visas are found. Such a "strict" attitude on the part of the authorities is also observed in relation to potential residents of the kingdom.

Student visa

A long legal stay in Thailand is provided for foreign students studying both at Thai universities and at state language courses. A student visa is usually issued for a period of 15 months with the need to extend at school or university (to confirm attendance) every three months. The average cost of studying at language courses in Thailand is from 15,000 Thai baht (THB). At the time of publication of the article, the exchange rate of the baht against the ruble is 1/1.82.

It is worth noting that if earlier many tourists used to gain a foothold in Thailand in this way, today immigration offices really check students for knowledge of the subject being studied, for example, they can ask a few questions in Thai, and if a student fails to answer, a visa can simply be not renewed.

Pension visa

This visa can be used by pensioners who have managed to accumulate a certain amount of money for a happy old age. The program is valid for all foreigners over the age of 50 with a budget of 800,000 THB (about 1.5 million rubles or €20,600), which is deposited into a Thai bank account. These funds are necessary to prove the pensioner's solvency and can be spent by him on the territory of Thailand. The visa is granted for a period of one year upon presentation of the required list of documents, which includes a certificate of no criminal record. The visa can subsequently be extended also by providing a bank statement if there is an amount of 800,000 THB on it. To simplify the extension process, a foreigner can seek help from a lawyer.

Investment and business visa

In 1997, the Thai Government established a program for granting investment visas to foreigners. The state provides investment visas (Investment and Business, or IB Visa) to foreigners working on investment projects approved by the Royal Thai Investment Council.

The purpose of this program is to increase the employment rate of the Thai population, promotion of Thai products for export, utilization of raw materials, technology development, etc. A foreign citizen can expect to receive an investment visa with a contribution to the country's economy (a company registered in Thailand, the local securities market or government bonds) of an amount of 10 million THB (about 18.5 million rubles, or €257,000), which may also include the purchase of real estate.

Experts note that the main factors for a favorable decision to obtain such a visa are not only the amount of investment, but also the nationality of the applicant. The total initial deposit amount can be divided into several parts: for example, the purchase of a house or condo for 7 million THB (180,000 euros) and government bonds in the amount of 3 million THB (77,000 euros).

To obtain an investor visa, you need to come to Thailand on a tourist visa, then get a package of documents and an invitation to get a business visa from a real estate agency (in case of buying a home). The time frame for obtaining such a visa is up to three months.

Like a tourist visa, an investment visa does not give a foreign applicant the right to work for hire.However, a nice bonus for holders of such a visa is that the parents, spouse and children of the investor can also extend the investment visa, subject to an additional investment of 10 million THB for each dependent family member.

The initial validity period of the IB visa is from three to 12 months, but it can be extended. After three years of residence on such a visa, a foreigner can apply for permanent residence, and after another 10 years – and Thai citizenship. In fact, the status of a resident of the kingdom turns out to be very difficult to obtain. The Immigration Service considers applicants very carefully and issues more refusals than the desired Permanent Resident status.

Thailand Elite Program

The choice of wealthy foreigners who are going to live or often visit Thailand is the Thailand Elite privilege program, which was developed by the government of the state in 2003. The official name of the company providing these services and based on the Tourism Authority of Thailand – Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited.

Thailand Elite members receive a plastic card corresponding to the selected package of services. And, first of all, it is a guarantee of obtaining a multiple entry visa for a period of five years. In addition to the "elite" entry visa, the participant of the Thailand Elite program receives a lot of bonuses: personal support upon arrival and departure from Thailand, accelerated passport control, the services of the state concierge service, assistance in obtaining a driver's licenserights, opening a bank account in Bangkok Bank, special conditions of purchase in Duty Free stores and discounts in selected partner hotels, spas, restaurants, shopping malls, etc. The visa must be renewed at the immigration office of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Pattaya every three months.

The cost of participation in the Thailand Elite program depends on the set of services and the desired length of stay in the country. So, an individual Thailand Easy Access visa valid for five years will cost 500,000 BHT (including VAT). The Elite Family Excursion Family visa costs 800,000 BHT with VAT plus 300,000 BHT for each next of kin (spouse, minor children). The same family visa, but already valid for 10 years, Elite Family Alternative, will cost 800,000 BHT with VAT plus 700,000 BHT for each next of kin. And finally, the most "elite" visa program valid for 20 years (five-year visa with the possibility of extension), Elite Superiority Extension, will cost 1 million BHT with VAT.

All potential buyers of real estate in Thailand will be interested to know that the Thailand Elite program also involves large developers who provide buyers of premium housing in their projects with the opportunity to obtain a long-term "privileged" visa. The buyer receives a comprehensive solution: he purchases housing and legalizes his stay in Thailand. In order to become a member of the Thailand Elite program from the developer, the future participant needs to invest in housing once in the amount of BHT 500 000. Club members get access to investment projects, the implementation of which is supported by the government.

Residence permit and citizenship of Thailand

Permanent Residence is the Thai equivalent of a permanent residence permit, foreigners can obtain after three years of continuous legal residence in the kingdom on a Non-Immigrant visa. The application for a residence permit is submitted at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.A residence permit is issued indefinitely or until it is revoked by government agencies. But, as practice shows, applications for a residence permit are approved extremely rarely. In addition, there is a quota: no more than 100 resident statuses for foreigners per year.

At the same time, obtaining a residence permit in Thailand gives many advantages, such as the opportunity to apply for Thai citizenship after 10 years of continuous residence in the country; the absence of visa issues for the holder of a residence permit and his family; a simplified procedure for obtaining a work permit (Work Permit); obtaining an Alien Registration Book (an analogue of the Thai ID).

Do not forget that Thailand does not recognize dual citizenship, and if you want to obtain the status of a citizen of the kingdom, you will have to renounce the citizenship of your native country.

Investment residence permit

In Thailand, there are two ways to obtain an investment residence permit (Permanent Residence valid for five years): under the auspices of the Immigration Bureau or the Royal Thai Investment Board. This applies to applicants who already have a three-year "experience" of extending an investment Non-Resident visa.

The first method concerns investors of "special status" who make a significant contribution to the Thai economy, are currently in the country, have the right to apply for a residence permit and can provide documents on investing 10 million THB in funds approved by the government. Also, as with obtaining an investment visa, it is possible to apply for any member of their family, subject to an additional investment of 10 million THB (for each dependent family member).

Experts note that any of the ways to obtain a residence permit can take from several months to several years, even if accompanied by a competent lawyer.

Buying a property in Thailand and a residence permit

Apartments in Thailand can be purchased by a citizen of any country: this requires only a passport and a number of related documents, which will be prepared by a real estate agency. The apartment becomes a full private property, which can subsequently be inherited, sold, donated, mortgaged, etc.

Thai legislation provides for some restrictions when buying land plots by foreign citizens. So, for the acquisition of a land plot or a villa built on a land plot in the kingdom, the method of registration of this property is widely used by registering it with a law firm. The controlling stake of which (at least 51%) must belong to a Thai citizen. At the same time, a foreign citizen (49%) can legally head such a company and control all its activities, including the disposal of real estate owned by the company.

Also, for some categories of residents, there is the possibility of buying a land plot and additional investment in the country's economy in the amount of 40 million THB. In this case, the land will belong to a foreigner, but the process of approval and permission for such ownership, issued by the Royal Council for Investment, is so long and time-consuming that this option is unprofitable even for very wealthy people.

Another way of owning land for foreign citizens is long-term lease. As a rule, it is documented for 30 years, but with the possibility of extending this period twice: in total, the lease can last 90 years.

Any of the chosen methods of registration of real estate is safe, they are constantly resorted to by both our compatriots and buyers and investors from other countries. When looking for housing and to conclude a contract, you need to contact professionals. A competent real estate agency will provide full advice and help "secure" a real estate purchase transaction in Thailand. 

All the listed options for buying real estate and investing in it may involve the possibility of obtaining an investment visa and in the future, subject to all rules and laws, and obtaining a residence permit.

Efficiency of buying a home in Thailand

Buying a property in Thailand with a reasonable approach can be a very successful investment and bring tangible income. The cost of apartments in Thailand today is one of the lowest in Southeast Asia. Investing in real estate shows stable growth and is developing favorably.

At the moment, investments of foreign capital in the country's economy are being carried out quite actively, the infrastructure is developing, which makes the country an increasingly attractive country both for buying real estate and for foreign citizens to conduct business in it.

5 tips for everyone who is thinking about going to Thailand and buying a property

1. First, decide on the type of real estate: will it be a new building or secondary housing. In either of the two cases, the paperwork and the purchase and sale process itself is possible without your leaving the country, by means of a power of attorney.

2. The most important recommendation for buying a home in any country, not just Thailand: study the laws of the state so that your stay in it is as comfortable as possible, and you do not have to waste your time solving complex legal issues.

3. Take care in advanceabout what you will do in Thailand – enjoy your vacation, or work. Depending on this, decide on the validity period and type of visa, as well as calculate the budget of your stay.
4. Do not forget about medical insurance, the costs of which can become very unforeseen and "eat" a considerable part of the budget. 

5. When buying an apartment or a house in Thailand, it is impossible to avoid such additional costs as paying for the services of a broker and a lawyer, since the process of registration of a real estate purchase and sale transaction is carried out with the help of a competent real estate agency.Choose real professionals with many years of experience and a good reputation.

Portal HomesOverseas.ru thanks Jeanne Conrad and Verona Teplyakova for their help in preparing the article (WHITE ELEPHANT), and Svetlana Kasatkin (Exotic Properties).

Photo: Dmitry Kruglyak / Flickr

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