Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What visa options do my girlfriend and I have to live in Thailand long-term?

Visa Options LONG STAY VISA Thailand Immigration NON-B Visa ED Visa METV Elite Visa Smart Visa Rental Options in Thailand Living in Thailand Expats in Thailand

May 4, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Me and my girlfriend would like to live in Thailand for the forseable future, what visa is necessary? 

Anyone know of any sites to look for places to rent on a monthly basis?

1,198

views

2

likes

40

all likes

31

replies

0

images

12

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The original post inquires about the necessary visa for living in Thailand long-term for a couple. Comments suggest several visa options including the METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa), ED visa (for studying), a work visa (if teaching), Elite visa (for those who can afford it), and Smart visa (for certain job categories). It is advised to check eligibility with the Thai embassy or relevant visa agencies. Suggestions for rental accommodations include using platforms like Airbnb and negotiating rates with hotels.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Colin ***************

My girlfriend and I.

Like

Reply

Kanyarat *********

I’m a staff from Boreiko language school,Located in Phuket.if you go with ED visa,we can help you.🙏😊

Like

Reply

Donna *******

Hi Joe, my husband and I use Airbnb for monthly bookings, also you can book direct with some hotels and negotiate a monthly rate depends on what your looking for. Airbnb just look to see if utilities and cleaning is included in price or if you need to pay at end of month.

We swap between hotels and condos as still travelling around between Thailand, Vietnam and Bali not yet settled for one spot.

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

awesome thanks Donna I’ll look into using airbnb, I thought that was my a holiday trip type thing I was wrong haha

Like

Reply

Reply to

Joe *******

Reply

David ***********

Depends on your location

Like

Reply

Cj *******

Get a non B and that's you done for a year

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

non B is that a tile of visa

Like

Reply

Cj *******

yes a type of visa lasts for 1 year and can renew it

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

awesome thanks

Like

Reply

Cj *******

but some agents will charge you a lot to get it, give me and shout and I can point you in the right direction

Like

Reply

Reply to

Cj *******

Reply

Cassandra ******

Try Smart visa, less Hussle you're allowed to work as well. Check with the agency if you are qualified this is their Line ID: smart_visa

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Cassandra *****

okay thank you Cassandra

Like

Reply

Reply to

Joe *******

Reply

John **********

You can get an elite visa each if you have the money. Otherwise I suspect your looking at finding work for one of you assuming long term means for the foreseeable future

Like

Reply

Darren *******

@John *********

as they're both 20 the chances of them finding legal work here are slim to non-existent.

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

why’s is so hard to find legal work

Like

Reply

John **********

it depends on your skill set to be honest. Many jobs are reserved for Thais. Teaching jobs require a degree. If you have a unique or rare skill to offer then it's not so hard

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

okay cheers John

Like

Reply

Darren *******

because at the age of 20 you won't have a degree nor the years of experience required to get a work permit.

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

okay I get you

Like

Reply

Reply to

Joe *******

Reply

John **********

their chances of being able to afford elite visas are probably slim too but we shouldn't judge 😉

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

don’t make assumptions boss man

Like

Reply

Reply to

Joe *******

Reply

Alistair **********

METV is a good option to give you up to 9 months if timed perfectly, add a couple of border runs and you're at 12 months. ED visa is another option, but you'll have to actually attend and study. Or if you need income then a work visa is an option teaching English at a school.

Elite visa is another option. Bit pricey, but simple and allows you to live here long term. Probably best to live here at least a year first before committing to a 5+ year visa though.

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alistair *********

I’ll look into METV, thanks alistair

Like

Reply

Reply to

Joe *******

Reply

Stuart *********

What age are you? What is your nationality? And that of your girlfriend?

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

both 20 years old and British

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

Not so many options open to you at that age. An Ed visa perhaps to learn Thai or Muay Thai

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks, can you expand on learning Muay Thai

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

you find a Muay Thai school that you want to train at. They can possibly get you a visa to do so.

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

ahh awesome

Like

Reply

Reply to

Joe *******

Reply

Frank **********

Go to the Thai Embassy site in your country and see what you qualify for.

Like

Reply

Joe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank *********

no worries thanks frank

Like

Reply

Reply to

Joe *******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the best visa options for a remote worker and student looking to live in Thailand?

99 comments

7 months ago

What are the best visa options for staying long-term in Thailand while working and potentially marrying a Thai partner?

89 comments

8 months ago

What is the best visa option for long-term residency in Thailand?

41 comments

8 months ago

What are the best visa options for an extended stay in Thailand while planning to travel to neighboring countries?

45 comments

8 months ago

What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand with my girlfriend until March next year?

47 comments

8 months ago

What are the best long-term visa options for an American expat wishing to live in Thailand?

115 comments

a year ago

What visa options are available for a foreigner looking to move to Thailand for a long-term relationship?

21 comments

a year ago

What long-term visa options are available for my husband in Thailand?

21 comments

a year ago

What visa options are best for frequent visits to Thailand for 1-2 months at a time?

12 comments

2 years ago

What Visa Options Are Available for Long-Term Stay in Thailand?

39 comments

2 years ago

What type of visa should I apply for if I plan to move to Koh Samui, Thailand for six months while I settle and consider buying a business or property?

6 comments

2 years ago

What visa options are available for long-term stays in Thailand under 50 years of age?

10 comments

2 years ago

What visa options are available for staying in Thailand for 6-8 months a year as an expat?

13 comments

2 years ago

What are the best visa options for expats looking to stay in Thailand long-term and buy property?

5 comments

2 years ago

What are the visa options for Canadians looking to live long-term in Krabi, Thailand?

37 comments

2 years ago

What visa options should my partner and I consider for a long stay in Thailand?

15 comments

2 years ago

What visa options are available for my girlfriend visiting Thailand while I'm on a work permit?

5 comments

3 years ago

What visa options do I have for long-term stay in Thailand, and can my mother-in-law help with a work permit?

18 comments

3 years ago

What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand on a short-term visa?

11 comments

6 years ago

What long-term visa options are available for expats in Thailand who want to stay with their partner?

18 comments

6 years ago

What visa options are available for Australians moving to Thailand and how does employment affect visa eligibility?

14 comments

7 years ago

What long-term visa options are available for foreigners wishing to live in Thailand for over 3 months without starting a business, studying, or marrying a Thai citizen?

47 comments

7 years ago

What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for six months while considering a potential marriage?

11 comments

7 years ago

What options do I have for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand after currently being on a tourist visa?

20 comments

7 years ago

What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand for 2 years as an ESL teacher?

19 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.