Thailand rolls out 10 year visa
UPDATE: On 22nd February 2022, the government announced that retirees, those who have invested at least $1 million in assets and digital nomads will be exempt from personal income tax, as published in Bangkok Post.
UPDATE: On 17th February 2022, there has been a new type of permit that allows visitors to work immediately upon arrival, according to The Nation.
Last year, Thailand hinted at providing a 10 year visa. Officials stated that those granted this visa could start working immediately upon arrival, instead of having to wait for their work permits to be approved.
After over half a year, the Cabinet has approved the plan. While government officials have yet to release the specifics behind the 10-year visa scheme, we’re sure this report comes as a pleasant surprise.
Here’s what we know about the 10 year visa.
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Long term residency visa for foreigners
On 19th January 2022, Thailand’s cabinet approved the rollout of a 10 year visa for four target demographics, according to The Thaiger.
The targets include:
- Digital nomads
- Those with at least $1 million in assets
- Highly skilled professionals
- Retirees
While the visa can last for up to 10 years, applicants must first apply for a five-year permit that has an annual cost of ฿10,000 (~USD303). After which, the visa is extendable for another five years.
Interested parties can contact the Thai Embassies and consulates for application details, and those in Thailand can head over to the Thai Board of Investment at Chamchuri Square, as published in Coconuts Bangkok.
Work immediately upon arrival
In addition to a five-year residency permit that doesn’t require visa runs, visa holders can also start working immediately upon arrival in Thailand.
However, they will still need to apply for a work permit.
The upside, though, is that there is no need to complete the application and receive official approval before being able to work in Thailand.
On 17th February 2022, Thailand Privilege Card, the conglomerate behind ‘Thailand Elite’, debuted their ‘Flexible Plus’ programme. Those who sign up for the programme are able to start working in Thailand immediately as well, as published in The Nation.
To qualify for ‘Flexible Plus’, applicants must have invested at least ฿30 million (~USD933,000). For information on existing Thailand Elite members, check out the full report here.
Stay tuned for updates
The prospect of a long-term visa that can last up to 10 years and the ability to work immediately upon arrival in Thailand is surely an incentive for foreigners to move here.
While officials are still working out the specificities, we can certainly still celebrate the fact that such a permit exists.
In the meantime, stay tuned for updates on the application process.
Cover images adapted from (L-R): tawatchai07 via Freepik, Ask Chiang Mai
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