Immigration to Thailand for Ukrainians

Long-term visas to Thailand: which one to choose for Ukrainians

In Thailand, the right to long-term residence depends on the type of non-immigrant visa (Non-Immigrant Visa) and the subsequent extension of stay. It is the extension, not the visa itself, that allows you to live in the country for years without leaving.

Most long-term visas are initially issued for 90 days, after which they are extended by the immigration service for up to 1 year and can be renewed annually if the grounds for the visa remain valid.

Below are the main options that Ukrainians actually use.

1. Work visa (Non-Immigrant B)

Suitable for those who work for a Thai company, teach, start a business, or receive a contract from an employer. After obtaining a work permit, you can extend your stay annually.

Basic requirements:

• employment contract or company registration
• work permit
• taxes and salary in accordance with immigration requirements

What it gives you:

• legal employment
• bank accounts
• long-term residence
• path to permanent residence

Documents required to obtain it

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  
• Completed application form
  
• 4×6 cm photo (taken within the last 6 months)
  
• Letter of confirmation from your employer in Thailand with details of your position, salary, and contract term
  
• Copy of the ID card or passport of the person who signed the letter from your employer
  
• Company registration documents (license, tax returns, financial statements)
  
• For teachers: permission from the Thai Ministry of Education
  
• Medical insurance

This is one of the most stable ways to move.

2. Education Visa (ED)

One of the most popular options for long-term residence among foreigners. Issued when studying at:

• universities
• colleges
• language schools

Documents required to obtain it

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  
• Completed application form
  
• 4×6 cm photo (taken within the last 6 months)
  
• Letter of confirmation from an educational institution in Thailand
  
• Permission from the Thai Ministry of Education
  
• Financial evidence: bank statement or sponsorship letter for at least $1,000 per person or $2,000 per family
  
• Copy of tickets or flight reservation
  
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand (accommodation reservation)
  
• Medical insurance

Allows you to stay in the country for a long time with regular confirmation of your studies. Important: a student visa is a temporary status. For further immigration, you usually switch to a work or family visa.

3. Family visa (Non-Immigrant O)

Suitable for:

• spouses of Thai citizens
• parents of Thai children
• guardians

Allows you to extend your stay annually without the need to work. This is one of the most stable visas for living in the country.

Documents required to obtain it

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  
• Completed application form
  
• 4×6 cm photo (taken within the last 6 months)
  
• Financial evidence: bank statement or sponsorship letter for an amount of 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family
  
• Proof of residence in Thailand (accommodation reservation or invitation from relatives/friends)
  
• Documents confirming family ties (ID card, Thai passport)
  
• In case of volunteering: confirmation letter from the organization and its registration documents
  
• Medical insurance

4. Retirement Visa (Retirement Visa O / OA)

Available to foreigners over 50 years of age. Main financial requirements:

- deposit in a Thai bank, or

- confirmed monthly income

Documents required to obtain it

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  
• Photo of the applicant (taken within the last 6 months)
  
• Financial evidence: deposit in a Thai bank of at least 800,000 THB or monthly income of at least 65,000 THB
  
• Certificate of no criminal record (not older than 3 months, notarized)
  
• Medical certificate confirming no prohibited diseases (not older than 3 months)
  
• Medical insurance

The visa is renewed annually and allows you to live in the country permanently, but does not give you the right to work.

Important features of long-term visas

• Every 90 days, you must submit a notification of your address of residence (90-day report)
• When leaving the country, you must obtain a re-entry permit, otherwise your status will be revoked
• Renewal takes place annually at the immigration office

How to obtain a long-term non-immigrant visa to Thailand

It is important to understand that long-term residence is a two-step process: obtaining a visa and then extending your stay (extension of stay) while already in Thailand.

Where to apply

There are two ways to apply:

1. Through the official portal Thai E-Visa (a system of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Process:

• register an account
• fill out the application form
• upload documents
• pay the consular fee
• receive an electronic visa by email

Even when applying online, the decision is made by the Thai consulate. In some cases, additional documents or a personal appearance may be requested.

2. Through the Thai consulate or visa center

For some categories (especially work, retirement, and family visas), documents are submitted directly to the consulate or through a visa center.

This is required if:

• the visa category is not fully supported by e-Visa
• personal verification of documents is required
• an interview is required

Step-by-step process for obtaining a Non-Immigrant visa

Step 1. Prepare the basis

First, confirmation of the purpose of stay is prepared:

• employment contract (Non-B)
• letter from an educational institution (ED)
• marriage certificate or child documents (Non-O)
• financial confirmation for a retirement visa

Without this, it is not possible to apply for a long-term visa.

Step 2. Submit the application

Submit online via e-Visa or through the consulate.

Required:

• passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• application form
• photo
• proof of grounds
• financial documents
• insurance (for some categories)

Step 3. Obtaining a 90-day visa

Most non-immigrant visas are initially issued for 90 days. This visa entitles you to enter Thailand and apply for a one-year extension.

Step 4. Extension of stay in Thailand

After entering the country, you must contact the Immigration Bureau of Thailand.

You will need to submit:

• your passport
• supporting documents
• proof of address
• financial documents
• photographs
• insurance (if required)

Once approved, you will be issued with a 1-year residence permit. This status can be extended annually without leaving the country.

How much does it cost

The cost depends on the visa category and the consulate where you apply. Additional fees include:

• consular fee
• extension of stay in Thailand
• re-entry permit (if necessary)

Financial requirements vary depending on the type of visa (work, study, retirement, etc.).

Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa) — stay up to 10 years

LTR (Long-Term Resident Visa) is a special Thai immigration program for foreigners who plan to live in the country for a long time without having to renew their visa every year.

The visa is issued for up to 10 years (5+5) and effectively replaces multiple renewals of standard non-immigrant visas.

Advantages of an LTR visa

• Residence in Thailand for up to 10 years
• Renewal of status once every 5 years instead of annually
• Simplified work permit application
• Fast-track immigration control at airports
• Possibility to include family members
• Reduced reporting to the immigration service (once a year instead of notification every 90 days)
  

This visa is intended for those who plan to live in the country permanently, rather than staying in Thailand for only a few months a year.

Who can obtain an LTR visa

The program is divided into several categories.

1. Wealthy residents (Wealthy Global Citizens)

Suitable for investors and wealthy foreigners.

Requirements:

• assets of USD 1,000,000 or more
• investments in the Thai economy of USD 500,000 or more
• medical insurance with coverage of USD 50,000 or more

2. Wealthy Pensioners

For foreigners over 50 years of age.

Requirements:

• income of at least $80,000 per year, or
• income of at least $40,000 per year + investment of at least $250,000

3. Remote employees of international companies (Work-from-Thailand Professionals)

One of the most sought-after categories.

Requirements:

• employment by a foreign company
• income of USD 80,000 per year (or USD 40,000 for highly skilled professionals)
• minimum of 5 years of work experience
• the company must meet international business criteria

4. Highly Skilled Professionals

For experts in technology, science, education, and priority sectors of the Thai economy.

Requirements:

• Proven qualifications
• Employment with a Thai company or organization

Family members

Spouses and children under 20 years of age can obtain status together with the main applicant.

How to obtain an LTR visa

1. Submit an online application through the BOI portal

2. Obtain preliminary approval (usually about 20 business days)

3. Submit documents to the Thai consulate or immigration center

4. Pay the government fee and obtain a visa

How much does an LTR visa cost

The government fee is approximately 50,000 baht for 10-year status (payable after application approval).

When to choose an LTR instead of a regular visa

An LTR is suitable if you:

• work remotely for a foreign company
• invest in Thailand
• plan to live in the country permanently without annual renewals
• want the most stable immigration status

If the goal is temporary residence or a long vacation, standard non-immigrant visas are more often chosen.

Thailand has launched an online service for foreigners living in Bangkok to extend their residence permits.

By applying for an extension of your Thai residence permit online, you will not need to stand in a long line at the immigration service. You can submit all the necessary documents and information, as well as pay the visa fee from your home or office. If your E-Extension application is approved, you will receive an approval decision to your registered email address.

Please note!

The system is still in test mode, so a visit to the Immigration Bureau office on Chaeng Wattana Rd is required to confirm your identity.

The process of online renewal of your Thai residence permit consists of 3 steps:

Step 1: Provide the application details and upload the required documents

Step 2: Book an appointment and pay online

Step 3: Receive your E-Extension visa stamp at the Immigration Office

Processing time

The processing time for e-extension of a Thai residence permit is usually 1-7 business days.

If you have chosen the express service, your application will be processed within the next day.

Visa fees

The fees paid for the online Thai residence permit extension (non-refundable online processing fee, including all fees) will be as follows:

- Visa fee: 1900 THB

Service Fee:

• For normal service: 500 THB
  
• for express service: 1500 THB
  

*The fee for emergency service will be 5000 THB. You can also apply for an emergency service to receive an e-renewal decision within the next day (business day only).

To learn more about the application process and required documents, please follow the link.

Residence Permit (Permanent Residence) in Thailand: what it is and how to obtain Permanent Residence (PR)

Thailand does not have a “classic” temporary residence permit, as in EU countries. Most foreigners live in the country on a non-immigrant visa and annual extension of stay.

The equivalent of a long-term “residence permit” is Permanent Residence (PR) status — permanent residence without the need to renew your visa every year.

What Permanent Residence (PR) gives you

PR status usually gives you the following benefits:

• indefinite residence in Thailand without annual visa renewal
• More convenient procedures for work and residence (depending on the situation)
• Easier to obtain visas/statuses for family members
• The ability to apply for citizenship after several years, subject to legal requirements

Important: PR is a complex and quota-based status that is obtained after several years of legal residence in Thailand.

Basic requirements for PR

In most cases, the applicant must:

• have a non-immigrant visa and at least 3 consecutive years of annual extensions of stay at the time of application
• meet the requirements of the selected category (work/family/investment, etc.)
• confirm income and tax payments (for work categories)
• have no serious violations of immigration rules
• pass an interview (in some cases, basic Thai language skills are tested)

Categories for applying for PR (main)

Most often, PR is issued on the following grounds:

1) Employment — if you have a work permit, stable employment, and a tax history.

2) Family — marriage/kinship with a Thai citizen.

3) Investment — with confirmed investments.

4) Expert/Highly skilled — depending on immigration requirements.

PR quota

PR is issued on a quota basis — usually up to 100 people per year for each nationality, so even if you meet the requirements, the decision may take some time.

How to apply for PR in Thailand

The application is submitted to the Thai Immigration Bureau (at the place of residence). Official website: https://www.immigration.go.th/

The process usually includes:

1. Preparation of a package of documents and form TM.9

2. Submitting the application during the official application period (usually towards the end of the year; dates are announced annually)

3. Interviews/checks and payment of the application fee

4. Waiting for a decision

5. Obtaining status after approval and completing subsequent registration procedures

Cost (state fees)

• 7,600 THB — PR application fee
• After approval: 191,400 THB (standard) or 95,700 THB (in family cases, such as marriage to a Thai citizen)

Amounts and rules are subject to change — check the current requirements with the immigration service before applying.

What documents are usually required

The list varies by category, but most often includes:

• passport and copies of visas/stamps
• photographs
• TM.9 form
• proof of residence/address
• supporting documents (work/family/investment)
• tax and financial documents (for working categories)

How to obtain Thai citizenship

You can apply for Thai citizenship through naturalization if you meet the following requirements:

• You are at least 18 years old
  
• You have lived in Thailand as a permanent resident for at least five years prior to submitting your application*.
  
• You have no criminal record and are of good character
  
• You are employed in Thailand
  
• You understand, speak, and write Thai
  
• You can sing the Thai national anthem, Sanserm Phra Baramee
  
• You have scored at least 50 points out of 100 on the Thai citizenship points system

These are not required if you:

• Are the spouse or child of a person who has obtained Thai citizenship through naturalization
• Are the husband of a Thai wife
• Once had Thai citizenship
• Have acted in any way that is beneficial to Thailand
  

In these cases, you can obtain Thai citizenship after three years of residence under the Thai Visa Extensions program, even without obtaining a PMP.

How to apply for Thai citizenship

1. You must apply for Thai citizenship at the special department of the main police headquarters in Bangkok or where you live.
   
2. You must contact the police headquarters when you decide to apply for Thai citizenship to obtain a checklist of the documents you must submit.
3. Submit the required documents. If everything is not in order, you may have to submit additional documents.
   
4. If everything is in order, your application for Thai citizenship will be submitted, and you must pay the processing fee and submit your fingerprints.
5. You must visit the Ministry of the Interior and participate in an interview in Thai, as well as sing the Thai national anthem.
6. Wait for your application to be processed. During this time, Thai immigration officials will visit your home to verify that the information you have provided is correct.
7. If your application for Thai citizenship is approved, you must take the citizenship oath at the police headquarters.

How long does it take to process an application for Thai citizenship

The processing time for Thai citizenship applications is 6 to 12 months from the date of submission of the completed application package.

How much does it cost to apply for Thai citizenship

The cost of applying for Thai citizenship is:

• 10,000 Thai baht per application for applicants who have reached the age of majority (aged 18 and above)
• 5,000 Thai baht for an application for children of applicants and those who have not reached the age of majority
  
• 1,000 Thai baht for a naturalization certificate
• 2,000 Thai baht for an application to restore Thai citizenship

What documents are required to obtain Thai citizenship

The documents you must submit to apply for Thai citizenship vary from case to case. However, the documents required to obtain Thai citizenship include:

• Citizenship application - an official form that must be completed.
  
• Passport - the original and a copy of your valid passport.
  
• Photographs - several passport photos (usually 3-4).
  
• Proof of legal residence in Thailand - you will need to confirm that you have been living in the country for the required period (usually 5 years).
  
• Tax documents - to confirm your solvency and tax payments.
  
• Proof of assets - for example, documents for real estate or bank accounts.
  
• Medical certificate - to confirm the absence of serious illnesses.
  
• Police or court certificates - to confirm the absence of criminal convictions.
  
• Proof of knowledge of the Thai language, if required at the time of application.
  
• Declaration of renunciation of previous citizenship (if required, as Thailand does not allow dual citizenship).

Keep in mind: the officials responsible for reviewing your application may request any documents they deem necessary, even after you have submitted them. You should always be polite and respectful, as the outcome of your citizenship application depends on them.