Which Visa for Thailand in 2026? The Complete Guide
Choosing the right visa is one of the most important decisions in your Thailand expatriation project. Between visa exemptions, the new DTV for digital nomads, retirement visas and premium programs like Thailand Privilege, the options are numerous — and sometimes confusing.
This guide details all available visas in 2026, their conditions, costs and procedures, to help you choose the solution best suited to your situation.
The 2025-2026 Novelty: Mandatory TDAC
Since May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival. This free digital form replaces the former paper TM6 form.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Complete within 72h before arrival |
| Cost | Free |
| Applicable | Air, land and sea arrivals |
| Result | QR code to present at immigration |
| Exemptions | Diplomats, Thai citizens, transit without immigration |
Important: Without TDAC, you risk significant delays at immigration. Always complete it via the official Thai immigration website.
1. Visa Exemption (60 days)
Citizens of 93 countries (including France, UK, USA, Canada, Australia) can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 days maximum |
| Extension | +30 days (1,900 THB ≈ $53) |
| Cost | Free |
| Passport | Valid 6 months minimum |
| Funds | 10,000 THB/person or 20,000 THB/family |
| Documents | TDAC + return ticket + accommodation proof |
Who is it for? Tourists and people on exploratory trips before a permanent move.
Warning: Thai authorities increasingly monitor repeated "border runs." Using visa exemptions repeatedly to live in Thailand may result in entry denial.
February 2026: Discussions are underway to reduce the exemption from 60 to 30 days. No official change has been adopted to date.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
For citizens of 31 countries not eligible for visa exemption.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 days |
| Extension | +30 days (1,900 THB) |
| Cost | Fee on arrival |
| Documents | TDAC + passport + return ticket + accommodation proof + photo |
3. Tourist Visa (TR)
For those who want to plan their stay in advance or are not eligible for exemption.
| Type | Validity | Stay | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry | 3 months | 60 days | 1,000 THB (≈$28) |
| Multiple entry | 6 months | 60 days/entry | 5,000 THB (≈$140) |
Extension of +30 days possible (1,900 THB). Apply via the Thai e-Visa portal.
4. DTV — Destination Thailand Visa (Digital Nomads)
Launched in July 2024, the DTV is a game-changer for remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads. It is the most suitable visa for living in Thailand while working for foreign clients.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years, multiple entries |
| Stay | 180 days/entry, extendable +180 days |
| Cost | 10,000 THB (≈$280) per entry/extension |
| Minimum age | 20 years |
| Required funds | 500,000 THB minimum (≈$14,000) |
| Family | Spouse and children <20 included |
| Reporting | Every 90 days |
Allowed activities: Remote work for foreign companies, cultural activities (Muay Thai, cooking classes), medical treatments, seminars.
Not allowed: Working for a Thai company or obtaining a Thai work permit.
Our opinion: The DTV is the best choice for freelancers and remote workers who want to settle long-term without the constraints of repeated tourist visas. The duration/price ratio is unbeatable.
5. Retirement Visa O-A (1 year)
The reference visa for retirees aged 50 and over wishing to live in Thailand.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 50 years minimum |
| Validity | 1 year, renewable |
| Funds | Monthly income ≥100,000 THB (≈$2,800) OR deposit 800,000 THB (≈$22,400) in Thai bank |
| Insurance | Health insurance mandatory |
| Reporting | Every 90 days |
| Work | Not allowed |
Practical tip: The 800,000 THB bank deposit must be in your account 2 months before the visa application and 3 months after obtaining it.
6. Retirement Visa O-X (10 years)
Long-term version of the retirement visa, reserved for nationals of specific countries (including Japan, Germany, USA, France, UK).
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 50 years minimum |
| Validity | 10 years (5+5) |
| Funds | Higher financial requirements than O-A |
| Insurance | Comprehensive medical coverage mandatory |
7. Marriage Visa (Non-Immigrant O)
For people married to a Thai national.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Condition | Legal marriage to a Thai national |
| Initial visa | 90 days |
| Extension | 1 year, renewable annually |
| Funds | Deposit 400,000 THB (≈$11,200) OR monthly income ≥40,000 THB (≈$1,120) |
| Work | Work permit possible |
| Reporting | Every 90 days |
Key documents: Marriage certificate, Thai spouse's ID card, Tabien Baan (house registration), proof of cohabitation (photos).
8. Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B)
For people employed by a Thai company or on business missions.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Employment or business with Thai company |
| Documents | Employment letter, company registration documents |
| Work permit | Mandatory for legal employment |
Note: In most cases, the Thai company's HR department handles the entire visa and work permit process.
9. Thailand Privilege (formerly Elite Visa)
The premium program for those who want absolute peace of mind regarding visas.
| Plan | Duration | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 5 years | 650,000 THB (≈$18,200) | VIP airport, immigration assistance |
| Gold | 10 years | 1,500,000 THB (≈$42,000) | + Spa, golf, annual health check |
| Platinum | 20 years | 5,000,000 THB (≈$140,000) | + Full concierge service |
Common benefits: Priority airport lanes, limousine service, 24/7 assistance, guaranteed visa renewal throughout membership.
Current promo (until March 31, 2026): Bronze at reduced price and family member add-on for 500,000 THB.
Our opinion: Thailand Privilege is ideal for wealthy retirees or entrepreneurs who want zero administrative hassle. Bronze offers excellent value over 5 years.
10. LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident — 10 years)
The most comprehensive visa for qualified professionals and investors.
| Category | Financial Conditions | Specific Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Wealthy Global Citizen | Assets ≥1M USD + investment ≥500,000 USD | Reduced taxation |
| Wealthy Pensioner | Income ≥80,000 USD/yr OR pension ≥40,000 USD/yr + invest. ≥250,000 USD | Annual reporting |
| Work-from-Thailand | Income ≥80,000 USD/yr (or 40,000 + master's) | Digital work permit |
| Highly-Skilled Professional | Income ≥80,000 USD/yr + expertise | Fixed 17% tax |
Common benefits across all categories:
- 10-year validity (5+5 renewable)
- Income tax reduced to 17% (instead of 35%)
- Digital work permit included
- Annual reporting (instead of 90 days)
- Fast-track immigration
Comparison Table: Which Visa to Choose?
| Visa | Duration | Cost | Age | Work | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exemption | 60d (+30d) | Free | - | No | Tourism, scouting |
| Tourist TR | 60d (+30d) | $28-140 | - | No | Planned stay |
| DTV | 5 years | $280/entry | 20+ | Remote | Nomads, freelancers |
| Retirement O-A | 1 year | Free* | 50+ | No | Retirees |
| Retirement O-X | 10 years | Free* | 50+ | No | Long-term retirees |
| Marriage | 1 year | Free* | - | Yes** | Mixed couples |
| Business B | 1 year | Variable | - | Yes | Employees in Thailand |
| Privilege | 5-20 yrs | $18K-140K | - | No | Wealthy, zero hassle |
| LTR | 10 years | Free* | - | Yes | Investors, experts |
Free but high financial conditions | With work permit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Repeated "border runs." Regularly leaving and re-entering to renew a visa exemption is increasingly risky. Immigration officers may deny entry to suspicious profiles.
2. Forgetting the TDAC. Since 2025, this form is mandatory. Without a TDAC QR code, you risk significant delays or even boarding denial.
3. Not checking passport validity. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the entry date. Many travelers are turned away for missing a few weeks.
4. Underestimating banking delays. For retirement and marriage visas, funds must be deposited 2 months before the application. Plan ahead!
5. Overstaying. Overstay costs 500 THB per day (capped at 20,000 THB) and can lead to detention, deportation and a 1-10 year entry ban.
Our Recommendation by Profile
Are you retired? The O-A visa is the classic, proven choice. If you can afford it, Thailand Privilege Bronze eliminates all administrative stress.
Are you a freelancer or remote worker? The DTV is made for you. 5 years of peace for $280 per entry.
Are you married to a Thai national? The marriage visa is the natural solution, with the possibility of obtaining a work permit.
Are you an investor or qualified professional? The LTR offers the best tax advantages and greatest flexibility.
Do you want zero constraints? Thailand Privilege is the Rolls-Royce of Thai visas.
Conclusion
Thailand offers in 2026 a wider range of visas than ever, adapted to all expat profiles. The DTV has revolutionized access for digital nomads, while the Privilege and LTR programs attract high-income profiles.
The key is to choose the visa suited to your actual situation rather than patching together repeated visa exemptions. A good visa is the foundation of a peaceful expatriation.
Need personalized guidance? Our complete guide [blocked] details all procedures in Chapter 2 "Visas & Formalities," and our VIP coaching [blocked] helps you choose and obtain the ideal visa for your project.