How to move to Thailand (Thailand) for permanent residence from Russia

In Thailand, visa-free access is open for citizens of many countries, including Russia. It is not difficult to obtain a residence permit and move to a country located in Southeast Asia. However, it is quite difficult to obtain citizenship, since the government of the state does not welcome migrants.

The pros and cons of living in the country

Those wishing to change their place of residence to Thailand highly appreciate inexpensive housing and household services. Cheap and high-quality products are offered in the country, and the local cuisine is unusual and delicious.

In addition to eternal summer and beautiful beaches, Thailand attracts with a positive investment climate and economic stability with an inflation rate of less than 3.5%. It is easy to open a business and run a business in the country, tax incentives are provided for some categories of entrepreneurs.

However, life in Thailand has its drawbacks. Among them, the main one is the peculiarities of the climate, which is not suitable for everyone. In summer, there is a strong heat up to +40 ° C, which is aggravated by high humidity, in winter – heavy rains.

In Thailand, left-hand traffic is accepted, while local residents do not seek to comply with traffic regulations. The language barrier may become a difficulty for emigrants – although Thais have been learning English since school years, most prefer to communicate in their native language.

To obtain documents for permanent residence, it is also required to confirm a good knowledge of the Thai language. There are also problems in the economic sphere of Thailand: the high corruption of the official apparatus, the outflow of the able-bodied population from the country. The infrastructure in the cities is poorly developed.

Conditions for migrants

For recreation at resorts, Russian citizens can enter Thailand without obtaining any visas – according to a bilateral agreement between the countries, Russians can stay in Thailand for up to a month.

Those wishing to move to Thailand for a long time apply for a long-term visa, several types of such visas have been developed in Thailand. However, all long-term visas are nonimmigrant and are intended for temporary stay, not being a residence permit.

Nonimmigrant visas do not allow you to work, except in cases where there is a permit from the Ministry of Labor.

Thai residence permits are issued in limited quantities – up to 100 applications from citizens of one country annually. The advantage of obtaining a residence permit is given to members of the Thai family, narrow specialists and investors. It is allowed to apply for a residence permit after working in the country for 3 years. A 10-year resident status entitles you to apply for a Thai passport.

Therefore, most Russians, when moving to Thailand for permanent residence, are limited to long-term visas of various types. The easiest way is to regularly renew a tourist visa for 30 days. To extend it, you must leave and re-enter or pay for a week in the Kingdom (1900 baht).

The TR visa assumes a stay in the country of 60 days with the possibility to extend the stay for a month. The METV visa is designed for six months, its receipt depends on finances (from $ 7000 per month in the country). The salary level in the Kingdom is low and amounts to 9-12 thousand baht.

Foreigners are in demand in such areas:

• English teacher;
• chefs, staff, hotel managers;
• programmers;
• diving instructor;
• a ticket agent.

The country maintains a low unemployment rate, including due to the actions of the government, which has prepared a list of 39 professions that foreigners are prohibited from practicing.

Migrants do not have the right to work in the fishing industry, drive vehicles and work as a salesman or guide, offer hairdressing, beauty or legal services even through online platforms. They are prohibited from brokerage and clerical work. Failure to comply with the law can result in imprisonment.

Finding housing even in high season in Thailand is not a problem, while long-term rentals (for 1 year or more) are welcome. The contract includes payment for a month’s stay and a deposit. A room in a condominium costs from 9,000 baht (from 22 thousand rubles), a house from 25,000 baht (60 thousand rubles), a hotel room from 7000 baht (17 thousand rubles).

Emigration options: advantages, features

Foreigners are issued long-term Non-Immigrant visas to stay in Thailand. The Kingdom has developed many types of visa permits, each of which has a narrow specialization.

Usually, foreigners use a tourist visa to enter, which is already exchanged in Thailand for a different type of visa that allows them to work or study. All Non-Immigrant visas are not a residence permit and do not allow you to apply for citizenship.

Work. Sought-after professions

The areas in which foreigners have the right to work in Thailand are limited by the government in order to protect the interests of local workers. If there is an opportunity to find a job, a Non-B work visa requires an additional work permit and an extension of your stay in the country for the required period.

The Thai Department of Labor is responsible for issuing permits.

A work permit is issued for employment in a specific company in a specific position. When changing jobs and positions, the permit must be issued anew. If a Thai company is interested in a foreign specialist, it submits documents and establishes a long term of work – up to 3 years.

The consulate issues a work visa for 3 months. Visa agencies in Thailand offer assistance in fictitious employment, the cost of the service starts from 90 thousand baht. However, if illegal work is discovered, the foreigner will be deported and fined.

Training

You can move to Thailand and stay for a long time with the help of a student visa. Universities offer training programs in marketing, business administration, management and hospitality.

The teaching is conducted, among other things, in English. An annual bachelor’s degree program in public universities costs up to $ 3,500, a master’s degree – up to $ 10,000. Studying at private universities will cost 2 times more expensive.

You can get a 3-month study visa by paying for a year’s tuition at any courses. Language courses cost from 30,000 baht ($8000), the visa fee for 3 months is 5,000 baht. It is forbidden to work with a student visa.

Marriage and family reunification

The O visa is offered to those who have married a Thai or are a family member of a working migrant. The presence of 20-40 thousand rubles in the bank account. The baht will allow you to get a visa.

Investment

An investment visa of category IB allows you to stay in the country for up to 1 year. A visa of this category is issued by the State Investment Council.

The priority areas are:

• digital projects;
• utilities;
• metallurgy;
• automotive industry;
• mechanical engineering;
• electronics;
• medicine and biotechnology.

A letter from the Thai Chamber of Commerce is required when applying for a visa. Thailand is interested in large business projects that involve the creation of new jobs for Thais and do not compete with existing Thai enterprises.

Since 2018, various types of SMART class visas have been issued in Thailand:

• T – for talented individuals;
• I – investors;
• E — highly qualified managers;
• S — entrepreneurs working in the field of high technology.

SMART allows you to live in Thailand for 4 years with your family. The privileges of a visa include the opportunity to work without a permit and the employment of family members.

The conditions for obtaining a visa vary by category:

• talented people must prove an income of at least 100 thousand baht;
• managers from 200 thousand. baht and 10 years of work experience;
• investors need to invest 5-20 million. baht depending on the field of activity;
• create a startup company with a deposit of 600 thousand baht.

In an effort to attract well-off foreigners, the Government of the Kingdom has been offering LTR visa admission since 2022. The visa is designed for wealthy citizens, including those of retirement age, remote workers and professionals.

It is possible to receive if the annual income is from $ 40,000. You can also invest from $ 250,000 in the Thai economy or have assets worth $ 1 million. Candidates must have $50,000 health insurance and a $10,000 deposit.

For LTR owners, it is provided:

• 10-year stay;
• admission to work;
• reduction of the tax rate.

Since 2023, the Thailand Privilege program has been in effect, allowing you to stay in the country for 5-20 years.

Types of Thailand Privilege Visa Permits:

Holders of such visas receive a number of privileges, including discounts at restaurants, fitness clubs, transfers, medical examinations and tickets for domestic flights.

Buying a property

The purchase of real estate is not a visa privilege and does not allow you to apply for a residence permit. However, some real estate developers hold promotions: when buying expensive villas or apartments, assistance is provided in obtaining Thailand Elite cards. The cost of the service starts from 500 thousand baht.

The program for pensioners

People over the age of 50 can move to Thailand. An O-A type visa is provided for them, which does not allow them to work. Candidates should not have criminal records and a number of diseases (drug addiction, tuberculosis, leprosy), monthly income should be 100 thousand baht. Pensioners can also submit a deposit of 1.2 million baht. It is mandatory to have medical insurance for 3 million baht.

The annual visa can be extended.

Volunteer programs

A Class O visa is issued to volunteers, and an R visa is provided for those who come as part of missionary work. The condition for entry is a letter from a Thai organization, which specifies the program of activities and the duration of stay. The volunteer must show a bank account with an amount of 20 thousand baht or more.

Refugee status

There is no refugee program in the country. Refugees can stay in Thailand with a tourist or long-term visa.

Stages of emigration

Upon arrival in Thailand, emigrants apply for a long-term visa of any type. Almost all types of long-term visa permits require a check at the Immigration Bureau every 3 months. When leaving the country, you must request permission in advance.

A residence permit is issued only after a 3-year stay with a long-term visa, and the type of visa has not changed. After 10 years of living with a residence permit, a resident has the right to apply for citizenship.

Registration procedure

It is easy to move to the country, but it is difficult to obtain citizenship. Therefore, most migrants limit themselves to obtaining a long-term visa in order to reissue it in the future in accordance with their requests for a visa of the desired type.

Requirements for the candidate

Foreigners who do not have criminal records and problems with the law, without diseases listed in the list of the Ministry of Health of Thailand, and with a valid passport are welcome in the country.

Also, a foreigner must have a stable income and valid medical insurance. Depending on the type of visa, additional requirements may be made regarding age, income, and education.

A candidate for a residence permit should not have problems with the law. He is required to know spoken and written Thai, and his income must be at least a set minimum.

The candidate must have strong reasons for living in the country: large investments or projects, marital relations, a unique specialty or high income taxed in favor of the Kingdom.

Thai citizenship is granted on condition that a candidate with a residence permit has been living in the country for at least 10 years, has paid state duties of at least 10 thousand. bat and passed the exam for knowledge of the country’s history and language.

Foreigners who married a Thai are allowed to apply for citizenship immediately, while a foreigner who married a Thai is entitled to do so after 12 years. Children born in a marriage with a Thai can apply for citizenship immediately.

Where to register

It is easy to get a visa permit at the consulate or Embassy of Thailand or the visa application center. To extend the period of stay in Thailand, they contact the Immigration Department, such organizations operate under the Migration Service and are open at all resorts. The Immigration service is also engaged in the registration of a residence permit.

How long to wait

The Embassy of the Kingdom considers the visa application for about 15 days. This period is not shortened if the paperwork is handled by a specialized agency. It takes 1 day to reissue a visa at the Thai Immigration Service.

The application for a residence permit is considered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Immigration Commission, the consideration period is not less than 180 days. The application for citizenship is considered for up to 3 years: the candidate undergoes repeated interviews and interviews with the police, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and national intelligence.

Cost

Obtaining a single-entry tourist visa for 3 months at the visa center of the Russian Federation costs $ 40, multiple–entry for six months – $ 200. To get a long–term single-entry visa, you need to pay $ 80, for a long-term multiple-entry visa – $ 200. A service fee of 2000 rubles is also paid.

The consular fee for a SMART visa, depending on its validity period, costs 350-1400 $, LTR – 2000 $. The extension of the visa permit will cost 1,900 baht. Consideration of applications for a residence permit is paid in the amount of $ 210.

In case of approval of a residence permit, it is necessary to pay an additional $ 5210, registration of a residence permit for children or spouses costs $ 2572. Depending on the validity period of the passport, the price for its issuance is $ 35-50. Legal assistance in the preparation of a package of documents will cost $ 320-13000. Notarization, translations, and scans are additionally paid for.

Validity period

Russians are allowed to stay in Thailand in a visa-free regime for a month, and subsequently extend it for another month. A single-entry visa is valid for 2 months, extended for another month. Depending on the type, a multiple-entry visa is valid for 1-4 years. Almost all visa permits must be confirmed every 3 months.

Possible difficulties

The main problem faced by foreigners is the incorrect justification of their stay. This is especially true for those who intend to stay in Thailand on a work visa.

Reasons for refusal

Those foreigners who have:

• There are no funds to stay in the Kingdom;
• there are mental illnesses;
• there is no smallpox vaccination;
• the intention to work is assumed;
• multiple departures and entries into the country have been recorded;
• He has a criminal record.

If the Thai authorities have an assumption that a foreigner may be dangerous to society or intends to engage in illegal activities in the Kingdom, entry will be refused.

Cancellation

Deportation occurs if a foreigner works without a permit and a work visa. In the case of an administrative offense, foreigners receive cards from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Thailand: yellow means fixing the first offense, red – the second. Receiving a red card automatically causes expulsion from the country.

Documents for moving

To begin with, a potential migrant needs to obtain a tourist visa.

Basic

To apply for a visa, you need:

• passport and copy;
• photos 4×6 cm;
• statement of the amount in the bank account (at least $ 700);
• certificate from work or study;
• information about purchased air tickets and accommodation reservations.

An application is attached to the documents. All documents translated into English must be notarized. It is mandatory to provide consent authorizing the processing of personal data.

Additional

It is more convenient to move to Thailand with a multiple-entry visa, which additionally requires:

• bank statement (minimum amount for each month of stay is $7000);
• paid rental housing;
• travel plan;
• a certificate from work indicating salary, length of service, position, and duration of vacation.

Students provide a certificate from the educational institution. Also, the embassy may additionally request a marriage certificate and the birth of children, a letter from a Thai company with an invitation. Sometimes a scan of the house book is requested, confirming that the owner really rents the house.

Those moving for business purposes are asked to additionally provide a letter from the Ministry of Labor or the Investment Council of Thailand, state-owned enterprises, as well as a business plan.

Special features for certain categories of citizens

When moving to Thailand, a minor requires a birth certificate with a notarized translation into English. Children over the age of 14 travel with a foreign passport. If a child goes to Thailand with one of the parents, the second parent must provide a notarized consent to leave with a copy of his passport.

Well-off pensioners can easily obtain an O-A visa by applying for it already at the Thai Immigration Service. An annual single-entry pension visa costs $ 55, a multiple-entry visa costs $ 140.

The pensioner is obliged to demonstrate his income by submitting a bank statement, as well as to confirm the state of health with a medical certificate and a policy. The assistance of legal agencies in obtaining a visa will cost $ 5,500.

Every year, pensioners are required to renew their visa, confirming their financial well-being. You cannot work with a pension visa.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is allowed in Thailand. You do not need to give up your Russian passport.

Moving to Thailand is not difficult and inexpensive. However, obtaining citizenship and becoming a full–fledged member of Thai society is a long and expensive process. Candidates need to demonstrate financial stability and success, show knowledge of the language and culture, pass a series of interviews and tests. Therefore, most migrants prefer to stay in Thailand using a long-term visa of the required type.

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How to move to Thailand for permanent residence:

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