Long-stay and special visa programmes — choosing the right one
Each long-stay programme has its own eligibility rules, financial evidence and deciding authority. Choosing the wrong programme at the start wastes both time and non-refundable fees.
Documents to prepare
- Passport with the validity the programme requires
- Financial evidence meeting the programme threshold (balances, recurring income, assets)
- Health insurance meeting the required coverage
- Evidence of the specific qualification: employment contract, degree, or investment proof
- Police clearance certificate where the programme requires it
Step-by-step procedure
1. Screen eligibility
Compare income, age, occupation and purpose against each programme before committing.
2. Build the financial file
Prepare the required look-back period and make the source of funds explainable.
3. Legalize foreign documents
Documents issued abroad must be certified at origin before Thai translation and certification.
4. File and monitor
Submit through the programme's system and answer any follow-up within the deadline.
5. Post-approval compliance
Complete reporting, renewals and any ongoing conditions.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Large unexplained deposits shortly before filing are the most common trigger for extra document requests.
- Insurance below the required coverage makes the application incomplete even if everything else is present.
- Programme criteria are revised periodically — confirm current rules before each filing.
Advisory tips
- Have eligibility assessed before paying any non-refundable fee.
- Show a pattern of income, not just a closing balance.
- Keep the certified bundle for renewals.
Let us handle it end to end
Prefer not to handle the queues yourself, or worried about a rejection? Send us photos of your documents for a free pre-check. We handle the full chain — obtaining certified copies, translation, certification and submission — and keep you updated at each step. Reach us on LINE, phone or email during business hours.
Let us handle it end to end