Everything you need to know about visas, extensions, and staying legally in Pattaya. Updated for 2026 regulations.
Tourist
60 days
Retirement
1 year
Elite
5-20 yrs
Valid passport (6+ months)
Return ticket
Proof of accommodation
Proof of funds (20,000 THB)
Duration depends on nationality. Most Western countries get 30 or 60 days. Can extend 30 days at immigration.
Valid passport (6+ months)
Completed application form
Recent passport photo
Proof of funds (20,000 THB)
Flight itinerary
Apply at Thai embassy/consulate before travel. Extendable for 30 additional days at immigration office.
Job offer from Thai company
Company registration documents
Work permit application
Degree certificate
Criminal background check
Employer must sponsor. Work permit required separately. Must report every 90 days.
Age 50 or older
800,000 THB in Thai bank account OR 65,000 THB monthly income
Medical certificate
Criminal background check
Health insurance
Funds must be in Thai bank 2 months before renewal. Combination of deposit + income allowed (total 800K).
Age 50 or older
800,000 THB deposit OR 65,000 THB/month
Health insurance (OPD 40K / IPD 400K)
Medical certificate
Police clearance from home country
Applied from outside Thailand. Requires health insurance meeting Thai requirements. Multiple re-entry included.
Valid passport
No criminal record
Membership fee payment
No work permit restrictions
Premium long-stay option. Includes VIP airport service, annual health checkup, and golf privileges depending on tier.
Enrollment in approved school
School acceptance letter
Valid passport
Proof of funds
For studying Thai language, martial arts, cooking, or degree programs. Minimum attendance requirements apply.
Pattaya Immigration Office
Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Road, Nongprue
Mon-Fri 8:30-16:30 (closed 12:00-13:00)
Passport (original + copies)
TM.7 application form
One passport photo (4x6 cm)
TM.6 departure card copy
Extension fee: 1,900 THB
Proof of address (hotel/condo)
If you stay in Thailand longer than 90 consecutive days, you must report your address to immigration every 90 days. This applies to all visa types.
Online
tm47.immigration.go.th
In Person
Immigration office
By Mail
Registered post
If you leave Thailand without a re-entry permit, your visa extension will be cancelled. Apply at immigration or at the airport before departure.
Single Re-Entry
1,000 THB
One trip out & back
Multiple Re-Entry
3,800 THB
Unlimited trips
Overstaying your visa
Fine of 500 THB/day (max 20,000). Can result in ban from re-entry.
Working on tourist visa
Arrest, detention, deportation, and potential re-entry ban.
Forgetting 90-day report
Fine of 2,000 THB. Can be done online via tm47.immigration.go.th
Insufficient funds at border
May be denied entry. Immigration can ask to see 20,000 THB (individual) or 40,000 THB (family).
No re-entry permit before leaving
Your visa/extension is voided. Must apply for new visa to return.
Always carry a copy of your passport and visa page
Set reminders 30 days before visa expiration
Use online 90-day reporting when available (saves a trip)
Get re-entry permit BEFORE leaving Thailand
Keep 800K THB in bank for at least 5 months for retirement visa renewal
Immigration office in Jomtien is less crowded than central Pattaya
Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the nearest Thai embassy or official immigration website. Last updated: 2026.