🇹🇭 Thailand
Affordable tropical living with growing digital nomad infrastructure
Visa Options
- Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa (10 years) — Remote worker earning $80k+/yr or $250k+ investment
- SMART Visa (Up to 4 years) — Highly skilled professional in targeted industry
- Thailand Elite Visa (5–20 years) — THB 600k–2M membership fee (no work rights)
- Non-Immigrant B (Work) (1 year (renewable)) — Employer sponsor + work permit
- Education Visa (ED) (1 year) — Enrollment in accredited Thai institution
Tax Overview
- Income Tax: 0% – 35% (progressive)
- Foreign Income: Taxed if remitted in the same year earned
- Corporate Tax: 20%
- VAT: 7%
- LTR Visa Tax Rate: 17% flat (qualifying remote workers)
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): $1,200 – $1,800/mo
- Budget living (outside Bangkok): $800 – $1,000/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Bangkok, central): $500 – $700/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Chiang Mai): $350 – $550/mo
- Groceries: $150 – $280/mo
- Utilities: $50 – $110/mo
- Dining out (street food): $1.50 – $5/meal
- Public transport (BTS/MRT): $30 – $55/mo
Relocation Checklist
- Determine visa type based on income and goals
- Apply for visa at Thai Embassy/Consulate before arrival
- Set up 90-day reporting (required for all long-stay visas)
- Open a Thai bank account (requires work permit or embassy letter)
- Get health insurance (mandatory for LTR, recommended for all)
- Find accommodation (negotiate monthly rates)
- Get a Thai SIM card and phone number
- Arrange work permit (if on Non-Immigrant B visa)