If you have had enough of the harsh European winters and are thinking about relocating to tropical Thailand, you certainly wouldn’t be alone, as there are many digital nomads that have found their home in paradise. It might seem like a daunting task to uproot, sell the home and start a new life in a foreign country, yet it’s never been easier to do just that.
Long Term Visa
Of course, you will need a long-term visa; those aged 50 and over can apply for a retirement visa and providing you meet the financial requirements, this visa can be extended annually within the country. If you are married with a Thai national, you can obtain a Non-Immigrant O visa and that can also be extended on a yearly basis from within Thailand. Other long-stay options include:
- Study Thai Language – If you enroll in a government-approved Thai language school, you can apply for a long-term visa.
- Study Buddhism – Should you wish to ordain as a Buddhist monk, then a long-term visa would be issued (subject to conditions).
- Study a University Degree – You can apply for a student visa if you enroll in a BA program at a Thai university; simply visit your local Thai Immigration office as requested, with the right documentation.
Of course, if you are going to be employed in Thailand, then your employer would arrange for a work permit and your visa would be extended according to the validity of the work permit.
Sourcing a Home
The best solution is to acquire a plot of land and contact a custom builder with a 2 storey house plan (called แบบแปลนบ้าน 2 ชั้น in Thai ) that is perfect for your space and the builder would handle everything from the initial surveys to the hand over. Design is a major factor when building in a tropical climate and by using an established custom builder, you are in good hands.
Thai Language
If you are planning to stay in Thailand indefinitely (or even a few years), learning to speak the language will give you an insight into the Thai people and while English is widely spoken in certain areas of the country, the ability to speak with local people will prove to be invaluable. When you need a plumber or the car is out of fuel, you will be able to get what you need if you speak at least basic Thai. Enroll in an online Thai language class and that will give you the basics on which to build.
Living in Thailand is a rewarding experience and there are many expats who have relocated to this tropical paradise.
