Legal Services & Resources 

The Immigration Bureau announced that a one-year visa could be granted to foreigners who met certain housing criteria but this could also change after the new Parliament is formed.

Locals in Phuket are not happy with the long-stay visa for foreigners based purchase or rental cost of condos as it could effect overall prices which is similar to the situation that arose in Mexico last year.

Thai Immigration a few months ago announced that foreigners who purchase or rent a condo at certain costs, can obtain a one-year visa, but other factors could also be considered.

Thai one-year visas are possible for those who buy or rent condos of a certain price whereby Thai Immigration has also stated that derivative visas are possible for family members which is not in fact as easy at it sounds.

Information given out by the Immigration Bureau regarding new visa or certain criteria etc. could be subject to change and should not be considered as set in stone.

The issue of Immigration and the need for work authorization in Thailand does not only pertain to taking jobs away from Thai people, but also relates to national sovereignty which Thais take seriously.

Since October of 2025, a one-year long-stay visa is possible for foreigners who purchase or rent condos or real estate at a certain price, but as things could change, getting into this scheme early is a good idea.

The long-stay visas for those who purchase or rent real estate at a certain price are causing concern to locals with regard to foreigners who could stay in Thailand for extended periods without any particular reason.

Long-stay visas based on condo purchase or rental prices are causing concern as foreigners could buy or rent multiple units and then rent them on short-term which is in violation of the restricted occupations.

The long-stay visas which can be given upon purchase or rental of condos of a certain value, do not confer "Permanent Residence" but merely provide possibility of residing in Thailand on a one-year which is renewed annually.