Moving to Thailand: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you actually need to relocate to Thailand, in the order you need it: the right visa, what it really costs, where to live, and the admin that catches people out. Honest, current, with every figure dated and sourced.
1. Choose the right visa first
Your visa shapes everything else, so start here. The main long-stay routes in 2026 are the DTV for remote workers, the retirement visa for over-50s, the LTR for high earners, and Thailand Privilege for convenience. Each carries different costs, rights and obligations.
- Remote worker: the DTV runs five years, needs roughly 500,000 THB in funds, and is the best value for most.
- Over 50: the retirement visa needs 800,000 THB in the bank or 65,000 THB monthly income.
- High earner: the LTR runs ten years, can bring tax benefits and replaces the 90-day report with annual reporting.
- Convenience: Thailand Privilege is a paid membership with fast-track and perks, but no right to work.
Not sure which fits? Start with our DTV guide. Over 50 and retiring? See the retirement visa guide, or the LTR guide if you are a high earner.
2. Understand the real cost of living
Thailand can be very affordable or quietly expensive, depending on your lifestyle and city. Bangkok costs more than Chiang Mai, and international schooling and international-standard healthcare are the big swing factors for families.
Budget realistically for rent, healthcare or insurance, schooling if you have children, and the visa and compliance costs that recur every year.
For real monthly budgets by city, read our cost of living guide.
3. Sort housing the smart way
Do not sign a one-year lease before you know the city. The smart move is a serviced apartment for the first month or two, then a long-term condo once you have learned the neighbourhoods and the commute.
When you do sign, get the lease reviewed and your deposit protected, because deposit disputes are the single most common expat frustration.
Viewings and lease review are handled by licensed agents and lawyers. Sabai & Co. does not broker property or review leases.
4. The arrival setup checklist
In your first weeks you will need a Thai bank account, a proper resident SIM and home internet, and usually a Thai driving licence. Each has quirks for foreigners that turn simple tasks into repeat trips.
- Bank account: the right bank and branch matter, or you get rejected.
- SIM and internet: avoid tourist packages, get a resident plan.
- Driving licence: residents should convert to a Thai licence. Many DLT offices ask for a theory test, so check your office.
Get banking sorted with our bank account service; see our driving licence guide for the licence.
5. The admin nobody warns you about
This is where most new arrivals get caught. On a long-stay visa you must file a 90-day address report, and your landlord must file a TM30. Miss them and your next visa step gets complicated. If you spend 180 days or more here, you also become a Thai tax resident.
Put the recurring admin on autopilot with our compliance plan, or read how the 90-day report works.
6. Family, schools and pets
If you are moving with family, international school places and the right area drive most of your decisions, and good schools fill up early. Bringing a pet means starting the import paperwork months before you fly.
School, childcare and pet-import paperwork is handled by the schools and licensed providers. We can help you work out the order of steps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to move to Thailand?
With the right visa route chosen, most people can be living in Thailand within four to eight weeks. The visa application and document gathering are the longest steps, which is why we start there.
Which visa is best for moving to Thailand?
It depends on your situation. Remote workers usually choose the DTV, over-50s the retirement visa, high earners the LTR, and those who want convenience and perks the Thailand Privilege. We assess your case and recommend the route that actually fits.
Do I need to speak Thai to live in Thailand?
No, but the admin assumes you do. Banking, immigration, leases and utilities are far smoother with someone who reads Thai. We can help with translation and accompaniment.
Will I have to pay tax in Thailand?
If you spend 180 days or more in a year, you are a Thai tax resident, regardless of visa. Tax is case-specific, so we can introduce you to a licensed Thai accountant.
Can you handle the whole move for me?
No. We explain the steps and coordinate routine admin on your instructions. Legal, tax, insurance, property and tour services are provided only by licensed third parties.
Keep planning
Move to Thailand without the admin headache
Tell us your situation and timeline, and we will map your visa, housing and setup into one clear plan.