Understanding the Thai visa system is essential for anyone planning long-term life on Koh Samui. Your visa type determines how long you can stay, what rights you have and what renewal requirements apply.

Main Visa Types

Tourist Visa (TR) is issued for 60 days with one in-country extension of 30 days available at the Samui Immigration Office — a total of up to 90 days. Suitable for extended visits.

Visa Exemption for citizens of most European countries and Russia allows stays of up to 60 days (from 2024) without a visa on arrival.

Non-Immigrant Visas come in several sub-types:

  • Non-O (family or retirement) is the most common for older expats. Retirement visa requirements: age 50+, bank deposit of 800,000 THB or confirmed monthly income of 65,000 THB.
  • Non-B (business/employment) requires a Work Permit.
  • Non-ED (education) allows study of Thai language, yoga, Muay Thai or other courses at an accredited school.

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa — a 10-year visa for wealthy expats, retirees and remote workers that includes a work permit entitlement and certain tax benefits. Income or investment thresholds apply.

Visa Runs and Border Runs

A visa run involves travelling to a neighbouring country (Malaysia, Cambodia) to obtain a new tourist visa. A border run means briefly exiting and re-entering Thailand at a land border for a new exemption stamp. Immigration officers have become stricter about repeated entries without clear intentions — if planning long-term residence, obtaining the correct visa is strongly advisable.

Samui Immigration Office

The Samui Immigration Office is located in Nathon. Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 08:30–12:00 and 13:00–16:30. Visa extensions require an in-person visit; the required documents depend on your visa type.

90-Day Reporting

Non-Immigrant visa holders must report their place of residence every 90 days — either in person at the Immigration Office or online via the official Thai immigration portal. Failure to comply results in a fine.