Living in Thailand
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-27)

Information about moving to, living or retiring in Thailand – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.

Getting help with living in Thailand

Help from the Thai government

For any questions about moving to or living in Thailand, you may be able to get help from the:
- Royal Thai Embassy in London (https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/81604-address-numbers-email-addresses?menu=5d6636ce15e39c3bd0007337)
- Thai Immigration Bureau (in Thai) (https://www.immigration.go.th/)
The UK government and the British Embassy in Bangkok cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Thailand.

Professional help in Thailand

You can also get help from English-speaking professionals (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/professional-services-if-you-are-abroad) in Thailand, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government

Read the travel advice for Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand) to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Thailand. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad).

Get help from the UK government abroad (https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/), including in an emergency.

Visas, residency and citizenship

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements) before you travel.

Visas

Check which Thai visa (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/) you need to live in Thailand.

You can get a visa to:
- study
- retire
- work – including on a working holiday or as a digital nomad
- receive medical treatment
- live with family in Thailand
- perform missionary work or other religious activities
- volunteer
- do scientific research
If you want to extend your visa visit the Thai e-visa extension website (https://thaiextension.vfsevisa.com/) or contact the Thai Immigration Bureau (in Thai) (https://www.immigration.go.th/).

For more information, read guidance from the:
- Thai Department of Consular Affairs (https://consular.mfa.go.th/th/page/cate-7393-general-information?menu=5d68c88b15e39c160c0081e0)
- Royal Thai Embassy in London (https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa-general-information?menu=65bb7713d0737318de2bab23)
Reporting your residence

If you are staying in Thailand for more than 90 days, you must report your residence to the Thai Immigration Bureau (https://www.immigration.go.th/?page_id=1666) every 90 days.

Permanent residency

You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Thailand (in Thai) (https://www.immigration.go.th/?page_id=1702) if you meet the eligibility criteria.

To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, contact the Thai Immigration Bureau (in Thai) (https://www.immigration.go.th/).

Citizenship

Thailand does not recognise dual citizenship (https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship). This means that you may have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship (https://www.gov.uk/renounce-british-nationality) to become a Thai citizen.

To find out if you’re eligible for Thai citizenship:
- read the Thai government’s guidance on applying for Thai nationality (https://thailand.go.th/public/useful-information-detail/007_006?hl=en)
- contact an English-speaking lawyer in Thailand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=Thailand)
When you apply for citizenship, the Thai authorities may ask for a ‘no objection’ letter from the British Embassy in Bangkok. You can get a no objection letter online (https://www.prove-eligibility-foreign-government.service.gov.uk/request-a-document/get-a-document-from-the-british-embassy?beforeYouStart.serviceType=Thailand%20-%20letter%20supporting%20Thai%20citizenship).

Help with visa and residency applications

The British Embassy in Bangkok cannot help with Thai visa and residency applications.

For any questions or issues, contact:
- the Thai Immigration Bureau (in Thai) (http://www.immigration.go.th)
- the Royal Thai Embassy in London (https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa-general-information?menu=65bb7713d0737318de2bab23)
- an English-speaking lawyer in Thailand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=Thailand)
Passports

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Healthcare in Thailand

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Thailand does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get insurance from Thai or international providers.

To find out how to get medical treatment:
- contact your insurance provider
- read guidance on healthcare and medical services in Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-and-medical-services-in-thailand) and health in Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/health)
Care homes

For a list of care homes in Thailand, read our guidance on healthcare and medical services in Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-and-medical-services-in-thailand).

Working in Thailand

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.

To work in Thailand, you need a work permit or work visa. The official Thai e-visa website (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/) explains the different work permits and visas (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/visa/business-investor-visa) available to you.

For information on common risks and job scams, read about safety and security in the travel advice for Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security).

Recognition of qualifications

If you want to work in Thailand, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised (in Thai) (https://www.mhesi.go.th/index.php/faq-mcs/10094-2024-03-21-04-50-00.html).

Driving in Thailand

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
Read about road travel in Thailand, in safety and security in the travel advice for Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security). This includes information on driving in Thailand, including driving licence rules.

The Thai government provides information on driving in Thailand, including:
- how to use or convert a foreign driving licence (https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/2874/iid/341038)
- how to apply for a temporary (one year) Thai driving licence (https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/84710-driving-in-thailand?page=5d6636ce15e39c3bd000734d&menu=5d6636cd15e39c3bd00072e2)
- Thai driving licences and services for motorists (https://www.mot.go.th/en/services)
You can also contact your local office of the Thai Department for Land Transport.

Tax

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/thailand-tax-treaties) so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.

Contact the Thai Revenue Department (https://rd.go.th/english/index-eng.html) for any questions about double taxation relief.

Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Thailand (https://rd.go.th/english/6045.html). To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Thailand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find?serviceType=lawyers&country=Thailand).

Pensions

Claiming your UK pension

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a Thai pension

Contact the Thai Social Security Office (in Thai) (https://www.sso.go.th/wpr/main/general/%E0%B8%82%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD_singleview_contacts-view_1_69_0) to find out whether you can claim Old Age Allowance in Thailand.

Benefits

Claiming UK benefits

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.

Claiming Thai benefits

You may be entitled to some Thai benefits if you’re legally employed in Thailand.

To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim, contact the Thai Social Security Office (in Thai) (https://www.sso.go.th/wpr/main/general/%E0%B8%82%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD_singleview_contacts-view_1_69_0).

Buying and renting property in Thailand

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers buying and renting property abroad.

Generally, foreign nationals cannot own land in Thailand. For more information, read guidance from the Thai Department of Lands (in Thai) (https://www.dol.go.th/en/Pages/interneteng.aspx).

Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Thailand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=Thailand) if you’re considering buying property or land .

Voting in Thailand

UK elections

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Thai elections

You cannot vote in Thai elections unless you hold Thai citizenship.

Studying in Thailand

If you plan to study in Thailand, you must meet all visa requirements (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/visa/non-immigrant-ed) before you travel.

For more information:
- read guidance on travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England) (https://www.gov.uk/travel-grants-students-england)
- contact your higher education provider in the UK or Thailand
- contact the Thai Ministry of Education (https://www.moe.go.th/en/)
Children

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education

The Thai Ministry of Education provides information about education in Thailand (https://www.onec.go.th/th.php/book/BookView/2057).

All children aged 6 to 15 must attend school or home school in Thailand.

Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships

Births

If your child is born in Thailand, register the birth with the Thai authorities. You can do this at your local district office (‘Amphur office’). The hospital where your baby was born can help you with this process.

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Thailand, read guidance on:
- what to do when someone dies in Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/what-to-do-after-a-british-person-dies-in-thailand)
- English-speaking funeral directors in Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/thailand-funeral-directors)
- what to do if someone is murdered or dies in suspicious circumstances in Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bereavement-information-thailand-murder-manslaughter-and-suspicious-deaths)
Marriages and civil partnerships

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.

You can also read our guidance on how to confirm you’re free to get married in Thailand (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/confirm-youre-free-to-get-married-in-thailand).

Divorce and separation

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.

If you plan to divorce in Thailand, consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Thailand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=Thailand).

Documents for British people in Thailand

Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/documents-for-british-people-abroad). This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Wills and lasting power of attorney

Thailand and the UK have different rules for wills and lasting power of attorney (LPA).

The Thai authorities are not likely to recognise a UK will unless a Thai court has approved the executor.

A UK LPA may also not be recognised in Thailand.

A Thai LPA can be recognised in the UK if an application is made to the UK court of protection. In this way, the named attorney can make decisions about any assets in the UK.

Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Thailand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find?serviceType=lawyers&country=Thailand) to get legal advice on wills and LPA.

You can also read guidance on how to make, register or end a UK lasting power of attorney (https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney).

Lawyers, translators and notaries

To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Thailand, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/professional-services-if-you-are-abroad).

Pets

If you want to bring your pet with you to Thailand, read guidance on:
- bringing pets to Thailand (https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/81915-bringing-pets-to-thailand?page=5d6636ce15e39c3bd000734d&menu=5d6636ce15e39c3bd000734e)
- taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to a non-EU country (https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-a-noneu-country)
Returning to the UK

Read returning to the UK permanently (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/returning-to-the-uk). This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.

You can also read Age UK’s guidance on moving back to the UK after living abroad (https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/returning-to-the-uk-after-living-abroad-heading/).

Disclaimer

We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Thai authorities.

Read our consular information disclaimer (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-commonwealth-development-office-fcdo-consular-information-disclaimer).