Due to the fact that the flow of requests for advice on moving has increased a lot, we have prepared a small tip list. We are going to discuss basic questions, and if you already have answers to them, then this will help us to conduct the consultation as productively as possible. But if you do not yet have the information and are not ready to answer them, we will analyze everything in detail and you will not have any questions left.
Step 1. Purpose and deadline
The answer to this question will help us pave the vector for further conversation. After all, the type of visa that suits you will depend on the date of your arrival. If you plan to move for 3 years, then the option of a 3-month visa immediately disappears, as well as an annual work visa is not needed in this case.
The purpose also matters a lot. If you plan to open a business here and officially work, then the best solution would be to open a company, obtain a work visa and work permit. If you have a working business in Russia, and in Thailand you want to enjoy your vacation and learn languages, then a student visa would be an excellent option.
Step 2. Visa
You need to know that citizens of Russian Federation can stay in Thailand visa-free for only 30 days - upon arrival you will receive a stamp in your passport with the date the visa-free regime ends. If you plan to stay in the country for more than this period, you need a visa. Depending on the goals and deadline (see step 1), we choose the appropriate option.
Below is a list of common visas:
- tourist (TR)
- special tourist (STV)
- working (B)
- pension (O-A)
- student (ED)
- investment (IB)
- dependent (O)
- elite (Longest visa from 5 to 20 years)
At this stage, we discuss possible strategies for buying real estate, select the type of housing that suits you (apartment, villa, townhouse), and determine the budget. One of the common strategies is to purchase a villa for independent permanent living and buy 2-3 apartments to rent out.
If you do not plan to stay in Thailand for a long time and invest in real estate, then the best option would be to rent a house. If you know exactly what you want - it’s great, we will find an option on request. If you’ve never been to Thailand - we will tell you about the areas and the specifics of life in condos and houses. The geography of our options is Phuket and Pattaya.
Step 4. Transport
Let's be honest, if you decide to settle in Phuket, you cannot do it without transport. You need a car, or at least a bike. Phuket is a big island, and besides, the main large shopping centers and grocery stores are located outside the residential areas, and public transport here is lame to say the least. In Pattaya, a slightly different story, and if you live in the city, you can always use the famous tuk-tuks for 10 baht. But if you are used to comfort, then the availability of transport will simplify your life. Prices for renting cars for a long time are quite affordable - you can find an option from $350/month, and bikes from $100/month.
Perhaps these are 4 key issues that need to be addressed first. Of course, there are still a lot of nuances that need to be considered:
- insurance
- opening a bank account
- school/kindergarten
- leisure
- and much more
