How many types of Visa & how are they different?
A Hai 龙战士
1. Tourist Visa
Purpose: Short-term visits for leisure or sightseeing.
-Typically valid for 30 to 90 days
-No work or long-term stay allowed
-Some countries offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival
-Extensions may be possible in some locations
Ideal For: Travelers, vacationers, or those visiting friends and family.
2. Student Visa (e.g., Non-ED in Thailand)
Purpose: Enrolling in a certified academic or training program.
-Valid for the duration of the course
-May allow part-time work
-Requires an admission letter from a recognized school or university
-In Thailand, this is the Non-Immigrant ED (Non-ED) visa
Ideal For: University students, language course enrollees, or vocational trainees.
3. Business Visa (e.g., Non-B in Thailand)
Purpose: Conducting business, attending meetings, or preparing for investment.
-Short-term, non-employment visa
-Often requires an invitation letter from a company
-Thailands Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) is used for both business activities and work permit processing
Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, investors, or those attending business events.
4. Work Visa vs. Work Permit
-Work Visa allows entry for employment
-Work Permit is a legal document that allows you to actually work in the country (often processed after arriving)
In Thailand:
-You usually need a Non-B Visa + a separate Work Permit
Ideal For: Full-time employees hired by companies abroad.
5. Marriage Visa (e.g., Non-O Marriage in Thailand)
Purpose: For foreign nationals married to a local citizen.
-Allows long-term stay with renewal
-May allow work rights in some countries (with added permits)
-Requires proof of marriage and financial stability
In Thailand: It's issued under Non-O category (based on marriage)
Ideal For: Foreigners married to citizens in countries like Thailand, UAE, etc.
6. Retirement Visa
Purpose: For foreigners aged 50+ who wish to retire abroad.
-Requires proof of income or funds
-Usually no employment allowed
-Renewable annually or every few years
Popular in: Thailand, Malaysia (MM2H), Portugal, and the UAE (Golden Visa in some cases)
In Thailand: Commonly issued under Non-O "Retirement" category
7. Elite Visa (Thailand-Specific)
Purpose: Long-term residency for high-net-worth individuals
-Valid for 5 to 20 years depending on package
-No work rights, but includes VIP services, airport fast-track, and health check-ups
-Requires a significant membership fee
Ideal For: Wealthy expats, digital nomads, or retirees seeking convenience
8. Non-Immigrant O (Non-O) Visa Thailand
Purpose: A flexible category with several sub-types
Used for:
-Visiting family
-Retirement
-Volunteering
-Marriage to Thai nationals
Note: This visa does not include work rights unless converted with a work permit.
9. Non-Immigrant ED (Non-ED) Visa Thailand
Purpose: For education or training
Used by:
-University students
-Language school attendees
-Interns or trainees in certified programs
10. Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) Visa Thailand
Purpose: Business and employment
Sub-types include:
-Employment (requires job offer and WP)
-Business meetings
-Investment-related travel
-Usually used as a base for applying for a work permit.
️ 11. Transit Visa
Purpose: Short stays while passing through a country
-Valid for 15 days
-Required for certain nationalities, even during airport layovers
How VisaGo Can Help
Navigating visa categories isnt just about filling out a formits about choosing the right legal path that fits your purpose. At VisaGo, we:
-Help you identify the right visa for your needs
-Guide you through documentation and requirements
-Coordinate with embassies and immigration offices
-Support renewals, extensions, and conversions
Final Thoughts
From basic tourist entry to complex immigration structures like Thailands Non-Immigrant series, each visa type serves a unique purpose. Making the right choice from the beginning can save you time, stress, and unexpected legal issues.
Have questions? Talk to a VisaGo consultant today. Were here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
