Often, yes. If you entered Thailand visa-exempt, you can apply for a Non-Immigrant visa at Immigration in Thailand on form TM.87. If you're on a tourist or transit visa, you can apply to change to a Non-Immigrant visa on form TM.86. The fee is THB 2,000 (non-refundable), you apply in person, and Immigration's regulation sets a decision within 15 working days (in practice it can vary by office). Whether it works for you depends on your situation, your documents and the immigration office.
This guide explains the general rule, the timing, and what it means for each main visa route. It's general, preliminary information, not legal advice.
Who can change visa type in Thailand
| Your current status | Can you apply in Thailand? | Form | Government fee | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption (stamp on arrival, no visa) | Yes, for a Non-Immigrant visa | TM.87 | THB 2,000 | 15 working days (per regulation) |
| Tourist visa | Yes, change to a Non-Immigrant visa | TM.86 | THB 2,000 | 15 working days (per regulation) |
| Transit visa | Yes, change to a Non-Immigrant visa | TM.86 | THB 2,000 | 15 working days (per regulation) |
| Visa on arrival | Needs checking: it's stamped "employment prohibited" | – | – | – |
| DTV or another long-stay visa | Needs checking with Immigration or a lawyer | – | – | – |
| Permitted stay already run out | Talk to a lawyer first | – | – | – |
You still have to meet the requirements of the visa you're changing to: age, money, relationship, school or employer documents. The change of status only replaces the trip to an embassy abroad.
When you must file
File well before your permitted stay ends. For these cases, Immigration's rules set a firm minimum:
- support from a Thai national (for example, a spouse or child);
- business, where the Department of Employment's work-permit check isn't done yet;
- retirement (Non-O based on age):
you must file at least 15 days before your permitted stay ends.
Since 15 September 2026, visitors from most visa-exempt countries get 30 days visa-free, for tourism only (it used to be 60). With a 30-day exemption, apply early: some changes must be filed at least 15 days before your stay ends, which leaves very little time.
If you're close to the end of your stay, don't wait. Get advice first.
By visa route
Retirement (Non-O)
If you're 50 or older and in Thailand visa-exempt or on a tourist visa, you can start a Non-O in Thailand. File at least 15 days before your permitted stay ends; you first get a 90-day visa. After that, you extend your stay one year at a time. For the yearly extension, Immigration asks for THB 800,000 in a Thai bank, THB 65,000 a month, or a combination of income and a Thai-bank deposit adding up to at least THB 800,000. The step-by-step process is in our guide to getting a retirement visa inside Thailand.
The O-A long-stay retirement visa is applied for at a Thai embassy abroad; inside Thailand, Immigration handles only its extension. The O-X (for citizens of 14 countries) can also be applied for in Thailand.
Marriage and Thai family
Married to a Thai citizen, or the parent of a Thai child? You can apply in Thailand from visa exemption or a tourist visa, and you must file at least 15 days before your stay ends. For the 1-year extension, Immigration's published money test for a foreign husband of a Thai wife is THB 400,000 in a Thai bank for 2 months, THB 40,000 a month, or a combination. See our guide to Thai spouse visa requirements and money by embassy.
Family of a foreigner living in Thailand
The spouse and children of a foreigner who holds a long stay in Thailand (for example, for retirement) can extend as dependants for up to one year at a time. Parents aged 50 or older of some long-stay holders also qualify. The general change-of-status rule above applies.
Education (ED)
The general rule above applies, but the school's documents decide a lot. Ask your school and Immigration before you file.
DTV
DTV applications normally go through the Thai e-Visa system to a Thai embassy or consulate abroad, in a country where you're a national or permanent resident (since 31 August 2026). Inside Thailand you can extend a DTV, once per entry for up to 180 days. If you hoped to apply from inside Thailand, talk to a lawyer first. See our DTV guide.
LTR
LTR starts with an endorsement from the Board of Investment. After the endorsement, you book the visa within 60 days and choose where it's issued: in Thailand, at the Immigration Bureau office at TIESC in Bangkok (fee THB 50,000, paid on the appointment date), or as an e-Visa at a Thai embassy abroad. Family members use the same place as the main applicant. See our LTR visa page.
Changing visa type vs extending your stay
These are two different procedures.
- Changing visa type (TM.86 / TM.87, THB 2,000) moves you from visa exemption or a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant visa.
- Extending your stay (THB 1,900) adds time to a visa you already have, for example the yearly retirement or marriage extension.
Most long-stay routes need both: first the change, then yearly extensions.
When to get a lawyer first
Talk to a lawyer before you go to Immigration if:
- your permitted stay has already run out;
- you've had a visa refused or been denied entry before;
- you have little time left on your current stay;
- you're on a visa on arrival, a DTV or another long-stay visa;
- you plan to work. You can apply for a work permit; whether your stay must change depends on your case.
How Thailand Visa Corp helps
- Check my eligibility (free). About 3 minutes. The check asks how you're staying in Thailand now and shows where you'd apply. Results are preliminary.
- Talk to a lawyer. A 40-minute video call with a Thai lawyer about your case.
- Check my documents – THB 5,000. Our team checks your documents against Immigration's checklist, and our lawyer signs off the review.
- Full Legal Service. Fixed packages where we have them (for example, Retirement Fast-Track ฿95,000 for applicants aged 50+ who meet the retirement money test, through our Phuket office); otherwise Request a Quote.
FAQ
Can I go from visa-exempt to a Non-O without leaving Thailand? Generally yes: visa-exempt entrants can apply for a Non-Immigrant visa at Immigration on form TM.87. You must meet the requirements of the Non-O route you're applying for.
Can I change from a tourist visa to a retirement visa? Tourist visa holders can apply to change to a Non-Immigrant visa on form TM.86. For retirement, you must be 50 or older and meet the money rules.
How long does it take? Immigration's regulation sets a decision within 15 working days; in practice it can vary by office.
What does it cost? The change-of-visa-type fee is THB 2,000, non-refundable. Later yearly extensions cost THB 1,900 each.
Can I change to a DTV inside Thailand? DTV applications normally go through the Thai e-Visa system to a Thai embassy or consulate abroad, in a country where you're a national or permanent resident (since 31 August 2026). Inside Thailand you can extend a DTV, once per entry for up to 180 days. If you hoped to apply from inside Thailand, talk to a lawyer first.
Can I work after changing? You can apply for a work permit; whether your stay must change depends on your case.
This guide is general, preliminary information, not legal advice. Practice can differ between immigration offices. The Thai authorities decide every application. Don't let your permitted stay run out while you wait.
Last updated from official sources: 11 October 2026. Written by: Thailand Visa Corp Team · Last reviewed: 12 October 2026.