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On May 14, 2024, the Thai Cabinet approved the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Visa as a new long-term visa option for professionals, but with a narrow focus.This visa lets you stay in Thailand for up to 10 years and seek employment in a special economic zone called the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), located on the nation’s eastern seaboard. As a professional visa, the EEC Visa allows you to acquire a work permit and provides several other benefits designed for high-skill workers.
What Is the Thai EEC Visa?
The Thai government introduced this visa to encourage a steady flow of qualified workers to the EEC, a zone in Thailand designed to improve the country’s economic, industrial, and technological development. If you’re a foreign specialist, professional, or executive working in high-tech or heavy industries, then this visa could be a good option for you.
The 3 EEC provinces consist of Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong. To acquire this visa, you must work or have an employment offer from a company based in these 3 regions.
The different types, eligibility requirements, and cost of the EEC Visa
The EEC Visa consists of 4 different categories. Each one has slightly different requirements and benefits based on the nature of the holder’s role.
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- Specialists (S)
- Professionals (P)
- Executives (E)
- Others (O)*
*This category is reserved for your spouse and dependents.
Cost (for the EEC Visa): 10,000 baht per year
Cost (for the work permit): 20,000 baht (one-time payment)
Validity: 10 years**
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must secure employment in either Chachoengsao, Chonburi, or Rayong
- Your position must fall under one of the targeted industries:
- Automation
- Biochemicals
- Automotives
- Electronics
- Agriculture and Biotechnology
- Food
- Tourism
- Aviation
- Digital Technology
- Medical and Healthcare
**While the visa offers 10 years of stay in the country, it cannot extend beyond the duration of your employment contract.
EEC Visa Benefits
The EEC Visa provides several key benefits that make living in Thailand an attractive option for highly skilled workers.
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- 5-year multiple-entry visa, renewable once for a stay of up to 10 years
- No re-entry permit needed to fly into and out of the country
- Flat personal income tax rate of 17%
- Ability to apply for an expedited Thai work permit at a reduced cost through the One-Stop Service Center
- Access to the premium lane for fast-track immigration clearance at Thai international airports
EEC Visa Alternatives
If you are not employed in the EEC or cannot meet the eligibility requirements and still require a long-term visa solution in Thailand, there are other options. These visas also offer long stays in Thailand and a host of benefits for expat professionals.
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
If you want a visa that’s similar to the EEC Visa but doesn’t restrict you to only 3 provinces, consider the LTR Visa. Much like the EEC Visa, the LTR Visa offers privileges such as an expedited Thai work permit, a flat income tax rate (for those in the “highly-skilled professional category), and up to 10 years of stay. It also provides exclusive benefits not available to EEC Visa holders such as not having your length of stay tied to your employment.
Thailand Elite Visa
Another long-term visa to consider is the Thailand Elite Visa. While this visa does not permit you to work in the Kingdom, if you are a remote worker or digital nomad in search of a long-term stay in Thailand, then this visa is the best fit. It provides you with visa durations ranging from 5 to 20 years along with multiple privileges and VIP services. In addition, you can stay in any province in Thailand, and there are no asset, income, age, employment, or education requirements, making it the easiest long-term visa to get in Thailand.