🇫🇷 France
Thai visas & work permits for French citizens
French citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism from 15 September 2026. Retirement, marriage, DTV and Non-B work routes are the main long-stay options. France is an Apostille Convention party, so French documents move to apostille from 28 February 2027.
Written by the Thai Legal & Immigration legal team · Last reviewed · Editorial policy
Can French citizens enter Thailand without a visa?
30-day visa exemption (tourism)
From 15 September 2026 the former 60-day scheme was revoked. Ordinary passport holders are listed in the 30-day tourism exemption; visa-exempt entries over land are limited to twice per calendar year. Work, study or long stays require the proper visa.
Which Thai visa is best for French citizens?
- Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O / O-A)
A favourite route for French retirees in Isan and Hua Hin.
- Marriage & Dependent Visa (Non-O)
For French spouses of Thai nationals.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
For freelancers and remote employees.
- New Thai Work Permit Application
Needed for hospitality and teaching roles.
Work permits for French nationals
French hospitality professionals and chefs often hold positions that need clear job descriptions to avoid occupations reserved for Thai nationals.
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Do documents from France need an apostille or legalisation?
France is a party to the Apostille Convention. Thailand acceded on 30 June 2026 and the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 — until then, France-issued documents still need legalisation by the Thai embassy or consulate; from that date an apostille from the competent France authority is expected to suffice.
Read our apostille guideCommon mistakes we see
- Documents in French only.
- Livret de famille used instead of a full marriage certificate.
- Retirement funds held abroad without an acceptable transfer trail.
Counsel's note
Our Khon Kaen branch regularly supports French families settled in Isan, where provincial offices may ask for extra documents.
Service languages: English, French documents with translation.
Frequently asked
Can I retire in Khon Kaen as a French citizen?
Must French documents be translated?
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Offices in Bangkok and Khon Kaen with field representatives nationwide.
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We work from copies and only handle originals for filings you approve.
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Sources & references
- Revision of Thailand's Visa Exemption and VoA Schemes (Government PR Dept., 4 Sep 2026) — checked 2026-11-03
- MFA summary chart – visa exemption & VoA, effective 15 Sep 2026 — checked 2026-11-03
- Thai Immigration Bureau — checked 2026-11-03
- HCCH Apostille Convention status table — checked 2026-11-03
General information only, not legal advice. Entry rules change; always confirm with the official sources above. Immigration decisions rest with the Thai authorities.
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