Living & visas
Moving to Pattaya: where to start
Pattaya has long been a city where people live, not just vacation: it has a large Russian-speaking community, international schools and hospitals. Here is how to plan your move, and why you should not buy a condo in your first week.
In short
- Sort out your visa first: owning a condo does not by itself give you the right to live in Thailand.
- It is easier to rent for the first few months and choose a condo once you are on the ground.
- Families with children often choose Jomtien, Pratumnak and East Pattaya, close to schools.
Step 1. Visa
This is the first thing to think about. Owning a condo in Thailand does not give you the right to reside there, so you need a suitable visa: a tourist visa to start with, and for living long term a long-stay visa, such as retirement, education, work, Thailand Privilege or LTR. We cover the requirements for each in Residency and visas when buying property in Thailand.
Step 2. Rent first
Even if you are sure you want to buy, it is better to rent for the first few months. That way you will learn which district suits you, how long it takes to get to school or work, and whether you need a car. Buying after this kind of "trial run" is almost always a better decision.
Step 3. A district for your lifestyle
- Families with children. Jomtien and Pratumnak by the sea, or East Pattaya with housing close to international schools.
- Couples and remote workers. Jomtien, Wongamat, Pratumnak: quiet, with cafes and coworking spaces.
- City lovers. Central Pattaya and Naklua, with everything within walking distance.
More on each district in Pattaya districts: where to buy a condo.
Step 4. Money
Think ahead about how you will pay for living costs and the purchase: bank transfers from some CIS countries are currently restricted, and your payment route must produce the documents you will later need to register the condo. Details in How to transfer money to buy a condo in Thailand.
Step 5. Healthcare and insurance
Pattaya has large private international hospitals. Treatment there is high quality but paid, so for living long term you need health insurance. For some long-stay visas, insurance is mandatory.
Step 6. Buying, if you decide to stay
Once you have chosen a district, you can start looking at condos. A foreigner can own a condominium unit outright in their own name within the Foreign Quota. To see how the deal works, read How to buy a condo in Thailand as a foreigner.
Common questions about moving
Do I need to speak Thai?
For everyday life in Pattaya, English and Russian are enough: many services, agencies and doctors speak Russian. Thai is useful when dealing with government offices, but there an interpreter or agent usually helps.
Can I buy a condo remotely?
Yes, a lot can be done remotely: video viewings, reservation, the contract. But we recommend coming at least once to see the district and the project with your own eyes.
FAQ
Where do I start when moving to Pattaya?
With a visa: buying a condo does not give you the right to live in Thailand. After that, it makes sense to rent for a while and choose a district on the spot.
Do I need to speak Thai?
For everyday life in Pattaya, English and Russian are enough.
Do I need health insurance?
For living long term, yes: treatment in private hospitals is paid, and for some long-stay visas insurance is mandatory.
Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand: visas
- Thai e-Visa: official portal
- Immigration Bureau of Thailand
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Laws, fees and project terms change: before a deal we check the current conditions for the specific property.
