What is the Retirement Visa?
The Thai Retirement Visa (officially Non-Immigrant O visa based on retirement) allows people aged 50 and above to live in Thailand long-term. This visa is perfect for retirees who want to enjoy Thailand's warm climate, affordable living costs, and excellent healthcare while maintaining their retirement lifestyle.
Eligibility Requirements
- •Age: Must be 50 years or older
- •Nationality: Available to all nationalities
- •Financial: Meet one of the financial requirements below
- •No criminal record in Thailand
- •No prohibited diseases (leprosy, tuberculosis, drug addiction, elephantiasis, syphilis)
Financial Requirements (Choose One)
Option 1: Bank Deposit
- •THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account
- •Must be in account for at least 2 months before application
- •Cannot drop below THB 400,000 during the year
- •Must return to THB 800,000 at least 2 months before renewal
Option 2: Monthly Income
- •Monthly income of at least THB 65,000
- •Must provide proof (pension statements, income affidavit)
- •Some embassies no longer provide income affidavits
- •May need to show 12 months of international transfers
Option 3: Combination
- •Combination of bank deposit and annual income totaling THB 800,000
- •Example: THB 400,000 in bank + THB 33,333 monthly income
- •More complex to document but offers flexibility
Types of Retirement Visas
Non-O Visa (90 days)
- •Initial visa valid for 90 days
- •Can be obtained inside or outside Thailand
- •Used to open bank account and meet financial requirements
- •Can be extended to 1-year visa
Non-OA Visa (1 year)
- •Applied for from home country only
- •Valid for 1 year with multiple entries
- •Requires health insurance
- •Requires criminal background check
- •Can stay up to 2 years with border bounce
Non-OX Visa (5 years)
- •5-year visa for nationals of 14 countries
- •Requires THB 3 million in bank or THB 1.8 million + income
- •Must have health insurance
- •Can stay up to 10 years with border bounce
Application Process
Inside Thailand (Non-O)
- 1.Enter Thailand on tourist visa or visa exemption
- 2.Open Thai bank account
- 3.Deposit THB 800,000 and wait 2 months
- 4.Apply for 90-day Non-O visa at immigration
- 5.After receiving Non-O, apply for 1-year extension
Outside Thailand (Non-OA)
- 1.Obtain criminal background check
- 2.Get medical certificate
- 3.Purchase health insurance
- 4.Apply at Thai embassy/consulate in home country
- 5.Receive 1-year multiple entry visa
- 6.Enter Thailand
Required Documents
For Non-O Application:
- •Passport with at least 18 months validity
- •TM.7 application form
- •2 passport photos (4x6 cm)
- •Bank letter and statements showing THB 800,000
- •Copy of bank book updated on day of application
- •Proof of address in Thailand (rental agreement, TM.30)
- •Application fee: THB 2,000
Additional for Non-OA:
- •Criminal background check (authenticated)
- •Medical certificate
- •Health insurance policy (minimum THB 40,000 outpatient, THB 400,000 inpatient)
Annual Extension Process
- 1.Apply 30-45 days before visa expires
- 2.Ensure THB 800,000 has been in account for 2 months
- 3.Update bank book on day of application
- 4.Get bank letter (same day as application)
- 5.Submit application at immigration office
- 6.Pay THB 1,900 extension fee
- 7.Receive 1-year extension stamp
Important Rules and Restrictions
- •90-day reporting: Must report to immigration every 90 days
- •Re-entry permit: Required if leaving Thailand (single THB 1,000, multiple THB 3,800)
- •Cannot work: Employment is prohibited on retirement visa
- •Address reporting: TM.30 must be filed within 24 hours of arrival
- •Bank account rules: Money must remain in account (see financial requirements)
Health Insurance Requirements
Health insurance requirements vary by visa type:
- •Non-O: Not required (but recommended)
- •Non-OA: Required - minimum THB 40,000 outpatient, THB 400,000 inpatient
- •Non-OX: Required - minimum USD 100,000 coverage
- •Must be from approved Thai insurance companies for Non-OA/OX
- •Coverage must be valid for entire visa period
Cost Breakdown
- •Initial Non-O visa: THB 2,000
- •1-year extension: THB 1,900
- •Multiple re-entry permit: THB 3,800
- •90-day report: Free (THB 2,000 fine if late)
- •Total annual cost: Approximately THB 5,700
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- •Stable long-term visa solution
- •Can bring spouse (dependent visa available)
- •Access to Thai banking and services
- •Can buy condominium in your name
- •Can get Thai driving license
- •Relatively straightforward process
Disadvantages:
- •Cannot work or run a business
- •THB 800,000 tied up in bank account
- •Must do 90-day reporting
- •Annual renewal required
- •Age restriction (50+)
Tips for Success
- •Start the process 3-4 months before you plan to retire
- •Use an agent for initial setup if unfamiliar with process
- •Keep detailed records of all financial transactions
- •Set calendar reminders for 90-day reports and visa renewal
- •Maintain good relationship with your immigration office
- •Consider joining expat retirement groups for support
- •Keep funds above minimum to account for exchange rate fluctuations
Conclusion
The Thai Retirement Visa remains one of the most popular and accessible options for retirees looking to make Thailand their home. While the financial requirements and regular reporting can seem daunting, the process is well-established and thousands of retirees successfully navigate it each year. With proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, you can enjoy a comfortable retirement in the Land of Smiles.