The Thailand Retirement Visa is a type of Non-Immigrant Visa that allows foreign nationals aged 50 and above to reside in Thailand on a long-term basis. It provides longer stays and greater stability than standard tourist visas, giving retirees the opportunity to enjoy more of the country’s lifestyle and culture while maintaining a comfortable and affordable standard of living.

Depending on the specific type, permitted stays range from a few months to up to 10 years, with some visas also serving as a pathway to permanent residency.

Types of Retirement Visas in Thailand

The term ‘retirement visas’ actually covers three different visa types: Non-Immigrant O, OA, and OX. We will cover them in more detail below, but essentially, an O visa is a temporary visa necessary to apply for one of the longer-duration retirement visas; the OX is a longer-term version of the OA that is offered only to select countries.

(90-Day) Thailand Non-Immigrant O Visa

The Thailand Non-Immigrant O Visa, also known as the 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa, is a short-term option available under several categories, including business, study, investment, and retirement. For those planning to retire, it is often used to enter Thailand before applying for the 1-Year Retirement Visa from within the country.

The visa is valid for 90 days and can be extended for an additional 7 days, but it does not provide a direct path to permanent residency.

(1-Year) Thailand Non-Immigrant OA Visa

The Thailand Non-Immigrant OA Visa, also known as the 1-Year Retirement Visa, is the most common choice among retirees. It offers a straightforward route for settling in Thailand and, unlike the 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa, it can eventually support an application for permanent residency.

While it provides stability, it must be renewed annually if you wish to continue to live in Thailand.

(5-Year) Thailand Non-Immigrant OX Visa

The Thailand Non-Immigrant OX Visa, also known as the 5-Year Retirement Visa, is a multiple-entry visa available only to citizens of certain countries. It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed once, allowing a stay of up to 10 years.

Although the eligibility requirements are stricter, this visa offers the benefit of long-term stability and fewer renewals, making it a more convenient option for those who qualify.

Eligibility Requirements for the Thailand Retirement Visa

To qualify for any type of retirement visa, you must be at least 50 years old. Beyond that, the requirements vary by visa type.

(90-Day) Thailand Non-Immigrant O Visa

To be eligible for the 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa, you must provide proof that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Thailand. This can be shown in one of the following ways:

A security deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, held for at least 2 months before the visa application
A monthly income of at least 65,000 THB
A combination of the security deposit and annual income totaling 800,000 THB

(1-Year) Thailand Non-Immigrant OA Visa

The 1-Year Retirement Visa has the same financial requirements as the 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa, which means you must meet one of the following:

A security deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, held for at least 2 months before the visa application
A monthly income of at least 65,000 THB
A combination of the security deposit and annual income totaling 800,000 THB

On top of the financial requirements, you will also need to provide:

Proof of health insurance coverage
A medical certificate, confirming that you are free from the prohibited diseases outlined in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535)
A police clearance certificate, confirming that you have no criminal record

(5-Year) Thailand Non-Immigrant OX Visa

The 5-Year Retirement Visa comes with stricter financial requirements compared to the other retirement visa options. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following:

A deposit of 3,000,000 THB in a Thai bank account
A deposit of 1,800,000 THB in a Thai bank account plus an annual income of 1,200,000 THB. Within 1 year of entering Thailand, you must show a total deposit of at least 3,000,000 THB in a Thai bank account

You are also required to submit the following documents:

Proof of health insurance coverage
A medical certificate, confirming that you are free from the prohibited diseases outlined in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535)
A police clearance certificate, confirming that you have no criminal record

Eligibility for the 5-Year Retirement Visa is also limited to nationals of the following countries:

Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA)

How to Apply for the Thailand Retirement Visa

The process of securing a Thailand Retirement Visa depends on whether you are applying from your home country or from within Thailand, as the steps required will change based on where you submit your application.

Applying for the Thailand Retirement Visa in Your Home Country

You must submit the required documents to a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or country of permanent residence. Once your application is approved, you can collect the visa there and use it for legal entry into Thailand.

But keep in mind that not all Thai Embassies or Consulates are authorized to issue the 1-Year Retirement Visa. If this is the case, you will need to complete your application from within Thailand.

Applying for the Thailand Retirement Visa in Thailand

The 1-Year Retirement Visa cannot be applied for directly in Thailand. Instead, it is converted from the 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa through one of two methods:

Applying Through a 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa: You must first apply for a 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country. After entering Thailand, you need to remain in the country for at least 60 days before filing your retirement visa application at the immigration office, or apply during the last 30 days of your current permit to stay.
Applying As A Tourist: If you entered Thailand under the Visa Exemption Scheme or with a Tourist Visa, you may apply for the 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa and then convert it to the 1-Year Retirement Visa at the immigration office, provided you meet the requirements for both visas.

For the 5-Year Retirement Visa, the process is significantly simpler. Regardless of whether you had entered with another visa or under the Visa Exemption Scheme, you can apply directly at the Immigration Bureau.

Obligations of Retirement Visa Holders in Thailand

While both the 1-Year Retirement Visa and the 5-Year Retirement Visa fall under the same category, they do not share many of the same obligations, except for the following:

90-Day Report: You must notify the immigration office of your current residential address every 90 days. This can be completed in person, online, or by mail. If you are outside Thailand when the report is due, the 90-day count restarts when you re-enter the country.
No Employment: You cannot work in Thailand under a retirement visa. Violations may result in fines, visa cancellation, and possible deportation.

The obligations for renewing or maintaining your visa will differ based on the type of retirement visa:

1-Year Retirement Visa: You can renew this visa annually by meeting the same requirements as the initial application. However, the required bank funds must remain in your account for at least 3 months before renewal.
5-Year Retirement Visa: While the visa is renewed every 5 years, you must report to the immigration office once a year to confirm continued eligibility and submit updated supporting documents.

Alternative Long-Term Visas for Retiring in Thailand

If you are considering options beyond the 1-Year Retirement Visa or do not qualify for the 5-Year Retirement Visa, you can explore two other long-term visas. These visas offer longer validity and added benefits, giving you more flexibility in planning your retirement in Thailand.

Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa

The Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa) is available in four categories, including one specifically for retirees. It provides a 10-year valid visa with a renewable 5-year multiple-entry permit, along with benefits such as expedited immigration processing at airports and annual reporting to the immigration office instead of the standard 90 days.

With fewer immigration obligations to manage, the LTR Visa is considered an attractive option for retirement in Thailand.

Thailand Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa is available through a membership program that offers stays ranging from 5 to 20 years. Other than providing a multiple-entry visa, members also benefit from privileges such as complimentary healthcare services, spa treatments, airport assistance, and access to exclusive deals and discounts, all of which aim to make life in Thailand as rewarding as possible. For retirement, this visa stands out as one of the most convenient options for those seeking a long-term stay with added lifestyle privileges.