Thailand Retirement Visa

Thailand Retirement Visa is one of the most applied visa types in Thailand.

Thailand attracts millions of tourists every year, but a massive number of foreigners decide to live or stay for long periods of time in Thailand. Anyone who wants to stay longer than 30 days needs some type of Thai visa.

Many foreigners stay in Thailand with either work visas, family visas, Thailand long-term residents visas, or retirement visas.

If you wish to spend your retirement in Thailand, this article will explain all the details of a retirement visa, including who can obtain it, the conditions, and which documents you need to present to get it.

Thailand Retirement Visa

A Thailand Retirement Visa, also called an “Extension of Stay based on Retirement,” is an extension of a non-immigrant O or OA visa rather than a standalone application. This long-term visa allows you to live legally in Thailand, often referred to as the Land of Smiles, while enjoying various conveniences. Key benefits of the Thailand Retirement Visa include a continuous stay of up to one year, the ability to obtain a re-entry permit for multiple entries and exits, annual renewability, and the option to renew the visa within Thailand without needing to leave the country.

Who Can Apply for Retirement Visa in Thailand?

To obtain a Thailand Retirement Visa, you will need to apply either within Thailand or from abroad. The following eligibility requirements must be met:

• Be at least 50 years old
• Hold a valid foreign passport
• Provide proof of residence in Thailand, such as a 6-month lease (demonstrated by a rental contract and recent utility bills)
• Meet at least one of these financial criteria:
  • Have a security deposit of 800,000 THB maintained for at least 2 months prior to application
  • Have a monthly income of at least 65,000 THB
  • A combination of both a monthly income of 65,000 THB and a security deposit of 800,000 THB

Thailand is a popular place for retirees to buy property in. If that is something you are considering, we recommend you to take a look at our Buying Property in Phuket, Thailand as a Foreigner – FAQ page where we try to answer all questions you might have.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Retirement Visa:

The following documentation is required:

• Proof of security deposit (bank book or passbook)
• A letter from the bank confirming the deposit was made at least 2 months before the application
• A letter from the embassy verifying a monthly income of 65,000 THB (if using monthly income)
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Medical certificate
• Proof of health insurance in Thailand with a minimum coverage of $100,000 or its international equivalent
• Additional documents may be required based on your nationality and current situation

If you’re applying for a Thailand Retirement Visa from within the country, you are not required to provide a police clearance, medical certificate, or proof of health insurance.

After meeting the eligibility criteria and collecting the necessary documents, follow these steps:

For applicants within Thailand:

1. First, apply for a Thai Non-immigrant O Visa.
2. Stay in Thailand for 60 days (or during the last 30 days of your Non-immigrant OA Visa).
3. Submit your documents to the Royal Thai Consulate or Embassy.

For applicants outside Thailand:

1. Apply for a 90-day non-immigrant O or OA visa at the nearest Thai embassy in your home country.
2. Once you have the non-immigrant O visa, book your flight to Thailand.
3. Stay in Thailand for at least 60 days.
4. During the last 30 days of your non-immigrant visa, apply to extend it through the Retirement Visa program.

For tourists applying within Thailand:

1. Make sure you have a valid tourist visa or a visa exemption.
2. Open a Thai bank account.
3. Visit the Thai Immigration Office to apply for a non-immigrant O visa.
4. During the last 30 days of your non-immigrant visa, apply for a 1-year extension to convert it into a Thai Retirement Visa.

Holding a Thailand Retirement Visa comes with specific guidelines that must be followed:

1. Renewing Your Thailand Retirement Visa: Your retirement visa can be renewed annually, provided you maintain the required funds in your bank account for at least three months before the renewal.
2. Re-entry Permits: To leave Thailand without invalidating your visa, you need a re-entry permit. This permit can be obtained at the nearest immigration office or at an international airport before departure. If you do not plan to leave Thailand during your stay, a re-entry permit is not necessary.
3. Reporting to Immigration: Every 90 days, you must report to the Thai Immigration Office, which can be done in person, online, or via mail. Alternatively, you can reset the 90-day period by leaving the country. If preferred, you can appoint a professional to handle the reporting process on your behalf through power of attorney.
4. Work Restrictions: Retirement Visa holders are not permitted to work in Thailand or obtain a Thai work permit.

How to Apply for Thailand Retirement Visa for Your Spouse

Applying for a Retirement Visa for your spouse follows a specific process. If your spouse is not a Thai citizen but meets all the eligibility requirements, they can obtain a Thai Retirement Visa. However, if they are under 50 or otherwise ineligible, they can still accompany you by applying for a Thai Dependent Visa. This dependent visa is renewable annually but will be canceled if you and your spouse get divorced.

To apply, your spouse needs a passport with at least 6 months of validity, proof of your relationship (such as a marriage certificate), and evidence that you can financially support them.

You can get more information through a law firm about Thailand Retirement Visa through link here; https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Retirement-Visa.php

Meet the Author

A. Nuno Isitemiz

With extensive expertise in Phuket’s property market and Thai property laws, as well as deep connections with local developers, Nuno co-founded one of the largest real estate agencies in the region. Recently, he launched his own venture, Storm Real Estate, specializing in a carefully curated selection of properties that meet his high standards. Unlike larger agencies where frequent staff turnover can disrupt client relationships, Nuno is committed to offering a stable, one-on-one experience with himself or a member of his team of experienced property consultants, from initial consultation through purchase and beyond. By prioritizing quality over quantity, he ensures that each client’s unique needs and budget are met, making dream homes a reality.

Contact Us

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions on the subject, or if you would like to know more about property in Phuket in general.