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Are there any exceptions to the age requirement for the retirement visa in Thailand?

Thailand Retirement Visa Visa Requirements Non-O Visa Diversity Visa (DTV)Thai Privilege Visa Expat Immigration Options

Apr 11, 2025

3 days ago

Kris *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Retirement visa question.

Are there exceptions to the age (I believe it’s 50) with the retirement visa? 

I have a set income monthly that more than meets the financial requirements of the visa that isn’t a “working” income. But I’m 43 years old. Does anyone know if there are any exceptions or any other options for me to look into? 

Not looking to work in Thailand. Would love to stay at least one to 5 years, if not longer depending on visa options. I just haven’t found anything that fits with situation yet. 

Any advice?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Thai retirement visa generally requires applicants to be at least 50 years old, with no exceptions to this age requirement. However, individuals under 50 who can demonstrate sufficient financial stability might explore alternatives like the Diversity Visa (DTV) for potential long-term stays, though this typically allows shorter renewals. Other options could include purchasing a Thai Privilege Visa for extended stays or engaging in specific activities that could support visa applications.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Drew *********

Yes, DTV is the answer. If you have money in the bank, you can either get into a small class, which does not have to last for all of the years the visa is good for, or you can give evidence you have some form of online work.

2 days ago

John **********

If you're retired and not working and under 50 your options are limited. You could purchase a Thai Privilege visa and kick back and relax, comes in 5 year multiples. You could sign up for a soft power activity and apply for a DTV, but that only gets you 180 days at a time, albeit over a 5 year period.

3 days ago

Brandon ************

There are no exceptions for age as far as retirement visa goes. The primary requirement is age 50 or above.

But even many people on retirement visas are switching to the DTV. So that will get you the 5 years you are looking for.

3 days ago

Jesper *******

@Brandon ***********

just curious why does ppl on retirement visa want to switch to DTV? For retirement u don't need to border bounce every 180days

3 days ago

Khun *******

@Jesper ******

I’m pretty sure with retirement visa you need 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account and the visa isn’t cheap either.

3 days ago

Graham ******

@Khun ******

All Extensions of Stay cost 1900B so a 12 month extension is the "cheapest" you can get as it works out at less than 160B per month

2 days ago

Jesper *******

@Khun ******

yes I have been on retirement extensions for the last 3yrs renew every year with 1900baht that's why I'm curious why would one change to DTV?

3 days ago

Khun *******

@Jesper ******

because you don’t need 800,000 Thai baht in the bank I’d say and it’s only 10,000 baht for 5 years.?

3 days ago

Jesper *******

@Khun ******

yes I do agree but how many border bounce u going to do in 5yrs? To is own liking well I still prefer to hold on to my non O and will be changing to the 65k/mth method and hence unlock the 800k

2 days ago

Reply to

Jesper *******

Kris *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

That one requires a large amount in the bank already though right? Or am I getting that mixed up with another one.

3 days ago

Darren *********

@Kris ********

you are mixed up. DTV is less in the bank than a retirement visa. And can be in your home bank rather than needing a Thai bank account.

3 days ago