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Can a Retired Canadian Obtain the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?

DTV Visa Retirement Visa Destination Thailand Visa Visa Application Process Expat Life in Thailand Visa Requirements Health Insurance for Visas Thailand Immigration Policies

Sep 23, 2025

3 days ago

Gilles **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

DTV Visa for Retired Canadian – Is It Really Possible?

I’m a Canadian retiree (from Québec) and I’m currently looking into the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).

Some agencies told me it is *very easy* for a retiree like me to obtain this visa, but others say it’s *not possible* since the DTV is not meant for retirees. I would really appreciate hearing from people with first-hand experience.

* My profile: fully retired, no financial issues (very high investment income and bank assets, more than enough to qualify for any financial requirement).

* My goal: to stay in Thailand for several months every year without the hassle of making large deposits in a Thai bank like the O-A/O-X retirement visas require.

Here are my main questions:

1. Is the DTV visa truly possible for a retiree (50+, Canadian passport)?

2. Can I apply directly through the embassy/consulate myself, or do I absolutely need to go through an agency?

3. If you recommend using an agency, which reliable one would you suggest?

4. If I can apply on my own, what documents do I need to prepare (income proof, bank statements, insurance, proof of “activity” for DTV, etc.)?

5. Has anyone here already obtained a DTV as a retiree and could share their real experience?

Thank you very much for your advice! 🙏

— Gilles (Montréal / Québec, Canada)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A Canadian retiree is inquiring about the feasibility of obtaining a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). While some agencies suggest that it's an easy process for retirees, others claim it's not possible due to the DTV's intended demographic. Key concerns include whether retirees can apply directly without an agency, the required documents, and the overall experiences of those who have successfully obtained the visa. Responses indicate that, indeed, retirees may face limitations with the DTV and may find better options with visas tailored for such circumstances, such as the OA (Long-Stay) or LTR (Long-Term Resident) visa.

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.
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Anonymous ******************

Yes, you can use the DTV visa; however, you must meet the minimum requirements. Choose soft power. However, the DTV visa provides fewer benefits than the retirement visa.

3 days ago

Luit *****************

Anonieme deelnemer 413 and also for softpower calculate the cost of training for the periods you plan to be in Thailand.

Chances you will be checked when you enter the country are not high, but when you get checked while not having any soft power activity it might cause problems.

3 days ago

Anonymous ******************

@Luit ****************

No! They will not check, but your course must be 7 months or longer.

3 days ago

Luit *****************

Anonieme deelnemer 413 Sure there will be checks every now and then, why should they not check people with DTV visa?

3 days ago

Anonymous ******************

@Luit ****************

I've been in and out of Thailand with a DTV visa, and they never checked.

2 days ago

Luit *****************

Anonieme deelnemer 413 I drove my car a hundred times over the local speedlimit and got never fined, does that mean there are no speed checks?

2 days ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Helen ********

Look into the LTR wealthy pensioner if your finances qualify or the OA. Either may be more suited to your requirements.

3 days ago

Wannikea *********

The OA might work for you, the only real expense is mandatory health insurance, you can keep your money in Canada and squeeze 2 years out of this Visa without the need to extend in Thailand. At the end of the two years you could go back to Canada and apply for another OA. Rinse and repeat

3 days ago

James ********

@Wannikea ********

many people do exactly THIS...✅

2 days ago

Reply to

James ********

Greg ********

You cannot get the DTV based on retirement. You would have to go Soft Power or Workaytion. You can get the DTV over retirement age. This is where maybe agents are getting confused.

3 days ago

Pete *******

The OA has no Thai bank requirements. You use the funds in your home country bank account.

3 days ago

James ********

Correct ✅

2 days ago

Reply to

James ********

Anna *********

Didn’t you ask this before? The answer is still yes, no agent required, check with your embassy as to specific documents

3 days ago