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Can I convert my DTV visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
Apr 8, 2025
a year ago
Kevin *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi would anyone know if its possible to convert from DTV to retirement visa.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, it is possible to convert from a DTV visa to a retirement visa in Thailand. However, you need to end your current DTV visa first, which cannot be done simply by exiting the country due to its 5-year validity and multi re-entry permissions. You must visit your local immigration office to ask about the specific requirements, which generally include having 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account and ensuring you have sufficient time remaining on your current visa. Applying for any new visa cancels the existing DTV 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.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Ricky ********
You need 800,000 in a Thai bank account.
Darren *********
Applying for any other visa cancels the DTV immediately.
Nongnuch ********
@Darren ********
wow, and you know this firsthand because some Immigration officer told you so? Or an agent? Or some guy sipping a Chang beer next to you?Darren *********
@Nongnuch *******
because there is a very clear message when you get the visa attached. I’m sure you read all the fine print and noticed it too.Nongnuch ********
@Darren ********
and I am VERY sure you cannot apply for a new visa, unless the visa or the stay permit you are currently on, has been cancelled or made voidDarren *********
@Nongnuch *******
so when you are on a tourist visa and apply for your O it cancels the tourist visa? I am glad you are sure, lots of people are sure and wrong at the same time.Nongnuch ********
@Darren ********
but well, you were right. And the admin confirmed it. The message attached to the DTV included a hint on how to get off the visa. As I have never had a DTV and just started reading in the DTV Facebook Group as soon as it started, this updated police order was unbeknownst to meNongnuch ********
@Darren ********
this is an exception from the rule, called "change of visa type", and only (!!) possible on Immigration inside Thailand. Not possible abroad or in your home country. Refer to the different "changes" on this Immigration website. The DTV is not mentioned under number 9, but an Immigration officer might accept it as the "tourist visa" from out of which he might allow you the "change". Check number 9, it refers to the "90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa" *******************************************
Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
John **********
Yes you can convert from a DTV to a retirement visa just the same as you can from any tourist entry. Visit your local immigration office and ask for the requirements but generally you will need 800k baht in a Thai bank account in your name only and between 15 and 21 days left on your current stamp depending on location to do so
Nongnuch ********
@John *********
I agree, too. Yet, it remains to be seen . . . . . . The DTV is NOT mentioned in the police order describing the "change of visa type" to a 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa, unless you define "tourist visa" regarding EVERY tourist visa class. Until now. I yet haven't read or heard about a DTV being used for the change (number 9 in the list). The police order requires you to start with a visa-exempt, with a tourist visa or a transit visa. The DTV is not mentioned. It remains to be seen if Immigrations will interpret it accordingly and accept such a changeJohn **********
@Nongnuch *******
that police order predates the DTV. It was specifically mentioned in the announcement of the DTV visa that was published in the Royal Gazette"Section 5 Aliens and their dependents who have been granted a special tourist visa (Destination Thailand Visa: DTV) and later wish to change the visa type or apply for a visa to temporarily stay in the Kingdom for other purposes may do so and the original special tourist visa (Destination Thailand Visa: DTV) shall be invalid. However, consideration of permission to change the visa type and to temporarily stay in the Kingdom for other purposes shall be in accordance with the criteria, methods and conditions set by the Immigration Bureau."
Kevin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
That’s why I’m asking, all relatively new.Nongnuch ********
@Kevin ******
try your Immigration. It's an open playfieldReply to
Nongnuch ********
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Graham ******
@John *********
Agreed as the DTV is classed as a tourist visaReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Nongnuch ********
Kevin Mason . . . It is a similar situation with a Non-Imm-O/A visa
*** it comes with a multi re-entry permit in the first year of the visa validity
That’s why you just cannot get it cancelled by simply exiting Thailand before the visa validity hasn’t expired
You would have to wait until the visa validity has expired. After that date, you have no more re-entry permit, so any stay permit that was stamped beyond this date, will become invalid upon exiting Thailand, and only at this point you are free to apply for another visa
*** It is exactly the same situation with the DTV, with the only difference that its visa validity is 5 years compared to the 1-year visa validity of a Non-O/A visa
*** it comes with a multi re-entry permit in the first year of the visa validity
That’s why you just cannot get it cancelled by simply exiting Thailand before the visa validity hasn’t expired
You would have to wait until the visa validity has expired. After that date, you have no more re-entry permit, so any stay permit that was stamped beyond this date, will become invalid upon exiting Thailand, and only at this point you are free to apply for another visa
*** It is exactly the same situation with the DTV, with the only difference that its visa validity is 5 years compared to the 1-year visa validity of a Non-O/A visa
Tin **********
No
Nongnuch ********
that could be very difficult, because the DTV visa validity is 5 years and it is multi re-entry included, which means that you just cannot invalidate it by exiting Thailand without a re-entry permit - you got one that is valid for 5 years as well! You need to be off a visa, or off a stay permit, in order to apply for another visa. You can ask your Immigration if they are willing to cancel your DTV or the re-entry permit that goes with it
Rick *********
I think you need to end your current visa. Then apply for a new one. So research how to end your current visa, re enter under a visa exemption and apply for retirement. Let’s see what others way more knowledgeable say? I am following for the knowledge?
Reply to
Rick *********
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