This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I stay in Thailand from February to October before turning 50 with a retirement visa plan?

Thailand Visa Rules Retirement Visa Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)Banking in Thailand Expat Guide to Thailand Immigration Advice for Expats

Apr 29, 2026

2 days ago

Jeff *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’ve googled this and also looked at some posts in this site. If this has already been answered I apologize in advance. I turn 50 on October 30 2027 .I will have the money in wise account ($25,000) for the retirement visa and I have the monthly income requirement. I am willing to take Muy Thai classes and I was under the impression they are good for 9 months. Could I go in February and stay until October and I turn 50? Thanks 🙏

1,107

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is inquiring whether they can enter Thailand in February 2027, stay until their 50th birthday in October, and transition to a retirement visa after that. Various users recommend obtaining a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to stay up to 9 months, highlighting the need to have a bank account in Thailand for retirement visa purposes and discussing the financial requirements.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Oleg ***********

You can go until October and after change to retirement but your wise account doesn’t work, must open bank in Thailand and have the funds there.

a day ago

Jeff *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Oleg **********

this is the part I don’t understand. From what I heard they won’t let tourists open accounts… then how in gods name are we supposed to put money in an account 😂😔

a day ago

Reply to

Jeff *********

Wannikea *********

METV would be the visa for you to get you through to October

2 days ago

Greg ********

Sure. If changing to Retirement you will need to cancel the DTV first. You could probably do the 9 months on an Ed or even METV with planning.

2 days ago

Robert *******

You need a visa and a valid passport to stay 9 months in Thailand.

That you like to visit a gym has nothing to do with the fact if you can stay 9 months.

Do you still work or are you alreade retired?

If you work on-line a DTV valid for 5 years might be an option.

If you work in Thailand you need another type of visa.

2 days ago

Jeff *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

I will be honest. I have a traumatic brain injury and get social security benefits as I was assaulted 12 years ago. I worked hard all my life so I qualify for the monthly income amount. I am selling my house here in USA so I will have a million baht. I don’t wanna go to other countries and would like to just stay in Thailand but this is all so confusing for me

2 days ago

Urs ********

@Jeff ********

Jeff LeBlanc Apply for a "O" Non Immigrant visa at the Thai Embassy in your country. It will be good for 3 months. Then enter Thailand and open a Thai bank account, which you will get with this type of visa. Transfer 800,000 THB to this account. After it's in your account for at least 2 months, you can apply for the 1 year retirement visa. So put the money in the account as soon as you arrive in Thailand.

I used an agent in Bangkok who collected all the necessary documents from me. It cost me 250 USD but it was worth it. An employee of the agent accompanied me to the immigration in Bangkok, and he could use the fast track. No long waiting time. I got my first retirement visa within 1 hour.

2 days ago

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

@Urs *******

He's not 50 until October 2027 🙄

2 days ago

Urs ********

Anonymer Teilnehmer 300 okay thanks, I missed that. Yes of course you have to be 50+.

2 days ago

Reply to

Urs ********

Robert *******

@Jeff ********

Than I would say use the Multiple Entry Tourist visa, which makes ti possible to stay almost 9 months i section of 60 days.

Than a short stay outside Thailand to apply for the Non Immigrant O visa based on retirement once you get 50 years of age.

2 days ago

James ********

@Robert ******

Wise advice ✅

2 days ago

Jeff *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

ok I will do that. What do I need to do. I want to thank you and the group for helping me

2 days ago

Robert *******

@Jeff ********

After your arrival back in the US, you can apply using this website

***************************

2 days ago

Reply to

Robert *******

James ********

Get the METV multiple entry tourist visa. WITH planning it will get you up to 8 months stay in Thailand with 2 simple BORDER BOUNCES. Apply for it in your home country using the Evisa online application system.

2 days ago

Reply to

James ********

What is the best visa option for a 5-6 month stay in Thailand?

52 comments

a month ago

What are the best visa options for a 6-month stay in Thailand for someone over 50?

20 comments

4 months ago

What visa should I apply for before turning 50 while moving to Thailand with my husband who is applying for a retirement visa?

22 comments

10 months ago