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Can you apply for a work permit while on a retirement visa in Thailand?
Jun 5, 2025
a year ago
Yeo **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, anyone know whether one can apply for work permit while on retirement visa?
TLDR : Answer Summary
You cannot apply for a work permit while on a retirement visa in Thailand, as this type of visa is work restricted. Users confirm that the retirement visa does not allow for any employment, and alternative options like applying for a NON-O business visa exist but may involve changing from the retirement visa.
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.
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Greta *****
Isn't the whole idea of retirement is to NOT work???
Dean ******
No chance
Andrew ********
You can apply for a Non-o Buinsness visa it will remove you off retirement visa.
I would keep your retirement visa
I would keep your retirement visa
Yeo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew *******
Thanks! Will check it outReply to
Yeo **********
Reply
Tom ********
No
Muchlis ********
No
Robert ********
No
Gregory ********
No
Phil ******
Paul ************
No work on a retirement Visa.
Yeo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ***********
noted. ThanksReply to
Yeo **********
Reply
Brandon ************
In order to apply for a work permit, you must be on a non-work restricted visa/extension. The retirement visa is work restricted, so you cannot apply for a work permit while on that type of stay.
Yeo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
noted. ThanksReply to
Yeo **********
Reply
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