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

Do I need to secure a job in my home country before retiring to Thailand and working remotely?

Retirement Visa Non-Immigrant B Visa Work Permit Remote Work Digital Nomad Visa Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Jan 28, 2026

3 months ago

Phil ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I want to retire to Thailand but maybe work remotely fo I need to get the job for 6 months in my country of residence beforehand?

This one seems a lot more difficult to get than the standard retirement visa, but I’d like to keep the option open for working 

Non-Immigrant B Visa (Business/Work

Any advice please ?

415

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

If you're considering retiring in Thailand while possibly working remotely, a traditional retirement visa will not allow you to work. To work in Thailand, you generally need a Non-Immigrant B visa, which requires sponsorship from a Thai company. Alternatively, you might explore the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) tailored for remote workers, which could suit your situation better.

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.

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 DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Dylan ********

Look into Destination Thailand Visa or DTV for short. for digital nomads and remote workers. Sounds like it would be a good fit for you.

3 months ago

John **********

To get a Non-B visa you need a company in Thailand to sponsor your and they would also need to get you a work permit.

A retirement visa doesn't allow you to work at all.

If you want to work remotely from Thailand then you basically have 2 options, either a DTV based on Workation or an LTR Work From Thailand Professional, but the latter is probably not applicable in your case

3 months ago

Reply to

John **********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the best visa options for a couple planning to move to Thailand with one working remotely and the other retired?

34 comments