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How long can I stay outside Thailand on a retirement visa?

Retirement Visa Thai Visa Rules Re-entry Permit Visa Extensions Long-term Stay 90-Day Reporting Expat Life in Thailand

Sep 12, 2025

3 days ago

Gary *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I received a retirement visa, how many month are you allowed to be out of thailand ?

I don’t fancy 12 months a year in thailand. but possibly 8 months, with 4 months in Europe. 

TIA 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A retirement visa allows you significant flexibility regarding your time spent in and out of Thailand. You can technically spend up to 12 months outside of Thailand or even only one day, as long as you keep your visa and re-entry permit valid. Key points to consider include obtaining a re-entry permit before leaving and being mindful of the visa's expiry for extending your stay.

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.
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Greg ***********

I am living on the 12-months retirement extension since 17 years. I spend 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in Europe. I keep the 1-year stay permit active with a single re-entry permit which I always buy on Immigration for 1000 THB right after getting issued the extension stamp

2 days ago

Corey **************

@Greg **********

man, I've got a lot to learn... I want to stay long term in Thailand, but don't know which visa to get.

2 days ago

Greg ***********

@Corey *************

if you are over 50 years old and able to put a minimum of 800,000 THB (23,000 USD) into a Thai bank account in your sole name, you can start with the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa and in Thailand apply for the 1-year extension of the stay permit based on retirement in the E-Visa online system of the Thai diplomatic institution in your home country. . That's what I did 17 years ago and I every year I apply for a new 1-year extension of the stay permit, fulfilling the 800,000 THB deposit requirement. The annual fee is 1900 THB, and a single re-entry permit is 1000 THB

a day ago

Robert ********

@Corey *************

Look at the governments page. All are listed there with their requirements.

a day ago

Reply to

Robert ********

Robert *********

Just do multiple entry tourist visa good for up to 9 months per year

2 days ago

Brown ********

All you need is a re entry permit mate. You could return to the UK the day after you get your extension and return a day before with the permit

3 days ago

Mark ********

@Brown *******

I just did that. Got my extension Sept. 8th and I’m now in The Netherlands. Gave me my re-entry permit while getting my NonO extension. I have a year before I have to return. Extension good until September 10th 2026.

2 days ago

Albert *******

@Brown *******

spot on!

2 days ago

Reply to

Albert *******

Todd *********

You can stay 12 months or zero. No limits either way. The visa permits you to enter or stay Thailand until the expiry date

3 days ago

Paul *******

what about the 90 day reporting if the online system doesn't work?

Steve *******

What about it?

Derek *************

If you leave Thailand then re-enter, your 90 day reporting period starts again. Re-enter day is day one.

2 days ago

Reply to

Derek *************

Incognia **********

@Paul ******

when out from thailand no need to report.When you back to Thailand starting new one

3 days ago

David *****

@Incognia *********

do you need to get a reentry stamp upon departing? Thx.

15 hours ago

Reply to

David *****

Steve ***************

I do 5 months in Thailand each year, 5 months in South West France and two months in Vietnam without issue.

3 days ago

Gary ********

@Steve **************

that sounds like a nice existence. Happy with all three locations. What months are u where?

2 days ago

Steve ***************

@Gary *******

May through end of September, France, Vietnam and Thailand flexible. This year, my time in Vietnam will be split between Phu Quoc and HCMC. My time in Thailand split between Koh Chang, Hua Hin and Jomtien.

2 days ago

Gary ********

@Steve **************

I've been in jomtien for three years. But currently I'm back in Scotland looking after my dad who is 94. I like koh chang. Not so much Hua hin. When I get back I'll split my time between Thailand, Danang and Cambodia. I'd like to visit Japan too

2 days ago

Steve ***************

@Gary *******

Japan was too expensive for my meagre pension to afford. Hua Hin/Cha Am area has grown on me over time. I have tried a number of condos in Jomtien and Na Jomtien in recent years. View Talay 2B, Laguna 2 behind Rompho Market, Seven Seas Cote d'Azure and Lumpini Park Beach. Each had its pros and cons, but LPB was a good all round fit.

2 days ago

Gary ********

@Steve **************

I was in the soi of the night market for two years and Jomtien beach condos for the rest of the time.

a day ago

Gary ********

Steve Kelly Photos Japan would merge in to South Korea. Only for a month or six weeks and ideally in the winter months. I get enough heat in South East Asia

a day ago

Reply to

Gary ********

Corey **************

@Steve **************

question, do you just find new places to live each time, or do you go to your homes, friends, families, etc...?

3 days ago

Steve ***************

@Corey *************

I have been restoring this French farmhouse for the past 20-years. I go there to avoid the worst of the rainy season in South East Asia. In Vietnam and Thailand I have explored different locations, typically renting apartments or condos via Airbnb for the duration of my trip. I have a storage unit in Thailand where I store my personal household items, this allows me to travel lightly, yet turn any new condo into a comfortable home.

3 days ago

Jan **********

@Steve **************

curious how you can stay in France for 5 months.

3 days ago

Steve ***************

@Jan *********

I have a French residency permit. Carte de Sejour.

2 days ago

Robert ********

@Jan *********

One can live outside of the US.

Surprised?

2 days ago

Jan **********

@Robert *******

thanks for your condescension . I was referring to the Schengen rules.

2 days ago

Robert ********

@Jan *********

Yes?

Took us an hour of getting the documents ready for my wife to get her Schengen visa plus 10 minutes in the embassy.

What did you mean?

a day ago

Todd *********

@Steve **************

love the restoration project!!

3 days ago

Corey **************

@Steve **************

man, that's incredible beautiful! Thanks for the reply. Seems like I will be doing similar, except household items will be stored here in Dallas. Exploring areas and countries til I find me place.

3 days ago

Steve ***************

@Corey *************

best of luck finding your dream location.

2 days ago

Reply to

Steve ***************

Brandon ************

You're not required to be in Thailand at all.

When you say a year, I assume you are talking about the 1-year extension, not the visa, as you are not clear. But with all extensions, you just need to purchase a re-entry permit before leaving, and be back before the extension expires so you can apply for the next extension. You could spend 1 day in Thailand per year applying for the extension if you wanted.

3 days ago

Gary *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Brandon Thurkettle

Sorry, I’m talking about the 1 year extension, renewable each year.

Looks like I can leave and come back with no issues.

Thanks 🙏

3 days ago

Gábor **********

@Brandon ***********

NON-O is an extension, NON-OA is a visa.

Steve *******

Incorrect

Gábor **********

what?

Steve *******

The Non Immigrant O visa is NOT an extention, It's a 90 day visa.

2 days ago

Reply to

Steve *******

David *******

@Gábor *********

Wrong. Do your research. BOTH are visas, and BOTH can be extended

3 days ago

Gábor **********

@David ******

no reason to extend the NON-OA, then the NON-O much easier. I use the NON-OA, because I can use it for 2 years.... And then a new NON-OA again for 2 years.

3 days ago

Reply to

Gábor **********

Brandon ************

@Gábor *********

that's not correct at all.

A visa is a VISA. That is used for entering Thailand.

An extension is an extension, it does not have a visa type because it's NOT visa. The stamp in the passport says "extension of stay" because it's not a visa.

You can apply for an extension of a non-OA visa based on being over 50 (retirement). You can apply for an extension of a non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement). Once you're on an extension you're not on any visa. You're on an extension based on a specific reason.

3 days ago

Gábor **********

@Brandon ***********

true, I make ALWAYS new NON-OA visa to use it for 2 years, extended only once during the COVID19.

3 days ago

Brandon ************

@Gábor *********

that's the correct way to use a non-OA. Never have to deal with immigration or worry about money in Thailand.

3 days ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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