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Should expats over 50 switch from a retirement visa to the DTV visa in Thailand?
DTV VisaRetirement VisaThai ImmigrationVisa TypesExpat Life in ThailandFinancial RequirementsVisa Extensions
Apr 11, 2025
a year ago
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTERThe DTV provides incredibly good value for an over 50-year old wishing to stay in Thailand. How many of you on retirement visas have changed over to the DTV?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation revolves around expats over 50 considering whether to transition from retirement visas to the new Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand. The DTV is viewed by some as a flexible option that eliminates the need for maintaining significant funds in a Thai bank account, while others express concerns about its uncertain future, seemingly higher financial requirements, and potential complications related to work verification. Many participants advocate for the stability and familiarity of the retirement visa, citing its convenience and lack of mandatory border runs. Overall, opinions are mixed, reflecting differing priorities such as flexibility versus security.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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- 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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Anonymous ******************
Stay on the retirement visa, I turned 50 in October, had been border running for 5 year waiting to get the retirement visa then they brought out the dtv, I thought my prayers had been answered. I'm in kuala lumpur now doing an in/out because wasn't easy to extend in immigration and border run companies wanting 6500bt for a bounce at borders. I'm considering giving up(if possible) the dtv and just going onto a retirement visa, no leaving thailand to extend every 180 days!
Mj *******
Anonymous participant 966 Did you use an agent? what kind of cost?
Anonymous ******************
@Mj ******
I did the dtv visa while in the uk, just finished my 1st 180 days, I'm now in kuala lumpur for a few days then be going back to ThailandMj *******
Anonymous participant 966 ah right. Sorry I thought you said you are on a retirement visa now. I read it wrong.
Reply to
Mj *******
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Tore *********
Im only using DTV to bridge to retirement. Retirement visa way way more convenient if above 50. No need for exits. DTV is a tourist visa after all.
Anonymous ******************
@Tore ********
A non-O is still a temporary stay. If you don't wish to leave Thailand it's the best. I travel a lot so the DTV is by far the better option, both cost-wise and the fact for the next five years I don't need to go to an immigration office! That's the cream on the top!Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Paul ********
Yes, wife (dependent) and I (workcation) switched from Non-O retirement to DTV's. Much better fit for us. No need to move 800K each to Thai bank, no visits to IO and no extra cost for multiple entry. We usually come and go a fair bit vs. staying in TH for years.
Dany ********
i would NEVER ever switch from
a retirement visa to a dtv.
a retirement visa to a dtv.
Peter *********
@Dany *******
How long you got until you get one?Dany ********
@Peter ********
more than 10 years 🤣🙈 the retirement visa is a lot more robust and sophisticated. not a tourist visa. no need to leave the country.Anonymous ******************
@Dany *******
For those happy to sit in Thailand forever the non-O is better. Many retirees travel frequently and the DTV works out so much cheaper and has the extra bonus of never having to attend a pedantic immigration office! It's a winner!Dany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 461 the DTV will cause the retiree so much headache down the line because you allways need to scare scrutiny, more checks, etc… he/she would probably not have ongoing activity for the DTV and that will cause an issue at some point. While the retirement visa is a solid longterm solution and is also seen as that by authorities / locals. the DTV is a tourist visa and you need to be ready for changes and scrutiny. and how is the DTV cheaper? a re-entry permit is 1k baht and most retirees do not leave and come back all the time 😅 and then the financial proof. with the retirement visa you can just pay an
agent if you dont have the 800k sitting in your bank ;)
agent if you dont have the 800k sitting in your bank ;)
Mj *******
@Dany *******
I thought they stopped the agent thing for not having 800k in the bank now? Or is that not correct?Reply to
Mj *******
Reply
Kim ***********
One of the soft power inclusions is dental so would booking a dental appointment for when u come back be sufficient for them to let u pass🤔🤔 food for thought🤔
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kim **********
they say that the initial application should be accompanied by 6-months of soft power classes but I'd like to know whether there is a similar requirement every 180 days or each time you enter Thailand.Peter *********
@Nelson *****
No there's not a requirement to show it every 6 months. I wasn't asked anything on my re entry.Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks that's good to know
Reply to
Nelson ******
Reply
Sam *****
@Kim **********
you need to show you still meet the requirements of the visa every 6 mths within the 5 year period. So I guess dental work every 6 months would tick that box theoretically. And you would have beautiful teeth😂Kim ***********
@Sam ****
yes that was my thinking 😁Reply to
Kim ***********
Reply
Paul *******
I did really pleased
Keith ************
With a retirement visa, you don't ever have to leave Thailand. Extending a DTV is a new process and we're still finding out how difficult or easy it will be. The monetary requirements are 800k vs 500k. If you extend a DTV in country, you'll still have to have 500k banked. Or, you'll have to leave the country.
For someone who can easily prove remote work and travels some, DTV might be a great choice. It's 5 years.
For someone living here who doesn't want to travel, the retirement route is well-worn and you pretty much know what to expect. You can easily buy a multiple re-entry permit if you travel.
And I am also concerned that the retirement financial requirements will change, but hopeful they will grandfather (an appropriate term here) those who are on it.
For someone who can easily prove remote work and travels some, DTV might be a great choice. It's 5 years.
For someone living here who doesn't want to travel, the retirement route is well-worn and you pretty much know what to expect. You can easily buy a multiple re-entry permit if you travel.
And I am also concerned that the retirement financial requirements will change, but hopeful they will grandfather (an appropriate term here) those who are on it.
Paul *******
@Sam ****
Well, all I know is that the OX is available through some consulates only and that I understand there is a health insurance requirement. Other than that, a 5 year stamp and just the need to make 90 day reports but otherwise having no other interactions with immigration (my understanding is, it's also a multiple entry visa) and considered a long term visa too, is far superior to the DTV, for those aged 50 and over. This is assuming you're able to apply for it, in your home country or another location where it's offered. I understand it is only available to a small number of nationalities such as Australians, Americans and a few western European countries.The DTV is fine for those with existing Thai bank accounts who come and go every few weeks or months, have businesses abroad and have a need to travel to take care of those companies while spending their time living and working in Thailand remotely (likely being married to Thais).
Paul *******
@Keith ***********
The OX retirement visa is the best - you get stamped in for 5 years and have many more advantages over a DTV holder, who is simply a long stay tourist who receives almost no advantages over a visa exempt visitor.Sam *****
@Paul ******
serious question. Can you please give me some examples of the advantages. Just got my O A. So hard to find info on these visa’sReply to
Sam *****
Reply
Karsten ********
I am 49, and I choose DTV Soft power Medical... Appointment for dentist already proof enough. After 15 Years work permit and marry visa, this is the best so far.
Steven *********
Following
Bouros *******
@Karsten *******
at what consists thr medical soft power please?Just say that you are having treatments like with dentist?
Karsten ********
@Bouros ******
not for me but others did, I had eye surgery.Bouros *******
@Karsten *******
so just one treatment is enough to have your visa delivered?Karsten ********
@Bouros ******
you need a treatment plan, just use the search function, the question is answered many times already. I have a 90 day treatment plan with the hospital.Reply to
Karsten ********
Reply
Katja *********
Am I right in thinking the Retirement visa requires you to hold your lump sum money in a Thai bank account but DTV is foreign bank account?
Brandon ************
@Katja ********
kind of. For the initial application both will accept foreign bank accounts. For extensions in Thailand the retirement visa money must be in Thailand but DTV extension officially says it will accept in Thailand or foreign. There are reports of some immigration offices only accept a Thai bank account for DTV extensions though.Greg ********
@Katja ********
The 800k does not have to be there 12 months in practice. More and more we are seeing the DTV 500k for extensions being asked to be in Thai bank and it can be difficult to get one.Katja *********
@Greg *******
but the 800k needs to be in a Thai bank account?Greg ********
@Katja ********
Yes for RetirementKatja *********
@Greg *******
ah, okReply to
Katja *********
Reply
Andrew ********
Just a glorified tourist visa... It may say valid for 5 years however I don't think it will last. especially Muai class...... Work DTV fair enough you are earning money.....
Jim ********
@Andrew *******
People have been spreading this bs since day one, but nothing is happening. The visa is five years. Immigration cannot cancel a visa issued by MFA. Sure, they can be "difficult" for extensions, which is why DTVers are border bouncing each 180 days.Anonymous ******************
@Jim *******
The ones who decided to make the extension process difficult in Thailand, as you mentioned, are the ones controlling the borders. I understand your point about the changes to the DTV, but immigration makes its own rules independently of the DTV. Those who try to play the system by holding a Muay Thai DTV but only enrolling for a month may possibly run into issues. The ones having ongoing work/activities will be fine.Jim ********
Anonymous participant 979 The ones controlling the borders don't give extensions! I've been out and in FIVE times since I've had the DTV. Never encountered one problem at all! It's a beauty
Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
Peter *********
@Jim *******
He is another salty expat always angry at something. Should go back home.Reply to
Peter *********
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Anonymous ******************
You're still officially tied to a work or activity. The day you'll have to prove it, it may be complicated or more expensive than your retirement visa. That's already the case when extending in Thailand.
Chris *********
Anonymous participant 979 that's not true, you can get it if you have a pension you don't have to work
Anonymous ******************
@Chris ********
I have never said you have to work... I said you are tied to a work OR soft power activity. You will still be tied to one or the other.Chris *********
Anonymous participant 979 if you have a pension you're not tied to work are you?
Anonymous ******************
@Chris ********
Yes, you're tied to a soft power! That's exactly what I'm saying 🙄George *******
Anonymous participant 979 Which has an ongoing cost or supposedly has and for part of or all of five year duration of the visa.
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@George ******
that is unclear to me because the DTV conditions stipulate enrolment in a soft power course for, a suggested, minimum of 6 months to secure the visa but there is no mention of having to keep this up at every 6-month cycle.Reply to
Nelson ******
Reply
Allan **************
Why would you change to a new visa that the rules may change for it and it only lasts 5 years then you will have to go back to a retirement visa or something else if they stop the DTV .And if they up the financial requirements for a retirement visa in a few years but grandfather the older visas your going backwards. But each to their own.
Donna ************
@Allan *************
that’s a lot of what if’s .. nothing is guaranteed but best to live in the moment and not bog down with what if’s 🙏Allan **************
@Donna ***********
That's why I wouldn't in change to many if^s in the Dtv and the 800,000. 400,000. Not a lot of money so just leave there and forget about it.Greg ********
@Donna ***********
Exactly so why change. The only big reason for many to change is if they want to work legally in a remote role. The DTV allows that while the retirement does not. The main reason I hear for changing O Retirement to DTV is 500k as opposed to 800k.Dany ********
@Greg *******
you can work remotely under any visa. even the dtv states „work prohibited“. working remotely isnt seen as work in thai law terms… there also has never been a publice case where someone got problems for working remotely under TR, Exemption, Elite, Marriage, Retirement, ED, etc.. Co-Working spaces wouldnt exist and get raided all the time ;) lolGreg ********
@Dany *******
It is not legal to work remotely on the Retirement O. Your point has been made for years and just because there is not widespread convictions or the law applied consistently does not change that fact. ByeDany ********
@Greg *******
so we have a valid argument that is holding upfor years and never been debunked as wrong. and on the other hand we have what? a law text? no. just interpretations. the law text regarding work is very generalized in thailand. and my argument is strengthened by the fact that DTV also states „work prohibited“. :) maybe you have an official source that states that remote work is work in thai law/understanding and that this is prohibited under all those named visa types :)
Paul *******
@Dany *******
It's not. "Employment prohibited" means employment prohibited. There is nothing to prevent anyone from working remotely on any visa. Just that the DTV is best for those staying long term in Thailand, who are remote workers, but you could in theory be on another visa and work remotely too.Greg ********
@Dany *******
Not even going to discuss it. It is still technically illegal under Thai law. The fact you had the throw in the straw man of the DTV is illuminating. I have discussed this with lawyers. The law was written before the notion of remote work and has not been updated. Your argument has been pisited for years and is still utterly wrong. So bye bye - not interested in your amateur views!Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Allan *************
are any of the visas safe from change?Greg ********
@Nelson *****
True but as he said above. The current holders are usually grandfathered in. I doubt very much even with a rule change the O Retirement will ever be stopped. I do not have same faith in DTV unfortunately. I certainly hope it is here to stay as it is a great visa if used fit for purpose.AllSabai ******
@Nelson *****
retirement visa have had no chages for super long time Rules and requirements are well-known and understood
Reply to
AllSabai ******
Reply
James *********
im not 50 but im retired can i use it
Anonymous ******************
@James ********
no you can not. You have to be at least 50 years of age to be granted a retirement visaAnonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 371 learn to ready he said he’s retired and asking if he can use DTV
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 519 *Read
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James ********
over 50s can apply for either.Reply to
Nelson ******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
I think you’re far safer on a retirement visa
David **********
Anonymous participant 371
*****
00% agreed 👍Anonymous ******************
@David *********
I've switched and I don't feel any less "safe". So much nonsense being spread by people (probably those who got knocked back for a DTV!)David **********
Anonymous participant 461 Each to there own my friend. Whatever works and feels good to the person applying. I'm married, got 2 grown daughters and a wife here. I've been here 21 years, and got a Thai solicitor as a business partner etc, so I'm only coming from my personal experience.
Anonymous ******************
@David *********
Yes. My personal experience puts the DTV as the far superior visa for my situation. And I don't feel any less "safer" for it!Dany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 461 if you have an ongoing activity then the DTV is excellent… everyone on a one-time muay thai class or other not ongoing soft power will have to fear scrutiny and checks down the road. it is what it is.
Anonymous ******************
@David *********
that’s right. It’s all down to personal preference.David **********
Anonymous participant 371 Have a great weekend.
Reply to
David **********
Reply
Jim ********
Anonymous participant 371 Safer? 😂😂
Anna *********
@Jim *******
wrong again. You were rude to the other contributor who you assumed didn’t travel just sat around being a sad old sod because they didn’t agree with youJim ********
@Anna ********
And I'm probably right. Lots of expats have no zest for life! 👍Tore *********
@Jim *******
pretty sure I travel more that you 😉. Pretty clear what kind of lowlife you are, having be nasty make a weak argument. And so what for those that don’t like traveling? Makes you feel superior because you live your life differently? What a nasty personality…..
Jim ********
@Tore ********
I was stating the best visa for a regular traveller. I don't know your reasons. Mine are clear. DTV is more cost effective, and there's no requirement to attend an immigration office for five years. That's what I'm saying. You have different reasons but don't state what they are, which kind of goes against the grain of an advice thread, wouldn't you think? 😂Tore *********
@Jim *******
i did state the (obvious) reasons in another comment in this thread. As did many others 🤷🏻♂️Jim ********
@Tore ********
All you said was "no need for exits" which implies you don't travel much, whereas I do, so I agree that for people who just want to sit in Thailand, the non-O is better, whereas for regular travellers, the DTV is cheaper and doesn't require visits to immigration and doesn't require 800,000 baht to be sitting in a Thai bank account earning 1% interest! 👍Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
Anna *********
@Jim *******
so rudeJim ********
@Anna ********
How is it rude? I don't want to mislead people in this thread. The DTV is easy to get if you satisfy the criteria, and very easy to bounce out and in on. I've done it so many times with no problem. For some reason you have issues with someone doing it so easy. I guess you were denied?Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
Anna *********
@Jim *******
No I’m not I’m talking about both. Glad you’re happy with it but that doesn’t make me wrong 🍆Jim ********
@Anna ********
You're talking about initial application and in-country extensions. Meet the criteria for initial application, and do border bounces, and you're good for five yearsAnna *********
@Jim *******
repeating yourself doesn’t change anything 🤣🤣Tore *********
@Jim *******
and she’s absolutely correct 🤷🏻♂️ You have a bizarre way arguingJim ********
@Tore ********
She's correct, but what she's arguing for are the two things which don't affect most DTV holders, which is embassy criteria and in-country extensions. The DTV beats the non-O by a mile for regular travellers. For those (probably like yourself) who is happy to sit and stagnate in Thailand for the rest of your life the non-O is the best. But never forget some people still have zest for life!Tore *********
@Jim *******
why you have to be so nasty? Your parents didn’t teach you manners? I travel in and out of Thailand often, id still take the retirement visa if I could. For obvious reasons that seem to just fly over your head 🤷🏻♂️
Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Tore *********
@Jim *******
definitely, as its a real long term resident visa. Not a multiple entry tourist visa as DTV is….Anonymous ******************
@Jim *******
yes, it is. A retirement visa is safer and more secure because it’s been around for years and the rules are clear and stable. Immigration officers are familiar with it, so the process is smoother and more predictable. The DTV visa is still new, so things could change or be interpreted differently over time. Any arguments against that?Jim ********
Anonymous participant 371 My argument is there are absolutely no indicators from the government that the DTV will change. They are still being issued daily in their hundreds. The only indicators have been from salty expats on Facebook 😂. By the way, immigration have a habit of making changes to the non-O just about every year or two! 😂
Tore *********
@Jim *******
they are completely different visas. One is a resident visa, the other a multiple entry tourist visa that requires exits and complicated extensions, and up for more scrutiny at immigration entry as its being abused allot.They aren’t comparable, completely different purposes.
Anonymous ******************
@Tore ********
I've been out and in four times since I got the DTV. Never an issue. So much stupid speculation over the DTV. Best visa ever, selling like hot cakes, it won't change anytime soon. I've switched from non-O, best thing I did. If it goes belly-up in five years I'll move back to non-O. No idea why do many of you are sweating over thisTore *********
Anonymous participant 461 so have I, but that doesn’t change anything 🤷🏻♂️. I would take retirement visa if i could any day over DTV. Unfortunately don’t qualify yet
Anonymous ******************
@Jim *******
what makes you think people are bitter? I’d take a retirement visa over a DTV if I could! But I have to work with what I currently have due to my age and status!Anonymous ******************
Each person has a different situation. I switched from non-O to DTV and it suits me brilliantly. Easy to get, and cheaper to run, and for five years no need to attend an immigration office. For me, it's a no-brainer. Your situation is probably different
Anna *********
@Jim *******
have you seen all the differences with people applying at different embassies and all the carry on when trying to extend in country It is far riskier to turn into a nightmare depending on the dayJim ********
@Anna ********
You're talking about initial application. If you meet the criteria you've got the visa for five years. Agreed a border bounce is a better option that an extension. The reason I got the DTV was specifically to AVOID immigration. I travel a lot so I'm bouncing in and out continually, and it's not just the one day bounce, I'm out for weeks at a time. Absolutely BRILLIANT visa!Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant 371 Agree!
Anonymous ******************
@Christopher **********
I’ll be using the DTV for now in my mid 40s so it’s what makes sense for now because I’m not married neither do I have children, but as soon as that’s finished, I’ll be close to 50 and definitely be switching to a retirement visa then.Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant 371 Until recently I hadn’t been outside of Thailand for six years. Non-O Retirement plus extensions is the way to go if you don’t want to travel internationally.
Reply to
Christopher ***********
Reply
J.P. *********
You'd have to end your retirement and work remotely for a company or train in thai cultural soft powers, like cooking or muai thai.
Anonymous ******************
@J.P. ********
agreeNelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@J.P. ********
yes and?Anonymous ******************
@Nelson *****
More complicated (if ongoing workation) and more expensive (if ongoing activity).Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 979 I don't know about that. DTV is 10k, Muay Thai 6-month course is 20k and I believe you only need to pay these once every 5-years/DTV so a total of 30k for 5 years. A retirement visa would cost, if going through an agency, 30k for year 1 and 15k for every renewal. So for 5 years of retirement visaa that's 90k. Personally I would use an agency so that my funds are earning interest elsewhere and easily accessed.
Dany ********
@Nelson *****
pretty sure there will be random checks about ongoing activity in the future and then your one-time muay thai course is insufficient… but up to you :)Greg ********
@Nelson *****
You are comparing apples and pears here. You are comparing agent costs without the 800 k for retirement against ground floor DTV costs. Of course if you travel frequently add on re-entry of 4k per year for OAnna *********
@Nelson *****
Don't go through an agency and save 90k over 5 yearsNelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Anna ********
but leaving 800k baht in a non-interest bearing Thai bank account will lose you 24k baht/year (assuming 3% interest rate savings)Anna *********
@Nelson *****
you really don't like that not everyone thinks the DTV is ideal for them and prefer to stay on the "retirement" option 🤣Anonymous ******************
@Nelson *****
You can't extend a DTV visa in Thailand without an ongoing activity. So you'll need to renew your activity if choosing to extend here with immigration. So far, people are doing border runs to avoid showing it again but there is no guarantee this would last or would save you from a random check.Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 979 is the DTV extension done once every 5 years?
Anonymous ******************
@Nelson *****
There is still no information about what would happen for the ones who are done with their 5-years. The extension I'm talking about is the one you do after 180 days if you don't want to leave Thailand.Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 979 I'm fine with leaving before the 180 days and if I can get a 5-year visa at today's prices that would suit me over the prices for a retirement visa for the same number of years.
Reply to
Nelson ******
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