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Should expats over 50 switch from a retirement visa to the DTV visa in Thailand?

DTV VisaRetirement VisaThailandVisa ChangeExpats over 50Visa RequirementsLong-term StayFinancial RequirementsRemote WorkCultural Soft Powers
Apr 11, 2025
2 days ago
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
The 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?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around the benefits and drawbacks of expats over 50 in Thailand considering a switch from a retirement visa to the new DTV (Digital Nomad Visa). Some participants argue that the DTV requires ongoing proof of work or activity and comes with stricter financial requirements, making it less convenient than the retirement visa, which allows for an indefinite stay without needing to leave the country. Others highlight the DTV's flexibility for those who travel frequently for remote work. Participants express concerns about future changes to visa rules and financial requirements.
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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!
a day ago
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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.
2 days ago
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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!
a day ago
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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.
2 days ago
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Dany ********
i would NEVER ever switch from

a retirement visa to a dtv.
2 days ago
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Peter *********
@Dany *******
 How long you got until you get one?
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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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!
a day ago
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Anonymous ******************
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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🤔
2 days ago
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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.
a day ago
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Peter *********
@Nelson *****
 No there's not a requirement to show it every 6 months. I wasn't asked anything on my re entry.
a day ago
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Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks that's good to know
a day ago
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Nelson ******
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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😂
a day ago
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Kim ***********
@Sam ****
 yes that was my thinking 😁
a day ago
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Kim ***********
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Paul *******
I did really pleased
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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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).
a day ago
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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.
2 days ago
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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’s
a day ago
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Sam *****
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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.
2 days ago
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Chris *********
Anonymous participant 979 that's not true, you can get it if you have a pension you don't have to work
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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Chris *********
Anonymous participant 979 if you have a pension you're not tied to work are you?
2 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
@Chris ********
 Yes, you're tied to a soft power! That's exactly what I'm saying 🙄
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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George *******
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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.
2 days ago
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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 🙏
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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Greg ********
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Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Allan *************
 are any of the visas safe from change?
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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AllSabai ******
@Nelson *****
 retirement visa have had no chages for super long time

Rules and requirements are well-known and understood
2 days ago
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AllSabai ******
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James *********
im not 50 but im retired can i use it
2 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
@James ********
 no you can not. You have to be at least 50 years of age to be granted a retirement visa
2 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 371 learn to ready he said he’s retired and asking if he can use DTV
2 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 519 *Read
2 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
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Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ********
 over 50s can apply for either.
2 days ago
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Nelson ******
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Anonymous ******************
I think you’re far safer on a retirement visa
2 days ago
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David **********
Anonymous participant 371
*****
00% agreed 👍
2 days ago
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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!)
a day ago
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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.
a day ago
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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!
a day ago
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Anonymous ******************
@David *********
 that’s right. It’s all down to personal preference.
a day ago
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David **********
Anonymous participant 371 Have a great weekend.
a day ago
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David **********
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Jim ********
Anonymous participant 371 Safer? 😂😂
2 days ago
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Anna *********
@Jim *******
 No I’m not I’m talking about both. Glad you’re happy with it but that doesn’t make me wrong 🍆
a day ago
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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 years
a day ago
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Anna *********
@Jim *******
 repeating yourself doesn’t change anything 🤣🤣
a day ago
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Jim ********
@Anna ********
 Read what you said and then try not to deny it 😂😂😂
a day ago
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Jim ********
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Tore *********
@Jim *******
 definitely, as its a real long term resident visa. Not a multiple entry tourist visa as DTV is….
2 days ago
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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?
2 days ago
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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! 😂
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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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 this
a day ago
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Tore *********
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
a day ago
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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!
2 days ago
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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
a day ago
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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 day
2 days ago
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Jim ********
@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!
a day ago
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Jim ********
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Christopher ***********
Anonymous participant 371 Agree!
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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Christopher ***********
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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.
2 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
@J.P. ********
 agree
2 days ago
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Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@J.P. ********
 yes and?
2 days ago
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Anonymous ******************
@Nelson *****
 More complicated (if ongoing workation) and more expensive (if ongoing activity).
2 days ago
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Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous 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.
2 days ago
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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 O
2 days ago
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Anna *********
@Nelson *****
 Don't go through an agency and save 90k over 5 years
2 days ago
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Nelson ******
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)
2 days ago
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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 🤣
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 979 is the DTV extension done once every 5 years?
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous 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.
2 days ago
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Nelson ******
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