Answereda year ago

Should I apply for an LTR Visa before arriving in Thailand?

LTR Visa Thailand Immigration US Passport Retirement Visa Bank Account Requirements Expats in Thailand

Sam *********

asked May 12, 2025

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I am starting "the process" to live full-time in Thailand.

I plan to:

1. arrive in Thailand from the US in June, 

2. stay two months with a friend near Udon Thani, 

3. Go back to US for August to finish up with getting a house caretaker.

4.In September, Return to Thailand  for a long time.

Question?......

For step 1 should I still arrive in a US Pasport and apply for an LTRVisa while Im there?👀

OR Apply now for ?something? on their website before step 1?👀

I don't have the 800k yet, but pull over 100k baht/mo pension.  They should let me open an account right?  Ill have the 800k easily in less than a year. 

I appreciate any information on this.  Thanks.

Answer summary

The poster is planning to move to Thailand and is seeking guidance on the visa application process. They can apply for an LTR Visa upon arrival in Thailand or consider alternative options. Requirements for a retirement visa include proof of income and bank deposits, which may affect their ability to open a bank account. Commenters highlight income requirements and suggest the retirement visa might be feasible if the poster meets certain criteria.

13 repliesnewest first

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Paul *******

You cannot get the retirement visa based on income until you can show 12 months of deposits into a Thai bank account 65,000 baht per month).

a year ago

Sam *********

@Paul ******

What visa do I use during the 12 consecutive months of 65,000+baht/mo deposits?

a year ago

Dana *******

@Sam ********

Non-O visa + 800k on a Thai account + 1 year extension...

a year ago

Paul *******

@Sam ********

*******************************************************************

Based on my personal experience I would NOT use an agent.

a year ago

Tom ********

Why Udon Thani and have you met this 'Friend' in person before, there are many visa options, if you are over 50 then a retirement visa would probably be the easy way if you meet the requirements. opening bank accounts is no longer easy so maybe use the services of an agent.

a year ago

Sam *********

@Tom *******

Thank you.

69, on u.s. social security + savings

+ house w.no mtg.

Yes, retirement visa

My question..

Apply retirement visa BEFORE I VISIT in June? OR. Arrive in bkk on regular u.s. passport and THEN apply for retirement visa?

And...

Is it accepted all over Thailand, and never a legal hassle to use an agent to assist re:bank accounts, etcetera?

Thank you very much for your time.

a year ago

Pete *******

To retire on the LTR you need passive income of 80k USD.

a year ago

Soeren **********

@Pete ******

*****

THB in income or 800,000 baht in a thai bank

a year ago

Marc *****************

@Soeren *********

I’m confused? Is a direct deposit of 3500 usd social security money sufficient? Other sources say in addition to the 800k Thai baht account?

a year ago

Sam *********

@Marc ****************

If you have 800k.baht in bank, then I think you only need $1900usd/mo. I have also heard if you have more monthly, they might let you slide on having the whole 800k.baht in bank. Maybe just 400k with 3k monthly? I don't know. I hope someone can sort us out and confirm or not.

a year ago

Sam *********

@Soeren *********

Yes, for 69 on soc.securoty US. About 100k baht/mo but only about 10k for the 800k baht in a Thai bank.

Which visa to stay long term and get married?

and...

It's accepted?... and not a hassle to use an agent for the 800k baht?

Thank you for any info.

a year ago

Pete *******

@Soeren *********

nope, he is talking about the wealthy pensioner LTR visa and NOT a Non O based on retirement.

a year ago