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What are my long-term visa options for living in Thailand after retirement?

Thai Visa Options Education Visa Thai Language Learning Retirement Visa Elite Visa Long-Term Stay Digital Nomad Visa DTV Visa

Mar 18, 2025

16 days ago

KC ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi I am 45 and just recently retired. I want to live in Thailand full time. Are my options for a visa to stay long term just an education visa where I learn Thai for a year? 

Will I be able to renew this each year until I am 50?

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

If you're a recently retired 45-year-old looking to live in Thailand long-term, there are several visa options available to you beyond just an education visa. While you can obtain a Thai education visa for learning the language, it typically lasts up to 2 or 3 years, and you may need to show improvement in your language skills for renewal. Alternative options include the Thai Privilege Visa (Elite), which is costly but doesn't have age restrictions, and the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa), which offers a 5-year term. Establishing a business or finding a job can also secure a work visa, or you could consider marrying a Thai citizen as another route. Each option has its own requirements and ramifications, so weigh them carefully to find the best fit for your situation.

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Jamie ******

Education visas have a maximum of 3 years unless it’s a university course

Downsides of studying at uni is long holidays ,so hard to stay motivated

14 days ago

David **********

Thailand Privilege Bronze is the most economical for you until you reach retirement age.

I had Thailand Privilege Easy Access for a decade but the pricing went off the rails. Hubris and greed is the only explanation.

Just received my

@LTR **************************

for the next 10 years.

15 days ago

KC ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *********

it’s 900K THB hardly economical

15 days ago

David **********

@KC ***

I believe it’s only 650K for the Bronze tier. Technically a 5 year visa for a bunch of Baht with no other “privileges”. A friend just got a 10 year Privilege, unknown tier, for $40K all in through an agent.

I said it was the most economical visa for your circumstances, being under 50 years of age.

14 days ago

Reply to

David **********

Chris *********

Go to an agency and they will sort you out if you’re prepared to pay double

15 days ago

Nika ******

Following, exactly the same situation

16 days ago

Todd *********

@Nika *****

just buy a Thai privilege visa and enjoy

15 days ago

Nika ******

@Todd ********

I don’t need it that much haha! The price doesn’t justify it. Might as well wait for the retirement visa at 50

15 days ago

Reply to

Nika ******

Michael ******

You can do the year long language visa for 2 years, learn thai, then, japanese/english/chinese. However, if you go to university you can get 5 years. As others mentioned they will test your thai and you can not use english if you are already NES. Elite privilege visa is another option or just do the dtv. Its a 5 year visa.

If you plan on staying in Thailand long term you should definitely take a Thai class either way. Its like a whole new country once you can speak a good amount of Thai. Good luck

16 days ago

Paul *******

To renew for a second/subsequent year, Immigration may want to test that your Thai has improved to an acceptable standard. Get a one year Thai education visa and then try a different type of educaction visa.

16 days ago

Stuart *********

Some options.

Privilege visa (Elite). Costly but age not an issue.

DTV a five year visa that you can apply for as a digital nomad or through the soft power options of something like Muay Thai or Thai cooking classes or medical appointments.

Education visa. Thai language or Muay Thai. Good for probably max of 2 years.

Find a job here (or start up a company) and get a business visa and work permit.

Or marry a Thai or have a half Thai child. Granted these last two may be extreme, but they work for some.

16 days ago

Kristie *******

@Stuart ********

can I ask a simple (but prob repeatedly asked question ?)

15 days ago

Kristie *******

@Stuart ********

have requested you to message

Will try not to be a pain

Stuart *********

sure

Kristie *******

I have read a lot on this forum and I think prob I have been overloading and I did try and look on the old god of google … so I am trying in its simplest form ?

As I understand it I can at over 50 retire in Thailand permanently as long as two years prior I have $800,000 thb in a bank account ? Which needs to be there each time I renew - and this visa can be renewed indefinitely providing you meet the $$$ requirements and have health insurance ?

Would this include leaving and returning for visits home (Australia ) or to other countries ?

I don’t understand the two years bit and may have misread that

Will owe you a drink

15 days ago

Stuart *********

@Kristie ******

two months not years and that for the extension not the initial 90 day visa.

You can buy re-entry permits to allow for travel overseas.

15 days ago

Kristie *******

@Stuart ********

I did wonder - how I was supposed to live there for 2 years before applying !!

Is it ok to pm you

15 days ago

Stuart *********

@Kristie ******

yes

15 days ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

John **********

If you have the money your easiest option is the Thai Privilege visa. There's also the DTV but that is 180 days at a time and you can only extend once before you have to leave and return. You won't get 5 years out of an ED visa

16 days ago

KC ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

I think the elite visa is worth it for five years considering an education visa costs at least 120K THB for one year

16 days ago

Jordan *****

@KC ***

education. visa is not even half that sum. 60 k maximum.

16 days ago

Jim ********

@Jordan ****

for 5 years?

16 days ago

Reply to

Jim ********

John **********

@KC ***

plus you actually have to attend school and study. The elite can be worth it as you can just come and relax, do whatever you want

16 days ago

KC ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

and no income or savings requirements is a big bonus. The interest I earn on my uk savings would more than cover the cost of the visa for one year. Many thanks

16 days ago

Reply to

KC ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thanks I will research the privilege visa

16 days ago

Reply to

KC ****

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