Answered2 years ago
What are my long-term visa options for living in Thailand after retirement?
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
Will I be able to renew this each year until I am 50?
Thanks
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
Downsides of studying at uni is long holidays ,so hard to stay motivated
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
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.KC ****
OP@David *********
it’s 900K THB hardly economicalDavid **********
@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.
Chris *********
Go to an agency and they will sort you out if you’re prepared to pay double
Nika ******
Following, exactly the same situation
Todd *********
@Nika *****
just buy a Thai privilege visa and enjoyNika ******
@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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Kristie *******
@Stuart ********
can I ask a simple (but prob repeatedly asked question ?)Kristie *******
Stuart *********
@Kristie ******
sureStuart *********
@Kristie ******
yesKristie *******
@Stuart ********
I did wonder - how I was supposed to live there for 2 years before applying !! Is it ok to pm you
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.
Kristie *******
@Stuart ********
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
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
KC ****
OP@John *********
I think the elite visa is worth it for five years considering an education visa costs at least 120K THB for one year
Jordan *****
@KC ***
education. visa is not even half that sum. 60 k maximum.
Jim ********
@Jordan ****
for 5 years?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 wantKC ****
OP@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 thanksKC ****
OP@John *********
thanks I will research the privilege visaActivity
13 joined13
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