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What are the advantages and disadvantages of a retirement visa versus a marriage visa in Thailand for expats?

Thai Visa Retirement Visa Marriage Visa DTV (Digital Nomad Visa)Tax Residency Visa Requirements

Jul 2, 2025

10 months ago

Bas **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

DTV, retirement or Marriage  visa? We're planning to spend our time between Thailand and Europe. Advantages / disadvantages?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around choosing between a marriage visa and a retirement visa for expats planning to split their time between Thailand and Europe. Key points include the complexity of paperwork for the marriage visa versus the straightforward nature of the retirement visa, which requires a larger initial bank deposit. Additionally, participants note that spending more than 180 days in Thailand may lead to tax residency implications. Overall, the consensus leans towards the retirement visa being easier to manage.

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Ho ******

DTV if you meet the requirements.

Non-O marriage is a pain in the a...

Non-O retirement blocks 800k

10 months ago

Betty *********

If you spend over 6 months ( 180 days)you become a tax resident. Take that into account when you're choosing your visa. Retirement is probably easier.

10 months ago

Bas **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok thank you for your explanation. For the upcoming years, I won't spend more than 180 days anyway. I suppose that the standard retirement visa is most likely the easiest solution.

10 months ago

Bas **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Betty ********

any idea if I have to pay tax on a DTV?

10 months ago

John **********

@Bas *********

it will depend. First you need to spend 180 days or more in a tax year inside Thailand then if you bring income into Thailand you might have to pay tax on it depending on your personal situation and whether the source of your income has a tax agreement with Thailand

10 months ago

Betty *********

@Bas *********

no sorry, but easy to find online.tip , join "ASEAN NOW. " It's very complete all in one. You will get expert advice from real experts. You have the idiots of course but top left chose your question example , travel Thailand, health, banking, tax.Visas. There are bonafide doctors too. One helped me really well!

10 months ago

Reply to

Betty *********

Bas **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Betty ********

txs. That's why I stay less then 180 days😀

10 months ago

Betty *********

@Bas *********

pS ,also. I love having 2 good seasons in the year.

10 months ago

Betty *********

@Bas *********

there was no way I was going to declare everything I have back home. I would never become a tax resident anywhere but my homeland where I profit from the very best nearly free healthcare, I trust my bank, my pension , and all the advantages. I would not give that up.

I've always spent around 5 months in Thailand and rented. In the days of yore I used the double entry visa, and since the 60 day exempt plus 30 days easily done at immigration. Then I leave, I think I know well the rest of S E Asia having stayed multiple times since 1984, usaly at least 10 days or more, and then re entering for another 2 months. That once a year . Never had a problem personally and have never broken any rules. Choose your visa, or not, wisely.

10 months ago

John **********

@Betty ********

there is absolutely no need to declare anything in Thailand other than income you bring in to the country in a year where you are a tax resident

10 months ago

Betty *********

@John *********

do you know yet the limit of how much you can bring in tax free? It's not for me, under 6 months is plenty time. My uncle is still not sure whether to go ahead with the care home . It is quite costly starting at 800 000 Baht a year ( not expensive compared to the west ) but as you age the costs rise. That money would enter Thailand by his bank . Not forgetting health insurance.

10 months ago

John **********

@Betty ********

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

10 months ago

Bas **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Betty ********

same here. Netherlands is not perfect but very solid and well arranged

10 months ago

Reply to

Bas **********