Answered2 years ago
What are the advantages of a one-year Non O retirement visa over a five-year DTV in Thailand?
I apologize for asking a question that has likely been posted many times before but can somebody briefly explain why a one-year non O retirement visa with multiple entry is better than a five-year DTV? Are you more scrutinized and/or more closely observed if you get a DTV? I’m still not certain of this. Thank you.
Answer summary
The discussion centers on the advantages of a one-year Non-O retirement visa over the five-year DTV visa. Key points highlight that the Non-O visa does not require the holder to leave Thailand, has less stringent documentation requirements for extensions, and provides more stability for long-term residency. In contrast, the DTV is viewed as a less suitable option with restrictions similar to a tourist visa, hindering capabilities such as legal residency year-round, banking, and obtaining a long-term driving license. Concerns about the uncertain future of the DTV visa are also expressed.
42 repliesnewest first
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Bob **********
Nobody knows what’s going to happen with the DTV it’s too new I’ve always thought that Thailand isn’t going to let you stay 5 years for a two month cooking class there already questioning people on there first bounces
Greg *********
@Bob *********
I agree. It doesn’t make sense on its face. I think it will be gone soon.Christopher *********
@Bob *********
they ask everyone questions on any visaBob **********
@Christopher ********
been here 15 years and never been asked anything and I travel a lotBob **********
@Doug ******
yes but I use monthly FTT transfers but for the first application you need 800k in a Thai bank or a financial statement if your embassy issues them
Doug *******
OP@Bob *********
Hey Bob this sounds great. So it’s just a “1-year extended stay permit based on retirement” with a “multi-re-entry permit” added on? If so, is the 800,000 TBH in a Thai bank still required?Bob **********
@Christopher ********
No visa 1 year extension based on retirementChristopher *********
@Bob *********
what visa do you have?Jim ********
LTR is the best visa to get.
Sean **********
@Jim *******
ehere in the US are you from Sailor. Thank you for your service!Doug *******
OP@Jim *******
Ha! Not familiar with that one. Please elaborate if you can spare the time. I will also research.
Dave **********
@Doug ******
Jim has posted the link and if you qualify it's great.Jim ********
@Doug ******
this is the Visa I have. It’s a 10 year Visa, no requirements to report every 90 days, no bank deposit requirements, and multiple entries. *********************
Doug *******
OP@Jim *******
I’ve been a songwriter forever. My lifetime income collectively was under $200,000 USD I think. 😬Jim ********
@Doug ******
here are the requirements: *******************************************************************************
Jim ********
@Doug ******
the wealthy pensioner LTR only has an income requirement. No investment requirement. Minimum unearned or passive income of USD 80,000 / year at the time of application

Doug *******
OP@Jim *******
Thanks but at first glance it appears some investment is required? I am currently unable to buy real estate or make any investment.
Gary *****************
Money not tied up in Thailand
Joseph *******
@Gary ****************
Well, other than needing 800k baht in a Thai bank.
Jason ******
@Gary ****************
if you're living in Thailand and make it home,that is not an issue to have your money here 🙏🏽Gary *****************
@Jason *****
but with a DTV you could basically do the same for 5 yearsJason ******
@Gary ****************
so if you're living here for 5 yrs it would be better to have your money here as well 🙏🏼
Keith ************
On a non O, you don't ever need to leave the country if you don't want to. While there are financial requirements, you don't have to provide any documents from a school or business when extending.
Karen *******************
How long is the retirement visa good for?
Phil *******
@Karen ******************
it's good for 3 months then you do an annual extension of stay.Joseph *******
@Phil ******
Doug, don’t be confused by this. The terminology changes a bit, but for all practical purposes, you just resubmit certain documents yearly & you’re good to go for another year on your retirement visa.Sean **********
@Karen ******************
renewable every year
John **********
DTV is a glorified tourist visa, you can't live inside Thailand year round like you can with a non-immigrant visa, you have difficulty opening bank accounts, you can't get a 5 year driving licence and so on
Doug *******
OP@John *********
THIS might be the info I needed to understand. I want to live in Thailand year round. Reporting every 90 days and renewing each year is okay with me.
Nongnuch ********
@Doug ******
you can't get a multi entry 1-year Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa any more. You need to enter Thailand with a 90-days single entry Non-Imm-O Retirement visa, and apply for the "1-year extended stay permit based on retirement" (which many people wrongly call "retirement visa" but which is NOT a "visa" but a stay permit stamp in your passport). For this "one-year stay permit" you then can buy a multi re-entry permit for 3800 Baht. For both the visa application AND the application to the 1-year Extension, you need to fulfill the financial requirements (EITHER a minimum of 800,000 THB in your bank account, OR an affidavit of income from your embassy in Thailand over a minimum income of monthly 65,000 THB) For the application to the 90-days visa, you can use money on your home country bank account, or original income proofs, however for the application to the 1-year Extension on Immigration inside Thailand,you will need money in your Thai bank account or the legalized affidavit of income. If your embassy doesn't issue it any more, you need the deposit method for the first year extensionDoug *******
OP@Nongnuch *******
Wow. Thanks for investing the effort for such a full explanation. 🙏
Alan **********
Type O is for a retired person.
DTV is for a work visa .
If I'm correct
DTV is for a work visa .
If I'm correct
John **********
@Alan *********
DTV is for digital Nomads working remotely. A Non-B visa is for work in ThailandChristopher *********
@John *********
you don't need a job for DTV soft power.Alan **********
@John *********
yesChristopher *********
Riccardo *********
@Alan *********
definitely DTV is NOT a work visa.Alan **********
@Riccardo ********
computer work , so I'm told .It's not posable to get a work visa on a O retirement Visa !
Alan **********
@Nongnuch *******
thanks for the clarification mateNongnuch ********
@Alan *********
you got your wordings crossed*** you can’t get a “work permit” on a “retirement visa”
*** a DTV is a tourist visa class, and you can’t get a work permit on it, nor can you open a bank account on a DTV
***a DTV only allows you to work online for a company outside of Thailand, but it still does not enable you to get a work permit for work inside Thailand
Bob **********
Roberto *********
@Alan *********
You can't get a work permit on a DTVActivity
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