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What are the best long-term visa options for a retiree moving to Thailand?

retirement visaOA visaNON-O visaThai visa optionslong-term stay in ThailandThai immigration rulesexpat advice in Thailand
Mar 13, 2024
8 months ago
Sean ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Could I get some good advice please. I see so many post that turn into arguments and bad information from those selling the short cut to get around the system. I have been coming to Thailand every year for 10 yrs with my thai partner who owns a house here. We live in the US primarily. While I was working I came in on a 30 day visa on arrival. She would stay longer. This time a 60 day tourist as I retired. Next year we are thinking longer term stay. O or OA? I'm also over 50yrs. Monthly income or 800K in bank is not an issue. Which is easier to get with less hassle?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand for a retiree who has been visiting for several years. Suggestions revolve around the OA visa, which allows for a one-year stay with health insurance, and the NON-O visa, which can also lead to long-term residency through extensions. The conversation emphasizes the ease of obtaining these visas provided financial requirements are met, such as having 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Carsten **********
You can get a one-year spouse visa at the Thai Embassy in the US with a multi-entry permit. You can apply every year for a new one in your country of (prime) residency. Once you decide to stay longer and oftener in Thailand, you apply for an 'Extention' of the visa you got in the US. Very simple, and very straightforward.
8 months ago
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Sean ********
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@Carsten *********
 not married.
8 months ago
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Carsten **********
@Sean *******
 should also work for a retirement visa, but better check for the details.
8 months ago
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Sean ********
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@Carsten *********
 thanks
8 months ago
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Sean ********
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Marty *********
I had an OA for 6 years. If you are planning to retire here and live full time then I would recommend getting a 90 day O visa. After 90 days you apply for 1 year extensions of stay. It is identical to extensions of stay from an OA but without the insurance requirement.

Extensions of stay require the 800,000 baht in a Thai bank. Do you already have a Thai bank account? If not then that seems to be the hurdle for most people.

I switched from an OA to a 10 year pensioner LTR obtained through the Thailand Board of Investment. The LTR requires insurance and you have to have an $80,000/yr passive income. If you are interested in this then check it out on the BOI website.
8 months ago
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Sean ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
 that sounds like the path to travel. I have insurance in the US that covers me abroad but I'm sure thai immigration would beg to differ with to many hoops to jump. I don't have a thai bank account yet. Might try that game with my thai partner with me to see if we can pull it off.
8 months ago
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Paul ********
@Sean *******
 Just be aware that the definition of insurance that "covers me abroad" may not be what you think.

All hospitals in Thailand maintain a list of insurance companies approved to make direct payments to the hospital.

If your insurance company is on the list, happy days.

But if not, you will be required to pay your bill yourself, usually in full. Then you wait, and hope that your company reimburses you.
8 months ago
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Marty *********
@Sean *******
 Definitely bring her with you
8 months ago
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Marty *********
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Brandon ************
If you are just planning on doing a long stay anywhere from 3 months to 2 years, then the OA visa is probably easier. That's because it won't require you to do anything in Thailand. You would apply for the visa from the Thai embassy in the US, showing money in your US bank account, and receive a 1 year multiple entry OA visa. This does require health insurance though. But when you arrive in Thailand with your visa and health insurance you'll be stamped in for 1 year, and each time you enter during the 1 year validity of the visa, you'll be stamped in for 1 year (or until the end of your insurance).

So if you buy a brand new year of insurance right near the end of your visa, and then leave and re-enter Thailand, you'll get another year, giving you about 2 years in total without ever having visited an immigration office.

If you want to live in Thailand longer than that, the regular non-O is probably the better option.
8 months ago
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Sean ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oh, I got it. That makes since.
8 months ago
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Sean ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I have US based insurance that will cover me, but I doubt I can get the certificate to appease thai immigration. The OA might be the choice.
8 months ago
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Bob **********
@Sean *******
 just apply for the non-o in the US that will give you time to open a bank account which is much easier on a non-o visa get the 800k in the bank your name only and immediately start your monthly deposit of 65k+ from a foreign bank and you’ll be fine
8 months ago
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Sean ********
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@Bob *********
 got it. But... am I alittle confused with a retirement o visa. Do you need both 800k and show 65k a month coming in?
8 months ago
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Sean ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can do both but I thought one or the other. Or was that the retirement visa. Damn they make things confusing.
8 months ago
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Graham ******
@Sean *******
 The first year is 800k for a US passport then subsequent extensions can be the 65k method but you have to start this during the first year to get your second extension as well as maintaining at least 400k from yopur initial 800k for the final 7 months
8 months ago
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Bob **********
@Sean *******
 no but after the first year you can use the 12 consecutive months of foreign transfer and you do not need the 800k
8 months ago
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Bob **********
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Sean ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I ment O.
8 months ago
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Roy *********
The retirement visa with 800k in the bank is the easiest for you I think.
8 months ago
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Roy *********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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