Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the best visa options for retirees married to a Thai national who want to live in Thailand?

LTR visa retirement visa non-O visa marriage visa visa options for expats Thailand immigration long-term stay in Thailand financial requirements for visas

Feb 25, 2025

5 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm looking for a bit of visa advice.  My wife is Thai (dual Thai/US citizenship and dual passports).  We own a condo in Hua Hin and a few pieces of land, all of which are in her name since she's Thai.  We visit occasionally (just returned from a 6 week visit) and plan to return to our condo for about 6 months starting next January.  After that, we plan to visit more frequently and eventually we will probably want to live there permanently.  Oh yes, I'm retired and neither of us is concerned about employment in Thailand; we just want to live there.  Any suggestions regarding my visa?

1,401

views

5

likes

55

all likes

38

replies

0

images

10

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking visa advice as a retired expat married to a Thai national, planning to stay in Thailand long-term. Community members suggest considering the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa for a five-year stay and extensions, or the retirement visa if over 50 years old, which ties up 800,000 THB in a bank account annually and requires annual paperwork. The marriage visa is also an option but may involve similar financial commitments.

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.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Sean **********

Non O convert to Extension of Stay based on Retirement if you are over 50

Like

Reply

Us *****

Just pay an agent for a dtv. Makes life easy and you won't have to deal with it for 5 years.

Like

Reply

Bob **********

Non-o based on marriage

Like

Reply

Ernesto ********

So you have a Thai wife with a condo and land but don’t know what visa is best for you ? Cart before the horse

Like

Reply

Kent ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ernesto *******

Thai wife and US residency came long before the condo and land. Until Trump, thought we would probably just spend a few months in Thailand each year.

Like

Reply

Ernesto ********

I have been drinking.

Like

Reply

Sean **********

@Ernesto *******

of course you have been drinking. Kool Aid

Like

Reply

Ernesto ********

@Sean *********

glad you left.

Like

Reply

Sean **********

@Ernesto *******

I have not left. I will be back in the US to pay my taxes and apply for my Social Security and take care of my parents for 6-7 months and vote.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Sean **********

Reply

Ernesto ********

I actually am enjoying what Trumps doing. Great president

Like

Reply

Kent ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ernesto *******

You are obviously a moron. Or, possibly Russian?

Like

Reply

Ernesto ********

Russian

Like

Reply

Kent ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ernesto *******

Small difference. Russian is usually just a drunk moron.

Like

Reply

Sean **********

@Ernesto *******

he has destroyed America.

Like

Reply

Ernesto ********

@Sean *********

. You have your own self to blame for how your life turned out

Like

Reply

Sean **********

@Ernesto *******

My life is great. I have a wonderful wife and a wonderful son. Great Parents. Great family.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Sean **********

Reply

Craig ********

You must have a Thai bank account in your name only

Like

Reply

Nick **********

IF you qualify, then definitely apply for the LTR visa. Gives you 5 years, with 5 years extension if you still qualify and several benefits (tax, etc..)

If not, then "retirement" visa, yearly extensions.

If based on marriage (yearly extensions), there is a lower "money tied up in the bank" requirement, but more hassle with the paperwork.

Like

Reply

Kent ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nick *********

Thanks. Oh, do I need the bank account in my name? My wife has a long standing account where I transfer money periodically, but would that account qualify me?

Like

Reply

Joseph *******

Not for LTR visa, yes for most others. Marriage visa may work with joint accounts.

Like

Reply

David *****

bank account must be in your name and they've recently been making it harder to get one for those on a tourist visa

Like

Reply

Reply to

David *****

Reply

Martyn ***********

I'm assuming your over 50...? retirement visa is far less hassle than spouse visa. Though does tie up 800k in the bank.

Like

Reply

Michael ********

@Martyn **********

400, married to a Thai citizen.

Like

Reply

Kent ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Also, is it necessary to maintain the 800k in the Thai bank permanently?

Like

Reply

Graham ******

800k before applying for your extension and for 3 months after the extension was granted i.e. up to first 90 day report. Then it cannot drop below 400k for the remaining 9 months of the 12 month extension. If using the 800k method again for the subsequent extension then back to 800k 2 months before applying but many use the 65k monthly transfers from year 2 onwards by starting these monthly transfers the same time the 800k seasoning started for the first extension.

Like

Reply

Stuart ***********

if you start depositing 65,000 baht every month into your Thai account, for the second extension you should be able to extend using that as proof of funds and then withdraw the 800,000k.

Like

Reply

Martyn ***********

No it can used, but balance needs to 800k 2 months before extension of the visa.. Search the group for loads of info on the retirement visa.

Like

Reply

Kent ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Martyn **********

Thanks

Like

Reply

David *****

and 3 months after. You should be asking someone you know who is currently doing it

Like

Reply

Reply to

David *****

Reply

Kent ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I saw that the retirement visa is for one year. Is it difficult to renew?

Like

Reply

Stuart ***********

easy to renew, takes me on average less than 1 hour.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stuart ***********

Reply

Paul ***********

A marriage visa

Like

Reply

Reply to

Paul ***********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the best long-term residency options for expats in Thailand?

29 comments

7 months ago

What type of visa should I apply for as a retired expat with a Thai partner and freelance work?

10 comments

8 months ago

What is the best visa option for retiring in Thailand?

48 comments

8 months ago

What are the best visa options for a 74-year-old expat married to a Thai national wanting to move to Hua Hin?

73 comments

a year ago

What is the best path for a US citizen married to a Thai national to obtain Thai permanent residency or citizenship?

15 comments

a year ago

What is the best visa option for a couple over 50 planning to stay in Thailand for six months each year for two years?

42 comments

a year ago

What is the best visa option for someone planning to marry and live in Thailand part-time?

61 comments

a year ago

What are the best long-term visa options for an American expat wishing to live in Thailand?

115 comments

a year ago

What visa should I apply for after marrying a Thai citizen while my retirement visa is expiring?

43 comments

2 years ago

What are the best visa options for expats over 50 planning to split their time between Thailand, the US, and the UK?

3 comments

2 years ago

What visa options should I consider as a retired expat in Thailand with a Thai spouse and when should I renew?

56 comments

2 years ago

What is the best visa option for UK retirees planning to stay in Thailand for an extended period?

15 comments

2 years ago

What are the best visa options for a German married to a Thai national looking to retire in Thailand?

16 comments

2 years ago

What is the best visa option for retirees planning to stay in Thailand for six months?

16 comments

2 years ago

What is the best long-term visa option for a US expat married to a Thai national?

7 comments

2 years ago

What is the best long-term visa option for a 63-year-old US citizen married to a Thai citizen?

47 comments

2 years ago

What is the best visa option for a retired couple wanting to spend 3-4 months in Thailand?

14 comments

3 years ago

What visa options are available to a UK citizen married to a Thai citizen for long-term stay in Thailand?

6 comments

4 years ago

What is the best visa option for a retired person married to a Thai national who wants to spend 6 months in Thailand?

16 comments

4 years ago

What are the best options for getting a marriage or retirement visa in Thailand before my current visa expires?

15 comments

5 years ago

What types of visas are available for spending extended periods in Thailand as a 59-year-old expat with a Thai common law partner?

12 comments

5 years ago

What is the best visa option for an American married to a Thai citizen and living in Thailand?

22 comments

6 years ago

What is the best visa option for a long-term stay in Thailand while considering a Thai spouse's Indefinite Leave to Remain status?

0 comments

7 years ago

Which visa is better for a 59-year-old married to a Thai: a retirement visa or a marriage visa?

20 comments

7 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.