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What are the differences between the Retirement visa and the DTV visa for moving to Thailand?

Retirement Visa DTV Visa Visa Comparison Thailand Immigration Long-term Resident Visa Non-O Visa

Jun 22, 2025

a day ago

Mart *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, 

Apologies if this has already been answered but I couldn't find it. 

I'm 51 and moving to Thailand in January with my wife who is under 50.

Both would qualify for the DTV visa but I can obviously qualify for the 'Retirement' visa. 

Can anyone point me in the direction of a site/ document etc which compares these visas and or offers alternatives if there are any. 

Thanks in advance for the information.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around visa options for a couple moving to Thailand, particularly focusing on the Retirement visa for the husband over 50 and the DTV visa for the wife under 50. Suggestions include checking embassy resources for detailed comparisons, opting for a Non-O visa for advantages such as banking services, and considerations regarding financial requirements for dependents. There is also mention of the Long-term Resident Visa as a potential option.

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Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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Jonas ********

Hmm, if i get the DTV visa, and want my wife and 3 kids to follow, do all 5 of us then need to have 500.000THB each in our account?

19 hours ago

Wannikea *********

@Jonas *******

the main DTV holder can provide a sponsorship letter, but I recommend the main holder have plenty of cash to show, depending on the age of the children, you'll need at least a million baht to show financial stability and independence. The Thai economy wants your money.

11 hours ago

Reply to

Wannikea *********

Jim ********

If you qualify for the

@LTR **************************

that’s the way to go.

21 hours ago

Mart *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jim *******

thanks Jim. It's that the Non O visa?

12 hours ago

Wannikea *********

@Mart ****

no, it's the LTR visa

11 hours ago

Reply to

Wannikea *********

Ho ******

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

a day ago

Ho ******

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

a day ago

Mart *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ho *****

thanks for this.

a day ago

Reply to

Mart *****

Jesper *******

Get a nonO for yourself and check with your local embassy for dependents visa for your wife...if not available then u get DTV for your wife

a day ago

Wannikea *********

Get a Non O based on being over 50, you'll be able to get more services such as Thai bank account, 5 yr drivers licence, etc. The wife can get a DTV in the meantime.

a day ago

Mart *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa and then convert to a Non O or do I need to arrange the Non O before entering Thailand? Thanks

a day ago

Wannikea *********

@Mart ****

you'll need 800k in a Thai bank

20 hours ago

Mart *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

last question. If my wife gets the non O as my dependent, do we both have to have 800k in a Thai bank?

12 hours ago

Wannikea *********

@Mart ****

very difficult to get a non O trailing spouse, possibly impossible unless you get a Non OA first. Go read requirements at the Thai embassy website which you will be using. I'm not 100% sure about the financials for trailing spouse. As I suggested she could get a DTV, 500,000 baht in a bank in her name.

11 hours ago

Reply to

Wannikea *********

Michael ********

Your local embassy will have a website detailing whats available

a day ago

Reply to

Michael ********

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