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What are the differences between the Retirement visa and the DTV visa for moving to Thailand?
Non-O VisaRetirement VisaDTV VisaLong-term Resident VisaVisa ComparisonVisa RequirementsThai ImmigrationExpat Help
Jun 22, 2025
10 months ago
Mart *****
ORIGINAL POSTERHi 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.
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.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the inquiry of an expat moving to Thailand regarding visa options, particularly the Non-O Retirement visa for himself and DTV visa for his wife. The comments provide insights and resources, such as local embassy websites and specific visa details, including financial requirements for dependents, and the possibility of the Long-term Resident Visa.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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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?
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.Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Jim ********
If you qualify for the
@LTR **************************
that’s the way to go.Mart *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
thanks Jim. It's that the Non O visa?Wannikea *********
@Mart ****
no, it's the LTR visaReply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Ho ******
*************************************
Ho ******
***************************************
Mart *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ho *****
thanks for this.Reply to
Mart *****
Reply
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
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.
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? ThanksWannikea *********
@Mart ****
you'll need 800k in a Thai bankMart *****
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?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.Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Michael ********
Your local embassy will have a website detailing whats available
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
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