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What are the options and costs for retirement visas in Thailand for expats over 50?
Thailand Retirement VisaLong Term Resident VisaNON-O VisaVisa Application ProcessVisa Agent FeesExpat Lifestyle in ThailandFinancial Requirements for VisaThai Privilege VisaRetirement in Thailand
Jul 13, 2024
2 years ago
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTERBrand New on the group, so forgive me if the questions have been asked before.
I’m over 50 and looking to retire in Thailand.
I’ve seen that there is a long term residents visa for over 50s (10 years)
Is there agents that can help with these. I contacted one and they said they couldn’t help or do you have to apply for yourself on line.
What is the cost of these types of visas?
Finally, if I went for a standard retirement visa and used an agent, what is the average cost of agents fees?
I’m over 50 and looking to retire in Thailand.
I’ve seen that there is a long term residents visa for over 50s (10 years)
Is there agents that can help with these. I contacted one and they said they couldn’t help or do you have to apply for yourself on line.
What is the cost of these types of visas?
Finally, if I went for a standard retirement visa and used an agent, what is the average cost of agents fees?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post inquires about retirement options for over 50s in Thailand, specifically the Long Term Resident Visa and standard retirement visas. It seeks information on the costs associated with these visas and the availability of agents to assist with applications. Various comments provide insights into different visa types, including their requirements and associated costs, as well as the potential benefits of using an agent versus applying independently. There are discussions about specific fees for different types of visas, agent costs ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 baht, and the overall complexity and financial considerations involved in securing residency in Thailand.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic LTR Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) 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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Dennis *********
If you want to use an agent, you should already be in Thailand for this type of service. Also very helpful if you say what area of Thailand you're going to be in, as agents are local to a city/prov and each immigration office can have somewhat different rules. Many things currently in the process of being updated/changed. Some things reported to be official and published in the coming week... for me I'm waiting for the official announcements vs news speculation. Hopefully mostly positive improvements coming
Max *************
If you meet the financial requirements for a common retirement visa, there's no need for an agent. The process is quite straight forward.The LTR-visa is imo, just a waste of money.
Jan ******************
@Max ************
I guess you mean Thai Privilege Visa, previously called Elite visa? LTR =🏆Brandon ************
@Max ************
the LTR is the best visa available currently. 10 years for 50,000 baht. You never have to purchase a re-entry permit. That alone makes each year with a regular retirement extension 1900+3800 baht = 5700So that's 57,000 baht over 10 years if you get a multiple re-entry permit each year. Plus you have 1 year reporting instead of 90 day reporting and if you leave Thailand at least once per year you'll never have to report.
Plus you get fast track exit and entry for international travel at the airport and you're completely tax exempt for foreign income.
Max *************
@Brandon ***********
I'm retired and I've been living in Thailand many years. I'm not the least interested in saving money for re-entry permits. I'm paying ฿19k for 10 years. Imo,money well spent. On top of that,I'm in walking distance from Jomtien immigration. Every 90 days report takes maybe 1 minute where I hand over what they want, and I pick up my passport next morning during my morning walk. Does this sound time-consuming in your universe? The LTR-visa is imo just a waste of money if you're supposed to retire full time in Thailand.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Henrik *****
Read earlier posts in the group, question about retirement is postet several times a week, so easy to find and get information about.
If you haven’t stayed more tha a couple of weeks holiday in Thailand, then start out with a testrun ex. 60 day Touristvisa + 30 day extension or multi entry touristvisa stretched up to 9 months, with the same budget as a retired.
Then having a good base to make the decision about retirement.
You may experience that everyday life is much different from holiday life.
If you haven’t stayed more tha a couple of weeks holiday in Thailand, then start out with a testrun ex. 60 day Touristvisa + 30 day extension or multi entry touristvisa stretched up to 9 months, with the same budget as a retired.
Then having a good base to make the decision about retirement.
You may experience that everyday life is much different from holiday life.
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ****
I’ve been staying in Maha Sarakham with my girlfriend, so quite happy with the lifestyle outside of the big cities. Just trying to weigh up the best options for residency.Reply to
Lester *********
Reply
Brian ********
Are you wanting an Elite visa ?
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian *******
No it’s a 10 year Long Term Resident Visa for retirees over 50Rene ********
@Lester ********
insane priceLester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rene *******
it’s 50, 000 baht but the criteria is very stiffReply to
Lester *********
Reply
Joe ******
Sounds very complicated to me and need a lot of money to
Dave **********
If you have money to burn! Get an agent! Otherwise go yourself, early Morning start advised, and enjoy the experience! Reception will give you all the forms you require or can go downstairs to the shopping center where you will find several photocopy shops, and all the required forms, and they are well versed in the requirements required! Good luck and enjoy!
Jeff *******
@Dave *********
Late afternoon is always better than first thing in my experienceDave **********
@Jeff ******
too many people then! End up waiting all day! Get there at the beginning you can be out by early afternoon!Jeff *******
@Dave *********
Not sure which one you go to but at HH main immigration if you get there late morning OR late afternoon you're looking at 30 mins max (extension). A couple of times for a 90 day I've walked in and just walked straight to a desk, no ticket required. Get there first thing and it's usually a scrum with people who had the same idea. Years of experimenting.Dave **********
@Jeff ******
Bangkok mate! Can be a nightmare sometimes!Jeff *******
@Dave *********
ah ok - I've heard of nightmare places. So the answer is move to gods waiting room! 😄Dave **********
@Jeff ******
haha! You may be right!Reply to
Dave **********
Reply
Jan ******************
Long term visa;
*Thai privilege visa for ten years you can just buy and it’s 1,5 million baht for 10 years.
*Long term residence visa is 50K baht but the requirements are quite stiff. You’ll need a passive income of minimum 80K USD a year or minimum 40K USD and invest 250K USD in Thailand.
*Five years Non O-X visa requires 3 million baht in a Thai bank.
*A regular retirement visa is 1900 baht a year and it’s quite straightforward but there’s always several agents willing to “help” you for 15-25K baht.
*Thai privilege visa for ten years you can just buy and it’s 1,5 million baht for 10 years.
*Long term residence visa is 50K baht but the requirements are quite stiff. You’ll need a passive income of minimum 80K USD a year or minimum 40K USD and invest 250K USD in Thailand.
*Five years Non O-X visa requires 3 million baht in a Thai bank.
*A regular retirement visa is 1900 baht a year and it’s quite straightforward but there’s always several agents willing to “help” you for 15-25K baht.
Jeff *******
@Jan *****************
oh wait 150,000 a year for the privilege? Jesus!Jan ******************
@Jeff ******
Thai privilege visa is basically an option for people who don’t qualify for a retirement visa as there’s no age requirement. LTR is probably the best and most convenient Visa, but the requirements are quite stiff. If you’re lazy but still want to do tings the legal way, an option is just regular retirement visa -Non O and yearly extension of stay- and get an agent to do just the yearly paperwork for you.😉Jeff *******
@Jan *****************
Thanks I've already got the retirement visa, but was just interested in the differences. When I applied for the LTR I was told I probably have more than most applicants in terms of wealth but it isn't in the right places. Cash doesn't count and there is no way on earth I'm leaving 250k in Thai stocks, way from western markets, when they couldn't tell me where it would be invested and by whom. Given I've read they are 995,000 short of their projections, someone needs to actually accurately assess who qualifies and the easiest way for them to get it as right now very wealthy people can't tick their boxes.Jan ******************
@Jeff ******
If you could provide proof of minimum $80K USD in passive income, you don’t need to invest $250K USD. —>“Minimum unearned or passive income* of USD 80,000 / year at the time of application
(Note that earned income and salaries WILL NOT be considered for the personal income requirement for wealthy pensioners)
OR
—>In the case that unearned or passive income is lower than USD 80,000 but not lower than USD
*****
, the applicant is required to make additional investments of USD 250,000 combined in Thai government bonds OR direct investment in companies registered in Thailand OR Thai property”.“unearned or passive income includes, but are not limited to pension, rental, capital gain, dividend, and interest payments”
*********************
Jeff *******
@Jan *****************
I can't. I'm retired having more than enough money to live on, BUT when I need cash I just send it to myself from various cash piles (from property sales etc) or from investments. I don't need 80k a year to live on (most years) as I already own everything here so I only need 'general living money' I told them I could prove my investments were growing by more than 80k a year but they said that would not be applicable as it would have to be in thai stocks. I've given up now. Doesn't seem fit for purpose if I can't get it, and others with less wealth can.Jan ******************
@Jeff ******
understand 👍Daniel ********
@Jan *****************
Hey can I ask you for LTR visa requirement if is it ok I Can show my current job contract and last 2 years job offer and payslips that meet criteria of income greater than 80k USD per year in last 2 years. My doubt is I will show salary slips of different companies since I switched my Job.Also I have other stock investments and Fixed deposit returns that also adds extra as passive income on top of 80k USD
Jan ******************
@Daniel *******
I don’t have a complete overview but if you check this link from the BOI who will approve your application all options and requirements are well specified. **************************************************************************************************************************************
Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Jeff *******
@Jan *****************
because I’m lazy what are the differences, benefits wise, of the LTR v Privilege please?Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
I take that if you do your own standard retirement visa then you. Would have to fund your own bank account. Where as using an agent they do that for you? Am I correct in presuming this?. Also if they do increase the 30 day visa exempt to 60 day, surely it would make it easier to apply for a retirement visa upon entry to Thailand without the need to extend your visa initially? Your thoughts would be helpfulJan ******************
@Lester ********
I Agree with @Ken ******
. If you are ABLE to deposit the required 800K baht in a Thai bank for a year, I would advise you not to use an agent to bypass formal requirements for retiring in Thailand.
The easiest and most convenient is to apply for regular Non O visa at your embassy at home before you go. It’s done online in just some days and you can use income/pension min 65K baht a month or funds 800K baht to apply.
This gives you 90 days in Thailand and you can apply for your first year extension of stay with 800K baht in a Thai bank. After a year you can apply for your second extension of stay with income (if you can meet 65k baht a month) and the 800K baht is again free to use.
If you use an agent to bypass formal and legal requirements for stay in Thailand you’ll also get stuck with an agent for the future as they need to bypass each other’s bypass of formal requirements also for your future extensions of stay.
You can apply for a Non O also in Thailand on both visa exemption and a tourist visa. You’ll just need 15-21 days left on your current stamp.
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
I would rather deposit the amount in the bank to be honest. I was just trying to clarify that point. But do you think if the 60 day visa exempt comes into force you would not need the 90 day initial visa?Jan ******************
@Lester ********
It’s ok to use an agent just to help you with the paperwork, and you might need to get an agent to help you opening a bank account if you come without a Non immigrant visa anyway, just be sure you fulfil all formal requirements and everything is done legally. You’ll need the initial 90 days Non O visa anyway, because your future stay is just an extension of this. But you can come on a regular visa exemption and if it’s 60 days you’ll have better time.
You’ll need the 800K baht in your bank in Thailand at date when you apply for the initial 90 days Non O visa. For your first year extension of stay the 800K baht has to be seasoned for two months before you apply and three months after the extension is issued and it can never drop below 400K at any point for the first year. For your second year extension you’ll just repeat this.
If you want to switch to the income method for your second year, you’ll need to show proof of twelve months consecutive transfers of min 65k baht and the 800K baht is again free to use.
Be aware of if you plan to stay in Pattaya/Jomtien, the immigration in Jomtien also requires two months seasoning of the 800K baht for the initial 90 days Non O. This is as I’m aware of the only immigration with this requirement and for the others it’s sufficient with the funds in your account at date when you apply. (Best to apply for the Non O at home anyway if you plan to stay in Jomtien)
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
Thank you so much for the information. I’m not sure where I’m living yet as my girlfriend is a supply teacher and will be told her area next week. Maybe Rayong. My friend has said that he has heard that immigration is stamping 60 days visa exempt already but he said that is purely gossip and he hasn’t had any evidence yetJan ******************
@Lester ********
No, but it might come in effect quite soon now. Anyway you still get 30 + 30 days on a visa exemption and 16-21 days is required for the application process.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Ken ***********
@Lester ********
there are agents who circumvent the requirement that you have the required funds, that is up to you but do be aware that this is illegal and if the agency ever gets raided by the police, you will have complications and may be deported. I am not trying to fearmonger, but just want you to be advised. Your decision.Reply to
Ken ***********
Reply
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
Thank You for that. Good informationRene ********
@Jan *****************
by the time they do the initial three month visa you need then get you the year retirement visa and possibly a multi entrance visa, it's actually around 44,000. Each year then around 16,ooo I believeJan ******************
@Rene *******
Yes it’s good business for easy paperwork everyone easily can do themselves. The actual cost/fees are 2000 baht for the initial 90 days visa, 1900 baht for a one year extension of stay. If you want re-entry permit it’s 1000 baht for single and 3800 baht for multiple.Rene ********
@Jan *****************
actually it's pretty locatipn specific. Some places can be easy but other places can make your life impossible. So it all depends on you know how fast you want to get things done and how much ease to get going... .. like I said, I did it when it was convenient for me but now would probably not do itRene ********
@Jan *****************
agree100%..... I did it a few times like that when it was just simply more convenient due to being all over the globe and having a million things going on at the same time but I now do it to myselfReply to
Rene ********
Reply
Martin *****
Ning ******
go to the thai embassy in your country and apply for a 90 days retirement visa, than when you get to thai, go immigration to get a letter from them to open a bank account to deposit 800k and go back to immigration to apply for a 1 year visa. can diy...
Ken ***********
@Ning *****
there is no longer the option in the U.S. to visit the Thai embassy nor mail your passport. All visas are applied for online.Reply to
Ken ***********
Reply
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