Answereda year ago
What are the pros and cons of the Retirement visa versus the DTV Softpower visa for long-term stay in Thailand?
Hey there! I get that this might seem redundant for a lot of specialists. I'm a retired US military vet over 50, pulling in more than 65,000 baht a month from my pensions, plus I've got a financial portfolio that's over 800,000 baht. After checking out some older posts, it looks like I can qualify for a Retirement visa (without the hassle of depositing 800,000 in a Thai bank), and I'm also interested in the DTV Softcore visa since I want to learn Muay Thai.
So, my main question is: what are the pros and cons of each visa option? If I can qualify for both, which one is easier to deal with in the long run?
I heard that with the DTV soft core visa, you have to leave the country every 180 days, but that's not an issue for me. And most of the gyms offer courses 1 year or less of duration, meaning after that course Legally I would of out of status
So, my main question is: what are the pros and cons of each visa option? If I can qualify for both, which one is easier to deal with in the long run?
I heard that with the DTV soft core visa, you have to leave the country every 180 days, but that's not an issue for me. And most of the gyms offer courses 1 year or less of duration, meaning after that course Legally I would of out of status
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around two visa options for a retired US military veteran: the Retirement Visa (NON-O) and the DTV Softpower Visa meant for individuals wanting to learn Muay Thai. The Retirement Visa requires either a one-time deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for the first year or a monthly income of 65,000 THB, but it is challenging for Americans due to income verification issues. Alternatively, the DTV Softpower Visa offers flexibility with no need for a Thai bank account. However, it requires exiting the country for renewal every 180 days. Participants in the discussion also noted other considerations like potential hassles with education visas, bank account requirements, and the possibility of a 5-year Elite visa.
42 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Ric ******
If you don't mind paying for a MuayThai gym, softpower DTV seems your best option. Check with the consulate of choice if your 'portfolio' qualifies BEFORE paying the application fee. Crypto typically does not. Cash is strongly preferred, but some may accept other asset classes. I you continue training there, extension for another 180 days is doable for 1.900 THB.
Every 360 days you will need to leave, but you seem active and curious, so that trip probably won't bother you.
Every 360 days you will need to leave, but you seem active and curious, so that trip probably won't bother you.
Jack ********
Soft Core? lol where did you come up with that.
Kamran *********
OP@Jack *******
lol my Oops. Man these visas are not a simple shit. No wonder people jumps boarders
Hans *********
Dtv you can get one extension at immigration stay for one year,not an issue I like to go to other countries. I got mine in Hanoi last year was fairly simple through a certified by govt Muay Thai school. As many entries as you want . Got drivers licenses, and before they stopped it a bank account. Dtv only need to show
*****
dollars or so , but it needs to be in a bank account verifiable for 6 months prior to applying.Hans *********
Actually it was this year, haha in february
Jack ****************
Hey there OP, I'm not familiar with the visa you reference, but because you talk about it in conjunction with learning Muay Thai, this might be relevant:
The immigration departments HATE the education visas. Even if you use it for the intended purpose, if you want to stay after, you will be hassled at every renewal and often on your entries into the country. So, if the visa you are talking about is similar I'd be careful.
Also, while the banks here are maddening, opening an account isn't difficult the way you are probably hearing these days. Follow the process, be polite, be patient, you will be fine.
The immigration departments HATE the education visas. Even if you use it for the intended purpose, if you want to stay after, you will be hassled at every renewal and often on your entries into the country. So, if the visa you are talking about is similar I'd be careful.
Also, while the banks here are maddening, opening an account isn't difficult the way you are probably hearing these days. Follow the process, be polite, be patient, you will be fine.
Thomas ***********
I dont care what you think you gotta show 800,000 thb in a bank for a period of three months and your bank book is worthless to imigration you need printed stamped documents from the approved bank i am very expierianced in this also American
Robert ********
@Thomas **********
it's 2 months before applying and 3 months after.Gábor **********
NON O-A, you can hold your money back home.
Greg ***********
@Gábor *********
The Non-O/A visa is a beast on its own . . . . . . Funds in your home bank only for the first two years. As soon as you switch to the Extension out of a former Non-O/A Visa, you need 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account in your sole name, AND a mandatory tgia-listed Thai private health insuranceGábor **********
@Greg **********
I don't make extensions, new visa every second year.Kamran *********
OP@Gábor *********
there are a lot of bureaucratic red tapes.Kamran *********
OP@Gábor *********
ok. Kindly elaborate. That will solve my issue.
Bob **********
@Kamran ********
with the OA you’ll need police background check,medical certificate and you’ll need basically not very good Thai insurance and yes you can use the 800k in your US bankGábor **********
@Bob *********
for years I used non Thai travel insurance. Now I have Thai insurance... Anyway needed if you long time here.
Donald **********
@Kamran ********
There are other requirements too for non-oa, like Thai health insurance from specific providers. Make a list of requirements for all the visas (non-o, non-oa and DTV) and choose the best option for you. Oh and you can study Muay Thai on the non-o and non-oa too, Grasshopper!Greg ***********
@Donald *********
"There are other requirements too for non-oa, like Thai health insurance from specific providers. " . . . . . . no "Thai health insurances" required for the first two years. Foreign health insurances will be acceptedGreg ***********
@Kamran ********
Non-O/A visa, it needs a police record check, a medical check, a mandatory one or two-years health insurance and a minimum of 25,500 US Dollars (equivalent of 800,000 THB) in your home bank account (it says "bank", not fixed account, or stock market bonds or whatever else!)
Sean **********
@Carla ***
health certificate and insuranceGreg ***********
@Carla ***
it is both: for the application to the 365-days Non-Imm-O/A Longstay Visa, you need proof of a thorough medical checkup, and a one- or two year health insurance
Carla ****
@Greg **********
is it a medical check OR insurance? I always thought the OA required health insurance?Gábor **********
@Kamran ********
you do it back home and you can use it for 2 years.
Michael ********
@Kamran ********
Check with local embassy in States that deals with your area. All requirements will be on there website
Ian ********
The 800k option is easiest to maintain as is a set and forget.
The 65k/calendar month remittance cannot be missed otherwise it's game over. Further, having immigration identify that the funds were from overseas can be problematic via some routing.
The 65k/calendar month remittance cannot be missed otherwise it's game over. Further, having immigration identify that the funds were from overseas can be problematic via some routing.
Kamran *********
OP@Ian *******
something learn new. Funds will be from overseas taxed pension. Will they monitor monthly pensions deposits?Sean **********
@Kamran ********
no, immigration does not monitor your pension. They want to see 12 monthly deposits from a foreign source of *****
thb or more each.Bob **********
@Kamran ********
your funds must show as an international transfer taxed or not you can start this immediately and use it for your second year extension the 800k has to stay in your account for 5 months then it can drop to 400K then top it up to 800K 2 months before your second extension use your monthly for that once you get the stamp do as you please with the 800KIan ********
Gregory *********
Soft power not soft core. DTV gives you only 180 days per visit while a non o means you dont have to leave.
Pe ****
@Gregory ********
DTV. Trying to understand the 180 day rule.Does it mean:
1. After 180 days you have to leave, cross into Laos and come back the same day? Or:
2. After 180 days you must leave and stay out of Thailand for 185 days before you can return (180 days’ stay in a calendar year)? Or:
3. Something else?
Kamran *********
OP@Pe ***
Regarding # 2. Are you sure person must stay out Thailand 185 days before return. I just returned from a DTV helping consult at authorized Mai Thai school, and I was told I can just go to Laos for a day and return to fulfillment of 180 day exit rule.Pe ****
@Gregory ********
Thanks for the information. Appreciate it.Pe ****
@Kamran ********
If you read carefully, I asked questions. Asking me “Are you sure …?” is very strange.Kamran *********
OP@Gregory ********
yes that is what i have learned. I got confused after reading above 185 out comments. Thank you.Gregory *********
@Kamran ********
one day out can return for another 180 days. Or can extend for a further 180 days from within thailand once and then leave for 1 day and start againKamran *********
OP@Gregory ********
oops thanks Soft Power lol
Matthew *********
@Kamran ********
its not like everybody didn't know what he meant
Jeremy ********
Non-o retirement you can open a Thai bank acct
DTV no bank acct
Non-o The first year you need to deposit the entire ฿800k the second year you can transfer the ฿65k a month
DTV you can come and go as you want
Non-O you need to apply for exit stamps and purchase the multi entry non-o
Non-O extend every year at immigration
DTV 5 years locked in
Also look into the Elite visa 5-20 years and you can have a Thai bank acct
Good luck
DTV no bank acct
Non-o The first year you need to deposit the entire ฿800k the second year you can transfer the ฿65k a month
DTV you can come and go as you want
Non-O you need to apply for exit stamps and purchase the multi entry non-o
Non-O extend every year at immigration
DTV 5 years locked in
Also look into the Elite visa 5-20 years and you can have a Thai bank acct
Good luck
Brandon ************
Because you're American, your income is irrelevant. The US embassy in Thailand does not verify income, so you cannot use that for the first annual extension. That means the only thing you can use for the first one year retirement extension is 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account in your name only. Having a portfolio isn't going to help you unless you're willing to cash it all out and transfer those funds into Thailand and keep them mostly locked up, for at least 1.5 years.
Kamran *********
OP@Brandon ***********
thanks for your quick respond. I am trying to avoid the hassle (as I read) to deal with thai banks and leave 800,000 bhat for years. I watched a video interview of Thai Ministry Official at FitFac site, he said ANY BANK ACCOUNT INCLUDING USA. According to your respond DTV softcore is easier to avoid local banks.Brandon ************
@Kamran ********
I'm referencing the non-O retirement visa. DTV is its own beast.
Kim **********
@Kamran ********
yes any bank account to apply from OUTSIDE Thailand for the initial 90 days. But to get a 1 year extension you need to open a Thai bank account and deposit the 800,000 baht and have it sit for 2 months before you do the extension.Activity
21 joined21
people
Related
25What are the costs and requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand?
5.5k50543mo
Why are negative posts about the DTV more popular than positive ones in expat groups?
1.4k434mo
Can I get a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand without proof of income if I have substantial savings?
3.8k38257mo
Can I apply for a DTV soft power visa in Thailand after a divorce from a marriage visa?
358218mo
What are the requirements and procedures for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
889341y
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand?
1.9k1971y
What are the bank statement requirements for the DTV soft power visa application in Thailand?
803521y
What are the steps and requirements to obtain a DTV softpower visa for Thailand?
832381y
What are my options for a longer stay in Thailand after retirement?
41121y
Should I choose a DTV visa or a retirement visa in Thailand at 50 years old?
6.5k56651y
Can I get a retirement visa for Thailand without health insurance?
6.8k51841y
What are the best consulates for applying for the DTV Softpower visa in Thailand?
2.5k23171y
What is the process and requirements for applying for the DTV Softpower visa in New Zealand?
2k9272y
Can UK passport holders enter Thailand for 60-90 days without a visa?
3.5k24382y
What are the options and costs for retirement visas in Thailand for expats over 50?
5.6k44532y
Can I use the 400k baht in my bank after getting a NON-O visa based on marriage and still qualify for a retirement visa later?
1.8k13133y
Can I apply for a Non-O visa on the spot in Bangkok or Chiang Mai after arriving on a 30-day tourist visa?
2.2k18163y
Can I use my ฿800,000 bank balance immediately after switching to a monthly income requirement for a Retirement extension in Thailand?
3.1k23314y
What is the correct process for transitioning from an education visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
1.8k6305y
What is the process for extending a COVID visa extension in Thailand?
764375y
What options do I have for extending my marriage visa in Thailand without the immediate 400k baht deposit?
2.6k19275y
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having an O visa compared to an O-A visa in Thailand?
1k625y
What are the next steps after obtaining an OA 1-year Retirement Visa in Thailand?
2.8k21286y
What are the options and requirements for Australian retirees applying for a long-stay visa in Thailand?
3.4k31239y
What are the options for obtaining a long-term retirement visa in Thailand for someone over 50?
2.3k17209y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served