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What are the requirements and steps to retire to Thailand from Australia?

Retirement Visa Health Insurance Visa Process

May 24, 2020

6 years ago

Brett *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Looking to retire to Thailand from Australia. I guess I have to send my forms to Canberra. How long does it take? How much does it cost? Is it hard to do? Do I need health insurance, if so how much roughly for a 60 year old?

Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To retire in Thailand from Australia, you need to apply for a retirement visa, and the processing time varies depending on the type of visa. Typically, in-person applications can be processed within 1-2 business days. Costs include approximately 1,900 THB for a one-year extension and 2,000 THB for a single entry visa. Health insurance is mandatory for Non-OA visas, but it is advisable to have it regardless of visa type, especially since healthcare is not free in Thailand. Costs for insurance depend on individual health circumstances.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Benjamin ******

There's four different types of documents that are called a "retirement visa". Tod Daniels wrote an excellent post about it.

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> How long does it take?

It depends on which "visa" you're getting. For visa applications you're submitting in person, the turnaround day is usually 1 or 2 business days.

>How much does it cost?

A one year extension of stay is 1,900 THB. A single entry visa is 2,000THB

>Do I need health insurance?

Only for the Non-OA visas.

> if so how much roughly for a 60 year old

We don't know because each person has different health, and requirements. But there is a list of approved insurance companies at

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If you decide to get a "retirement visa" that does not require health insurance, I recommend getting health insurance anyway, hospitals are not free in Thailand.

6 years ago

Brett *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Benjamin Hays cheers

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

Brett Carey Exactly! But as soon as new information comes in about the requirements, we'll post it here.

6 years ago

Brett *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Benjamin Hays indeed we are in the dark until borders open and the rules announced

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

Brett Carey No, I recommend arriving in Thailand on a single entry visa (valid for 60 days), open a bank account, transfer the money in, and then get an extension of stay based on retirement. The 60 days should give you enough time to do all the paperwork needed.

HOWEVER... before making too many plans, I recommend holding off until we get more information about the requirements to enter Thailand. We don't know what changes may occur due to COVID-19.

6 years ago

Brett *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ken Adams so arrive in country. On a 90 day visa? Open bank account. Apply for the O.

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

Brett Carey You can open the bank account by entering in a bank and asking to open a savings account. Some bank branches do it on a visa exempt, and some don't, you'll have to ask until you find one.

6 years ago

Brett *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ken Adams you get the O in country right? How do you open a bank account?

6 years ago

Brett *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

yes. Meet all the criteria.

6 years ago

Brett *******

ORIGINAL POSTER