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What are the requirements to retire in Thailand?
Visa RequirementsRetirement VisaO-A VisaFinancial RequirementsThailand ImmigrationExpat AdviceLiving in ThailandThai Elite VisaCost of LivingRetirement Planning
Feb 16, 2024
2 years ago
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTERGday all, what are the requirements to retire Thailand?
TLDR : Answer Summary
To retire in Thailand, you generally need to be over 50 years old and possess a significant amount of money in a Thai bank account—typically 800,000 baht (approximately $24,000) for at least two months prior to applying for a retirement visa (O-A visa). Other considerations include your overall financial situation, where you plan to live in Thailand, and possibly obtaining health insurance. Some expats suggest exploring Thailand on a tourist visa before committing to retirement, while the Elite Visa is another possible option for those eligible.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Scott *******
Elite Visa helps if you can afford it. Maybe check in with your home country embassy to find out more. Health coverage if you plan on staying long term is a must. Border runs if in doubt. I’m planning a long term retirement myself so I’ll be following
Alan ********
Forget all that just get tourist visa come out go straight visa agent they sort it out for you for a fee done in 30 days no stress.
Arch *********
Thailand is very corrupt at the best of time's, I would think twice about retirement there,just my opinion 🤔
Ken ******
study new tax law first
Tania ******
Could you retire in Thailand if you took enough cash over, but then you were earning interest on savings account in Australia. How much would you need per month to live comfortably?
Ken ******
@Tania *****
i think it depends on how thrifty you are, but stay 180day qualify you as tax resident in thailandAndi ***********
@Tania *****
30k is enough for a comfortable life in a small Thai city/village. In Bangkok it would mean living on a strict budget with little chance to travel, eat out.Peter *********
@Tania *****
*****
baht a month is comfortable 😌Tania ******
@Peter ********
so 30kTodd *********
@Tania *****
if your idea of fun is feeding rice to stray dogsPeter *********
@Tania *****
not really sorryReply to
Peter *********
Reply
AxMdob *******
I see twos points
Tons of money, and never talk to thai women's
Tons of money, and never talk to thai women's
Steve **********
AxMdob *******
@Steve *********
Hi Steve did u know the place of moneys in thaiculture (wom3ns have to find a simp that can feed all they familly)-did u know the real reasons why women choose farang ?
-did u know the price of real health insurance
- please go in a mall sit and drink coffee , look women with farang , they buys tons of expensive shit.....that you never buy alone
Farang usually have second hand market women's with kids , or debt or high body count....
(I don t talk about bargirls,freelance or others goldiggers that live in phuket samui or pattaya or work in gogobar)
I talk about regular women that you meet everyday. In bangkok Chiang Mai or countrysid
Wom3n's,talk to farang only for beg for money...in 99% (few week or fews days after relationship began)
Also I can say yes,life is very expensive without alcool bar and women (but sport , good condo , and real food (not toxic street junk foosee inflation since two years,,
This is not a good country to go retired
But just a place for stay 3 month a year ,
Steve **********
@AxMdob ******
been here 20 years...have no idea what you're talking about.And I venture neither do you.
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Harry ******
money money money
Jon ******
I think the best thing anyone thinking of retirement could do is get a tourist or non-o visa and just explore the place for several months. It's not like you have to move all at once.
The advice you get on the ground or from people you meet in person will be far more realistic.
The advice you get on the ground or from people you meet in person will be far more realistic.
Frank ******
Look it up re your country and circumstanced.
Ganesan ***********
Money thai wife and be over 50
James ******
Shit load of money. Worked it out at £1,000,000 to last 20 years at around 40,000 bhat a month it would be comfortable living for 1.
Marius *******
A lot of money
Andre *********
Elite visa is well above 100k now
David ****************
My advice...look at Uruguay instead.
Ken ******
better live in the south,
********************************************************
*****
565Ken ******
note this,
you probably know all the
pros including cheaper
housing, friendly people,
and culture. Air quality,
floods, public road safety
and pavement conditions
need improvement (just
look up internet for details).
Air quality can be checked
real time downloading
some apps. For long
stayers, there are some
reporting requirements
such as 90days report on
residence, which is not very
convenient. Starting next
year, new tax on remitted
income earned abroad.
you probably know all the
pros including cheaper
housing, friendly people,
and culture. Air quality,
floods, public road safety
and pavement conditions
need improvement (just
look up internet for details).
Air quality can be checked
real time downloading
some apps. For long
stayers, there are some
reporting requirements
such as 90days report on
residence, which is not very
convenient. Starting next
year, new tax on remitted
income earned abroad.
Billy *******
Requirements? Being fed up with whack on blite crime while supporting their welfare payments and jail expenses, alimony payments and nit picky cops and their silly tickets.
Daniel ************
$$$$ many
Wayne *****
Gotta be an old prick like me 😋
Sidd ********
GBPs..
Kal *********
Money ..: money can buy happiness in Thailand ...
hire someone to do visa
Hire driver
Hire cooks
Hire maid
Rent a wife
Rent a house
Ect
hire someone to do visa
Hire driver
Hire cooks
Hire maid
Rent a wife
Rent a house
Ect
Kev *********
Money
Look one of the many thai visa sites
Look one of the many thai visa sites
Kevin *******
Be old and knackered with loads money !
Aad *******************
Getting 67 years old 🤪
Jeff ********
Google is your friend.
Phil ******
Alan Marshall to be happy
Chris ******
@Phil *****
Not as easy as it sounds 🤣Reply to
Chris ******
Reply
Andy ******
A lot of money and a retirement visa easy
Colin ***************
Act your age.
Steve **********
@Colin **************
never ! act your age .' Don't let the old guy in...he'll never leave ' !
Think young, act young, you are.....
Enjoy !)
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Keith *********
Got to like beer spicey food hot weather and giving your money away but it’s worth it
Steve **********
Keith *********
@Steve *********
pet pets more fun hong thongs the devil after beer. Being frugal doesn’t work. 🤣😎Steve **********
@Keith ********
Ya live here do ya ?Keith *********
@Steve *********
yeh live in Amnat Charoen . Ubon ratchatani a the closest big town really.Reply to
Keith *********
Reply
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Benjamin ******
... have a laughPeter *********
A good brain 🧠
Raymond ******************
Buy me a drink,
I will motivate/demotivate with ground intel 😉
hahaha
I will motivate/demotivate with ground intel 😉
hahaha
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTERJeff ********
Alan Marshall quit crying. You made a generic and open-ended query. Google is your first resource. This page is for specific questions AFTER you have done your research.
Nigel **************
Alan Marshall read my post please Alan
Nick ************
@Alan *********
let me explain. I couldn't give a toss how old you are or how much money you have. Can you dress yourself yet?Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
John **********
As you are under 50 I'd suggest you look at the Thai Privilege (Elite) visa. It's really the only viable option for someone your age to retire to Thailand
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Thanks mate, appreciate it. most people here might be jealous i can retire at 43... thats why all the "google is your friend" commentsReply to
Alan **********
Reply
Gareth *********
The patience of a saint
Steve **********
@Gareth ********
well ya, does require patience.Thai's work at their own pace...just get used to it.
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Steve **********
Over 50, and have been here before to decide if it's for you.
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *********
Multiple times and I am 100% sold on itSteve **********
@Alan *********
well then welcome. 20+ yrs and enjoy more every day.Thai life is what you make it,..... just don't try to change it.
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Carsten **********
be over 50, put 800,000 THB aside for a visa deposit and plan for around 1,000,000 THB (or less) annual cash/pension/dividends/retirement payments to live a good and easy life. Many live on 500,000 and are living a happy life in Thailand. The most relevant question you need to answer first is: Where do you plan to live, settle down in Thailand. Like every other country. The costs of living in Phuket are very different to Chiang Mai or Baan Isaan (somewhere in the middle of nowhere). Same food, same m² house, same drinks, very different Lifestyle.
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Carsten *********
Thanks, i think you're the first reply with actual numbers for longterm. Best mates wife is from a little village up north, (cant remember the name). Will be looking at same place or middle of nowhere to be precise..
Im looking to go before I turn 50, have finances sorted here (Aus), just not too sure on how it translates there.
Reply to
Alan **********
Reply
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTERTo all those saying "google is your friend" etc....
Is this page not called 'Thailand Visa Advice - And Everything Else'.....
Im a little confused 🤣🤣🤣
PS, thank you all for your 'Advice' and comments, had a bit of a laugh at some🤣👌
Is this page not called 'Thailand Visa Advice - And Everything Else'.....
Im a little confused 🤣🤣🤣
PS, thank you all for your 'Advice' and comments, had a bit of a laugh at some🤣👌
Frank **********
Alan Marshall if you are confused Google it, 5555
Nigel **************
Alan Marshall some initial research by the OP's to help them form specific questions means we can help much more accurately. That's what it means.
Reply to
Nigel **************
Reply
Ervin *******
To be old 😂
Istvan *********
800,000 baht on a Thai bank account and be older than 50. But will be good requirement to be able to use Google search 🤣😉
Charlie *******
Have cash and be old
Steve *******
@Charlie ******
cash is king...although i like the fact wealthy people get bank loans against their liquid assets and don't have to pay tax on the loans. 5% loan cost is around 45% cheaper than tax.....sweetCharlie *******
@Steve ******
I’ve no idea about it all to be honest I’m about 30yrs off being eligible to apply for it 😂Reply to
Charlie *******
Reply
Stevie ********
Lack of judgment, lack of awareness, lack of moral character and the lack of fortitude to care. It's Great 🤣🤣😎😎15 months and counting. But money still #1😎
Steve **********
@Stevie *******
all untrue, with 21 years under my belt, and still enjoying and smilingStevie ********
@Steve *********
I was speaking for myself.🤣Steve **********
@Stevie *******
that's all anyone can do.Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stevie *******
haha why do think im going there...? 🤣🤣Reply to
Alan **********
Reply
John ********
Stop Working
Johann *********
Full bank account
صيض ****
Money and money and more money!
Nigel **************
How old are you? What passport do you hold? First 2 basic questions
Gary *******
Google is your friend
Lee ***********
@Gary ******
the amount of people on here that don't look and expect others to for them it's painfulAlan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lee **********
🖕👎.... the site is literally called 'Thai Visa Advise - And Everything Else'...
you are an angry as fcuk muppet that needs to be banned by admin, I cant wait to get over there... for your health and safety I hope we never meet.
Go FCUK yourself you useless waste of oxygen
Gary *******
@Alan *********
if you follow this group you will be aware that people give outdated information.or heresay responses . They're are some knowledgeable people in this group. As I stated Google is your friend. Are you going to beat me up too?Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gary ******
apologies to all... its sometimes hard to be civil when all you get is ridicule. the whole "google is your friend" is getting real old real quick... YES i have searched google, yes i have spoken to many Thai Nationals.... this group exists for a reason, why bother with it if all you are going to get is smart ass comments.....?
all good, I have the info I need. Enjoy life peeps😀
Jeff ********
Alan Marshall based on your knee-jerk reaction and threat of violence, it's a safe assumption that Thailand isn't for you. Try to find a country that condones violence, because Thailand does not.
Lee ***********
@Alan *********
yes it is, I'm not angry, but everyone is expected to do some research, it's too wide a question with many answers and many asking the same, only you know your circumstances and byvresearching would have specific questions, threatening me means actually admin should ban you.Reply to
Lee ***********
Reply
Bob **********
A load of cash and if not using elite visa you must be over 50
Steve **********
@Bob *********
not true, but its an acquired taste.Bob **********
@Steve *********
thanks for the warningBob **********
@Steve *********
obviously you can’t afford to go anywaySteve **********
Evidentally not, in many ways.
We've heard all about you and your ' parties '
We've heard all about you and your ' parties '
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Bob **********
@Steve *********
you must be a great time at parties I’ve lived here over 14 years all over SEA and cash is kingSteve **********
@Bob *********
I am, invite me to your next.Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Todd *********
@Bob *********
load of cash or zero cash and a good agentBob **********
@Todd ********
you’ll still need 25-30 k for an agent then what live on the beach if your coming to tourist zones you will be miserable brokeReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Steve *******
Thai embassy officials home country for details on exactly what is required for each visa type.
Todd *********
@Steve ******
they have almost no clue how visas work in Thailand.’and why should they.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Todd *********
Nothing. Be over 50 and get an agent. Done
Marc ********
@Todd ********
So basically moneyTodd *********
@Marc *******
20k annually or so. Dirt cheap. My 800k makes 7.5% in govt certificates in Mexico. That’s 60k annually. Pay the agent and 40k in your pocket. 🤷♂️Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
Am assuming you mean 800k baht yeah..?Marc ********
@Todd ********
Yeah it's only a matter of momey. And ageReply to
Marc ********
Reply
Ross **********
if you have enough money in your bank account O X visa is a good start I think, I have been looking at all the options myself. To get from Australia $150,000 in bank and bank statements Health affidavit from doctor and medical insurance. Gives 5 years without all the hassle of getting extensions . I think it can be extended in 5 year increments. I am still researching myself . All advice is welcome
Todd *********
@Ross *********
LTR - retiree optimally. But O/X works alsoReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Peter *********
Google is your friend lol 😆
Gary *******
@Peter ********
you beat me to it lol 😆🤣😂Reply to
Gary *******
Reply
Christopher *************
Look in the Internet you lazy bar steward lol
Dan *****
@Christopher ************
ummm shut up🤷Lasse ********
@Christopher ************
Soon we dont need spoken language anymore . No communication or ? 😂Christopher *************
@Lasse *******
correct 🖕lolReply to
Christopher *************
Reply
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher ************
why would I do that when there is a wealth of info from you lot, oh and btw, i quit barwork well over a decade ago🤣Miriam ***********
Alan Marshall there IS a wealth of info - this question is asked all the time and there are many many posts with helpful responses for you to peruse.
Reply to
Miriam ***********
Reply
Amanda *********
Money
J ******************
First point of call is Thai Embassy in home country that will give basic idea of requirements
Andrew *******
@J *****************
best advice 👌Robert *********
@J *****************
well saidAlan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@J *****************
great thanks mate, 43 year old Aussie, well above the 800,000 baht in the bank, too expensive here at homeChris *******
@Alan *********
no retirement till 50+.Stephan ***********
@Alan *********
You must be 50 at least for the retirement visa.Dennis ***********
@Alan *********
Note,the Baht 800:000 will need to be in a Thai Bank Account min 2 months prior to application.You seriously need to figure that out 1st.Steve *******
@Dennis **********
That's for the 1 year extention of stay not the visa.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Duncan *******
It would depend on what visa you want and how much you have in the bank.
Mark ********
Along with an O-A visa if you are over 50.
Wayne *********
@Mark *******
or ltr or non O or even OXReply to
Wayne *********
Reply
Mark ********
Cash. Lots of it.
Dennis ***********
@Mark *******
are you currently living in Thailand?Reply to
Dennis ***********
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