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Answered4 months ago

What are the visa options and requirements for retirees considering moving to Thailand from China?

Kavin *********
asked Jun 22, 2026
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Hi there, anyone here applied the DTV from China successfully? I heard it is quite hard there
Answer summary
This conversation discusses the complexities of applying for a visa in Thailand, particularly for retirees from China. Various participants suggest the Non-O retirement visa as the most viable option, especially for those over 50. They explain the necessary financial prerequisites, including maintaining a bank balance of 800,000 Baht and having health insurance. Some comments caution against buying property without understanding the visa implications, while others share personal experiences and encourage research through online resources and expat communities. Overall, the sentiment suggests that while there are challenges, many retirees enjoy a positive lifestyle in Thailand.
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Neville *********
Neville *********
A fool and his money easily departs
Russell *******
Russell *******
Medical certificate from hospital in your country and Federal criminal report and $850,000 baht in the bank for 3 months (un-touched)
Andrew ***********
Andrew ***********
Retirement visa, you didn't get a free visa with the condo?. Should have just rented. But good luck with it all you are going to need it. You must have more money than sense.
Bang **********
Bang **********
I have beautiful ocean front property in Arizona, really cheap that you might be interested in.
Kyle ********
Kyle ********
I remember when folks here answered questions without being dicks. Now I have to weed through 80% assholes
Paul *******
Paul *******
Buliding too but currently in England. Do what you feel is right for you. Bought in Spain and lived there too. Sometimes things don’t work out how you want, sell and move on. My advice if you don’t take risks you never gain rewards. Money comes and goes. Life’s to short not to take chances. If you don’t your be stuck in a monotonous world with no happiness. Good for you with what you’re doing. You’re not alone, sometimes you have to just roll the dice.
Frank **********
Frank **********
67

Move in what 5 years

Phil

Phil
Jeffrey *********
Jeffrey *********
.eey geezer from Nevada bought small condo while in Nevada got thi non imgrant visa happy as lRrey
*****
us in Nevada
Sadaf **********
Sadaf **********
Legal Framework: Orders
********
and
********


Effective October 2025, Immigration Orders
********
and
********
modernised the framework for investment-based extensions of stay. These orders introduced a practical THB 3 million investment threshold for applicants seeking annual extensions based on qualifying property arrangements.
Elise *****************
Elise *****************
Enjoy that beautiful country
Ivan *********
Ivan *********
67 so about 12 years left on average left why buy just rent
Richard *********
Richard *********
Phil I want to retire to Australia heard it is cheap and good in Outback what type of visa do I need
David ********
David ********
.brave move going in blind i wish you luck
Paul ***********
Paul ***********
I really don’t understand why people keep asking the same question over and over again instead of checking immigration requirements at the Thai embassy website in your own country
Andrew ******
Andrew ******
Should be some bargains coming up with the Thai Government auctioning off the ones confiscated from criminal organisations.
Ho ******
Ho ******
Certainly got your priorities right
Hitesh *******
Hitesh *******
If ur condo is worth 3 million bhat u can apply for a long term visa which has a fee of
*****
or
*****
bhat but about this much and u need ur FET form a pic in front of ur condo and ur passport. All the best. The fees are applicable yearly
Des ****
Des ****
Where's the condo and who is the developer if you don't mind me asking.?

It is risky buying off plan but there are reputable developers in Pattaya.

Some visas like the LTR and non OA have an insurance requirement. Getting health insurance at 67 can be difficult and expensive.
Nick *******
Nick *******
Is it a new condo? Did it cost more than 3 million baht? Is it an approved development that foreigners can purchase? Can you qualify for the visa based on those criteria?
Jinny **********
Jinny **********
1. Retirement Visa

2. LTR Visa
Guy ******
Guy ******
So many of these off plan developments don’t get built and all deposits are trousered. Good luck 🍀
Mike ******
Mike ******
As the War on Farangs intensifies & multiple properties/assets are being seized, you could well be the only foreigner in Pattaya.
Phillip ********
Phillip ********
Off the plan 😂😂
John *******
John *******
good for you
Willi*****
Willi*****
Off the plan? Are you insane?
Glenn *******
Glenn *******
Don't tell centrelink
Dar *****
Dar *****
Wow!! All these smart ass comments. And I was banned for a week for "being grumpy"
Strength *********
Strength *********
Correct, there's a new policy, condo investment over 3 million baht will get the first year visa as part of the investment deal.
Janis ********
Janis ********
Your running before you can walk
John ********
John ********
Here’s a Great Site!

***************************


Stop asking questions that have been asked thousands of times!
StunningA**********
StunningA**********
This is why we can’t have nice things 🤦‍♂️, an unbuilt condo , with no deposit safety, and no visa. Wow 👏 - you sir are a fool.
Vishnu ********
Vishnu ********
Yes..because I'm Super Man
Tony ********
Tony ********
I’ve just started to look at visas myself … I would never buy … but at 69 I’m starting of with the Non-O .. not going to worry about Health Insurance at first… but will probably get some sort of cover once I get there … my only issue with the Non-O is multiple entries… there are none … but I believe you can pay extra to get them …. Then after a year will relook at it and update from there… I wish you luck
Niall *******
Niall *******
Stay home and don't move out of your comfort zone.
BeautifulCat************
BeautifulCat************
Congratulations Phil! Buying a 2-bedroom condo in Pattaya is an exciting step and plenty of Australians successfully retire in Thailand.

At 67, the most common option is usually the Retirement Visa route. Generally, you’ll need to be over 50, meet the financial requirements, have health insurance that meets Thai requirements, and maintain a valid visa status. Many expats start with a Non-Immigrant O visa and then convert to a retirement extension once they’re in Thailand.

My advice would be not to be put off by all the negative comments. Thailand has its challenges, just like anywhere, but thousands of retirees enjoy a great lifestyle there. You’ve got plenty of time before next November to research visas, banking, healthcare and tax implications so you can make an informed decision.

For practical advice and up-to-date information, consider joining the Facebook group “Pattaya Expats Club” or “Thailand Retirement and Living.” These groups have many Australians and long-term expats who regularly share their experiences and can help answer questions about visas, healthcare, banking and everyday life in Thailand.

Enjoy the excitement of your new purchase and focus on getting good advice from people who are actually living there successfully rather than those who only share horror stories. Good luck with your new adventure!
มาร์ติน **********
มาร์ติน **********
Talk about putting the cart before the horse.

Anyway, good luck!
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
For over 50 years of age 100% easier & cheaper to apply for a Suitable retirement Visa from your home country through the Thai Embassy website ( All done online )

When you are ready to come - Apply for a Non-O 90 day single Visa from the Thai Embassy in your home country about 30-45 days before departure.

When applying online you will need to show the required funds in any bank account , some personal details & Flight details & proof of first weeks accommodation .

Once approved & arrive in Thailand you have 90 days to organise for the 12 month extension

No.1 requirement is

Within 2 weeks of arrival You need to set up a Thai bank account & deposit 800K Baht , per person , for at least 60 days to satisfy the extension

Go to the bank of choice & ask them what they require to open a bank account

You can also come to Thailand on a tourist Visa & get it converted to a Non-O retirement Visa for a much higher cost
Peter *******
Peter *******
Je koop iets maar weet verder niks, dat is niet echt slim
TaupeRasp*********
TaupeRasp*********
You did well ... you bought the last available condo. No need bother with small details like actually knowing how to live here. But you be ok ... completion dates are always spot on.
Dal ********
Dal ********
Buying a house before a visa is really stupid
Frank **********
Frank **********
So you bought a condo and have no idea what you need to do. That is kind of crazy.
Jay *******
Jay *******
You bought a condo before you figured out how to live here?
Ant *******
Ant *******
Why take the risk? Thousands of finished condos in established buildings to chose from.

Zero security for your deposit. Hope it gets finished.
John **********
John **********
One of the retirement visa options, there's at least 4 of them all somewhat different so check them out. Non-O, Non-OA, Non-OX and the LTR Wealthy Pensioner
Ken ********
Ken ********
North....
Jim *********
Jim *********
Look on the Thai embassy website. It has all the visa types and requirements.
Malcolm *******
Malcolm *******
Start with a 90 day visa based on being over 50 ( retirement ) from your local Thai Embassy . Then come to Thailand and season
*****
0 baht for 2 months after opening a Thai bank account .

Then you can apply for a 12 month extension .

Check with your local Thai Immigration office for their document requirements . Or you could use a reputable agent to assist .

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