This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What is the best visa option for a semi-retired individual considering living in Thailand?

DTV Visa Non-O Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Options for Expats Retirement Visa Freelancer Visa

Aug 18, 2025

8 months ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

London Application. 

64 year old semi retired nomad male with monthly pension of 26K BHT and can meet and exceed the 500K in bank account comfortably.

I am looking to file for DTV or possibly 1 year non immigrant visa. Looking potentially to live permanently in Thailand but not 100% sure of this yet.

Opinions on what is the best option and most successful? 

Thanks in advance.

1,014

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A 64-year-old semi-retired expat is seeking advice on whether to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) or a one-year Non-Immigrant visa to potentially live in Thailand permanently. He has a monthly pension of 26,000 BHT and meets the financial requirements for a bank account balance of 500,000 BHT. Community comments highlight that the DTV offers more flexibility, less hassle with paperwork, and a five-year validity with multiple entries compared to the Non-O visa, which requires yearly extensions and is more restrictive. Additionally, there were suggestions for using schools in Thailand to assist with visa applications.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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 DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks to all.

I've read that DTV is usually accepted if you have a bank account at a certain number (500K bht?) and I'm comfortably above that category here, but apart for the pension as originally mentioned don't have a actual income stream at present.

Anyone have any first hand or third party knowledge on this for the freelancer criteria if I apply?

Thanks in advance.

8 months ago

Dave ***********

DTV will be easier to get if you meet the criteria for freelancing. It’s good for 5 years, multiple entry-whilst you decide what you what to do long term.

8 months ago

Craig *******

I'm in the same situation, I spend 6 months in Thailand and DTV is perfect if you qualify. Much simpler than non-o.

8 months ago

Jirachote *******

You can contact to this muaythai school, it’s muaythai school under Thailand education ministry , can support both DTV or ED visa by themselves paperwork. Facebook: Chiangmai Muay Thai Gym or IG: chiangmaimuaythaigym (website:

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

8 months ago

A. ************

Since you say you aren't sure about Thailand, that probably means you want to explore other SEA countries for periods (months?) at a time. So you should be looking for flexibility. To me, the DTV offers that by giving you 5 years of multi-entry privileges with the ability to stay up to 6-months at a time. With other visas, you will have to get re-entry visas, so the visa you're on doesn't become void, and apply for yearly extensions.

8 months ago

Ray *****

The DTV gives you much more freedom. I had a non o retirement for many years and you always have to be in country to extend and the pain of paperwork.

Plus if you travel you have to buy a multi re entry every year

DTV is 5 years of never seeing in country immigration if you don't want to and it's multiple entry so no further hassle or cost

8 months ago

Luit *****************

If you mean with semi retired you are still working and can work remote, you might try DTV for the time being. DTV soft power might be too expensive with 26k a month. When you have 800k to put on Thai bank the idea of

@Pete ******

is by far the best option.

8 months ago

Pete *******

Keep it simple, apply Non-O based on being over 50. Then apply for the 1 year extension of stay. And repeat ad nauseam.

8 months ago

Reply to

Pete *******

What are the best visa options for a retired British-American expat looking to live in Thailand?

20 comments

8 months ago

What type of Thai visa should I apply for as a retired expat with health issues?