ask
Search
Ask
Answereda year ago

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

Anonymous *************
asked Aug 18, 2025
1.2k
views
8
replies
2
likes
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.
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.
8 repliesnewest first
8

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
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.
Dave ***********
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.
Craig *******
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.
Jirachote *******
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:
*****************************
A. ************
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.
Ray *****
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
Luit *****************
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.
Pete *******
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.

Activity

8 joined
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
8
people
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
...members
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What is the best visa option for a UK retiree married to a Thai citizen who wishes to stay in Thailand for six months each year?
1.2k91614d
Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand if my bank funds have only been there for 5 weeks?
1.2k11102mo
What experiences do people have with canceling a DTV visa at the Los Angeles Embassy?
2.6k19353mo
What are the best visa options for relocating to Thailand as a retiree married to a Thai citizen?
3.7k33373mo
What is the best visa option for a retired Austrian wanting to spend 4-5 months in Thailand during winter?
2.8k26263mo
Can my friend change his visa from a medical extension to a retirement or DTV visa while being hospitalized in Thailand?
2.3k20186mo
What visa should I choose if I plan to work in the UK but also want to spend time in Thailand?
6.2k201507mo
What are the best visa options for a retired British-American expat looking to live in Thailand?
2.4k20191y
What are the advantages of a one-year Non O retirement visa over a five-year DTV in Thailand?
5k42482y
What are the steps to obtain a DTV visa from the USA for a retired expat in Thailand?
4k31382y
Why would someone choose a privileged visa over a retirement visa in Thailand for those over 50?
3.9k35212y
Should I apply for a retirement visa to Thailand in the UK or during my 60-day visit?
3.8k28372y
Is the 180-day visa and frequent flights in and out the best option for a 2-3 year stay in Thailand?
3k26212y
What is the process and experience of applying for a DTV visa at the Vancouver Consulate?
1k1102y
What visa options are available for expats planning to move to Thailand in 2026?
4.2k31372y
What are the best options for obtaining a retirement visa for Thailand while living in Los Angeles?
1.4k8102y
What are the best options for obtaining a retirement visa and extending my stay in Thailand?
2k14142y
What are the best visa options for living in Thailand before retirement at age 50?
8.1k63902y
What is the best visa option for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand and what documents should I bring?
3.4k25373y
Is the OX Visa a better option than a marriage visa for retiring in Thailand?
1.3k1053y
What are the best visa options for my retired parents visiting Thailand for 4-5 months?
1.3k7144y
What are the best short-term extension options for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
940584y
What are the visa options for children when applying for a retirement visa in Thailand?
2.1k13235y
What are the best visa options for retiring in Thailand with young twins?
1.9k9265y
What is the best visa option for retiring in Thailand: Non-O or O-A?
3.4k27325y

Resources

Need help with your DTV visa?