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What type of retirement visa should I apply for in Thailand and what are the requirements?
Retirement VisaNon-O VisaThailand Visa RulesHealth InsuranceFinancial RequirementsVisa Application ProcessBackground ChecksExpat Guidance
Oct 28, 2025
6 months ago
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTEROK, I would welcome all thehelp/advise I can get. Here is where I am currently at. I have retired, I'm 64. I am at that miserable stage where I am trying to liquidate all my belongings. I'm also getting my financial situation ready too. I'm not concerned with the financial obligations required. I have no problem putting 800,000 baht into an account,and my monthly social security deposit is more than the 65,000 baht required. so, what retirement visa should I apply for? FYI, I'm from the USA. I currently do not have health insureance, so I am looking for a visa that doesn't require it. Also, how far back does the background check go? I'm good for 20 years. Please help me get this going. In addition, how far ahead do I apply meaning how long does it normally take to get approved? Lastly, after getting approved, how long do I have to go before it expires?
Thanks BV
Thanks BV
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on applying for a retirement visa in Thailand. They meet the financial requirements, are considering a NON-O visa due to their age, and are looking for options that do not require health insurance. Users suggest applying for the NON-O visa before arriving in Thailand, opening a local bank account, and transferring the required funds. It is important to maintain monthly deposits for visa renewals. Several comments emphasize the benefit of health insurance while some validate an initial lack of it. Other details discussed include the timeframe for visa approval and renewal processes.
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.
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Lori *********
I came to Thailand 2 + years ago. If you have zero health issues, I wouldn't buy health insurance yet. I'm 70 and did purchase a policy. I never used it. Paying cash at public hospital cost WAY less than filing a claim. This has to be a personal preference. I was able to open an account fairly easily at Bangkok Bank. If you get a 90 day visa from your home country, it gives you a little time. A tourest visa with broader runs is also possible. I highly suggest using a visa agent. I did try it on my own and decided it was much easier with an agent. It costs some $ but, highly worth it. Criminal background check and health insurance (except for basic requirement for bank account were not required.) It is a process, but doable. Hope all works out for you. Get advice from knowledgeable people only. Good luck with your move.
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lori ********
thank you. I have several friends living there now for guidance. 2 of them have recently done the exact path.Anna *********
@Bob ******
ignore any advice about getting a tourist visa Thst won’t get you the result you are looking forReply to
Anna *********
Reply
J **************
@Lori ********
sorry but health insurance fit inpatient care is a must unless you are wealthy …and if do go get a long term resident visa ….we can all tell stories…but my friend had no insurance ….had a brain aneurysm….the first surgery took all of his 800k …the second wiped out anything else…….lucky for him, he diedLori *********
@J *************
You don't have to be sorry. As I said, it's a personnel preference. I just said that it's not necessary for visa. I did not say, it's not necessary. Sorry for the misunderstanding.J **************
@Lori ********
well when you say “paying in cash” is way less …it leads one to believe you don’t recommend itLori *********
@J *************
Yes it does. I did not recommend for long term solution. Please always consult an expert. I was only sharing my initial Visa on-boarding experience and requirements as requested in Bob's origionl post.Reply to
Lori *********
Reply
Michael ********
After your first 1 year visa extension expires, you can then apply for the further years based on at least
*****
baht being deposited from your foreign bank accoun]t into your Thailand bank account, but it must be transferred every month, miss a month and your back to square one, it must be every callendar month !Bill *********
@Michael *******
I'm quite perplexed why people want to try to make sure a transfer happens without any problems 12 times a year instead of just a one time deposit.Michael ********
Bill *********
@Michael *******
I'm just curious why people choose the monthly option. I deposited my 800k 3 years ago and I just make sure the balance is appropriate and no further concerns. So much easier in my opinion.Michael ********
@Bill ********
Thats your choice, I prefer the 800,000 making some money for me elsewhere, check the interest you will get 0.25 is about max from your Thai bank !!!Bill *********
@Michael *******
I hear ya, and that was my initial concern. My Thai bank is actually paying 0 interest on my funds! But I accept it because any interest earned might trigger tax consequences, so I'm relieved to say that I earn nothing in Thailand. As far as missing interest that I could be earning in the US, I'll just do a couple earnings related option trades and that will bring in income to cover that interest. Again, it gives me a piece of mind that I don't have to worry about the monthly transfers.Michael ********
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Michael ********
@Bill ********
Well thats Thailand ! So go and ask Immigration, Im perplexed about the UKs open boarders and invasion ! but there is nothing I can do about it !! I prefer the way Thailand controls its legal immigration !Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
my social security is a monthly direct deposit and well exceeds 65kAnna *********
@Bob ******
you can’t use the 65k method for the first years extension but you can for the second yearsMichael ********
@Anna ********
Thats correctReply to
Michael ********
Reply
Michael ********
@Bob ******
My point is once you are here in Thailand you have to import the money yo your Thai bank account, what goes into your USA bank account has nothing to do with your visa once you are here living in ThailandReply to
Michael ********
Reply
Bill *********
It sounds like this is a perfect time to get a Visa agent involved to get everything sorted out. It'll all get taken care of quickly and stress free. Speaking from experience.
Anna *********
@Bill ********
no need for an agent it’s a simple enough processLes ***********
@Anna ********
I agree 100 percent with Anna.Bill *********
@Anna ********
I 100% disagree but then go for it if you're bored and looking for something to do. I personally put a high value on my time. Why do I want to go travel about to gather the documents then wait around with a 100 other people at immigration when I can go sit and drink a latte at the coffee shop and have this all taken care of by someone who's an expert? That's the simple process.Darlene *********
@Bill ********
your cup of coffee is costing you thousands upon thousands of wasted baht. You hour wasting time having a coffee, you could apply for your visa. Anyhow, we all have different takes on waste , you don't want to waste an hour - we dont want to throw away (waste) thousands of baht.Bill *********
@Darlene ********
My agent's fee is not a waste to me at all. She and her husband live in my building and are super nice and helpful on many Thai topics. And her former assistant has been my good friend for over 6 years now. But a better reply is this: can you make more baht? Yes, I'm generating income while I sleep. Can you make time? I sure haven't found a way, but if you have, share with the rest of the world. So my argument stands... my time is more valuable than a few k of baht.Darlene *********
@Bill ********
well Bill...when someone who comes over (not for a job, probably a pensioner) ...he/she can surely MAKE TIME to spare an hour or two and save 15-55k. If you have a full time job and can absolutely not spare time, then by all means pay an agent the exorbitant amount. You do you by all means. I will most certainly MAKE TIME and do me and save a packet doing it 👌👌👍👍Shirley **********
@Darlene ********
Great answer, I'm retired and have time day and night so why not do it myself.Tony **********
@Bill ********
your over-dramatising the process. 20 min to photocopy docs, 1hr at immigration.Reply to
Tony **********
Reply
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
I was just there earlier this month, I should have gone and contacted and agent in person.Les ***********
Tony **********
@Bob ******
agent is completely unnecessary. Process is straight forward and easy to follow. Can feel a bit tedious at times, but all in all an easy process for non-o visa.Bill *********
@Bob ******
Right. Before I made my move I took a reconnaissance trip to Bangkok at which time I met up with the Visa agent I was going to use so I understood her plan of action. Then when I came back a few months later to make the actual move, everything was ready... an easy process. So do whatever you can in advance if possible.Reply to
Bill *********
Reply
Jim ********
Have you reviewed the Thai Embassy’s Visa section? It has all the requirements for each visa.
***************************************************************
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
Thank you, I live near Chicago and found the wesite for the embassy here.Reply to
Bob *******
Reply
Stuart ***********
Apply for a non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) from one of the Thai Embassies in the USA online. You then fly to Thailand open a bank account and deposit 800,000 baht in the first couple of weeks. Get a list of requirements from the local immigration office to extend your stay for 12 months. After your money has been in your Thai account for 2 months take everything on the list to immigration and extend it for 1,900 baht. It's easy to do yourself. Good luck.
John-Paul ******
@Stuart **********
that would be a Non O/A visa. A Non O is only issued IN Thailand.Stuart ***********
@John-Paul *****
not true. You can apply for the non-O outside Thailand as well as the non-OA.John-Paul ******
@Stuart **********
really? Not what immigration says... but hay... good on you for pointing that out.Stuart ***********
@John-Paul *****
immigration where? Ask a silly question in the wrong place and you get a silly answer! Go on to the Thai Embassy for your country where you would apply and look for yourself to get the correct answer.John-Paul ******
@Stuart **********
you now... I am dealing with other things. That are far more important. Non O /A or a Non O ? Use either. One needs health insurance the other doesn't. It a choice. But LA Consulate say no Non O available outside Thailand... they are wrong? Maybe... but like most things here depends on who... day of the week... the hour of the day... and whether the person being talked to has had a bad morning. Use an agent and be done with it and enjoy one's life.Stuart ***********
@John-Paul *****
it's really simple, but it does involve being able to access the website and read the information. If someone can't do that yes get an agent. People get the non-O in their home country (including the USA) online every day, so yes whoever you spoke to either didn't understand your question or they gave you bad information.I am only replying to correct you because people get confused by misinformation spread by people here.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
Perfect thanksReply to
Bob *******
Reply
Mark ************
Hello Bob ...Direct to Wrlife for global health cover premiums fixed 5 years can pay in U.$ or ThaiTHB
Dont sell all come on holiday first many agents take 27.000THB arrange retirement visa (800.000THB) keep...
094 583 4305
Dont sell all come on holiday first many agents take 27.000THB arrange retirement visa (800.000THB) keep...
***************
094 583 4305
Chris *******
You will apply for an evisa 90 day non-o based on being over 50( retirement ).
No checks needed.
Enter and find somewhere to live, obtain a bank account.
Transfer 800k.
Then you apply for a 1 year extension of stay and will do so every year.
This is the simplest path.
Once here or from home I recommend finding a health plan that works for your needs, self insuring pay as you go can be devasting.
Many just get good coverage for inpatient care.
No checks needed.
Enter and find somewhere to live, obtain a bank account.
Transfer 800k.
Then you apply for a 1 year extension of stay and will do so every year.
This is the simplest path.
Once here or from home I recommend finding a health plan that works for your needs, self insuring pay as you go can be devasting.
Many just get good coverage for inpatient care.
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ******
This is exactly what I thought the path I should go.Reply to
Bob *******
Reply
Jesper *******
E-visa at thai embassy in your home country apply for nonO 90days retirement visa once in thailand get a long term lease bankin 800k into thai acct get ready for 1yr extension and in the mean time shop for local insurance
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jesper ******
can I do this online instead of going to a Thai embassy?Jesper *******
@Bob ******
yes u only do online no need visit embassyBob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jesper ******
About how long does it take from applying to recieving the visa?Ianthe *******
@Bob ******
we applied on the 10th and got it approved on the 20thJesper *******
@Bob ******
from reports usually 2-3weeks once approved u have 90days to travel to thailand and once in thailand u will be stamped 90days to stay in thailand while u have slightly less den a month to open bank acct and bankin your 800k because the funds need to be seasoned for 2mths before applying for your 1yr extensionBob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jesper ******
this is what I needed to know. Based on the info, I'll apply once I put my condo up for sale. It shouldn't take 90 days to sell. I just want the timing right.Shirley **********
@Bob ******
That was my main concern, how long would it take and then sell my house within 90 days.Reply to
Shirley **********
Reply
Mark ***********
I suggest applying for the non-o visa from the US showing you have cash equivalent of 800k thb. Once approved, you’ll have 90 days to enter Thailand. Then you’ll have 90 days before doing one year extension of stay. For the non-o, there’s no background check.
Les ***********
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark **********
OK, so I only need to prove I have 800k available, not an actual Thai bank account?Bent *************
@Bob ******
The money must be in a Thai account.Ally ************
@Bob ******
You will need to open a bank account in Thailand once you are in country.. and deposit 800k baht in order to apply for the 12-month extension of your initial 90-day visa.. you can only use the income method of validation from the first extension of your first 12-month extension.. so 90-day validated by own country bank/funds.. then 12-month extension in Thailand validated by 800k capital sum in Thai bank.. then next 12-month extension can be validated by either 800k capital in Thai bank, or by 65k monthly income.. the latter must be evidenced by 12 separate and continuous monthly deposits to your Thai bank account from an overseas source.. just to clarify 😉Mark ***********
@B**
right, for this, US account. You can find all the requirements and apply at the official e-visa site: ****************************
Reply to
Mark ***********
Reply
Garry *******
You will want health insurance for your own peace of mind, Thailand is not a cheap place to get sick, a bit like America.
Tony **********
@Garry ******
what? Healthcare is like ⅓ the cost of usa and better care.Erhardt *********
@Tony *********
I face the problem of being over 80 with two pre-existing conditions, nothing serious. The premiums would be so high  and they could say that any future conditions maybe because of your pre-existing condition. Any future health expenses we plan to cover. We can afford home medical care in Thailand if needed, something we couldn’t afford in the US. We are looking for an assistance in the form of a maid to come in 4-6 hours during the week. Again something more manageable in Thailand. We had a condo to accommodate live in help if needed in the future. This allows us to stay in our home in Thailand. Here in the States a medical assistance nursing home will start at 20,000 a month and some in California run to 35,000 a month for two people.  so as long as we don’t suffer for dementia Thailand is a win-win situation for us. Even if you get dementia Thailand still offers better medical care than the US  at a affordable cost compared to the US.Tony **********
@Erhardt ********
in in the same place but still in my early 70's. I just Rick $500/month into savings and pay out of pocket. If course, cancer drugs could change that in the future but then I'd have a different set of choicesReply to
Tony **********
Reply
Erhardt *********
@Garry ******
A very verytiny bit like America. The average hip replacement in Thailand is $7000-$13,000. The average hip replacement in America is $56,000 to $112,000. LTR wealth visa requires no health insurance, but you must have $100,000 set aside in an account. This allows you to be self insured.
$80,000 a year income. You can get an elite visa for $25,000 for five years, no health insurance requirements. Take your pick.
Martin *********
@Erhardt ********
you can just take out health insurance on a retirement visaReply to
Martin *********
Reply
Bob **********
@Garry ******
self insure medical is cheap as chipsSean **********
@Bob *********
hmmm not sure about that. I carry hospital inpatient at 91K baht per year (70 years old).Had an Umbilical Hernia this year. 4 days in Bangkok Hospital, robotic surgery cost 360k, 100% paid by the insurance with no questions and no copay. The cost is similar to the quoted prices in the US.
Bob **********
@Sean *********
keep that insurance if you can I’m sure the price jumped quite a bit when you turned 70 Bangkok Hospital is a money grab you can get the same doctor about an hour away for half the priceSean **********
@Bob *********
went up 5% at 70 and will increase every 5 years. Yes, I know Bangkok Hospital is no place to look for discounts. I did however get all the necessary pre-approvals for the surgery.Reply to
Sean **********
Reply
Martin *********
@Bob *********
how can you say that its ok for smal accidents but what happens if God forbid he has a accident we all think its not happening to us.Bob **********
@Martin ********
you can buy accident insurance from your bank. My brother just had back surgery removed disks and put 4 screws 400k that’s $12,000 US that’s cheap most insurance companies will fight you on every claim in Thailand same brother had health insurance for the last 8 years got prostrate cancer they wouldn’t cover $1 and nothing for the back surgery put the 60-90,000 baht you pay in the bank for healthcareMartin *********
@Bob *********
yes but 90.000 wont get you farBob **********
@Martin ********
that’s every year knock on wood been here 16 years spent 200k on my eyes I’m good with that I got insurance in the states had 1.5 million in medical 3 years ago my co pay was $400Ian *******
@Bob *********
true. It seems they are happy to sign you up, but cancel your policy if you try to claim.Reply to
Ian *******
Reply
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garry ******
I plan on getting insurance once I get to Thailand.Reply to
Bob *******
Reply
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