What type of visa do I need to retire in Thailand and when should I apply for it?

Visa Requirements Retirement Visa Thailand Non-Immigrant O Visa LTR Visa Visa Renewal Procedures

Nov 21, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all I am going to Thailand on 1st March to retire and returning to United Kingdom England in September for a month then returning back to Thailand to live 

Do I need a visa before I go . And what type of visa do I need.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To retire in Thailand starting March, you'll need to apply for a Non-Immigrant O Visa, which is commonly known as the retirement visa. It's advisable to obtain this visa before arriving in Thailand, as it allows for an initial stay of 90 days. After arriving, you can apply for a one-year extension based on retirement, provided you meet certain financial requirements. Alternatively, you might consider the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa for greater convenience over a 10-year period. Be mindful of the need for financial proof, such as having a Thai bank account with a minimum balance prior to applying for extensions.

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.

Renaud ***********

Get a visa o before , message for more details

2 years ago

Steve *******

Non Imm O visa based on being over 50 years old, commonly known as a 'retirement visa'.

2 years ago

Todd *********

If planning to retire, get the 10 year LTR or 10 year O/X visa. Saves you a lot of ongoing time, money and effort to constantly renew at immigration, maintain financials etc.

2 years ago

Tom ************

@Todd ********

Think you need a million baht or more in the bank before you can apply that kind of visa.

2 years ago

Tom ************

Only 3million baht....

2 years ago

Todd *********

@Tom ***********

exactly!! 🙂 If you don’t have 3 million baht you should be looking for a job, not a place to retire

2 years ago

Tom ************

@Todd ********

sorry I am not go to sell my real estate back home cause that’s way more profitable then use it for LTR, I just go once a year to renew my visa.

2 years ago

Todd *********

@Tom ***********

🤷‍♂️ to each his own

2 years ago

Reply to

Todd *********

@Tom ***********

yes, you do need to meet the financial criteria. There are only 14 countries that can access the O/X visas. But for some, they don't even need to bring the money into thailand. For the new LTR visa, you need to meet the financial or income requirements for whichever kind of visa you want.

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2 years ago

Reply to

Todd *********

Peter ****************

More possibilities. I would say get a non imm. O Single Entry in y'r home country (90 days) based on retirement. And then after e.g. 60 days here, ask for a year retirement extension. Then also ask for a re-entry permit.

Also you can come in with a Tourist visa and ask for this non imm. O 'in country'. And THEN ask for a year extension based on retirement after e.g 30 days with a re-entry permit.

It's even possible to get this 'in country' non imm. O visa when you come in with visa exempt (So NO visa). This gives you 45 days (entering before 31st of March) to get this in country non imm. O visa.

For the year extensions and in country visa, you need at least have a Thai bank account with 800k฿ on it, (2 months before asking the year extension. Money transfered as international transfer for the in country non imm. O, no seasoning needed) in your name only, for reason of retirement.

2 years ago

Peter ****************

The (real 🙄) rule is 2 months before you ask a year extension. But......y'r right, many imm. offices have some other requirements. The 2 months prior, have been implemented the same time that the bank account money, may not drop under the 400k฿ after 3 months.

2 years ago

Geoffrey ******

@Peter ***************

If I am not mistaken, I believe you need 800K baht in the bank 3 months prior when it is your initial retirement extension. Each year after, it is 2 months prior. Also your account can't drop below 400k at any time during the year. Have been retired here for a few years. I am aware that different offices may do different things, but those are the published rules. Have a great day.

2 years ago

Reply to

Geoffrey ******

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