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What visa options are available for a 40-year-old expat looking to retire in Thailand with family?
retirement visaelite visaLTR visaeducational visaguardian visafamily visasimmigration optionsThailand visa rules
Mar 6, 2026
2 months ago
LoyalKan*********
ORIGINAL POSTERHow can I retire in Thailand 40 years of age with my wife and kids of 3 and 4? I have the funds to retire but what visa would work best for us?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Retiring in Thailand at the age of 40 presents challenges since standard retirement visas are available only for those 50 and older. Suggestions for the user include the Thai Elite Visa, which requires significant financial investment but offers long-term residency; the LTR (Long-term Resident) visa, which caters to wealthy expats; and educational/guardian visas for their young children, enabling family cohesion. Consulting a legal expert for personalized advice and exploring potential schooling options for the children are also recommended.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic LTR Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) 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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Cool****
LTR is best if you have money
Richard ********
LTR
Ian **********
LTR or elite visa
Michael ********
First question is why do you want to retire in Thailand?
Thorsten ***********
Russian?
LoyalKan*********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Thorsten **********
neinReply to
LoyalKan*********
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Bob ******
You need to grow 10 more years
Skilled*******
Well done for achieving financial independence.
Do you own property or stocks?
I’m invested in residential property, global ETF, gold and 2% bitcoin.
Do you own property or stocks?
I’m invested in residential property, global ETF, gold and 2% bitcoin.
Ian ********
Look at the Thai web site
Sandy *****
People talking of elite visa. I have myself got one and it doesnt cover ur family. Minimum you spent is 20k grand for 5 yr elite visa. If u need to add more family members u need to spend more.
Sam *****
If you are planning to enrol your kids in a school with preprimary, then your best option is educational visa for the kids and guardian visa for you and spouse. However, this may be tricky until kids turn 5 as many shcools dont have preprimary visa option. If money is not an issue then elite visa route is best option.
Daniel ***************
You don't wanna retire in Thailand with 40. You'll just be hastening your death.
LoyalKan*********
ORIGINAL POSTERDaniel James Murphy what do you mean?
Daniel ***************
LoyalKangaroo2379 I grew up in Thailand, lived there for many years, seen scores of Farangs, come with money, pay their way and enjoy what the country offers and ultimately fall into a void, often start drinking, hook up with the wrong women, and die.
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Daniel ***************
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Elías ********
DTV for soft power for starters. But you'll defo need a retirement visa when you turn 50 y/o
John **********
At your age the Thai Privilege visa is your best option
Laterrani **********
You don’t I think you should choose Vietnam the cost of an elite visa in Thailand is more than the cost of opening a small business in Vietnam and getting a business visa
Frank *********
at 40 having the funds to retire with your family, look at the elite visa
Chris *********
We used the DTV.
LoyalKan*********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ********
how did you do schooling for your kids? International schools?Chris *********
LoyalKangaroo2379 We homeschool. If we couldn't, we would go international. A few good international schools in Hua Hin.
LoyalKan*********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ********
thank youChris *********
LoyalKangaroo2379 No problem. We are living here now if you ever have any questions.
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Chris *********
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Muri *****
You have enough Funds,Elitecard, is the Option.. i hope you understand a enough funds mean Minimum 5000 US-Dollar or wealth of one million... You don't know how expensive in Tnsurance health and kidseducation
Sandy *****
Muri Max elite visa only covers 1 person for 20k grand. If doesnt work for full family and to shell out more.
Muri *****
Sandy Agr Why?.... If your finances enough.
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Muri *****
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LavenderS**********
I assume you have more than just funds to retire but funds to raise your kids and family healthcare. You should look at thailand elite visa or visa for wealthy expat category.
Somchai ********
Look into getting your kids an educational visa once and then you could get a guardian visa. With the information you posted this might work for your situation.
Al ****
LTR Visa.
Andrew *********
You can't get a retirement visa as you have to be 50yrs.
You can get a long term visa try asking for legal sdvice
You can get a long term visa try asking for legal sdvice
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Andrew *********
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