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What visa options should I consider for retirement in Thailand if I can only apply for a DTV in April?
Thailand VisaRetirement VisaDTVVisa ExemptionLong-term StayBank RequirementsExpats in ThailandNon-O Visa
Oct 16, 2025
6 months ago
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, my situation seems complex. I want to go to Thailand in January for eventual retirement. I receive a yearly payout of nearly 800k on January 1, not monthly payments. But I will need some of that to live on, so can’t tie it up in a Thai bank for months.
I don’t currently have 500k for the DTV, and I understand that I need to show a bank statement with that amount for 3 months before applying for a DTV. So, I can apply April 1.
What visa makes the most sense when I go in January?
Is it reasonable to have “some kind” of visa until April 1, then apply for a DTV, then get an over 50/retirement visa when I can leave 800k in a Thai bank?
I don’t currently have 500k for the DTV, and I understand that I need to show a bank statement with that amount for 3 months before applying for a DTV. So, I can apply April 1.
What visa makes the most sense when I go in January?
Is it reasonable to have “some kind” of visa until April 1, then apply for a DTV, then get an over 50/retirement visa when I can leave 800k in a Thai bank?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on which visa to obtain for a trip to Thailand in January, coinciding with their plans to retire and apply for a DTV visa by April. They face challenges regarding the 500k baht bank statement requirement for the DTV visa and have concerns about living expenses while waiting for the necessary funds. Community comments suggest entering Thailand on a visa exemption, obtaining extensions, and considering the logistics of applying for the DTV visa from a neighboring country.
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.
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Glenn *****
If you have money in your home country you can apply for an O A visa but you will need to apply for Thai health insurance.
Frankie *****
When you do come here, remember to live within your expenses
All the best !
All the best !
Chun ****
I am surprised nobody mentioned that you cannot open a Thai bank account with a tourist or DTV visa.
Mike ********
@Chun ***
from the sound of it , it’s probably for the best , I’m just following, but all the nightmares I’m seeing about bank ac accounts, I would not have one ,, transfer to someone else account to pay them from wise sounds way betterTodd *********
@Chun ***
agent. Although it is more difficult than ever to accomplishReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Ralph *******
The best long term strategy is the non O visa with annual extensions. But you can’t afford it. I would wait until you have the 800k to deposit in a Thai bank.
David **********
Here's my personal recommendation - come to Thailand on visa exempt and get 60 days, extend once for 30 more days (1900 baht at immigration). Then fly to Vietnam ($25 for a 90 day Evisa). Enjoy Vietnam and while you're there apply for the DTV. Problem solved.
Thomas ***********
Just enter on tourist visa and do extentions every 60 to 90 days
Jay *******
@Thomas **********
I don't think you can do multiple extensions on the same tourist visaThomas ***********
@Jay ******
i did in phuket imigrationTodd *********
@Thomas **********
no you didn’t.Greg ***********
@Thomas **********
No you definitely didn't. You are confusing thingsJay *******
@Thomas **********
do you have a multiple entry tourist visa and did you leave Thailand and return?Reply to
Jay *******
Reply
J **************
Stay where you are and save like crazy ….when you have the funds then apply….its not a place where you want to run out of money
Alan ********
@J *************
you know your answer is good but not eveybodys situation..about money..SO YOUR ANSWER IS OUTTA TIUCH.J **************
@Alan *******
two expats have jumped off their condo next door to mine this year alone due to financial issues!Alex *******
@J *****
the jumpers are not the average person that runs out of money. The jumpers already had severe psychological issues and then the financial troubles just was the thing that topped it off. Any mentally stable foreigner living in Thailand that runs out of money would just go back home to work and earn some more money. It's not a big dealJ **************
Ron ******
@Alex ******
Yeah right...so some guy in his *****
s can just head home and get a job? Good to know.Alan ********
@J *************
sad..but we dont know the bottom of the story..Reply to
Alan ********
Reply
Graham ******
If you come to Thailand 1-Jan you need to plan which neighbouring country you will exit to for your DTV application before 1-Apr as you cannot still be in Thailand then without a proper visa.
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
Would I get a tourist visa for 60 days with a paid exit plan to another country at near 90 days, then extend another 30 days, then apply out-of-country for DTV? Or 90 day non-imm-O visa?Graham ******
@Chris ********
Most prople get 90 days with a 60 day Visa Exempt entry and a 30 day extensionChris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
thank you. Will I need a paid exit plan for this type of entry when I arrive?Graham ******
@Chris ********
What is a paid exit plan?Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
I mean, do I need a plane ticket or bus ticket or something paid for to another country when I arrive to Thailand? Proof that I plan to leave the country.Graham ******
@Chris ********
Your airline is where proof of onward travel is more likely to be requested for people arriving on tourism entry stamps (currently 60 days) so it's best to ask them what their policy is.Neil ********
@Graham *****
can a person come to Thailand for 60 days extended to 90 days then go back to his home country for say two months and then go back to Thailand and do the 60 extended to 90 days again and just keep repeating it Todd *********
@Neil *******
yes, you can. There is No limit on the number of visa exempt entries.Neil ********
thanks Todd
Graham ******
@Neil *******
No, you cannot live long term in Thailand without the correct Visa as people are finding outNeil ********
@Graham *****
one last question Mate. How many times can I visit Thailand in a year if I want to stay for 90 days?Graham ******
@Neil *******
Every entry is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer holding your passport. There is no number for entries or days using Visa Exempt.Neil ********
@Graham *****
thanks Graham. Appreciate your help.Reply to
Neil ********
Reply
Graeme ******
A bit confused with what your asking? You as a USA individual can enter 60 days visa exempt and then extend in thailand for an addition 30days at a local immigration office, giving you 90 days. Typically you can apply for a DTV with just a single bank statement showing the 500kbaht equivalent in dollars in your own bank ( this is the case with the London embassy) but of course you need to either have a soft power or your own business that allows you to work remotely in thailand to apply, the DTV can only be applied for outside of thailand so in the USA or a neighbouring country but not thailand.
Reply to
Graeme ******
Reply
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