Surnov.com

Retirement visa

If you plan to retire in Thailand, you will need a retirement visa. In this article, we will look at the types of retirement visas in Thailand, the process of obtaining a visa, and the specifics of Thailand's retirement visa program.

Types of Visas for Retirees in Thailand

The Kingdom offers two main retirement visas: the Non-Immigrant OA Visa, which allows a one-year stay, and the Non-Immigrant OX Visa, valid for up to 10 years. Both visas come with specific conditions and financial requirements.

OA

The OA Visa is issued by the Embassy/Consulate of the Kingdom of Thailand. Holders of this type of visa are permitted to stay in the Kingdom for one year from the date of entry. However, an annual paid health insurance policy is required for this visa. For this reason, it is one of the least popular visa options.

OX

The holder of this type of visa is allowed to stay in the country for 5 years. It is issued by the Embassy/Consulate of the Kingdom of Thailand in the applicant’s country of residence.

This visa is issued to citizens of the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Canada
  • United States

The cost of obtaining a Thai retirement visa can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. The annual Thai retirement visa (OA) typically costs around 5,000 ฿, while the five-year visa may cost around 10,000 ฿. The price of the retirement visa in Thailand also varies depending on the country from which the application is submitted.

Advantages of the Retirement Visa:

  • Long-term stay: Allows retirees to reside in the Kingdom for an extended period.
  • Multiple entries: With a multiple-entry permit, you can enter and exit the country as many times as you wish.
  • Large expatriate community.
  • Great climate: Enjoy the warm climate of the Land of Smiles all year round.

Requirements for a Retirement Visa in Thailand

  1. Applicants must be 50 years of age or older (on the date of application).
  2. The applicant must not be prohibited from entering the Kingdom as stipulated by the Immigration Act BE 2522 (1979).
  3. Proof of citizenship or residency (permanent residency) in the country where the application is submitted. A copy of the residency certificate (if applicable).
  4. A confirmation letter stating that the applicant has no criminal record. The confirmation must be valid for no more than three months, and an online court record without an authorized signature is unacceptable.
  5. A medical certificate stating the absence of diseases prohibited for entry, as specified in Ministerial Regulation No. 14 (BE 2535). The certificate is valid for no more than three months (leprosy, tuberculosis, drug addiction, elephantiasis, stage three syphilis).
  6. Insurance:
  • Applicants must have health insurance for the entire duration of their stay, covering COVID-19 with a total coverage amount of 3,000,000 ฿ (100,000 USD) per insurance year.
  • An international insurance certificate, as stipulated by the Office of the Insurance Commission and the Medical Insurance of Thailand, must be completed, signed, and stamped by the insurance company.
  • A medical insurance document issued by a Thai or foreign insurance company, indicating that the applicant is insured for this period and with the coverage specified above: the original insurance policy with two copies if the insurance company is foreign, or two copies of the insurance policy and the original if the company is Thai.

It is also necessary to meet one of the financial requirements:

  • a bank deposit of at least 800,000 ฿;
  • a monthly income of at least 65,000 ฿;
  • a combination of a monthly income of 65,000 ฿ and a fixed deposit of 800,000 ฿.

In the case of providing a bank statement, a guarantee letter from the bank (original) is required.

  1. Additional application form for Non-Immigrant “OA” (long-term stay).
  2. Flight itinerary from your country to Thailand.
  3. Hotel reservations or arrangements for accommodation.

Application Process

The application can be submitted both within the Kingdom and from abroad.

The document package must include:

  • Confirmation of the fixed deposit (bank book or savings book).
  • A letter from the bank confirming that the deposit has been made for at least 2 months prior to the application submission.
  • A letter from the embassy confirming your income of 65,000 ฿.
  • If using monthly income, a letter from the embassy is required.
  • A certificate of no criminal record.
  • A medical certificate.
  • Confirmation of health insurance coverage in Thailand (with a minimum coverage of $100,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency).
  • Additional documents (depending on nationality and current situation).

If you are applying while in the Kingdom, you do not need to provide a certificate of no criminal record, a medical certificate, or confirmation of health insurance coverage.

Once all the necessary documents for the application are gathered, you need to:

If you are in Thailand:

  1. Initially, apply for a Thai Non-Immigrant O visa.
  2. Stay in Thailand for 60 days (or the last 30 days of a Non-Immigrant OA visa).
  3. Submit the documents to the consulate or embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand.

If you are outside of Thailand:

  1. Apply for a 90-day Non-Immigrant O or OA visa at the Thai embassy in your country of residence.
  2. Enter Thailand with the Non-Immigrant visa.
  3. Stay in the Kingdom for at least 60 days before proceeding to the next step.
  4. When the last thirty days of your Non-Immigrant visa expire, you can apply for an extension through the retirement visa program.

If you are applying as a tourist in the Kingdom:

  1. Ensure you have a valid visa or visa exemption.
  2. Open an account at a Thai bank.
  3. Contact the Immigration Bureau of Thailand and apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa.
  4. In the last 30 days, apply for an extension through the retirement visa program.

Extension of the retirement visa

The retirement visa can be extended annually, provided that the necessary funds are in your bank account at least three months prior to the extension process.

The same set of documents is required for the visa extension as for its initial application.

You have the option to extend your Thai retirement visa within 45 days of its expiration date. However, it is recommended to apply 3 to 4 weeks before the visa expires.

Features of Thailand's retirement program

After obtaining a retirement visa, there are certain rules that all expatriates in Thailand must follow.

  1. You must apply for a re-entry permit if you wish to leave the country.
  2. You are required to report your address to the Immigration Department every 90 days if you continue to reside there.

A re-entry permit is issued for entry into the Kingdom during the validity period of the visa.

A re-entry permit is provided to holders of a Thai retirement visa in two types:

  • Single entry (1,000 baht).
  • Multiple entry (3,800 baht).

The application for a re-entry permit is submitted to the immigration officer at the Kingdom's airports before the passport control counters.

Applicants are required to inform the immigration office of their home address every 90 days, even if the address has not changed. Notification can be done by mail or in person by visiting the immigration office.

If the applicant is not in Thailand when the 90-day report is due, they must submit their 90-day report to the Kingdom's immigration authorities upon entering the country. The 90-day reporting period will begin from the time of the applicant's re-entry into the country.

For a step-by-step guide on the 90-day reporting process, please visit the page:

https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/guide-to-thai-immigration-90-day-reporting

As an owner of a retirement visa, you are not permitted to work in Thailand or obtain a work permit in the Kingdom.

Video Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Thailand with a retirement visa?
No, any form of employment under a retirement visa is strictly prohibited.

How often do I need to renew my retirement visa?
The retirement visa must be renewed annually, following the same procedure as the initial application.

What are the average expenses for a retiree in Thailand?
On average, retirees can expect monthly expenses ranging from 30,000 to 70,000 ฿. This estimate includes:

  • Housing
  • Utilities
  • Transportation
  • Discretionary expenses such as alcohol.

What are the monthly food expenses?
Food expenses can range from 6,000 ฿ per month for those who prefer local cuisine to over 20,000 ฿ per month for those who frequently choose imported and international dishes.