Thailand Retirement Visa: Requirements, Documents & Application

Thailand Retirement Visa: Requirements, Documents & Application

The Thailand Retirement Visa is a special long-term visa for foreign nationals aged 50 and above who wish to live in Thailand permanently. This guide outlines the current requirements, required documents, timelines, and application process.

Types of Retirement Visas

1. Non-Immigrant Visa “O” (Retirement)

• Applied for in Thailand after entering with a tourist visa or visa exemption

• Valid for 90 days initially, renewable annually

• Employment is strictly prohibited

Requirements

• Age: 50 years or older

• Financial proof:
  ▪ 800,000 THB in a Thai bank or
  ▪ 65,000 THB monthly income or
  ▪ a combination of both

• Must reside in Thailand for at least 2 months before applying

• Proof of residence required

2. Non-Immigrant Visa “OA” (Long Stay)

• Applied for in your home country at the Thai Embassy

• Valid for 1 year, renewable

• Additional documents required

Requirements

• Age: 50 years or older

• Same financial requirements as Visa “O”

• Health insurance covering at least 100,000 USD

• Police clearance certificate

• Medical certificate

Required Documents

For Visa “O” (applied in Thailand):

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• 4x6 cm passport photo

• Completed visa form

• Bank letter (original + copy)

• Copy of Thai bank book

• Proof of address in Thailand

• Copies of all passport pages

Additional for Visa “OA”:

• Medical certificate

• Police clearance

• International health insurance (in English)

Processing Time

• Document preparation: 3–5 business days

• Review by authorities: 7–15 business days

• Renewal: yearly, in Thailand (no need to exit the country)

Benefits of the Retirement Visa

• Legal residency for 365 days per year

• Basis for property purchase or long-term rent

• Ability to open a Thai bank account

• Access to healthcare and insurance options

• Annual renewal possible without leaving the country

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with this visa?
No. All forms of employment are prohibited.

Can I buy property in Thailand?
Yes. You can buy a condo and lease land for long-term use.

Do I need a Re-entry Permit to leave Thailand?
Yes. If you leave Thailand, you must get a Re-entry Permit to keep your visa valid.

How We Help

We support you every step of the way:

• Selecting the right visa type (“O” or “OA”)

• Document review and preparation

• Translations and form assistance

• Guidance through immigration offices

• Help with finding property (buy or rent)

Free consultation – message us to start your Thailand retirement journey.

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Tatyana Nesterova