Visa-Faq.com

how to apply for retirement visa in thailand

by Cassidy Rogahn Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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When applying for a Thai retirement visa within Thailand (Non-Immigrant O-Long Stay Visa):

  • You must start the application process by applying for a 90-day non-immigrant visa from a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand, after which you can make an application for ...
  • You must then be in Thailand for at least 60 days (or within the last 30 days of your current visa stamp expiry) before submitting your retirement visa application at ...
  • You will also be required to provide proof of address in Thailand which can be done by providing a rental agreement or utility bill displaying your name.

Full Answer

How much does a Thai retirement visa cost?

  • For a 1-Year Thai Retirement Visa (Single-Entry): 2,000 Thai Baht
  • For a 1-Year Thai Retirement Visa (Multiple-Entry): 5,000 Thai Baht
  • For a 5-Year Thai Retirement Visa: 10,000 Thai Baht

How to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand?

How to Obtain a Retirement Visa in Thailand: STEP 1: OBTAIN A NON-IMMIGRANT VISA Requirements: Passport (at least one year remaining before expiration) You must be holding nationality or permanent residence of the country of application; Proof of Funds; STEP 2: OBTAIN A ONE-YEAR RETIREMENT VISA Requirements: Must be 50 years old and above

How to get a 6 month visa for Thailand?

  • you have to apply from your country of residence
  • you have to show a solid bank statement of USD 7,000 during the past 6 months
  • you have to show confirmed flight and hotel information for your first visit
  • maximum total stay about 9 months compared to about 12 months with the old triple entry tourist visa

More items...

What are the requirements to retire in Thailand?

To successfully apply for a 1-year retirement visa, the Thai government requires you to:

  • Be 50 years old or older
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Possess a valid passport that is good for a least 1 year
  • Place a security deposit of at least $24,500 in a Thai bank 2 months before applying or show a minimum monthly income or pension of $2,000

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Can I apply for retirement visa while in Thailand?

You must start the application process by applying for a 90-day non-immigrant visa from a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand, after which you can make an application for a retirement visa in Thailand (you cannot apply for a Thai retirement visa while in Thailand on a 30 day entry stamp or Tourist Visa).

What are the requirements to retire in Thailand?

Getting an Initial Retirement Visa for ThailandHave a Thai bank account with at least 800,000 baht (about $24,500)Have a monthly income or pension of at least 65,000 baht (about $2,000)Have a combination of the previous options, if they bring your total funds to at least 800,000 baht ($24,500)

How much money do I need to get a retirement visa in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Qualifications Must meet any of the financial requirements: Security deposit of THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account for 2 months prior to the visa application. Monthly Income of 65,000 THB regularly deposited in a Thai bank account.

What are the requirements for a retirement visa?

You can apply for a retirement visa if you meet the following criteria: You are over the age of 55 (65 in some countries). You have a specific monthly income (the amount varies from country to country). You are from a country with a retirement agreement with your destination country.

How much is a 10 year visa in Thailand?

The visa fee is 10,000 Baht (or local currency equivalent if applying outside Thailand). (b) Applicants must have money deposited in Thai bank located in Thailand with the amount of not less than 1.8 million Baht and have income with the amount of not less than 1.2 million Baht per year.

How much money do you need to retire?

Retirement experts have offered various rules of thumb about how much you need to save: somewhere near $1 million, 80% to 90% of your annual pre-retirement income, 12 times your pre-retirement salary.

How much is a 1 year retirement visa in Thailand?

2,000 Thai BahtFor a 1-Year Thai Retirement Visa (Single-Entry): 2,000 Thai Baht. For a 1-Year Thai Retirement Visa (Multiple-Entry): 5,000 Thai Baht. For a 5-Year Thai Retirement Visa: 10,000 Thai Baht.

Can I change from tourist visa to retirement visa in Thailand?

The foreigner on a visa exemption stamp or a tourist visa can still apply for a retirement visa given that the foreigner has already met the requirements for the non-immigrant O visa and for the one year extension visa applications. This can be done at the immigration office in Thailand.

How much is a 1 year visa in Thailand?

2,000 Thai Baht for a single-entry Non-Immigrant Visa with three-months' validity. 5,000 Thai Baht for a multiple-entry Non-Immigrant Visa with one-year validity.

How long can you stay in Thailand on a retirement visa?

The retirement once approved allows you to stay in Thailand for one year. You are not allowed to have employment while on this type of visa. Also you must report to Immigration every 90 days to verify your current address.

Which country has the easiest retirement visa?

Belize. Belize is the easiest residency program for retirees. If you have about $2,000 a month in guaranteed payments, you can become a resident of Belize through their QRP program.

What is the difference between a Thai O visa and a Thai OA visa?

The Non-Immigrant Retirement Visa In fact, there is a distinction being made by some between an O-A (which is supposedly only issued at an embassy or consulate outside of Thailand) and an O visa extension based upon retirement (which is supposedly only issued in Thailand).

How hard is it for Americans to move to Thailand?

When moving to Thailand, you'll need to get a visa – a requirement by Thai Immigration Law. Most people who move to Thailand do so with a tourist visa (valid for 60 days) or a non-immigrant visa which is initially valid for 90 days and which will then need to be extended through Thai Immigration.

How can I stay in Thailand long term?

If an individual wishes to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days, he/she may wish to obtain a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in the United States, prior to arriving in Thailand. The tourist visa must generally be used within 90 days from the date of issue and allows an initial stay of 60 days.

What is Thailand retirement visa?

Thailand retirement visa is the popular term for "Extension of Stay Based on Retirement”. It is an extension of a Non-Immigrant O Visa or Non-Immigrant OA Visa.

How long do you have to wait to retire in Thailand?

You will have to wait for 60 days to be in Thailand before you can file your retirement visa application at the immigration office or you must be on ...

How long is a Thai visa good for?

This is a long term Thai visa that entitles the holder a stay of uninterrupted 1 year period in Thailand.

Where do I get a COE in Thailand?

UPDATE: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, all foreigners entering Thailand are required to obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE) from the local Thai Embassy or Consulate in their current location prior to traveling to Thailand. The application for the COE requires Alternative Sate Quarantine Hotel (ASQ) reservation for the mandatory 14-day quarantine and COVID-19 Travel Insurance.

How long is a retirement visa valid?

The retirement visa is valid for a year and can be renewed by presenting the same requirements during the initial application. Please note that the required amount of funds in your bank account must be at least 3 months old before your can renew your visa. Importation of Household Effects.

Where do I send my documents to Thailand?

All necessary documents stated above must be submitted to the Thai embassy or consulate in your country.

Can a foreigner on a visa exemption stamp apply for a retirement visa?

The foreigner on a visa exemption stamp or a tourist visa can still apply for a retirement visa given that the foreigner has already met the requirements for the non-immigrant O visa and for the one year extension visa applications. This can be done at the immigration office in Thailand.

How old do you have to be to retire in Thailand?

To get a retirement visa in Thailand, you must be at least 50 years old, have no criminal record in your home country and in Thailand, and have no prohibitive diseases, which the Thai Embassy lists as Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addictions, Elephantiasis, and Syphilis in its third phase.

Where can I renew my Thai visa?

If you want to renew your visa outside of Thailand, you can re-apply at the nearest Thai Embassy.

What is the best thing about Thailand Elite?

The best thing about the Thailand Elite Visa is that it significantly decreases the time and headaches of dealing with paperwork and immigration officers, and it keeps you updated with the everchanging retirement visa requirements.

How long before Thai visa expires can I renew it?

The process is the same as when you first applied. But you should start your renewal process about 15 days before your visa expires. This will give you plenty of time for adjustments if Thai Immigration asks for more documents.

What to do if you don't have a Thai bank account?

If you don’t have a Thai bank account yet, it is possible to get a financial statement or a proof of income from your home country.

What is the difference between a non-immigrant visa and a re-entry permit?

The application process is the same as applying for a non-immigrant O visa. The only difference is that at the end of this process, you must get a re-entry permit.

What are the options for a non-immigrant visa?

You’ll have two options when getting your non-immigrant OA visa: single-entry or multiple-entry.

Where to apply for retirement visa in Thailand?

If you meet the Thailand Retirement Visa requirements outlined below, you can apply for the visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate in your home country before you travel. Alternatively, and something that is becoming increasingly popular with those turning retirement age whilst in the Kingdom, is to apply at the Thai Embassy or consulate in one of Thailand’s neighbouring countries such as Laos, Myanmar or Cambodia.

How long is a Thai retirement visa valid?

The first Retirement Visa for Thailand that will be issued will be a Single-Entry Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) Visa which will be valid for 90 days. During this initial 90-day period, the applicant can apply for a Thai Retirement Visa renewal at their nearest Royal Thai Immigration Department, which for most people in Bangkok is at Chaeng Wattana. The Thai Immigration will then issue a Retirement Visa, granting an extension of stay for up to 12 months. Although the new visa will again only be a single-entry visa, it is possible to apply for a re-entry permit (see below), which will allow you to re-enter without needing to renew your Retirement Visa for Thailand.

How much money do I need to retire in Thailand?

The 10 Year Retirement Visa for Thailand requires applicants to have a minimum of THB3 million in a Thai savings or fixed deposit account OR at least THB1.8 million in a Thai savings or fixed deposit account and an income of THB1.2 million or more per annum. A balance of THB1.5 million must be retained in the bank account for the duration of the visa.

How often do you have to report to Thailand for retirement?

90-day Reporting. For most people, as part of their Retirement Visa Thailand requirements, they will be required to report to a Thai Immigration office every 90 days. Although the process is easy to complete, it can be inconvenient attending the immigration office in person.

What is O-X visa?

The Non-Immigrant Visa – Retirement (O-X) is suitable for those aged 50 or over who wish to stay in Thailand (without working) long-term. The visa is effectively two five year visas and is only available to passport holders from the following countries: Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

How long does it take to get a Thai stamp?

As the process can take up to three weeks to be completed, you will need to apply almost immediately if you have entered the country using a 30-day exempt stamp. The application would need to be submitted to your nearest Thai Immigration Department.

How old do you have to be to get a visa?

The main restriction for the visa is that you must be 50 years of age or above

Where to get a retirement visa in Thailand?

If you are deciding to get your Thai retirement visa when you actually get here in Thailand, you need to visit the official immigration office in Bangkok with the required documents (see below). Here is the official address for the immigration office and the GPS map location:

How to get a visa for Thailand?

You can obtain a Thai visa by visiting a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country before you come here. Just remember that not all Thai embassies and consulates in foreign countries issue these types of visas so you will need to check the availability beforehand at your local Thai embassy.

How often do you have to report to Thailand immigration office?

When you already have your one-year Thai retirement visa, you will still have to report to your local immigration office every 90 days. Those who have a multiple-entry visa that can re-enter Thailand can fly or travel out of the country and come back every 90-days, but if not, you will have to undergo the 90-day reporting procedure.

How to ensure you meet the financial requirements of Thai immigration?

The only way to ensure you meet these financial requirements is to transfer the required funds directly to your Thai bank account. This is the simplest way to ensure you meet the financial requirements of Thai immigration.

How long is a non-immigrant visa valid?

In most cases, you might initially have to apply for a non-immigrant visa O in order to get a one-year non-immigrant OA or retirement visa. This will give you a 90-day stay in the country and after you have been here for 60-days, you are then eligible to apply for your retirement visa, which will be valid for one-year.

How long do I have to have money in my Thai bank account before I can apply for a visa?

It is important to have the requisite funds in your Thai bank (as stated in the previous section) 90 days before you apply for the visa. You cannot simply transfer the money to your Thai bank account a few days before applying for a visa. The money has to stay there to show you have enough funds to live in Thailand.

Can I retire in Thailand alone?

However, by using the information in our Thailand retirement visa requirements guide, you can go it alone while keeping costs to a minimum . If money isn’t an issue then speaking with visa service companies might be best for you.

How long does it take to get a retirement visa in Thailand?

We suggest you arrive on a TR tourist visa (60 days) or Visa Exemption stamp (30 days, extended to 45 days during COVID) and start the process within your first two weeks in Thailand.

Is Thailand a bureaucracy?

The Thai government is no less a bureaucracy than any other government, and you are also forced to do much of the process in a language you don't speak. Luckily, Thailand welcomes Westerners to retire in Thailand (compared to many Western countries, like the United States, that do not make the same options as available for foreign citizens wishing ...

Can I retire in Thailand?

Luckily, Thailand welcomes Westerners to retire in Thailand (compared to many Western countries, like the United States, that do not make the same options as available for foreign citizens wishing to move to the U.S.)

How long is a retirement visa valid in Thailand?

Retirement visas for Thailand are available to foreigners 50 years of age or older. These visas are valid for only one year and employment of any kind is strictly prohibited. According to Thai immigration, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

How long is a Thai work visa valid?

Once obtained, the work visa is valid for one year. For more information, please consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. websites.

How long can I stay in Thailand?

If an individual wishes to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days, he/she may wish to obtain a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in the United States, prior to arriving in Thailand. The tourist visa must generally be used within 90 days from the date of issue and allows an initial stay of 60 days. After arrival in Thailand, a tourist visa may be extended at the discretion of an immigration officer once for an additional 30 days with the total period of stay no longer than 90 days. There is a 1,900 Baht fee for the extension. Interested Americans should contact the Thai Immigration Bureau located at Government Center Chaengwattana Building B, No. 120, Moo 3, Chaengwattana Road, Tungsonghong Sub-District, Laksi District, Bangkok 10210, 66-2-287-3101 through 66-2-287-3110. For more information or additional Thai Immigration Bureau locations, please consult the Thai Immigration Bureau website.

What happens if you don't leave Thailand?

If an individual does not depart Thailand prior to expiration of his/her airport permit or visa, the individual is in the country illegally. In order to depart Thailand, it will be necessary to pay an overstay fine. The fine for overstaying a visa is 500 Baht per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 Baht. The fine is payable to the Immigration Bureau, ...

Can a short term visa be extended?

Expired short-term visas can be extended after paying a fine, but the number of days elapsed since expiration is subtracted from the extension period. Application for extension must be made by the next working day after visa expiration to avoid a fine.

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