A Thailand retirement visa is an extension of a Non-immigrant OA Visa or a Non-immigrant O Visa and is also referred to as an Extension of Stay Based on Retirement. A Thai retirement visa can be valid for single or multiple entries and grants the holder permission to stay in Thailand for an uninterrupted period of one year. After its expiration, the retirement visa must be renewed from within the country, provided the requirements are still met.
Qualifications of a Thai Retirement Visa
- The applicant must be 50 or older than 50 years of age
- The applicant must meet any of the following financial requirements:
- A total monthly income of at least 65 000 Baht
- A security deposit of 800 000 Baht into a bank in Thailand two months before applying for the visa
- A combination of a security deposit and a total annual income of 800 000 Baht
- The following supporting documents are required:
- If a security deposit is made, the applicant must provide an updated passbook or bank book along with a bank letter that states the money has been deposited from a foreign source at least two months prior to the application request.
- If the applicant receives an income in Thailand, they must provide a letter from their embassy in Thailand confirming their income.
- If the applicant’s embassy doesn’t issue a letter of income, they must provide a one-year bank statement displaying a monthly income of 65 000 Baht in their Thai bank account.
- Additional documentation that may apply includes:
- A Medical Certificate
- Police Clearance
- Health Insurance
The aforementioned documents may not always be required when applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, but in some cases, a Thai embassy or consulate official may request them prior to issuing the visa.
The Application Process for a Thai Retirement Visa
A Thai retirement visa application can be processed in Thailand or the applicant’s home country or country of residence. The applicant must submit all the required documents to the Thai embassy or consulate in the relevant country.
1. Apply for a Non-Immigrant OA Visa
The applicant must submit the required documentation mentioned above to their home country’s Thai embassy or consulate. Note that not all embassies or consulates can issue a Non-immigrant OA Visa. This application process requires a medical certificate, police clearance, and proof of annual health insurance.
2. Apply for a Non-Immigrant O Visa and an Extension in Thailand
The applicant must apply for the initial 90-day non-immigrant visa at their home country’s Thai embassy or consulate before applying for a Thai retirement visa. A waiting period of 60 days applies before the applicant can apply for a retirement visa. Alternatively, the applicant must be within the last remaining 30 days of their current permit. For this application, proof of a Thai address is required.
3. Enter Thailand as a Tourist Before Applying for the Non-Immigrant O Visa with Extension
A foreigner who holds a tourist visa or a visa exemption stamp can apply for a Thai retirement visa, provided they satisfy the requirements of the non-immigrant O visa and the one-year extension applications. This application can be filed at a Thai immigration office.
Reminders For Holders of the Thai Retirement Visa
90-Day Reporting
Holders of the Thai retirement visa must inform their local immigration office of their current Thai residence every 90 days. Reporting can be executed via mail or in person at the immigration office, and an agent is permitted to report on behalf of the holder through a Power of Attorney. The 90-day period would commence once the retiree re-enters Thailand if they were not in the country within the due period.
Re-Entry Permit
If a retirement visa holder plans on traveling in and out of the country while the visa is valid, they must obtain a multiple re-entry permit to prevent the cancellation of the visa. If the holder must leave Thailand unexpectedly, they can apply for such a permit at their local immigration office or at the airport prior to departing.
Bank Account
A Thai retirement visa is valid for one year, after which the holder must renew the visa by providing the documentation presented at the initial application. The minimum funds required for this visa must be present in the holder’s bank account for at least three months before the renewal.
Household Effects Importation
According to the Bureau of Customs, retirees in Thailand cannot import their personal household effects without being liable for duty charges.
