You Want to Retire
There are several options for those who want to settle down in Thailand long term, but if you are over 50 years old, then the easiest option is likely to be the Retirement Visa.
Non-Immigrant ‘O-A’ Visa:
This visa is more commonly know as the ‘Retirement Visa’. Applicants who meet the requirements can get this Visa to stay for a period of 1 year with no intention of working. The Visa can be extended on a yearly basis, as long as the requirements are continually met. In general, it’s easy to renew the visa as long as you meet the financial requirements. The fee is 2,000 Baht for single entry or 5,000 Baht for multiple entry.
Required Documents and Finances:
- Applicant must be at least 50 years old.
- Applicant must have no criminal record.
- Applicant must have no prohibitive diseases (Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis).
- Passport valid for at least 18 months forward.
- 3 Visa application forms filled out.
- 3 recent photos of applicant (4×6 cm)
- Proof of Financial Means (800,000 Thai Baht in a Thai bank account or 65,000 Thai Baht monthly income).
The key to getting a retirement visa is meeting the financial requirements (and being over 50 years old obviously). Once you have your visa, the only thing you need to do is report once every 3 months to your local Immigration Officer to confirm your address.
As with all other Thai visas, it’s possible to apply for a Non-Immigrant ‘O-A’ visa at the Thai embassy in your home country or in Bangkok at the Chaeng Wattana, Immigration Office.
Government Center Chaeng Wattana Building B, Nr. 120
Moo 3, ChaengWattana Road Soi 7,
Tung Song Hong Subdistrict
Laksi, Bangkok 10210
Note: The ‘O-A’ retirement visa is only valid for the person it is issued to. Any dependants, such as spouse or children, need to apply for a normal ‘O’ visa separately, for which you need to show a copy of a marriage certificate or birth certificate proving the relationship to the retiree.
