Retirement Visa (Non Immigrant O Visa)

Retirement Visa

 

Who can apply for a Retirement Visa in Thailand?

The Thailand Retirement Visa, known as the Non-Immigrant O Visa, is available to foreigners aged 50 and above who wish to retire in Thailand. Here are the detailed requirements for applying for this visa:

Eligibility Criteria:
1. Age Requirement:

  • You must be at least 50 years old at the time of application.

Financial Requirements:

  • You must meet one of the following financial criteria:

1. Thai Bank Account:

  • You must have at least THB 800,000 deposited in a Thai savings or fixed deposit account.
  • The funds must be held in the account for at least three months prior to your visa application.
  • For visa renewal, the funds must be maintained for three months before and three months after the renewal application.
  • A letter from the bank and copies of your bank book will be required as proof.

2. Monthly Income:

  • You must have a monthly income of not less than THB 65,000.
  • Proving this income has become more difficult as many embassies no longer issue income guarantee letters.
  • You may need to provide a bank statement showing regular deposits of the income over the course of a year.

3. Combination of Income and Savings:

  • You can combine your savings in a Thai bank account and monthly income to meet the financial requirement, as long as the total is not less than THB 800,000 per year.
  • Proof of this combination, such as bank statements, will be required.

 

Additional Requirements:
1. Prohibition on Work:

  • Holders of the Thai Retirement Visa are not permitted to work in Thailand.

2. Possible Additional Documents (for Non-Immigrant O-A Visa):

  • In some cases, you may be required to submit a police clearance certificate and a medical certificate. This is more common for the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa.

Application Process:

  • If you enter Thailand on a 30 day or 60 day exempt stamp, you will need to apply for the Retirement Visa promptly, as the process can take up to three weeks.
  • Applications must be submitted to the nearest Thai Immigration Department. By meeting these requirements and providing the necessary documentation, you can obtain a Thailand Retirement Visa and enjoy a peaceful retirement in Thailand.

 

Where can I apply for a Retirement Visa outside of Thailand?

You can apply for a Thailand Retirement Visa outside Thailand at the following locations:

  1. Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in Your Home Country: This is the most common option. You can apply for the initial Single-Entry Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) Visa before traveling to Thailand.
  2. Thai Embassies or Consulates in Neighboring Countries: Some applicants choose to apply for the visa in neighboring countries such as Laos, Myanmar, or Cambodia. This is a popular option for those who are already in Thailand or the region but do not wish to return to their home country to apply.

Once you have received your Single-Entry Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) Visa, you can enter Thailand and, within the 90-day validity period, apply for a 12-month extension at a Thai
Immigration Office, such as the one in Jomtien ( Pattaya ), Chonburi. After receiving the 12 month extension, you can apply for a re-entry permit if you plan to leave and re-enter Thailand during the visa’s validity.

 

Retirement Visa Thailand Renewal

Renewing a Thailand Retirement Visa involves a specific process and requires you to prepare and submit certain documents. Here’s a step-by-step guide:


1. When to Renew:

  • Timeline: You should apply to renew your Thailand Retirement Visa  60 days before the expiration date.

2. Required Documents:

  • TM.7 Application Form: The application for extension of stay in the Kingdom.
  • Passport: Original passport with copies of all relevant pages, including your current visa, entry stamp, and photo page.
  • 2 x Passport sized Photos: Typically 4x6 cm, taken within the last 6 months.
  • Proof of Residence: A copy of your rental agreement, utility bill, or other proof of residence.
  • Financial Requirements: Proof of financial stability can be shown in one of the following ways:
    - Bank Account: A Thai bank book (passbook) showing at least 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for 2 months prior to the application.
    - Monthly Income: Proof of monthly income of at least 65,000 THB, which can be shown through a letter from your embassy or bank statements.
    - Combination: A combination of bank balance and income amounting to 800,000 THB per year.
  • Bank Letter: A letter from your Thai bank confirming your account balance.

 

Retirement Visa