Thailand remains one of the most popular retirement destinations in Southeast Asia, offering excellent weather, affordable living, world-class healthcare, and a welcoming culture. The Thai retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O-A or O-X) provides a pathway for those aged 50 and over to enjoy their golden years in the Land of Smiles.
Types of Retirement Visas
Thailand offers two main retirement visa options:
- Non-Immigrant O-A Visa (1-year): The standard retirement visa, renewable annually
- Non-Immigrant O-X Visa (10-year): Long-term option requiring higher financial thresholds
- Non-Immigrant O Visa: Can be converted to retirement extension inside Thailand
Financial Requirements for 2025
The financial requirements have remained stable but are strictly enforced:
- 800,000 THB (approximately $22,000 USD) in a Thai bank account, OR
- Monthly income of at least 65,000 THB ($1,800 USD), OR
- Combination of bank deposit and annual income totaling 800,000 THB
- Funds must be maintained for 3 months before application and 2 months after
Important: For the O-X 10-year visa, you need 3 million THB in a Thai bank account or a combination of income and deposits totaling 1.8 million THB annually.
Required Documents
Gather these documents before starting your application:
- Valid passport with at least 18 months validity
- Completed visa application form (TM.87 for extension)
- Recent passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm, white background)
- Proof of finances (bank statement, income letter, pension statement)
- Medical certificate from approved international hospitals in Bangkok
- Criminal background check (apostilled or legalized)
- Health insurance with minimum coverage of 400,000 THB inpatient and 40,000 THB outpatient
- Proof of address in Thailand (rental contract, utility bill)
Step-by-Step Application Process
The process varies depending on where you apply:
From Your Home Country: 1. Apply at Thai Embassy or Consulate
Converting Inside Thailand: 1. Enter on tourist visa or visa exemption
Health Insurance Requirements
Since 2019, health insurance is mandatory for O-A visa holders:
- Minimum 400,000 THB coverage for inpatient treatment
- Minimum 40,000 THB coverage for outpatient treatment
- Must be from approved Thai insurance companies or recognized international insurers
- Coverage must be valid for entire visa period
90-Day Reporting
All retirement visa holders must report their address to immigration every 90 days:
- Can be done online through the TM47 system
- In person at immigration office
- By mail (allow 2 weeks processing time)
- Through a visa agent
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting bank balance drop below 800,000 THB before extension
- Forgetting 90-day reporting deadlines
- Not having proper health insurance documentation
- Using funds from joint accounts (must be sole account holder)
- Missing re-entry permit when traveling abroad
Costs Summary
- O-A Visa application: 2,000 THB (from consulate varies)
- Annual extension: 1,900 THB
- 90-day report: Free
- Re-entry permit: 1,000 THB (single) / 3,800 THB (multiple)
- Health insurance: 15,000-50,000 THB annually
Pro Tips
Pro tip: Open your Thai bank account as early as possible. Some banks require a letter from your embassy, which can take 1-2 weeks to arrange. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank are generally more expat-friendly.
Pro tip: Use a reputable visa agency for your first application. The cost (typically 5,000-15,000 THB) is worth the peace of mind and time saved navigating Thai bureaucracy.
Pro tip: Keep digital copies of all your documents in cloud storage. Thai immigration may request them at any time, and having them readily available speeds up the process.