Thailand Retirement Visa Guide 2025 (Non-O-A)

Overview

The Thailand Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A) allows individuals aged 50 and above to live in Thailand long-term. It's one of the most popular visa options for retirees seeking an affordable, comfortable lifestyle in a tropical paradise.

Key Benefits:

• Stay in Thailand for 1 year (renewable indefinitely)
• No work permitted (but passive income allowed)
• Can enter and exit Thailand multiple times
• Bring dependents (spouse, children under 20)
• Access to Thai banking and services

Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirement

You must be 50 years or older on the day of submitting your application. There is no upper age limit.

Nationality Requirement

You must be a national and passport holder of an eligible country:

• Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Financial Requirements (Choose One Option)

Option 1: Bank Deposit

• ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account
• Must be deposited at least 2 months BEFORE application
• NEW 2024 RULE: Must remain for 3 months AFTER visa approval
• NEW 2024 RULE: After 3-month period, balance cannot drop below ฿400,000 for remainder of visa validity

Option 2: Monthly Income

• Proof of monthly income of at least ฿65,000
• Must be verifiable (pension statements, bank transfers from abroad)

Option 3: Combination

• Combination of deposit + annual income totaling ฿800,000
• Example: ฿400,000 in bank + ฿33,333/month income

Health Insurance (MANDATORY as of 2024)

All retirement visa applicants must have health insurance for the duration of their stay.

Requirements:

• Total coverage: ฿3,000,000 ($100,000 USD) per policy year
• Must include COVID-19 coverage
• Must be valid for entire visa period
• Can be Thai or international insurance

Insurance Options:

• Thai insurance companies: Pacific Cross, Luma, AXA Thailand
• International providers: Cigna Global, Allianz, IMG
• Cost range: $1,500-4,000 USD per year depending on age and coverage

Additional Document Requirements

1. Passport

• Valid for at least 18 months from application date
• At least 2 blank pages for visa stamp

2. Criminal Background Check

• From your home country
• Must be dated within 3 months of application
• Must be certified/apostilled

3. Medical Certificate

• Stating you have no prohibitive diseases:
• Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Drug Addiction, Elephantiasis, Third Phase Syphilis
• Must be dated within 3 months of application
• Signed by licensed physician

4. Passport Photos

• 2 recent photos (4x6 cm)
• White background

Application Process

Step 1: Decide Where to Apply

Option A: Apply from Your Home Country (Recommended for first-time applicants)

• Apply at Thai Embassy/Consulate in your home country
• Results in Non-O-A visa (1 year, multiple entry)
• Can stay in Thailand immediately for 1 year

Option B: Apply in Thailand

• Enter Thailand on tourist visa or visa exemption
• Apply for Non-O visa at Thai Immigration
• Initial 90 days, then extend to 1 year once financial requirements are met
• Less expensive but more steps

Step 2: Open Thai Bank Account

If using the bank deposit option, you'll need to open a Thai bank account and transfer ฿800,000.

Recommended Banks:

• Bangkok Bank (most expat-friendly)
• Kasikorn Bank
• Siam Commercial Bank

Requirements to Open Account:

• Passport
• Proof of address in Thailand (hotel booking acceptable initially)
• Non-Immigrant O or O-A visa (some banks require this)
• Some branches may require letter of reference or certificate of residence

Tip: Opening a bank account can be challenging. Consider using an agent for assistance (cost: ฿3,000-5,000).

Step 3: Gather All Documents

Organize all required documents:

• Completed visa application form (TM.87)
• Passport (original + copy)
• Passport photos
• Bank statements showing ฿800,000 for 2+ months (or income proof)
• Bank letter (dated within 7 days of application)
• Bank book (updated same day as bank letter)
• Health insurance policy
• Criminal background check
• Medical certificate

Step 4: Submit Application

From Abroad:

• Submit at Thai Embassy/Consulate
• Processing: 3-7 business days typically
• Fee: Varies by country (approximately $200 USD)

In Thailand:

• Submit at Thai Immigration office
• Arrive early (7:00-8:00 AM recommended)
• Bring copies of ALL documents
• Dress formally (long pants, closed shoes)
• Processing: Same day to 1 week
• Fee: ฿2,000 for initial 90 days + ฿1,900 for 1-year extension

Renewal Process

Your retirement visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the requirements.

When to Renew

• Apply 30-45 days before your current visa expires
• Cannot apply more than 45 days early

Renewal Requirements

• All original application requirements still apply
• Updated bank statements showing ฿800,000 for 2 months (if using deposit option)
• Updated health insurance (must be valid for next year)
• Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill, or TM30 form)
• Immigration may verify your address

Important Financial Timeline for Renewal

If using bank deposit method:

1. Have ฿800,000 in account 2 months before renewal application
2. Keep ฿800,000 in account for 3 months after renewal approval
3. For remaining 7 months, balance must not drop below ฿400,000
4. Two months before next renewal, top up to ฿800,000 again

Example Timeline:

• May 1: Deposit ฿800,000
• July 1: Apply for renewal
• October 1: Can reduce to ฿400,000 minimum
• March 1 (following year): Top up to ฿800,000 for next renewal

90-Day Reporting

Even with a retirement visa, you must report your address to Thai immigration every 90 days.

Reporting Methods:

• Online: Via immigration website (most convenient)
• In Person: At local immigration office
• By Mail: Send TM47 form by registered post

Timeline: Report 15 days before to 7 days after your 90-day deadline

Penalty for late reporting: ฿2,000 fine

Tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone!

Common Questions

Can I work with a retirement visa?

No, employment of any kind is strictly prohibited. However, you can:

• Receive pension income
• Earn rental income
• Receive investment income
• Do volunteer work (unpaid)

Can I buy property in Thailand?

Yes, foreigners can own condominiums (apartments) but not land. A retirement visa doesn't give special property rights, but you can purchase property while on this visa.

What happens if I want to leave Thailand temporarily?

You can leave and return freely. Your visa remains valid. However, ensure you have a re-entry permit if you leave Thailand before your visa stamp expires, or your visa will be cancelled.

Re-Entry Permit Types:

• Single Re-Entry: ฿1,000 (one trip)
• Multiple Re-Entry: ฿3,800 (unlimited trips during visa validity)

Can my spouse and children come with me?

Yes, but they need their own visas:

• Spouse: Can apply for Non-O dependent visa
• Children under 20: Can apply for dependent visas
• Dependents don't need to meet financial requirements but need health insurance

Do I need a Thai bank account?

If using the bank deposit method, yes. Even if using the income method, it's highly recommended for daily life convenience.

Cost Breakdown

Initial Year

• Visa application fee: $200-300 USD
• Health insurance: $1,500-4,000 USD
• Criminal background check: $50-100 USD
• Medical certificate: $50-150 USD
• Agent fees (optional): $500-1,000 USD
• Total first year: $2,350-5,550 USD (plus ฿800,000 deposit if applicable)

Annual Renewal

• Extension fee: ฿1,900 ($55 USD)
• Health insurance: $1,500-4,000 USD
• Re-entry permit (optional): ฿3,800 ($110 USD)
• Total annual renewal: $1,665-4,165 USD

Tips for Success

• Start Early: Begin the process 3-6 months before you plan to move
• Use an Agent: For first-time applicants, agents can save significant time and stress
• Keep Organized: Maintain a folder with copies of all visa documents
• Set Reminders: For 90-day reporting, visa renewal, insurance renewal
• Maintain Bank Balance: Never let it drop below required amounts
• Get Multiple Re-Entry: If you plan to travel, get multiple re-entry permit
• Learn Basic Thai: Will help at immigration offices
• Be Patient: Thai bureaucracy can be slow; maintain a positive attitude

Alternative: Non-O Visa (Retirement) - The Budget Option

Some retirees prefer to get a regular Non-O visa in Thailand instead of applying for an O-A from abroad. This has advantages:

Advantages:

• Lower initial cost (no overseas application fees)
• No mandatory health insurance requirement
• Can open bank account on tourist visa with agent help

Process:

1. Enter Thailand on tourist visa or visa exemption
2. Open Thai bank account and deposit ฿800,000
3. Wait 2 months
4. Apply for 90-day Non-O retirement visa at Thai Immigration
5. After 45 days of Non-O, apply for 1-year extension

Ready to Retire in Thailand?
Navigating the retirement visa process can be complex, especially with the new 2024-2025 requirements. Our retirement visa specialists have helped hundreds of retirees successfully obtain their visas. We handle everything from bank account opening to final visa approval, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience. Contact us for a free consultation.