Thailand is definitely one of the countries to consider retiring in especially if you already have retirement funds or getting pension. A tropical and exotic country in Asia with delicious food, warm weather and international standards of health care. Many people who have visited Thailand usually will at some point in their life move to Thailand. So if you are at that point of planning to retire in Thailand, then this blog will be very useful for you. As we will cover the visa type you will need for your retirement, how to apply for a retirement visa, and more. So let’s dive right in and see how you can get started with the process for your Thai Retirement Visa in Thailand.
How Much Is A Thai Retirement Visa?
You must pay for a Thai Retirement Visa in order to retire and remain in Thailand. A 1-year single entry Thai Retirement Visa costs 2,000 Thai baht. A 1-year multiple-entry Thai Retirement Visa costs 5,000 Thai baht, while a 5-year Thai Retirement Visa costs 10,000 Thai baht.
In addition to the various costs for the Thai Retirement Visa, there are financial obligations that need to be met. We discuss these financial requirements a little further down in this blog.
Can A Foreigner Retire In Thailand?
It is possible for a foreigner to retire in Thailand. If you are hoping to retire in Thailand, you will need to get a Thai Retirement Visa. This type of visa is also known as a Non-Immigrant Long Stay Visa.
It is possible to secure a Thai Retirement Visa in Thailand, or at a consulate in your home country. In order to be eligible for the visa, you must be at least 50 years of age and also pass a criminal background check from your home country.
How To Apply For A Retirement Visa
Applying for a Retirement Visa in Thailand is quite easy, to be honest. To apply for a Retirement Visa in Thailand, you must go to a local immigration office in person and sign the paperwork for the visa in front of the immigration staff. Once the Retirement Visa is approved, the immigration staff will put a stamp in your passport.
Take note that with a Retirement Visa, you are only allowed to stay in Thailand for one year. The visa must be renewed yearly, and you must report to immigration every 90 days to confirm your current address. Although it should be clear, it should be stated that you are not allowed to engage in work of any type while holding a Retirement Visa in Thailand.
A few tips before heading to immigration
- Make sure that you dress professionally on the day you plan to go to the local immigration office. Smart casual attire is acceptable.
- It is a good idea to have our side of the paperwork in order, including whatever photocopies or photographs are needed to save time.
- Lastly, remember to be courteous and polite.
- The process at the local immigration office to sign the papers for a Retirement Visa in Thailand could be lengthy due to the queue. Losing your temper or being confrontational in public in Thailand is not acceptable. Remain calm until it is your turn to meet with the immigration staff.
For more useful information on things you should know before retiring in Thailand, please visit our blog.
What Do I need For A Retirement Visa In Thailand?
Once you’ve met the financial requirements, there are a few other steps to be taken to secure your Retirement Visa.
Step 1 – To obtain the Non-Immigrant O Visa, you’ll need your passport with at least one year of validity, you must hold nationality or permanent residence of the country of application and you must be able to produce proof of funds.
Step 2 – In order to get a one-year Retirement Visa Extension you must be or have the below requirements:
- Be 50 years or older.
- Have signed copies of each page of your passport
- Proof of your current Non-Immigrant O Visa
- Your TM6 departure card
- Proof of meeting financial requirements
- An original Thai bank book
- A letter from your Thai bank
- 3 passport 4x5cm photos showing your full face
Step 3 – Take note of the date stamped into your passport, as you are required to report to your local immigration office every 90 days if you are on a long term extension of stay. Multiple-entry visa holders simply need to exit Thailand and then return. If it’s not possible to get your visa extension in Thailand, you’ll need to get a new visa from a Thai Consulate abroad.
Now that you know all you need to get a Thai Retirement Visa, have you thought about where you’d like to retire? For us, one of the best cities to retire to in Thailand is the island of Phuket. But here you can find out more on the best cities in Thailand to retire in.
