Your Guide to Getting a Retirement Visa in Thailand
If you’re planning to retire in Thailand and want to enjoy a comfortable life in a beautiful country, the Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O or O-A Visa) is an ideal option. This visa allows retirees to stay in Thailand long-term, with annual renewals, making it a popular choice for those over 50 who want to enjoy their golden years in Thailand. Let’s go through everything you need to know about obtaining a Retirement Visa.
Requirements for a Retirement Visa in Thailand
To qualify for a Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O or O-A Visa), you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 50 years old at the time of application.
- Financial Proof: You must show proof of financial stability. This can be done by having a bank deposit of at least 800,000 Thai Baht (approx. 24,000 USD) in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of at least 65,000 Thai Baht (approx. 2,000 USD). A combination of savings and income is also acceptable.
- Health Insurance (O-A Visa only): Applicants for the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa must have health insurance that covers both outpatient and inpatient treatment in Thailand, with minimum coverage amounts as specified by Thai authorities.
- Clean Criminal Record: A police clearance certificate from your home country confirming you have no criminal record.
- Medical Certificate: A medical certificate from a recognized Thai hospital confirming you are free from prohibited diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis, and drug addiction.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least one year from the date of application.
- Visa Application Fee: The visa fee is 2,000 Thai Baht (approx. 60 USD) for a single-entry visa and 5,000 Thai Baht (approx. 150 USD) for a multiple-entry visa.
How We Help You Apply
At SiamConsult, we are here to make your retirement in Thailand stress-free by helping you through the application process. Here’s how we can assist you
Initial Consultation: We provide a detailed consultation to explain the requirements and process, ensuring you understand all steps to obtain your Retirement Visa.
- Document Preparation: We assist you in gathering and preparing all required documents, including translations, notarizations, and certifications.
- Financial Guidance: We help you meet the financial requirements, whether by opening a Thai bank account or obtaining proof of income.
- Health Insurance Setup: For the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa, we assist in selecting and arranging the required health insurance coverage.
- Application Submission: We handle the submission of your application, ensuring it complies with all Thai immigration regulations.
- Follow-Up Services: We track your application’s progress, keep you updated, and handle any additional requests or queries from the authorities.
Our Service Fee: Our full-service package for the Retirement Visa application is priced at 20,000 Thai Baht (approx. 600 USD). This fee includes all consultations, document preparations, and application support from start to finish.
Post-Application Responsibilities
After obtaining your Retirement Visa, here are a few responsibilities you should keep in mind:
- 90-Day Reporting: You must report your current address to the Thai Immigration Office every 90 days. We offer a service to handle this for you at 2,000 Thai Baht (approx. 60 USD) per report.
- Annual Visa Extension: The Retirement Visa must be renewed annually. We assist you with the renewal process to ensure you remain compliant with Thai immigration laws.
- Re-Entry Permit: If you plan to leave Thailand temporarily, you must obtain a re-entry permit to maintain your Retirement Visa. We can help you get this permit for 1,000 Thai Baht (approx. 30 USD) for a single entry or 3,800 Thai Baht (approx. 115 USD) for a multiple-entry permit.
- Maintain Financial Requirements: You must continue to meet the financial criteria (bank balance or monthly income) to maintain your visa status.
Considering Other Options?
If you’re not sure the Retirement Visa is the best fit for you, there are other options to consider:
- 5-Year Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-X Visa): Provides a longer stay of 5 years, renewable once for another 5 years. It requires higher financial proof but offers greater convenience.
- Elite Visa: A special visa under the Thailand Elite Program, offering residency privileges for 5 to 20 years with additional benefits. Membership fees range from 600,000 to 2 million Thai Baht (approx. 18,000 to 60,000 USD).
- Marriage Visa (Non-Immigrant O): If you are married to a Thai national, you may consider this visa, which allows you to stay in Thailand long-term with annual renewals.
Retirement Visa for Your Spouse
If you are applying for a Retirement Visa, your spouse can also apply for a visa based on your retirement status:
- Your spouse must meet the basic requirements (age and health conditions) and provide proof of marriage (marriage certificate).
- Spouses do not need to meet separate financial requirements if you have sufficient funds for both of you (800,000 Thai Baht for the primary applicant, plus an additional 800,000 Thai Baht for the spouse) in a Thai bank account.
- Alternatively, the spouse may show a separate monthly income of at least 65,000 Thai Baht (approx. 2,000 USD).
- We can help your spouse prepare their application and submit it along with yours, ensuring both applications are processed smoothly.
We’re Here to Make Your Retirement in Thailand a Reality!
Retiring in Thailand can be a rewarding experience, and we’re here to make sure the process is as smooth as possible. At SiamConsult, we handle all the details, so you can focus on enjoying your new life in Thailand.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your Retirement Visa or other options, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Contact Us:
Phone: +66 82 419 1993
Email: info@krabi-accounting-law.com
Website: krabi-accounting-law.com
