The Ultimate Guide to Thailand Retirement Visas: Who Qualifies & How to Apply

Skip to Section

Article Summary

If you're 50+ and dreaming of Thai beaches, street food, and year-round sunshine, Thailand's got multiple retirement visa options waiting for you - from one year to a full decade.

Thailand 1-Year Retirement Visa (NON O-A)

You can apply for a one-year Thailand Retirement Visa if you want to stay in Thailand for more than 180 days—it’s valid for one year, and you can renew annually. As with most other visa types, you must report your residential address every 90 days to your immigration office (by mail, online, or in person) or have a service do this for you.

To be eligible for this visa type of Thailand Retirement Visa, you must:

Be at least 50 years old as of your application date
Meet certain financial requirements, such as a security deposit of 800,000 Baht to a Thai bank account (funds must be seasoned for at least 2 months before application), a monthly income of 65,000 Baht, or a combination of the two
Have no criminal record anywhere
Obtain Thai health insurance with an annual coverage of at least 40,000 Baht for outpatient treatment and 400,000 Baht for inpatient
New as of 2021: Health insurance must also cover COVID-19 with a total sum insured of no less than 3,000,000 THB
Be free of certain diseases (Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Elephantiasis, drug addiction, third stage of Syphilis)
Not have any type of employment while in Thailand on this visa

Thailand 10-Year Retirement Visa (NON O-X)

Thailand offers a 10-year retirement visa to nationals of select countries. This is a five-year visa with the option to extend an additional five years.

Eligible countries: Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada, and United States.

To qualify, you must:

Be at least 50 years old as of your application date
Be from one of the approved 14 countries listed above
Meet certain financial requirements:
- Option 1: Security deposit of 3 million Baht to a Thai bank account, OR
- Option 2: Security deposit of 1.8 million Baht AND annual income of 1.2 million Baht (must accumulate 3 million THB within first year in Thailand)
Funds must be kept in bank account at least 1 year before withdrawing, and minimum 1.5 million THB must remain in following year
Money can only be spent in Thailand
Obtain Thai health insurance with an annual coverage of at least 40,000 Baht for outpatient treatment and 400,000 Baht for inpatient
Health insurance must cover COVID-19 with minimum 3,000,000 THB coverage
Be free of certain diseases
Not have any type of employment while in Thailand on this visa (though volunteer work approved by Department of Employment is allowed)

Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa

This newer option is available to nationals from the same 14 countries as the O-X visa. Requirements include:

Be at least 50 years old
Have either:
- 3,000,000 THB deposit in bank account, OR
- 1,800,000 THB deposit plus 1,200,000 THB annual income
Meet health insurance requirements
This is a multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years

Important Updates for 2025

Digital Systems

Thailand e-Visa system launched in 2025 – applications can now be submitted online at www.thaievisa.go.th
Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) – All travelers must complete within 72 hours of arrival starting May 2025

For US Citizens

As of July 15, 2024, US citizens now receive 60 days visa-free entry for tourism (not 30 days)
Can extend for additional 30 days for 1,900 Baht

Other Visa Options for Retirees

Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa – Wealthy Pensioner Category:

For those 50+ with passive income of $80,000/year
Or $40,000/year plus $250,000 investment in Thai property/bonds
10-year visa (5+5 years)
Only annual reporting required (not 90-day)
17% tax rate on Thai-sourced income

Thailand Privilege Visa:

Various packages from 5-20 years
Includes VIP services and benefits
No age requirement

Application Process

For O-A Visa:

Can apply at Thai Embassy/Consulate in home country
Or apply for 90-day Non-O visa first, then convert to O-A in Thailand
Need police clearance, medical certificate, and proof of health insurance if applying outside Thailand

For O-X Visa:

Must apply at Thai Embassy/Consulate in country of nationality or permanent residence
Cannot apply from within Thailand
More stringent financial requirements but longer validity

Key Reminders

90-day reporting is mandatory for O-A and O-X visas
Re-entry permits required if you plan to leave and return to Thailand
Health insurance is mandatory and must be from approved Thai insurance companies
Cannot work on retirement visas (remote work for foreign companies exists in gray area)
Financial requirements must be maintained throughout your stay

Other Thailand Visa Options

Featured image via Unsplash.

Categories: Asia, Blog Posts, Couples, Family, and Group Travel, Digital Nomad & Long-Term Travel, Living Abroad, Retire Early & Semi-RetireTags: Thailand

Information published on this website and across our networks can change over time. Stories and recommendations reflect the subjective opinions of our writers. You should consult multiple sources to ensure you have the most current, safe, and correct details for your own research and plans.

Frayed Passport is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also may share links to other affiliates and sponsors in articles across our website.