Requirements for Thailand Retirement Visa

Requirements for Non-Immigrant "O-A" Visa (That's the long stay or "Retirement Visa")

A foreign national whose age is 50 years or above. (on the date of submitting the application)

Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act. B.E. 2522

Having the nationality of or the residence in the country where his/ her application is submitted.

Having no criminal record against the security of Thailand and the country of his/her nationality, or the country of his/her residence.

Not having prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (Leprosy, Tuberculosis [T.B], Elephantiasis, Drug addiction, Alcoholism, 3nd step of syphilis)

Non-immigrant visas will not be issued for such purposes as tourism, seeking employment opportunities, looking for a school for teaching or studying purposes, etc.

Recommendations for foreigners with Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) while staying in the Kingdom

Upon arrival, holder of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for 1 year from the date of first entry.

During the one-year period, if he or she wishes to leave and re-enter the country, he or she is required to apply at the Immigration office for re-entry permit (single or multiple) before departure.

In the case of leaving the country without a re-entry permit, the permit to stay for 1 year shall be considered void. ·

At the end of the 90-day stay , the foreigner must report to the immigration officer in his or her residence area and report again every 90 days during his or her stay in Thailand . The foreigner may report to the police station if there is no immigration office in his or her residence area.

Foreigner may report to the competent authority by post and should provide the following: - A report form (Tor Mor 47). - A copy of passport pages showing the foreigner’s photo, personal details, and the latest arrival visa stamp. - A copy of the previous receipt of acknowledgement. - A self-addressed envelope with postage affixed. Such documents must be sent to the Office of the Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road , Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120, and must be submitted 7 days before the end of every 90-day period. A receipt of acknowledgement will be given and should be used for future correspondence.

Foreigner who wishes to extend his or her stay shall submit a request for extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau with documented evidence of money transfer or a deposit account in Thailand or an income certificate showing an amount of not less than 800,000.- Baht or an income certificate plus a deposit account showing a total amount of not less than 800,000.- Baht. A one-year extension of stay shall be granted at the discretion of the immigration officer to the foreigner as long as he or she meets the above requirements.

The Thai government has realised that there are benefits to attracting people who want to retire to Thailand. So that yes, it is now easy to retire to Thailand!

People retiring in Thailand need to have a verifiable annual or monthly income, so there’s no drain on the Thai economy, only an inflow of external currency.

To qualify for a visa to retire in Thailand you need to be over 50 and be free of any criminal history in Thailand and also in your country of residence, for Americans this means you need to have a police check carried out through the FBI. You also need to be free of any contagious diseases. You’ll need to be in possession of a valid passport and also prove with a bank statement that you have $25,000 in savings or income of about $2,000 per month.

One of the main destinations for people retiring in Thailand is Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, a busy, bustling city of 8 million people. Good for shopping, eating out, entertainment of all forms and especially golf! Bangkok also houses some of the countries most impressive Buddhist temples if you enjoy exploring another nation’s culture.

If the beach is your reason to retire in Thailand then Phuket could be your destination. Known as the “pearl of the south,” Phuket is the largest Island in Thailand and is now the number one tourist destination in Asia which as a continent is known for its beautiful beaches. Phuket is also home to the Thai jet set and is becoming increasingly expensive as a result – this may put off would-be retirees who have a fixed income to live on.

Pattaya is another well known beach destination that might appeal instead. Since being discovered by American GIs during the Vietnam War, Pattaya has lost a lot of its seedier reputation and has been re-branded as a family destination with water parks, fun parks, golf courses and dive centres.

If your idea is to retire in Thailand and you’re looking for a cooler climate, then consider Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the Northern Province. The area is renowned for its cool climate, morning mists and relaxed way of life. It’s not completely away from it all however, Chiang Mai boasts any number of good world cuisine restaurants, hospitals and shopping facilities. I lived in Chiang Mai for six months last summer. I had a basic one bedroom condo $200 per month.(7,000 Baht) Studio apartments are abundant for half that price ! I ran the air-conditioning a lot and my electric bill was $40.00. I dined in Thai restaurants twice a day for $1.00.(30 Baht) The condo would wash all my clothes and iron then for $3.00. (100 Baht) Once a week I would have the houskeeper clean my place...$3.00. (100 Baht). High speed internet $25.00 (850 Baht). I had no vehicle at the time. I was spending way less than $1,000 per month. I tested the streets late at night walking alone. I'm old and small. NO PROBLEM ! In America I would be robbed or killed.

Nong Khai town is another popular destination for those retiring in Thailand and was recently voted the 7th best retirement destination in the world by America’s Modern Maturity magazine. Life is laid back in this town located close to the border with Laos, and expats can be found dining in many of the restaurants on the banks of the Maekhong river. Living costs in Nong Khai for a family of two with a live in maid including rent, entertainment, maid’s salary, utilities, food and car running costs amount to around $1,200 per month.

Whatever your retirement plans are, with its four distinct regions, the mountains and forests of the north, the vast rice fields of the central plains, the semi arid farmlands of the northeast plateau, and the tropical islands and long coastline of the southern peninsular, Thailand offers those wishing to retire overseas a perfect destination.