Thailand is a beautiful country that offers travelers and retirees a tropical paradise filled with lush jungles, vibrant markets, ancient temples, and scenic beaches. Many foreigners find themselves captivated by this country and decide to move here permanently after retiring. If you are planning to make Thailand your retirement destination, there are a few important things to know before you make the move.
You need a visa to enter Thailand
In order to enter Thailand, you must have a valid non-immigrant visa issued by the Thai government. You can apply for this visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or at a Thai immigration office in Thailand.
If you plan to stay in Thailand for a prolonged period of time, it is recommended that you apply for a multiple-entry OA visa. This allows you to travel in and out of the country as much as you like throughout your year of validity.
You must report your address to the immigration bureau every 90 days and you must have a re-entry permit in case you need to leave Thailand for any reason. This is to prevent you from having your visa canceled due to overstaying or leaving too early and not reporting your departure.
Requirements for a Retirement Visa in Thailand
In order to be eligible for a Thai retirement visa, applicants must be aged 50 years or older. They must also be married to a Thai citizen and be able to prove their marriage. If you are not married to a Thai citizen, you may still be able to obtain this visa.
To apply for this visa, you will need a medical certificate, police clearance, and proof of annual health insurance coverage. You must submit all of these documents to the Thai embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
The retirement visa is granted for a maximum of 10 years. It can be renewed once if the requirements are met.
For those who wish to extend their Thai retirement visa, they must meet the same financial requirements as if they were applying for an O visa or one-year extension. They must have a minimum of 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account. This amount must be kept in the account for the duration of the visa.
If you have an income, you must provide a letter from the Thai embassy confirming your income or a bank statement showing a monthly income of 65 000 Baht in your Thai bank account. You can also make a security deposit of the same amount, but it must be shown that the money has been deposited in a Thai bank for at least two months prior to your application request.
In addition to these financial requirements, those who hold a Thai retirement visa must also provide proof that they have no criminal records in the country. This includes a photograph of the applicant taken within the past six months.