Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for visitors and retirees alike. It has a vibrant economy, sandy beaches, lush jungles and colorful marketplaces. The country also boasts ancient ruins, spicy cuisine and plenty of natural beauty.
The Thai Retirement Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreigners over 50 years of age to live and work in Thailand for up to 10 years. This category of visa can be issued to citizens from a number of countries, including Japan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Applicants for the Thailand Retirement Visa must meet certain requirements, both financial and medical. Generally, the applicant must provide proof of a bank deposit for at least three million bahts and a monthly income of 65 thousand baht or more. In addition, the applicant must have a valid health insurance covering outpatient and inpatient treatment in Thailand.
There are two types of Retirement Visas in Thailand, the O-A and the O-X. Both have similar requirements, but the O-X requires a higher deposit amount and an annual income of $40,000 or more.
You can apply for the Thailand Retirement Visa in your home country or at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You can even make your first application while you are already in Thailand, although it may not be possible to renew the visa once you return.
When you apply for the Retirement Visa from your home country or at the embassy, it will usually take about 3 weeks to process and your passport will be stamped at that time. You will also need to show proof of onward travel, which should include air, train or bus tickets that allow you to leave the country within 30 days from the date your visa is issued.
Once the Immigration Department has approved your application, you must then come to Thailand to present the paperwork and your passport. You will then need to attend a medical examination and pass a police check. If you are married to a Thai national, you will also need to have a marriage certificate or divorce papers from the court in your home country.
After the Thai Retirement Visa has been granted, you must report to an Immigration office every 90 days. This is an important part of the Thai Immigration system, as it helps to prevent illegal residency and ensures that you are living in Thailand legally.
This is a fairly easy procedure and can be completed online or by post, but many people prefer to have an agent complete it on their behalf. It is best to seek the help of an experienced agent for this task, as they will have more knowledge about the requirements and know how to avoid problems.
The Thailand Retirement Visa is valid for up to 10 years, with the option to renew every year or once a decade. In addition, you must report to the Immigration Office each and every 90 days if you are not in Thailand for any reason.