If you’re thinking about moving to Thailand, you’re not alone. In fact, more and more seniors are making the move to Thailand to live out their retirement years in a new country. But how do you make the move? What options do you have? And how much money do you need? We’ve got all the answers right here.
Let’s discuss Immigration & Visas.
There are several visa options available to suit your needs. This article will help you understand the different types of visas and how to apply for them.
First things first: For most expats over 50 years of age, the best option is the Retirement Visa, which can be used for multiple entries over a one-year period.
Aside from the age threshold you will need to meet the financial requirements for a Retirement Visa. The main requirement you will need is a letter from your Thai bank that shows at least THB 800,000 ($23,000) deposited in your account. Alternatively, if you can show you have a monthly income of at least THB 65,000 ($1,900), or a combination of the two, this will satisfy immigration requirements.
Foreigners who are applying for and entering Thailand with a non-immigrant O-A visa or also called Retirement Visa must show that they have valid health insurance covering their period of stay. Other visa options include the Education Visa, issued for those wishing to study in Thailand and can be used for multiple entries over one year.
If you are a non-O or non-OA, you can apply for a retirement visa extension. The criteria for eligibility of this visa are as follows:
- A foreign national whose age is 50 years or above.
- Having in possession of money amounting to not less than 800,000 Baht (approximately US$ 20,000) OR monthly income of 65,000 Baht (approximately US$ 1,600) OR saving and annual income totalling not less than 800,000 Baht (approximately US$ 20,000).
Those who only wish to travel and live in the country rather than retire, work, or study often go with the simpler option of getting a Tourist Visa which allows for stays of up to 60 days with extensions allowed for another 30 days. Many expats will stay in Thailand for the maximum duration allowed under the Tourist Visa and then visit other countries in the region to obtain another visa so they can re-enter Thailand.
The most common types of visas for those wishing to stay longer than 60 days are:
Work Permit (Non-Immigrant Visa) – This is for people who wish to work in Thailand; it’s possible to apply from abroad but you will need to be approved before entering the country. You’ll also need a work permit from your employer once you’re in country. This visa gives holders permission to stay in Thailand for up to four years at a time and there are no restrictions on where you can live in the country.
Retirement Visa – This is for retired persons over 50 years old who plan on staying no more than six months per year (with some exceptions).
Spousal or dependent Visa -Foreigners who are legally married to a Thai national may apply for a non-O visa based on marriage in Thailand. You can apply to live in Thailand long term if you are married to a Thai or if you have a Thai child or children. The process can take a number of weeks and you would need to ensure once it is issued that you obtain either a single or multiple re-entry permit so that if you leave and return to Thailand during the current visa term, it does not invalidate your visa.
With this extended visa, you do not need to leave Thailand every 3 months to activate another leg of your visa. You must, however, report your whereabouts every 90 days to the same office to which you are registered as staying in Thailand.
Other visa options include the Education Visa, issued for those wishing to study in Thailand and can be used for multiple entries over one year.
If you intend to work or have invested in a Thai company then you will need a Business Visa, which can also be used for multiple entries over a one-year period. Various requirements will need to be met to obtain this visa.
Moving to Thailand is a process, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
We have access to numerous visa expert’s adept at overcoming pretty much any obstacle you can imagine!
From the moment you decide to move, we will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. We have access to numerous visa expert’s adept at overcoming pretty much any obstacle you can imagine!
For all your visa needs, our friendly and knowledgeable agents will help you prepare all the paperwork on your behalf, saving you the time and the stress that is involved in applying for the visa you require.
If you have been thinking about moving to Thailand, we can help with all your visa needs.
Our network experts specialise in:
- Thai Spouse visa
- 12 Months Visa
- 90 Days Visa Extension
- Retirement Visa
- 15 Months Visa
- 60 Days Visa Extension
- Change Visa Status
- Thai Elite Visa
- Opening a Thai Bank Account
Learn more about us and how we can set you up in paradise.
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