Retirement Visa – Chiang Mai

Process for Applying for a Retirement Visa in Thailand:

If you have a passport from any of the 21 countries eligible to enter Thailand with a Visa, the application for a Thailand Visa is very simple and straightforward.

The process can usually take up to 4 weeks, and you are required to submit the required forms to your nearest Thai Immigration Department.

You need to start by first opening a bank account and then secure funds within the account to assist you at the Chiang Mai Visa Shop.

Requirements of Thailand Retirement Visa:

You should be at least 50 years of age or above.
You need to have at least THB800 000 in your Thai savingsor fixed deposit accounts three months before applying. Account must be in your name only.
The amount must be seasoned at least 2 months before and three months after the application.
Otherwise, a monthly income of THB65 000 or more per month is also acceptable.

Before applying, you are required to update all your statements and bank accounts within a few days. In your application, it will be confirmed and be checked by Immigration processing officers that your bank account meets the required requirements.

Health insurance for Thai Retirement Visa:

According to new rules for Thailand Retirement Visa, new applicants for a Non-OA and those wanting to renew their Retirement Visa on a Non-OA must have health insurance. The health insurance will cover their stay period in Thailand, including a minimum of THB40,000 out-patient treatment coverage and THB400,000 in-patient coverage. However, the cost may vary accordingly.

Where to get health insurance? Many major local insurers such as Prime Pacific Cross, BUPA, and others offer health insurance. But the insurance they provide may have restrictions regarding starting age. Also, it may be only available till the age of 75 years.

Expatriate insurance permits people who took insurance before 75 years (or other specific age defined by the provider) to avail of the scheme regardless of age limit fully. However, practically all schemes will not cover any pre-existing health disease. Please view our download section for available insurance companies.

What are the new rules for the renewal of the Thai Retirement Visa?

Some new Retirement Visa rules were brought in regarding the prolonged period of money kept in applicants’ bank accounts and health insurance. The requirements for Visa renewal are precise, especially financial requirements, because the applicant’s financial status is subjected to change.

We recommend you discuss this matter with Chiang Mai Visa Shop or an Immigration Office who can provide you with advice regarding the rules. Also, all immigration rules can change over time without any prior notification. But with long-standing professional help from the Chiang Mai Visa Shop, we can advise you on the current requirements.

What are the requirements for a Thai Immigration Retirement Visa?

You can apply for a Thai Retirement Visa when you are in Thailand. But if you already possess Tourist Visa or a 30-day Entry Stamp, then the immigration department will consider your application.

Hence, we advise you to apply for a Non-O Visa outside of Thailand to meet the Retirement Visa requirements. You’ll be given a 90-day Non-immigrant O (Long Stay) Visa.

Afterward, you can request for Thailand Retirement Visa Renewal in Chiang Mai, but you should follow a few rules:

Make an application for Visa Renewal during the last 30 days of your 90-days non-immigrant O visa.

Provide proof of address and income. You can also provide documentation supporting that you have THB 800,000 in your Thai account. This will make your document consistent with the immigration requirements.

If you’re applying for Visa from your home country or elsewhere, Royal Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate needs copies of all the above documentation. We suggest consulting with the embassy first because some embassies are unable to issue a visa.

Renewal for Thai Retirement Visa:

What is the process for Retirement Visa Thailand Renewal?

You’ve to go through the same procedure as the initial application. You’re required to have money in your account, and your funds must be cleared before the two-month deadline.

In addition to all other requirements, you have to fill a complete TM.7 Form and pay an amount of THB1,900 in cash for the Visa renewal application.

90-day Reporting:

Mostly, you have to report to a Thai immigration department after every 90 days. Although it is a bit inconvenient, it is a part of their Retirement Visa Thailand requirements.

But if you don’t wish to visit the office in person, you can report online or by post. But risks are being involved. Your passport might be lost, and we do not recommend sending your passport by post due to the concerns in completing the process.

But you can always get help from Chiang Mai Visa Shop. Drop your passport at our office, and we can do it on your behalf. You don’t need to leave your house as we have an express VIP door-to-door system in place for our Chiang Mai City residents.

What to do if you’re not in the country on your 90-day reporting? For this, you should have an exit stamp in your passport and apply for a Re-entry permit for your next visit. Once you re-enter, your 90-days will commence again from your arrival date.

Also, you can report to an immigration office 14-days before or seven days after the due date. But if you can’t or don’t report for any reason, you’ll be charged with a penalty of up to 2,000 THB or 5,000 THB if arrested by police. We advise everybody to comply with this requirement of the Immigration Office.

Permit for re-entry:

All persons holding a long-stay visa will need to ensure they obtain a re-entry permit before leaving Thailand. This will ensure their visa will be valid on return to Thailand.

You can apply at the Thai Immigration Department or the airport for a re-entry permit.

We suggest a multi-entry visa for frequent travelers.

The re-Entry form can be downloaded from our Download section.

Related Visas

Marriage Visa

Re Entry Permit

Non O Visa