Comparing the Thai Visas for Retirement
Thailand continues to attract retirees from around the world with its warm climate, high-quality healthcare, and affordable cost of living compared to the West. However, securing the right long-term visa is a crucial step in making your retirement plans a reality, as each retirement visa option comes with its own set of qualifications, obligations, and benefits. Knowing the differences between them can help you secure the option that best suits your needs and retirement plans.
In this article, we will compare the four main retirement visa options:
- Thailand Retirement Visa
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Visa)
- The Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa)
- And the Thailand Privilege Visa.
It is important to note that none of these visas allows you to work for a company in Thailand. If you are caught working, you could face a hefty fine, imprisonment, and even deportation. Remote work for foreign companies is possible on these visas, but you should be aware of Thai income tax laws and how they might affect you.
Thailand Retirement Visa
The Thailand Retirement Visa is one of the most accessible options for retirees aged 50 years or older. This visa allows you to stay in Thailand for one year and can be renewed annually, but each renewal will require you to meet the same eligibility requirements as when you first applied for the visa.
To qualify for the Thailand Retirement Visa, you must meet one of the following financial conditions:
- Have a security deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for 2 months before the visa application
- Have a monthly income of at least 65,000 THB, but it must be verified with either a letter from your country’s embassy in Thailand or a 12-month bank statement showing regular deposits into a Thai bank account
- Have a combination of a security deposit and annual income totaling 800,000 THB
With the Thailand Retirement Visa, you are required to report your address to immigration every 90 days, known as the 90-day report. Also, to avoid canceling your visa when you leave and return to Thailand, you must apply for a re-entry permit before each departure. Without the re-entry permit, your visa will be void, and you’ll need to apply for a new Thai visa to continue living in Thailand.
Despite these requirements, the Thailand Retirement Visa is a common choice for retirees on a fixed and modest income, as it offers a clear path to retirement for those who meet basic financial criteria and are comfortable with annual renewals and frequent visits to immigration.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Visa)
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Visa) is designed to target digital nomads, remote workers, and those participating in Thai cultural activities, but it also accommodates long-term medical stays. Because it does not have an age limit, younger individuals planning early retirement can apply for the DTV Visa.
The DTV Visa is valid for 5 years and allows multiple entries into Thailand. Each entry grants a stay of up to 180 days, but you can extend your stay once per entry for another 180 days, giving you up to 360 days in Thailand at a time. However, you will still be required to report to immigration if you remain in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days.
One of the more appealing benefits of the DTV is that you can add an unlimited number of immediate family members to your visa by having them apply for the DTV under the dependent category. This includes your spouse and any unmarried children under 20 years old.
To qualify for the DTV under the medical treatment category, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a minimum of 500,000 THB (or international equivalent) in liquid assets with bank statements proving that it has been continuously maintained for 3 months before the visa application
- Be able to provide supporting documents such as a letter of appointment from the hospital or medical center in Thailand
Although the DTV offers more flexibility and freedom than the Thailand Retirement Visa in terms of travel, age, and longer validity periods, it does not contribute to qualifying for permanent residency in Thailand. Even so, it can be a practical choice if you plan to ease into retirement slowly.
Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa)
The Long-Term Resident Visa (aka, the LTR Visa Thailand) is available in five categories, one of which supports individuals who are aged 50 or over and retiring in Thailand. It is valid for 10 years and comes with a 5-year multiple-entry permit that you only need to renew once over the visa’s duration.
If you’re the main holder of the LTR Visa, you will also be able to add an unlimited number of immediate family members to your visa under the dependent category. Similar to the DTV, this includes your spouse and unmarried children under 20, with the added option to include your parents and your spouse’s parents as well.
To qualify for the LTR Visa under the category for retirees, known as the Wealthy Pensioners category, you will need to meet one of the following financial conditions:
- Have an annual passive income of at least 80,000 USD
- Have personal income ranging between 40,000 and 80,000 USD with a minimum investment of 250,000 USD in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property
The application process is also more involved, as it requires proof of insurance and proof of income and investments in Thailand. But unlike the DTV and Thailand Retirement Visa, the LTR comes with benefits such as expedited immigration processing at airports and annual reporting to immigration, compared to the standard 90 days.
Because of this, the LTR Visa is a popular choice among retirees who meet the financial requirements and want fewer immigration visits, along with travel perks if they plan to frequently return home or explore other countries during their retirement.
Thailand Privilege Visa
The Thailand Privilege Visa offered under the Thailand Privilege Program is considered the easiest and most rewarding path to long-term residency in Thailand. It does not have an age requirement, nor does it require proof of income and investment in Thailand. The only real requirement you will need to meet is passing a basic background check and being able to pay the one-time fee for your chosen membership package.
The Thailand Privilege Visa is available in five membership tiers, some of which allow you to add an unlimited number of immediate family members at a reduced membership fee:
| Membership Tier | Membership Validity | Membership Fee (Primary Applicant) | Membership Fee (Additional Members) |
| Thailand Privilege Bronze Membership (Available Until 31 December 2025) | 5 Years | 650,000 THB | – |
| Thailand Privilege Gold Membership | 5 Years | 900,000 THB | – |
| Thailand Privilege Platinum Membership | 10 Years | 1,500,000 THB | 1,000,000 THB |
| Thailand Privilege Diamond Membership | 15 Years | 2,500,000 THB | 1,500,000 THB |
| Thailand Privilege Reserve Membership | 20 Years | 5,000,000 THB | 2,000,000 THB |
With the Thailand Privilege Visa, you’ll receive expedited immigration processing, access to luxury airport lounges, and exclusive discounts at top restaurants and retailers. Depending on your chosen membership tier, you’ll also receive access to a points system that can be used to redeem a wide range of premium services, such as complimentary spa treatments, golf sessions, car and boat rentals, and hotel accommodations, among other luxury perks.
If you prefer less paperwork, the Thailand Privilege Visa saves you time and headaches by providing services to assist with many administrative tasks required for living in Thailand long-term. For example, one of its benefits allows you to enlist a liaison from the Thailand Privilege Program to assist with the 90-day report, opening a Thai bank account, getting a driver’s license, and more.
Despite the significant one-time membership fee, the Thailand Privilege Visa is a perfect visa option for those who value convenience, comfort, and a rewarding lifestyle in Thailand.
Which Long-Term Thai Visa Is Best For Retiring in Thailand?
The best visa to apply for will depend on your long-term plans, as each option suits a different type of retirement lifestyle. Here are some common scenarios for when which visa will be more practical:
For Retirees on a Modest, Fixed Income
If you are living on a stable monthly pension or savings, the Thailand Retirement Visa may be the right fit. This visa provides a straightforward way to live in Thailand without requiring large investments or complex documentation.
It works especially well if you plan to settle in smaller cities or rural areas where your income stretches further. With manageable financial requirements and an annual renewal process, it allows you to enjoy retirement at your own pace, even without the extra privileges and concierge services.
For Younger Retirees or Those Planning Part-Time Retirement
If you are under 50 or not yet ready to commit to full retirement but want to spend several months a year in Thailand, the DTV offers a low-commitment and flexible way to enjoy long stays in the country. The DTV is also a great option for those receiving long-term medical care or easing into retirement slowly.
While this visa does not provide the same privileges as other options, it allows you to come and go freely and grants stays of up to 360 days per entry (with the extension) over a 5-year period.
For Retirees Seeking Long-Term Stability and Convenience
If you have a high annual income or substantial investments in Thailand and prefer a more permanent long-term solution with minimal immigration obligations, the LTR Visa offers lasting benefits. You will only need to report to immigration once a year, and the visa is valid for up to 10 years, assuming you can qualify.
The LTR Visa is a strong choice for those seeking long-term stability in Thailand without frequent renewals and visits to immigration.
For Retirees Prioritizing Comfort and Premium Services
If you value convenience, personalized support, and are comfortable with making a large one-time investment, the Thailand Privilege Visa may be your best choice for staying in Thailand long-term. This visa gives you access to several perks and benefits, including but not limited to airport concierge services, discounts on healthcare, leisure perks, and assistance with government paperwork.
The Thailand Privilege Visa is well-suited for those seeking a stress-free experience and a luxurious lifestyle in Thailand, without the need to manage renewals or meet visa requirements repeatedly.
Professional Assistance With Retiring in Thailand
If you are planning to retire in Thailand, get in touch with Siam Legal International for a streamlined and hassle-free application process. We are a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience helping foreign nationals with their legal and immigration needs in Thailand.
Our team of bilingual Thai immigration specialists has the knowledge and expertise to guide you through each step of the process, from choosing the Thai visa that best matches your preferences to preparing the required documents and submitting them to the right government agencies on your behalf.
We also offer a Thailand Retirement Visa Diamond Package, which includes everything you need for a smooth start to your retirement in Thailand. For one affordable price, this bundle includes:
- Assistance with your visa application
- Obtaining a mobile phone number
- Opening a local bank account
- And more
To spend your golden years in the Land of Smiles free of the stress of immigration concerns, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal to book a consultation now.
Category: Thailand Visa
