The Non-Immigrant O-A (Long Stay) Visa, often known as the Retirement Visa, is a unique type of visa that Thailand gives to foreign nationals who want to retire there. With the opportunity to renew each year, this visa enables visitors 50 years of age or older to stay in Thailand for a year.
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria in order to be eligible for the retirement visa:
- 50 years of age or older
- possess a passport that is valid for at least 18 months.
- have a minimum balance in your bank account of 800,000 THB or a minimum monthly income of 65,000 THB to demonstrate your financial stability.
- a recent three-month-old medical certificate attesting to the applicant’s immunity to communicable diseases
The retirement visa must be applied for at a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand. The application procedure, which can last up to two months, entails completing the necessary paperwork, going to an interview, and making a payment.
Following the issuance of the retirement visa, the holder must check in with the Thai immigration office every 90 days to confirm their address and status. As long as the holder continues to meet the eligibility standards, the visa may be extended annually.
The retirement visa does not allow the holder to work in Thailand, which is crucial to remember. They may, however, partake in specific pursuits like charitable work, academic pursuits, or business investment.