Published by Settle in Abroad – Your Relocation Experts in Thailand
Why Retire in Thailand?
Thailand is one of the most popular retirement destinations worldwide, with everything from amazing beaches and world-class healthcare to affordable living expenses and hospitable communities. However, you must first obtain the appropriate visa, which is where the Thailand Retirement Visa comes in.
At Settle in Abroad, we’ve helped hundreds of clients secure their Thai Retirement Visas quickly, affordably, and stress-free.
What Is a Thailand Retirement Visa?
The Thailand Retirement Visa, also known as the Non-O or Non-OA Visa, allows foreign nationals aged 50 or older to live long-term in Thailand. It’s renewable annually and offers a legal, flexible path to retirement in paradise.
There are two main paths:
3-Month Non-O Visa – Then extended in Thailand to 12 months
12-Month Non-OA Visa – Issued for a full year up front
Each option has different requirements and benefits, which we’ll break down below.
Thailand Retirement Visa Options & Requirements
Option 1: 3-Month Non-O Visa
This option is great for retirees who want to start quickly and avoid strict insurance or medical paperwork.
Requirements:
Age 50 or above
Bank statement showing ฿800,000 or equivalent
Passport valid for at least 18 months
Proof of flight in/out of Thailand within 3 months
Proof of address (utility bill, etc.)
Visa photos, passport scan, and contact info
Declaration form (we provide this)
A visa is applied for online and extended in Thailand later.
Option 2: 12-Month Non-OA Visa
This is a full-year visa issued up front. It requires more documents but gives peace of mind to those planning ahead.
Requirements:
Age 50+
Either:
฿800,000 in savings OR
฿65,000/month in income + bank letter
Passport (18 months validity)
Health insurance with a minimum insured sum of at least ฿3,000,000 or $100,000 USD and a foreign insurance certificate from your insurance company
Medical certificate from your country (valid within 3 months)
Criminal background check (ACRO, FBI, DBS—may take up to 2 months)
Proof of address and onward travel
Visa photos and declaration form
Ideal for retirees who want a single-step process from abroad.
Retirement Visa Issued in Thailand
Already in Thailand? You can obtain the 3-month Non-OA while in Thailand and then extend it after doing the following:
Open a Thai bank account (additional cost incurred)
Deposit ฿800,000 in your account and wait 3 months
Things to note:
We handle all paperwork, appointment booking, and accompany you to immigration
Visa is renewable indefinitely as long as financial criteria are met
90-day reporting included
Why Use Settle in Abroad?
With so many documents and options, visa confusion is common. That’s why retirees choose us.
With Settle in Abroad, you get:
Full retirement visa support – From embassy to extensions
Fast turnaround times
Support with banking, insurance, and paperwork
Local expertise in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
We're here to make your retirement in Thailand stress-free, secure, and exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance for the Thailand Retirement Visa?
Only for the 12-month Non-OA visa. If you go with the 3-month Non-O route, it's not required initially.
Can I apply while inside Thailand?
Yes, the 3-month Non-OA can also be issued from within the country.
Is the visa renewable?
Yes. You can renew indefinitely as long as you meet the financial requirements and follow immigration rules.
Can Settle in Abroad help with bank accounts and insurance?
Yes—we assist with opening Thai bank accounts, getting compliant insurance, and everything else needed for the visa.
Ready to Start Your Retirement in Thailand?
Let us handle the red tape so you can focus on your dream lifestyle. Whether you want a quick start or a long-term solution, Settle in Abroad is here to help.
