5-Year Retirement Visa Thailand

The Thailand 5-year Retirement Visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant OX Visa, is more commonly recognized as the longer version of the basic Thailand Retirement Visa. Though it is harder to apply for, it offers you a longer validity period so you have fewer visa renewals to worry about when retiring in Thailand. It also opens a smoother path to obtaining permanent residency in Thailand if that is your goal.

Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa and Basic Thailand Retirement Visa Comparison

Though it appears that the Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa is simply a longer version of the basic Thailand Retirement Visa, there are a few key differences that set them apart other than their length of validity. Below is a table showcasing their similarities and differences:

Basic Thailand Retirement Visa

• 1-year visa validity (renewable)

• 90-day reports to Thai immigration

• Must apply for a re-entry permit when leaving and returning to Thailand (if the visa is single-entry)

• Unable to work in Thailand

• Available to all nationalities

Thailand 5-Year Retirement  Visa

• 5-year visa validity (renewable)

• 90-day reports to Thai immigration

• 5-year multiple-entry visa

• Unable to work in Thailand

• Available to only a few selected nationalities 

Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for the Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 50 years old at the time of application

• Hold a passport from any of the following countries:

  • Asia: Japan

  • Europe: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, UK

  • Americas: Canada, USA

  • Oceania: Australia

• *Meet ONE of the following financial requirements:

  • Have a deposit of 3,000,000 THB (or the international equivalent) in your bank account.

  • Have a deposit of 1,800,000 THB in your Thai bank account, alongside an annual income of 1,200,000 THB (or the international equivalent). Once you enter Thailand, you must have accumulated money deposited in a Thai bank account not less than 3,000,000 THB within 1 year. 

**The funds in these two options must remain in a bank account for at least one year before they can be withdrawn. Additionally, in the following year, a minimum balance of 1,500,000 THB must be maintained in the account, and the money can only be used within Thailand.

• Meet ONE of the following health insurance requirements:

  • Have coverage of 400,000 THB for inpatient care

  • Have coverage of 40,000 THB for outpatient care

• Pass a criminal record check and provide a police clearance certificate

• Must be able to provide proof that you do not display any of the following diseases:

  • Drug addiction

  • Elephantiasis

  • Leprosy

  • Syphilis (3rd stage)

  • Tuberculosis

Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa Requirements

Once you’ve met the criteria, you must provide the following documents as part of your application:

• Passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining

• Proof that you’ve paid the visa fee of 10,000 THB (or the international equivalent)

• Completed the Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa application form (downloadable from the website of the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country)

• Recent passport-sized photograph that was taken within the past 6 months (4 cm x 6 cm)

• Proof that you’ve met the financial requirements such as a bank statement, bank book copy, or bank deposit certificate

• Proof of health insurance (obtainable from the Office of Insurance Commission and Health Insurance of Thailand)

• Medical certificate procured within the past 3 months that was stamped by a medical doctor 

• Marriage certificate (if your spouse is joining you)

• Birth certificate (if your child is under 20 years old and is joining you)

• Criminal record certificate from your country of nationality (must not be older than 3 months and must be notarized)

Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa Application Process

After preparing the documents above, you can start the application process. The steps are as follows:

• Prepare all the necessary documents and apply for the Non-Immigrant OX Visa at the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or a country in which you have permanent residency.

• Wait for the visa’s approval from the relevant Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.

• Once approved, you can collect the visa in person at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate and then legally enter Thailand.

Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa Obligations

Even after you’ve acquired the visa, you will be obligated to do the following to keep it valid:

• 90-day reporting: You will need to notify the immigration office of your current residential address every 90 days. This can be done by mail, online, or by a personal visit to the immigration office. You may also enlist the services of an agent to do this on your behalf through a Power of Attorney. If you are not in the country when the report is due, the counting for the 90 days will start again upon re-entry to Thailand.

• Financial funds: You will need to maintain a certain sum of money in your Thai bank account:

  • During your first year, you will need to keep at least 3,000,000 THB in your bank account or 1,800,000 THB if you have a yearly income of 1,200,000 THB or more.

  • During your second year, you must hold at least 1,500,000 THB in your bank account.

• Meeting qualifications: You will need to report to immigration every year to provide an update on your qualifications and an assessment of your supporting documents.

It is important to note that working on the Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa in Thailand is strictly prohibited. However, you have the option to volunteer, but only for any line of work specified by the Department of Employment. Working remotely is also possible for foreign companies, but you may have to pay Thai income tax on the money you bring into Thailand.

5-Year Thailand Retirement Visa Alternatives

If you are not eligible for the Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa or are looking for more benefits during your stay, Thailand offers two other visas that may just be better suited for you.

LTR Visa Thailand

The LTR Visa Thailand comes in four categories, one of which specifically caters to retirees. This visa offers a 10-year visa, a renewable 5-year multiple-entry permit, and quicker immigration processing at airports, so it’s no surprise why this more convenient visa option is a popular choice among retirees in Thailand.

One of its most notable features is that it allows you to report to the immigration office annually instead of every 90 days, which means you can concentrate on enjoying your time in Thailand instead of worrying about immigration issues every three months.

Thailand Elite Visa

If you are looking for a more laid-back and luxurious experience in Thailand, consider the Thailand Elite Visa. With stays ranging from 5 to 20 years, this multiple-entry visa is obtained through a membership system that offers you access to a long and diverse list of free perks and benefits. These include special gifts and discounts, free spa treatments and healthcare procedures, and expedited immigration processing at airports among many, many others. It is by far the easiest and most rewarding option for a long-term stay in Thailand.

Get a 5-Year Thai Retirement Visa Swiftly and Smoothly with Professional Application Assistance

If you’re looking to settle down in Thailand, retain the services of Siam Legal International. As a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience in helping foreign clients retire in Thailand, our seasoned legal and visa experts are more than qualified to help you overcome Thailand’s immigration hurdles.

No matter which Thai visa application you choose, Siam Legal will ensure that your journey to making Thailand your home is smooth and hassle-free, as we guide you through every step of the application process and handle all the paperwork for you.

If you’re ready to cut through the red tape and start your retirement in paradise on your terms, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal for professional visa application services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave and enter Thailand freely on the Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa?

Yes. The Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa is a type of multiple-entry visa, which means that you can travel in and out of Thailand as often as you please without needing to apply for a re-entry permit each time.

Am I allowed to work in Thailand on the Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa?

No. Any kind of employment is strictly prohibited under the Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa. If you are caught working, it will affect your criminal record.

Can I import my household effects without duties on a Thailand 5-Year  Retirement Visa?

Unfortunately, the Bureau of Customs states that you are not permitted to import your personal effects into Thailand duty-free.