Step 1: Come to Thailand with a Tourist Visa
If you’re planning to visit Thailand first and later retire, start by getting a tourist visa.
- This visa usually gives you 60 days.
- You can extend it at immigration for 30 more days (total: 90 days) for 1,900 THB.
You must arrive legally and keep track of your visa’s expiry date.
Step 2: Decide to Retire? You Need to Switch Visas
Once you’re here and decide, “Yes, I want to retire in Thailand,” you’ll need to change your visa type before your tourist visa expires.
To retire in Thailand, you must apply for a Non-Immigrant O Visa for Retirement (people call it just the “retirement visa”).
Here’s what you need:
Age: You must be 50 years or older
Money: Choose one of these:
- 800,000 baht in a Thai bank (for at least 2 months), OR
- 65,000 baht income/month, OR
- A mix of savings + income adding up to 800,000 baht/year
Documents: Passport, bank book, photos, rental contract, and more
Step 3: Apply Inside Thailand (No Need to Leave)
The good news? You don’t need to fly out of the country.
You can apply for the retirement visa right here in Thailand, as long as your tourist visa is still valid.
But timing is very important. You must start early – at least a 6-7 weeks before your tourist visa runs out.
Step 4: After Approval, You Get One Year to Stay
If your application is approved, you’ll get:
- A 1-year stay in Thailand
- You must report to immigration every 90 days (easy to do)
- You can renew the visa every year if you still meet the requirements
How Thai Nexus Can Help You (Even Without a Thai Bank Account)
Many tourists come to Thailand thinking they can retire here – then find out they can’t open a Thai bank account, and they don’t have 800,000 baht saved for 2 months like the rules say.
Don’t worry. You’re not stuck.
At Thai Nexus, we help people in this exact situation.
Here’s how we can help:
Explain all your options clearly – even if you just arrived and only have a tourist visa
Guide you step-by-step if you don’t have a Thai bank account yet
Show you legal alternatives that still qualify for a retirement visa (yes, they exist!)
Help you gather the right documents so you don’t make mistakes
Speak Thai for you at the immigration office and the bank if needed
We’ll go over everything:
- What you can do right now?
- What papers you need?
- What path is best for your situation?
Came as a tourist? No bank account? No problem.
Just reach out to Thai Nexus (39/743 Soi Hua Hin 102, Hua Hin) – we’ll explain the process and make it simple for you. You don’t need to leave Thailand or feel stressed. We’re here to help.
FAQs
Can I retire in Thailand if I entered on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can—but you must change your visa type before your tourist visa expires. This means applying for a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa from inside Thailand. Timing is important, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Do I have to leave Thailand to apply for a retirement visa?
No. You can apply for a retirement visa without leaving the country, as long as your tourist visa is still valid. You’ll need to prepare the right documents and meet the requirements before you apply.
What are the requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand?
To retire in Thailand, you must:
- Be 50 years old or older
- Have one of the following:
- 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account (for at least 2 months), OR
- 65,000 baht monthly income, OR
- A combination of savings and income that adds up to 800,000 baht/year
- 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account (for at least 2 months), OR
- Have a valid passport
- Provide documents like bank letters, photos, rental agreements, etc.
What if I don’t have a Thai bank account?
Right now, many banks do not allow tourists to open Thai bank accounts. If you don’t have one, you might still qualify using income statements or a combination of income and savings. Talk to Thai Nexus visa consultant for updated options based on your situation.
Can I retire in Thailand without showing 800,000 baht for 2 months?
Yes, in some cases. If you don’t have the full amount in a Thai account for 2 months, you may still qualify using:
- Proof of monthly income
- Foreign bank statements
- A mix of foreign income + savings
It depends on immigration rules at the time and your paperwork. Always check with someone experienced in Thai visa law.
What if I don’t have a Thai bank account or income proof?
That’s a common issue—especially for new tourists. If you have no Thai bank account, and no income proof, you need to:
- Start planning early
- Get advice from a visa expert
- Understand which legal options apply to you
Thai Nexus helps people in this exact situation. We’ll look at your case and show you what you can do next, step by step.
Will I be denied if I don’t have 800,000 baht?
Not automatically. Immigration cares about your overall eligibility, not just one number. If you can legally show income or a combination, you can still apply.
How long does the retirement visa last?
Once approved, the retirement visa is valid for 1 year. You must report to immigration every 90 days, but you don’t have to leave Thailand. The visa can be renewed every year if you still meet the requirements.
What documents do I need to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?
You’ll usually need:
- Your passport
- Passport-size photos
- TM30 (proof of where you’re staying)
- TM86 or TM87 form
- Financial proof (bank book, income letter, etc.)
- Possibly health insurance (depends on your immigration office)
When should I apply to change my visa to retirement?
Start the process at least 3–4 weeks before your tourist visa expires. You need time to gather documents, meet the financial requirement, and prepare your application.
