What is the Thai Retirement Visa (Non-OA)?
The Non-Immigrant OA Visa (commonly called the Thai Retirement Visa) is the primary long-stay visa for foreigners aged 50 and over who wish to retire in Thailand. It allows you to stay in Thailand for one year at a time and can be renewed indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
Unlike tourist visas, the Non-OA does not require you to leave Thailand every 30–90 days. It is the cornerstone of any long-term retirement plan in Pattaya.
Who Qualifies?
To apply for a Thai Retirement Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 50 years or older
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country (most Western nations qualify)
- Have no criminal record
- Have no prohibited diseases (tuberculosis, leprosy, elephantiasis, drug addiction, or third-stage syphilis)
- Meet the financial requirements (see below)
Financial Requirements
This is where most applicants face challenges. You must demonstrate one of the following:
- **800,000 THB** (~£18,000 / $22,000) deposited in a Thai bank account for at least 2–3 months before applying
- **Monthly income or pension** of at least **65,000 THB** per month (~£1,450 / $1,800), evidenced by a letter from your embassy
- A **combination** of income and savings totalling 800,000 THB annually
**Important:** The 800,000 THB must remain in your Thai bank account throughout the year. Immigration officers conduct spot checks. If your balance drops below this amount, your visa can be cancelled.
Required Documents
Gather the following before visiting immigration or a visa agent:
- Valid passport (minimum 18 months remaining validity)
- Completed TM.7 application form
- Two passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm, white background)
- Proof of funds (bank letter + passbook showing 800,000 THB, or embassy income letter)
- Health insurance with minimum 40,000 THB outpatient and 400,000 THB inpatient coverage
- Medical certificate from a Thai-registered doctor (no prohibited diseases)
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (for initial application)
The Application Process
Step 1 — Open a Thai bank account You will need a Thai bank account to deposit the required funds. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank (KBank) are the most expat-friendly. You will need your passport, a valid visa, and proof of address.
Step 2 — Deposit the funds Transfer at least 800,000 THB into your account and leave it there for a minimum of 2–3 months before applying.
Step 3 — Obtain health insurance As of 2019, health insurance is mandatory for the Non-OA visa. You need a policy from a Thai-approved insurer with at least 40,000 THB outpatient and 400,000 THB inpatient coverage. Several international insurers (AXA, Cigna, BUPA) offer qualifying policies.
Step 4 — Get a medical certificate Visit any Thai-registered clinic or hospital. Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and Pattaya International Hospital both provide this service for approximately 500–1,000 THB.
Step 5 — Apply at immigration In Pattaya, the main immigration office is located at the Jomtien Complex on Jomtien Sai 2 Road. Bring all original documents plus photocopies. Arrive early — queues can be long. Alternatively, use a licensed visa agent to handle the paperwork on your behalf.
Costs
| Item | Approximate Cost | |---|---| | Visa application fee | 1,900 THB | | Medical certificate | 500–1,000 THB | | Health insurance (annual) | 15,000–50,000 THB | | Visa agent fee (optional) | 3,000–8,000 THB |
Annual Renewal
Your Non-OA visa must be renewed every 12 months. The renewal process is similar to the initial application — you will need to show that your bank balance has been maintained at 800,000 THB, or provide updated proof of income. You must also complete a 90-day reporting requirement (reporting your address to immigration every 90 days, which can now be done online).
Using a Visa Agent in Pattaya
Many expats prefer to use a licensed visa agent rather than dealing with immigration directly. A good agent will:
- Check your documents before submission to avoid rejection
- Handle the paperwork and queuing on your behalf
- Advise on the most appropriate visa type for your situation
- Assist with 90-day reporting and renewals
Key Visa Thailand and Paul King's Easy Visa are among the most established and well-reviewed visa agents in Pattaya. See our [Visa Agents directory](/category/visa-agents) for a full list of recommended providers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not maintaining the 800,000 THB balance. Immigration can and does check. Withdrawing funds below the threshold — even briefly — can result in visa cancellation.
Letting your health insurance lapse. Your insurance must be valid for the full visa period. Renew before your policy expires.
Missing the 90-day report. Failure to report your address every 90 days results in a 2,000 THB fine per missed report.
Using an unlicensed agent. Always verify that your visa agent is registered with the Thai Immigration Bureau.
Summary
The Thai Retirement Visa is a straightforward process once you understand the requirements. The key steps are: open a Thai bank account, deposit 800,000 THB, obtain qualifying health insurance, get a medical certificate, and submit your application at Pattaya Immigration or through a licensed visa agent.
For personalised advice and assistance with your application, browse our [Visa Agents directory](/category/visa-agents) to find a trusted, English-speaking agent in Pattaya.
