A Retirement Visa in Thailand enables foreigners to live in the country for one year and it can be renewed annually. It is a non-immigrant visa and can be issued at Thai Embassies or Consulates around the world.
The eligibility requirements of a Retirement Visa in Thailand are simple. The applicant must be at least 50 years of age at the time of application for this type of visa and they must have a bank account in Thailand funded with at least 800000 Baht. The funds must be in the applicant’s name and they must have been cleared at least two months before they make their application.
In addition to having a bank account in Thailand, the retiree must have a monthly income of at least 65000 baht with a certificate that he or she meets this requirement. This income must be accompanied by a bank statement and an attestation from the Thai Embassy.
As with all types of visas, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Thailand. For this reason, it is a good idea to open a bank account in Thailand and manage your finances there before you apply for a retirement visa.
You should also be covered by a health insurance plan in Thailand which must cover you for both medical and dental expenses. You can use a health insurance website like MisterPrakan to compare plans from local insurance companies to ensure that you have the coverage you need.
Another important aspect of a Retirement Visa in Thailand is that it requires you to report your address to the Immigration Office every 90 days after you have been in the country for at least six months. This can be done in person or through a Power of Attorney.
If you have a Retirement Visa in Thailand, it is required that you obtain a re-entry permit for any trips outside of the country. If you do not obtain a re-entry permit, your visa may be denied upon your return.
The re-entry permit will need to be presented at the airport or any other immigration office when you wish to leave the country. You can apply for a re-entry permit at any international airport in Thailand or through your Thai immigration agent.
A Thai Retirement Visa is valid for a period of one year and it can be extended by presenting the same requirements as above during your initial application. However, you must be aware that retirees cannot import their personal effects to Thailand duty free.
When applying for a Retirement Visa in Thailand, you will need to submit all of the required documents to the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This can be a process that can take some time and it is recommended that you prepare all of the necessary documentation in advance to make it as easy as possible.
It is also a good idea to contact the embassy or consulate in your country of residency before you apply for a Thai retirement visa as they will be able to answer any questions you have about the requirements. They can also help you prepare an application form and other documents that will be needed to complete your application.