The Non-Immigrant OA (Non-OA) retirement visa is Thailand's most widely held long-stay visa for retirees. It is renewed annually at an immigration office in Thailand. It requires no employment and no sponsor just proof of adequate finances and qualifying health insurance. For retirees who do not meet the higher income thresholds of the LTR visa, it remains the practical standard.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Non-OA retirement visa you must:
- Be aged 50 years or over
- Hold a passport from a country with a visa agreement with Thailand (most nationalities qualify)
- Have no criminal record in Thailand or your home country
- Meet the financial requirements (see below)
- Hold qualifying health insurance (mandatory since October 2019)
- Not be prohibited from entering Thailand
There is no income source requirement the money can be savings, pension, rental income, dividends, or any other legitimate source.
Financial Requirements in Detail
You must meet one of three financial options:
| Option | Requirement | Evidence needed |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 Bank deposit | 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account | Bank letter + passbook showing balance. The 800,000 THB must typically be in the account for 2–3 months before the application or extension. |
| Option 2 Monthly income | 65,000 THB per month from pension, income, or transfers | Bank statements showing regular incoming transfers, pension statement, or income letter from your embassy. Some embassies issue an income certification letter. |
| Option 3 Combination | Combined total of 800,000 THB per year from savings + income | Bank balance + monthly income evidence. The formula: (monthly income × 12) + bank balance must reach 800,000 THB. |
Health Insurance Requirement
Health insurance became mandatory for Non-OA visa holders in October 2019. The minimum required coverage is:
- Outpatient: At least 40,000 THB per year
- Inpatient: At least 440,000 THB per year
- The policy must be from a Thai-approved insurer (the Office of Insurance Commission publishes the approved list)
- The policy must be valid for the duration of your visa stamp
How to Apply
Applying from outside Thailand
If you are not already in Thailand, apply at your nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You will typically need: your passport (valid at least 18 months), completed visa application form, passport photos, evidence of finances (bank statements, pension letters), health insurance certificate, medical certificate, police clearance, and the application fee (varies by country).
The Non-OA visa issued at an embassy is valid for 90 days entry. When you first enter Thailand on this visa, immigration will grant you a 1-year permission to stay. This is then extended annually.
Applying inside Thailand
If you are already in Thailand on another visa, you can change your visa status at your local immigration office by applying for the Non-OA. Bring the same documents as above. Not all immigration offices process in-country change-of-status check with your local office first.
Annual Renewal Process
The 1-year permission to stay must be extended annually at your local Thai immigration office not at an embassy. The process is straightforward but requires preparation:
- Visit your immigration office up to 30 days before your current permission expires
- Bring: passport, TM30 receipt, bank book + bank letter (for Option 1), health insurance certificate, and 2 passport photos
- Complete the TM7 extension form available at the office
- Pay the 1,900 THB extension fee
- Collect your new 1-year stamp, typically the same day
You must also maintain 90-day reporting throughout the year, notifying immigration of your current address every 90 days. This can be done in person, by post, or online via the Immigration Bureau's TM47 system.
Non-OX: The Long-Stay Retirement Alternative
The Non-Immigrant OX visa is a newer long-stay option for retirees, issued for a 10-year period. It requires a higher financial threshold (1.5–3 million THB in a Thai bank depending on the option) and higher health insurance coverage. It avoids annual renewals but still requires 90-day reporting. It is less commonly used than the Non-OA and is managed through a separate application process.
Retirement Visa vs LTR Wealthy Pensioner: Which Is Right for You?
| Non-OA Retirement Visa | LTR Wealthy Pensioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Age requirement | 50+ | 50+ |
| Income threshold | 65,000 THB/month (~$1,800 USD) | USD 80,000/year (~218,000 THB/month) or USD 40,000 + USD 250k investment |
| Bank deposit option | 800,000 THB (~$22,000 USD) | USD 250,000 Thai investment (if using Option 2) |
| Validity | 1 year, renewable | 10 years |
| Reporting | 90-day reporting required | Annual reporting only |
| Tax on overseas income | Standard Thai PIT rules apply | 0% exemption under Royal Decree 743 |
| Application fee | ~1,900 THB renewal fee | 50,000 THB BOI fee |
The retirement visa suits retirees whose pension or savings are below the LTR thresholds. The LTR is worth the higher upfront cost and income requirement for those who qualify the ongoing administrative burden is lower and the tax saving on remitted pension income can be substantial over 10 years. See the full LTR vs Retirement Visa comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare All Thai Visa Options
Use the free Visa Finder to find out which visa you are most likely to qualify for with requirements and next steps.
Visa Finder LTR vs Retirement Visa All Visa Options