The retirement visa has several separate cost components. Most people plan for the 800,000 THB deposit and miss the others. Here is the complete picture so there are no surprises.
Cost Summary
- Initial consulate fee: approx. USD 80-100
- Annual extension fee inside Thailand: 1,900 THB
- Health insurance: 20,000-250,000+ THB/year depending on age
- Bank deposit: 800,000 THB (stays yours not a fee)
- Agent fee if used: 5,000-15,000 THB per year
Initial Consulate Fee
| Country | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| United States | USD 80-100 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 70-90 |
| Australia | AUD 110-130 |
| European Union | EUR 80-100 |
Non-refundable regardless of outcome. Fees are set in local currency and change periodically.
Annual Extension Fee: 1,900 THB
Paid at your Thai immigration office each year. Approximately USD 53, GBP 42, or EUR 48. This fee has been stable for several years. If you use a visa agent, their service fee is additional: typically 3,000-10,000 THB depending on location and firm.
The 800,000 THB Deposit
This is not a fee. It sits in your own Thai bank account and remains yours. The Thai government does not take it. It earns modest interest (0.5%-1.5% per year on standard accounts approximately 4,000-12,000 THB/year on the minimum balance). You can spend from it during the year, as long as you replenish above 800,000 THB before your extension. The balance must not fall below 400,000 THB at any point during the year.
Health Insurance: The Biggest Variable Cost
The current enforced minimum is USD 100,000 / 3,000,000 THB total coverage. Premiums vary significantly by age:
| Age range | Approximate annual premium (THB) |
|---|---|
| 50-55 | 20,000-50,000 |
| 56-65 | 50,000-100,000 |
| 66-75 | 100,000-180,000 |
| 75+ | 150,000-250,000+ |
These are rough market ranges for policies meeting the visa minimum. International plans with higher limits cost more but provide greater peace of mind. See the Health Insurance guide for a full breakdown of qualifying insurers.
Hidden Costs People Miss
Re-Entry Permit
If you leave Thailand and want to return without restarting your annual permission, you need a re-entry permit. Single re-entry: 1,000 THB. Multiple re-entry: 3,800 THB. Purchased at the airport or at an immigration office before departure.
90-Day Reporting
Filing yourself is free. Delegating to an agent costs 500-1,500 THB per report (2,000-6,000 THB/year for all four). See the 90-Day Reporting guide.
Bank Account Maintenance
Annual maintenance fees: 500-1,000 THB. Minor relative to the other costs but worth knowing.
DIY vs Using an Agent
Annual extensions are manageable to do yourself once you know the process. Legitimate reasons to use an agent: you find immigration queues stressful, have mobility limitations, or want someone to check documentation before the appointment. Expect to pay 5,000-15,000 THB for a full extension service including the 1,900 THB government fee.