Before gathering paperwork, know exactly what immigration is looking for. This page lists every requirement for the Non-OA retirement visa with the details the official documentation leaves out.
Age Requirement
You must be 50 or older on the date you apply. There is no upper limit. Age is verified by passport. No discretion is applied if you are 49, you wait.
Financial Requirements in Detail
Option 1: 800,000 THB Bank Deposit
At current rates: approximately USD 22,000, GBP 17,500, EUR 20,500, or AUD 34,000 (rates fluctuate). What immigration checks:
- Bank certificate from a Thai bank showing current balance at 800,000 THB or above
- Bank statement showing account history for the past 3 months with balance at or above 800,000 THB
- After approval: balance must not drop below 400,000 THB at any point during the year
Option 2: Monthly Income of 65,000 THB
Requires a formal letter from your embassy confirming income. Not available to UK citizens (British Embassy stopped issuing these letters in 2019). US citizens can get letters from the US Embassy Bangkok. Income that typically qualifies: government pension, Social Security, military pension, rental income from property abroad.
Option 3: Combination Method
Formula: (monthly income × 12) + Thai bank deposit = at least 800,000 THB. Both income letter and Thai bank certificate required.
| Monthly income | Required bank balance |
|---|---|
| 0 THB | 800,000 THB |
| 20,000 THB | 560,000 THB |
| 30,000 THB | 440,000 THB |
| 40,000 THB | 320,000 THB |
| 50,000 THB | 200,000 THB |
| 65,000 THB+ | 0 THB (income only) |
Health Insurance Requirements (Non-OA Only)
Current Minimum Standard
- Total coverage: USD 100,000 / 3,000,000 THB
- Must be from an OIC-licensed Thai insurer or recognised international insurer
- Policy must cover at least 12 months
- Your proof letter must clearly state coverage in THB
The older 40,000 THB outpatient / 400,000 THB inpatient figures are no longer reliably accepted at consulates. See the Health Insurance guide for accepted insurers and how to get the right documentation.
Criminal Background Check
Required for the initial application from abroad. Not required for annual extensions inside Thailand.
| Country | Document | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| United States | FBI Identity History Summary | FBI CJIS Division |
| United Kingdom | DBS Enhanced Certificate | Disclosure & Barring Service |
| Australia | National Police Check | Australian Federal Police |
| Canada | Criminal Record Check | RCMP or local police |
Must be dated within 3 months of your visa application. Allow 4-8 weeks to receive in most countries.
Multiple Consulates: Requirements Vary
Full Documents Checklist
Initial Non-OA Application (at a Consulate)
- Passport with at least 18 months validity
- Completed TM.86 application form
- 2 passport photos (4cm x 6cm, white background)
- Financial proof: Thai bank certificate (800,000 THB) or embassy income letter (65,000 THB/month)
- Health insurance certificate showing USD 100,000 / 3,000,000 THB coverage
- Criminal background check (dated within 3 months)
- Visa fee (approximately USD 80-100 equivalent)
Annual Extension (at Immigration Office in Thailand)
- Passport (original) with current visa stamp
- Completed TM.7 form (available at the office)
- Financial proof: Thai bank certificate + bank passbook showing 3 months history
- Health insurance certificate for the coming year
- 2 passport photos
- TM30 receipt (proof of current address registration)
- 1,900 THB extension fee