Thailand is one of the world's most popular retirement destinations, and Chiang Mai offers an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of Western costs. The Thai retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O, O-A, or the long-stay O-X) allows foreigners aged 50 and over to live in Thailand long-term.
MJ & Co handles retirement visa applications and annual extensions at Chiang Mai Immigration. We ensure your financial documentation meets requirements, prepare all paperwork, and accompany you to immigration when needed. Our experience means fewer rejections and faster processing.
Whether you're applying for the first time or need to extend your existing retirement visa, we'll guide you through the financial requirements, insurance obligations, TM30 address registration, and 90-day reporting that come with long-term residence in Thailand.
Retirement Visa Requirements
Age 50 years or older at the time of application
Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining
Financial requirement: 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account (held for 2+ months), OR monthly income of 65,000 THB, OR combination totaling 800,000 THB
Health insurance with minimum 40,000 THB outpatient and 400,000 THB inpatient coverage
No criminal record (for new applications)
Medical certificate (for Non-OA applications)
TM.7 application form and passport-size photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for a Retirement Visa?
You may be eligible for a Retirement Visa if:
- You are 50 years old or above.
- You meet the financial requirements set by the Thai Immigration Bureau.
- You intend to stay in Thailand for retirement purposes.
Our team can review your situation and recommend the most suitable Retirement Visa option based on your circumstances.
What is the difference between the Non-O, O-A, and O-X retirement visas?
The Non-Immigrant O is the most common route: obtained or converted inside Thailand and extended annually at Chiang Mai Immigration. The Non-Immigrant O-A is a one-year retirement visa applied for from your home country, with stricter medical certificate and insurance requirements. The Non-Immigrant O-X is a long-stay option of up to 10 years (5+5) available to citizens of certain countries, with higher financial requirements. MJ & Co will assess your situation and recommend the route that fits you best.
What documents do I need?
The required documents generally include:
- Passport
- Photo for visa application
- Proof of financial requirements
- Proof of your current visa status (if applying in Thailand)
- Other supporting documents required by Immigration
The exact requirements may vary depending on your application type and where you apply.
Once you start with MJ & Co., we will provide a detailed document checklist and guide you through every step.
How much money do I need to show?
The financial requirements depend on the type of Retirement Visa you apply for.
Non-Immigrant O (Retirement Visa): you must meet one of the following financial requirements:
- THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account; or
- THB 65,000 monthly income; or
- A combination of savings and income that meets the Immigration Bureau's requirements.
Non-Immigrant O-A (Long Stay Visa): you must provide financial evidence of:
- THB 800,000 in a bank account; or
- THB 65,000 monthly income; or
- A combination of savings and income totaling the required amount.
Additional requirements, such as health insurance, may also apply depending on the current regulations.
Non-Immigrant O-X (10-Year Long Stay Visa): you must provide one of the following:
- THB 3,000,000 deposited in a Thai bank; or
- THB 1,800,000 deposited in a Thai bank plus an annual income of at least THB 1,200,000.
Our team will review your circumstances and recommend the Retirement Visa option that best suits your situation.
Do I need health insurance for a retirement visa?
Yes. Since 2019, Thailand requires retirement visa holders to have health insurance with minimum 40,000 THB outpatient and 400,000 THB inpatient coverage from an approved Thai insurer. MJ & Co can recommend suitable insurance providers.
How much does a Retirement Visa cost?
The cost depends on your application type and circumstances. For example, the fee may vary depending on whether you are:
- Applying for a Retirement Visa through a Thai Embassy or Consulate.
- Converting your current Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa inside Thailand.
- Applying for a visa extension or renewal.
Because every case is different, we work under a tailored scope of work. Contact MJ & Co. for a personalized quotation based on your situation.
How long does the application process take?
The processing time depends on your current visa status and your chosen application method.
Our team will review your timeline and provide an estimated processing schedule before starting your application.
Can I apply from inside Thailand?
Yes. In many cases, you can apply for or convert to a Retirement Visa from within Thailand, provided you meet the Immigration Bureau's requirements.
Our team will review your current visa status and recommend the most suitable application method.
Can I renew my Retirement Visa?
Yes. Retirement Visas can generally be renewed annually, provided you continue to meet the Immigration Bureau's requirements.
MJ & Co. can assist with reviewing your documents, preparing your application, and guiding you through the renewal process.
Can my spouse stay with me in Thailand?
Yes. If you are legally married, your spouse may be eligible to apply for a Dependent Visa based on your Retirement Visa.
Our team can assist both you and your spouse to ensure your applications are prepared correctly.
Can I work while holding a Retirement Visa?
No. A Retirement Visa is intended for retirement purposes only and does not permit employment in Thailand.
If you plan to work or operate a business, we can advise you on a more suitable visa option.
How do I get started with MJ & Co.?
Getting started is easy. Simply contact us through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or our contact form and tell us about your situation.
Our team will review your eligibility, explain the available options, provide a clear quotation, and guide you through every step of the Retirement Visa process.
Ready to Get Started with Your Retirement Visa?
Chat with MJ & Co to discuss your case. We'll give you an honest assessment and a clear path forward.