Retiring in Thailand: Non-O, O-A and O-X Retirement Visas Compared
Thailand has three retirement routes for people aged 50 and over, and they differ most on two things: how you prove your money and whether you must buy Thai health insurance.
The short version
- All retirement routes are for people aged 50 and over.
- Non-O extension (in Thailand): 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or 65,000 baht monthly income; no insurance required.
- O-A (from abroad): health insurance of at least 3,000,000 baht (US$100,000) is required.
- O-X (10 years) needs insurance at each extension.
- Every route needs annual renewal, 90-day reports and a re-entry permit to travel.
Non-O, O-A or O-X?
- Non-O, extended in Thailand: the most common route; money test, no insurance
- O-A: one-year visa applied for abroad; money test plus mandatory insurance
- O-X: 10-year visa for some nationalities, with higher money tests and insurance
- LTR Wealthy Pensioner: 10 years for those with high pension income
Proving your money
For the Non-O extension you show 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account, or monthly income of 65,000 baht, usually evidenced by an embassy letter or transfers. Immigration also checks that the money has been held for set periods before and after your application, so plan transfers well in advance.
Health insurance rules
The O-A needs at least 3,000,000 baht (US$100,000) of cover for the whole stay; the O-X needs cover at each extension, with embassies quoting different minimums. For extensions in Thailand, immigration generally expects a Thai policy from the official long-stay list. The Non-O route has no insurance rule, but going uninsured in retirement is a serious risk.
Life as a retiree
Retirement visas do not allow work. Budget for healthcare rising with age, keep your 90-day reports and re-entry permits up to date, and find your community early.
Retirement visa mistakes
Holding periods apply.
Check the deductible.
Your extension ends at the border.
It is not allowed.
Everything for retirees
Guides from the JLIT library.
Hubs for retirees
Visas, money and health.
Keep going
Questions newcomers ask
What is the age for a Thai retirement visa?
50 or over.
How much money do I need for a Thai retirement visa?
For the Non-O extension, 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or 65,000 baht monthly income.
Do I need health insurance for a retirement visa?
For the O-A and O-X, yes. For the Non-O extension granted in Thailand, no.
