{"id":4555,"date":"2021-11-12T22:37:28","date_gmt":"2021-11-12T22:37:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/btisolutions.co\/?p=4555"},"modified":"2023-04-12T17:46:26","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T10:46:26","slug":"love-of-thailand-to-retirement-destination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btisolutions.co\/th\/love-of-thailand-to-retirement-destination\/","title":{"rendered":"Turn Your Love of Thailand Into Your Full-Time Retirement Destination"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The late great chef and author Anthony Bourdain famously said: \u201cAll of the things I need for happiness: Low plastic stool, check. Tiny little plastic table, check. Something delicious in a bowl, check.” This rings so true for those of us who enjoy the street food of Southeast Asia, and especially the heat and complex flavors of Thailand.\u00a0 If you\u2019re reading this article, you\u2019re thinking about winding down the daily work routine and imagining a life in Thailand.\u00a0 It is certainly within your reach.\u00a0 This article provides the fundamentals about realizing this aspiration, and some tips on how best to make it happen.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

Why Thailand?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Thailand is the choice for many retirees for a host of reasons. Yes, the cost of living here can be much more accommodating than in most Western countries. \u00a0 And yes, there is the availability of world-class medical services.\u00a0 We shouldn\u2019t forget the jai di (good hearts) of the Thai people in this land of smiles.\u00a0 Yet, there is something more\u2026the wide variety of lifestyles and environments as you travel the country.\u00a0 Beaches abound in the South, verdant valleys and mountains explored in the North and immersing yourself in the energy of a world-class metropolis, Bangkok, in the heart of the country.\u00a0 Thailand is also a hub and terrific jumping-off point for the rest of Southeast Asia, India, and beyond.\u00a0 So, you\u2019re over the age of fifty and focusing on the possibilities.\u00a0 Let\u2019s talk about the path to get here.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

What does Thailand offer for those looking to make Thailand home in retirement?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

For those looking for a post-work life in Thailand, there are essentially three options:\u00a0 A \u201cretirement\u201d (age-based) visa, a spousal\/family visa, or an Elite (fee-based) visa.\u00a0 This article focuses on the age-based visa available for those 50 years or older.\u00a0 We\u2019ll discuss family and Elite visas in future articles.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cRetirement\u201d Visa Basics\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

The \u201cretirement\u201d visa is really shorthand for a visa based on age and is available to those 50 years of age or older.\u00a0 The actual name is Non-Immigrant \u201cO\u201d or \u201cO-A\u201d visa (we\u2019ll just call these \u201cNon-O\u201d in this article to make it easier on your eyes).\u00a0 The \u201cO\u201d visa is initially issued for 90 days and may be extended in Thailand for one-year periods.\u00a0 The \u201cO-A\u201d visa is issued for a one-year term, and can also be extended for one-year periods.\u00a0 We set out the additional requirements for a Non-O-A visa below to help you make a more informed decision.<\/p>\n\n

To get started, you may apply for a Non-O visa through the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in your home country.\u00a0 A Non-O visa is issued for a ninety-day period, and you may apply for a one-year extension at the Bureau of Immigration in Bangkok, or the provincial office of the Bureau of Immigration where you reside.\u00a0 Alternatively, you can enter Thailand lawfully (e.g., under a 60-day Tourist Visa) and apply for the Non-O visa at the Bureau of Immigration office in Bangkok.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

As with most countries\u2019 immigration requirements, Thailand wants to ensure that you will be able to support yourself financially once you move here, and you will have the means to address the health issues that may arise.\u00a0 Here are the basic Non-O visa requirements:<\/p>\n\n