Types of long-term visas for residents in Thailand

1️⃣ Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement Visa)

The most common visa for retirees.

✔ Requirements

• Age 50+

• Clean criminal record

• No prohibited or serious contagious diseases

• Valid passport (usually with at least 18 months remaining)

• Health insurance (usually required)

✔ Financial Requirements
You must meet one of the following:

• 1. Bank deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank

• Funds must be in the account for at least 2 months before applying

• After the visa is granted, the full amount must remain for at least 3 months

• After that, the balance must not drop below 400,000 THB

• 2. Monthly pension / income of 65,000 THB

• Proven by an embassy letter or bank statements

• 3. Combination method

• Annual income + bank deposit must total at least 800,000 THB

✔ Validity

• Visa is issued for 1 year

• Can be renewed every year

✔ Responsibilities during stay

• 90-day address reporting at the immigration office

• Re-entry permit required if you leave Thailand (otherwise the visa is cancelled)

• No employment or business activity allowed

2️⃣ Non-Immigrant O-X (Long Stay 5–10 Years)
A long-term retirement visa — but only available to citizens of selected countries. Eligible countries include: Japan, USA, Germany, Australia, Norway, and several others.

✔ Key O-X Requirements

• Age 50+

• Validity: 5 years, with the option to extend another 5 years

• Strict financial requirements:

• Deposit of 3,000,000 THB, or

• Combination of income + deposit totaling at least 3,000,000 THB

• Health insurance required

3️⃣ Converting to a Retirement Visa inside Thailand

• You can arrive with another visa type and convert it into a retirement visa, for example:

• Tourist Visa → Non-Immigrant O → 1-year “Retirement” extension

• The same financial requirements apply when extending inside Thailand:

• 800,000 THB deposit or 65,000 THB monthly income.

🧾 Required Documents

• Passport

• Completed application form

• Passport-size photos

• Financial evidence (bank statements or pension confirmation)

• Proof of accommodation in Thailand (rental contract, owner’s confirmation, TM30 registration)

• Health insurance (usually required for O-A)

• Medical certificate (sometimes required depending on embassy)

• Criminal background check

📌 Important Notes

• Financial funds must be in a Thai bank account (for O-A visa).

• You can apply for the visa at a Thai embassy abroad or inside Thailand.

• Working or doing business is strictly prohibited on retirement visas.

1. What is a “Marriage Visa” (Non-Immigrant O – Marriage Visa)
This is a long-term visa that allows a foreigner, if legally married to a Thai citizen, to stay in Thailand for up to 1 year, with the possibility of annual extension.(ThaiEmbassy.com, thailandlawonline.com, Chiang Mai Law)

It helps in obtaining a work permit and creates a path to permanent residence.(ThaiEmbassy.com, Siam Legal International, siamthaivisa.com)

2. Legal Marriage and Registration Fees
You must be legally married. If the marriage took place outside Thailand, it must be registered with the local office (Amphur), which will ensure the issuance of the Kor Ror 22 form. (ThaiEmbassy.com, Siam Legal International, siamthaivisa.com)

3. Financial conditions (select one option)
A) Minimum deposit of 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account, which must be held for at least 2 months before applying. When renewing a visa, it is recommended to keep the account active for at least 3 months. (ThaiEmbassy.com, Chiang Mai Law, Konrad Legal, THAI VISA CENTRE, siamthaivisa.com)
B) Monthly income of at least 40,000 THB, proven by a letter from your embassy or an annual bank statement. (ThaiEmbassy.com, thailandlawonline.com, lawzana.com)
(Some immigration departments may require a combination of deposit and income. (THAI VISA CENTRE)

4. Required Documents

• Common documents include:

• A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• A completed application form

• Thai marriage – Kor Ror 3 (certificate) + Kor Ror 2 (registration), or Kor Ror 22 (if the marriage was abroad)(thailandlawonline.com, visaguide.world, siamthaivisa.com)

• Proof of finances according to the above options

• Thai partner’s documents – ID card, residence registration (Tabian Baan)(thailandlawonline.com, visaguide.world, Bangkok Solicitor)

• Photos of the couple (e.g. together at home, at the house) and a map of the residence – serve as proof of cohabitation(thailandlawonline.com, visaguide.world, Thai Immigration)

• In case the documents are in a language other than Thai or English – they must be certified translated and legalized.(ThaiEmbassy.com, Siam Legal International, visaguide.world)

• Some authorities may require confirmation “Affirmation of Freedom to Marry” from your embassy. (ThaiEmbassy.com, Siam Legal International, Konrad Legal)

5. Application Process

• Obtain a Non-Immigrant O Visa (90 days) upon entry into Thailand (from a Thai embassy/consulate).

• Before the 90 days expire – apply for a one-year spousal visa at the immigration office in Thailand.(thailandlawonline.com, Chiang Mai Law, siamthaivisa.com)

• Annual renewal subject to the same conditions.(ThaiEmbassy.com, Chiang Mai Law, Thai Immigration)

• Voluntary and regular residence report every 90 days, so-called TM 47 or other means (in person, by mail, agent).(ThaiEmbassy.com, thailandlawonline.com, Thai Immigration)

• If you plan to leave and re-enter Thailand during the validity of the visa, a re-entry permit (single or multiple) is required.(ThaiEmbassy.com, Chiang Mai Law, Konrad Legal)

6. What happens after a divorce?

• In case of divorce, your marriage visa is usually cancelled. You must leave Thailand or change to another type of visa (if the office allows it before the expiration date). (ThaiEmbassy.com, Konrad Legal)

• Foreign men who are married to Thai women usually have to prove their financial means (deposit or income). If a foreign woman is married to a Thai man, financial proof is often not required - the authorities assume that the man supports the woman.

• When registering your marriage (Kor Ror 22), have both copies and originals - some offices may keep the original. It is recommended to have two certified copies. (Reddit)