Do you dream of spending your retirement surrounded by warm, sunny, and beautiful natural scenery? Thailand is one of the most popular retirement destinations for expats, offering low living costs, good healthcare, hospitable locals, and attractive visa conditions for retirees.

For affluent retirees who wish to spend their retirement with their partner in Thailand, the country offers a comfortable life for the couple. Thailand provides a visa option for the spouse.

Understanding the long-term residence visa

Retirement in Thailand is possible for couples with a long-term retirement visa. This visa was specifically designed to facilitate extended stays in Thailand for retirees and couples.

The LTR visa was introduced on September 1, 2022. The program allows foreigners to work and live in Thailand.

Advantages

  • A residence visa that can be extended for 10 years.
  • Fast-track lane at the airport.
  • Can work in Thailand and obtain a digital work permit.
  • Immigration registration once a year instead of every 90 days.
  • Income tax was reduced.
  • There is no obligation to employ a ratio of 1:4 foreign nationals per Thai national.

    • Eligibility

  • Applicants must be at least 50 years old.
  • Financial requirements: The applicant must demonstrate an annual personal income of at least USD 80,000. If the income is below USD 80,000, the applicant must have at least USD 40,000 available per year and own at least USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai real estate. The applicant must have social security coverage that covers treatment in Thailand, or health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000, or a security deposit of at least USD 100,000.

    • *Note: The personal income of wealthy retirees under the LTR program includes "income from employment such as dividends, pensions, rental income, and stocks." Earned income (i.e., salary and wages) is not considered personal income for the purposes of the LTR application.

    Application process

  • Interested retirees can apply for the LTR visa at the embassies and consulates in their home countries. They must submit proof of income and savings, as well as a completed visa application form. Assistance from an agent can simplify the process.
  • Once approved, you will receive a single-entry visa to Thailand.
  • You must also visit the nearest immigration office every 90 days to continue your stay in the Kingdom.
  • If you wish to leave Thailand and return, you will need to apply for a re-entry permit.

    • *Please note that the LTR visa is renewed annually. If you wish to remain in the Kingdom, you can visit your nearest immigration office and demonstrate your financial eligibility for the visa.

    Depending on a long-term relationship

    The family visa allows the applicant to stay in the Kingdom for up to one year. The visa can be extended in the following year, provided the visa status of the primary visa holder (the supporting spouse/parent) is valid.

    Eligibility for dependents

  • Proof of kinship to the main visa holder must be submitted to the Thai immigration authorities.
  • The main visa holder should be able to demonstrate that he/she is able to provide for and support the dependent.
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
  • The applicant may submit the application for maintenance entitlement by a person residing in Thailand (Non-O) to the Thai embassies and consulates in his home country.
  • Once approved, the applicant can enter the Kingdom as a dependent of the main visa holder.
  • The Non-O visa is valid for 90 days. If the family member wishes to extend their stay in the Kingdom, this can be applied for 30 days before the visa expires.

    • If you have any questions about the LTR visa or are planning a long-term stay in Thailand, contact us for advice.

    If you have any questions regarding your application for a Thai long-term residence visa, please use this form to contact us.