Thailand has long been one of the most popular retirement destinations for singles and couples alike. It is known for its year-round tropical climate, good healthcare, and affordable cost of living.

Despite its popularity with tourists and retirees, retirement in Thailand is not as straightforward as it might seem. Several important factors should be considered to ensure a smooth stay in the Kingdom.

In this article, we will discuss visa options for retired couples, suitable places to live for couples in Thailand, and important insurance options.

Visa options for couples who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand

1. Pension visa

The Thai retirement visa, also known as the Non-Immigrant OA visa, is a long-term visa that allows the holder to stay in the Kingdom for one year. The visa can be renewed annually and can be applied for in Thailand.

Married couples who are not Thai nationals and wish to spend their retirement in Thailand, provided both partners are 50 years of age or older, can apply for a Thai retirement visa. However, they will be treated as individual applicants and must meet the financial requirements independently.

Requirements for a pension visa

  • Both applicants who do not hold Thai nationality must be at least 50 years old.
  • The following financial requirements must be met: A deposit of at least 800,000 THB, which must be paid at least two months before applying for the visa; a monthly income of at least 65,000 THB; a combination of deposit and annual income totaling 800,000 THB.

    • restrictions

  • With a Thai retirement visa, you can stay in Thailand for one year after it has been approved.
  • With this type of visa, you are not permitted to engage in gainful employment.
  • You must report to the immigration authorities every 90 days to confirm your current address.

    • 2. Long-term residence visa (LTR)

    In contrast to the non-immigrant visa OA, the long-term residence visa offers attractive advantages, but also has higher financial requirements.

    Advantages

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

    • Requirements for the long-term residence visa

  • 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 provide 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.

    3. Thailand Privilege Visa (formerly known as Thailand Elite)

    You and your partner can retire in Thailand with a joint membership and numerous attractive benefits. However, this visa option is aimed at wealthy individuals and involves a substantial membership fee.

    Regardless of your age, you and your partner can extend your stay in Thailand. Two membership levels are available to you and your partner: Platinum and Diamond membership.

    Membership eligibility

  • You need a foreign passport that is valid for at least 1 year (365 days).
  • Do not travel to Thailand to study, work, or start a business.
  • Be mentally healthy and competent.
  • Applicants must not have any criminal record, entries on blacklists, bankruptcies or prolonged overstays of their visa.
  • They must not have been, either currently or in the past, the holder of a Thailand volunteer visa.
  • You must not have been, either currently or in the past, the holder of an (invalid) Thailand Education (ED) visa.

    • Thailand Elite Platinum Membership

  • Offers a visa validity of 10 years.
  • The membership fee is 1,500,000 THB, plus a fee of 1,000,000 THB for your spouse.
  • Privilege membership: 35 points
  • Membership is non-transferable and non-refundable.

    • Benefits of Platinum Membership

  • At least two renewable multiple-entry visas, each valid for 5 years.
  • Residence permit for 1 year per entry into Thailand (with extension option)
  • Unlimited access to the premium lane for expedited immigration processing
  • Unlimited access to an elite personal assistant (EPA)
  • Annual health checks (once per membership period)
  • One overnight stay at the Anantara Vacation Club (only in the first year of membership)
  • Accident insurance (180 days, only in the first year of membership)
  • Premium lounge, parking privileges and shopping assistance (by appointment)

    • Thailand Elite Diamond Membership

  • Offers a visa validity of 15 years.
  • The membership fee is 2,500,000 THB, plus a fee of 1,500,000 THB for each additional member (your spouse).
  • Privilege membership 55 points

    • Benefits of Diamond Membership

  • At least three renewable multiple-entry visas, each valid for 5 years.
  • One-year residence permit per entry into Thailand with an extension option.
  • Access to wealth management sessions and seminars
  • Annual health check-ups, once per membership period
  • Premium lounge, shopping advice, parking privileges (by arrangement)
  • Special insurance packages, such as accident insurance (365 days, only in the first year of membership)

    • Places of residence in Thailand

    The Kingdom has much to offer retired couples. The perfect location often depends on your and your partner's preferences. From vibrant city life to remote mountain villages, Thailand offers the right place for any retirement lifestyle you envision.

    Here are the top 4 places with reasonable living costs, good healthcare and a supportive expat community.

    1. Chiang Mai

    This province, surrounded by the sea, was the capital of the independent Kingdom of Lanna until 1558. It is known for its fascinating mountains and beautiful temples.

    Why should one consider Chiang Mai?

  • Pleasant climate: The province offers a welcome respite from the scorching heat of other provinces, with an average daily temperature of around 25-30°C, making it the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Affordable living: The province is significantly cheaper compared to other major cities in the country such as Bangkok and Phuket, with rental prices for affordable apartments starting from only 3,000 THB.
  • Vibrant culture: The city is known for its unique Lanna heritage, with over 300 intricately designed temples scattered throughout the province, dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Lanna traditions, dances, and music are still widely practiced today.
  • Active expat community: Chiang Mai boasts a dynamic and growing expat community. Retirees can pursue numerous interesting activities here.

    • 2. Hua Hin

    Hua Hin, a popular day trip destination for Bangkok residents, was once a fishing village before becoming the permanent residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej from 2004 to 2006. The coastal town offers the ideal tropical lifestyle, which is significantly quieter compared to Pattaya and Phuket.

    Why should one consider Hua Hin?

  • Beach life: Hua Hin is a coastal town on the Gulf of Thailand. It's family-friendly and a popular holiday destination for Bangkok residents looking for a relaxing weekend at the beach. The region is characterized by a tropical climate with occasional rainfall and high humidity.
  • Healthcare: Medical services in Hua Hin are less expensive and often less costly compared to Western countries. Among the city's most well-known hospitals are Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin and San Paolo Hospital Hua Hin.
  • Golf and leisure activities: The coastal city is considered the "golf capital of Thailand" due to its presence of some of the most beautiful golf courses and numerous golf tournaments. Water sports, tennis, and horseback riding are also available.
  • Peaceful atmosphere: The city has a comparatively lower population density than other major cities in the country, such as Bangkok and Phuket. The coastal city had a population of 65,983 in 2019 and a low crime rate.

    • 3. Phuket

    Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia and also a popular retirement destination, known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, clear seawater and stunning sunsets.

    Why consider Phuket?

  • Tropical paradise: Couples can let loose island hopping in the Andaman Sea and also explore the underwater world with its many different beaches that cater to every taste.
  • Modern amenities: Phuket offers diverse shopping opportunities, including night markets, street vendors, and luxury shopping malls. Retirees can also live comfortably in Phuket, as the trendy island boasts some of the best hospitals in the world.
  • Entertainment options: From vibrant nightlife to relaxed beachfront restaurants – Phuket has it all. You and your partner are guaranteed not to be bored in this tropical paradise.
  • Diverse expat community: Phuket is home to a large expat community from all over the world. You and your partner will always have access to a supportive network, and there are numerous interesting workshops.

    • 4. Pattaya

    Pattaya is located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand and is the eighth largest city in the kingdom. It is known for its exciting nightlife and its urban beaches.

    Why consider Pattaya?

  • Coastal living: Pattaya offers a beach lifestyle in close proximity to the capital city of Bangkok and the airport. Whether you're looking for nightlife or prefer peace and relaxation, Pattaya has beaches to suit every taste.
  • Entertainment options: Pattaya is famous for its exciting nightlife with numerous bars throughout the city. Walking Street, with its many bars, clubs, and stages, is known for its vibrant nightlife. Those seeking tranquility, on the other hand, can enjoy relaxing evenings in the restaurants and cafes along the beach.
  • Affordable housing: The coastal town offers various housing options for retirees. There are numerous beachfront apartments, rental houses, and apartment complexes with security services at affordable prices.
  • Diverse cuisine: Pattaya's culinary scene offers something for everyone, from local markets with affordable prices to a wide selection of international restaurants. Enjoy Japanese, Italian, and Indian cuisine, fresh seafood, and delicious Thai dishes.

    • Insurance options

    The Thai government has taken initiatives to reduce the costs of damage to its medical facilities caused by international visitors. For retirement in Thailand, you and your partner will need basic health insurance.

    The minimum health insurance coverage under an OA visa is as follows:

  • Non-immigrant visas of type "OA" require health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000 that also covers COVID-19 treatment.
  • The health insurance must cover the entire duration of the applicant's stay in Thailand.

    • The Thai government does not explicitly specify where you must purchase your health insurance. As long as it is with an accredited insurer that offers the coverage required for your retirement visa entry into Thailand, you can, in principle, purchase health insurance for your retirement visa anywhere in Thailand.

    Contact us

    Are you and your partner considering a peaceful retirement amidst the beautiful landscapes of Thailand? Whether you're drawn to the tropical climate, the excellent healthcare, or the affordable cost of living, we'll guide you through every step of the process. From advising on visa options to finding the perfect home, our team is dedicated to making your transition to retirement in Thailand as smooth and enjoyable as possible.