Thailand is a popular retirement destination for foreigners of all ages due to its warm weather year-round, incredible beaches, and friendly locals. A large expat community and world-class medical care add to the appeal of a Thai retirement. However, before you can retire in Thailand, you need to secure a Retirement Visa.
You can get a Retirement Visa in Thailand or at your home country’s embassy or consulate. The process is relatively straightforward, but it can be quite lengthy.
To apply for a Retirement Visa in Thailand, you will need to meet a number of prerequisites, including proof of finances, residency documents, a medical certificate, and an official background check issued by the government. These requirements are not easy to meet alone, and may require the assistance of a lawyer or immigration agent.
The most common type of Retirement Visa in Thailand is the Non-Immigrant O Visa (NON-O-A). This visa allows foreigners aged 50 years or older to live and work in Thailand for one year, and can be renewed once per year.
If you are planning on staying in Thailand for longer than a year, a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa might be better. This type of visa is renewable every year, but it does not allow you to work or buy property in the country.
For the first 90 days of your stay in Thailand, you will be required to report to a Thai immigration office. This is a simple process that can be completed online or in person, and will be counted towards your total 90 days of residency.
You’ll also need to have a health insurance policy in place that will cover you while you’re in Thailand. This will not only give you peace of mind, but it will also save you a lot of money on costly hospital bills if you ever need medical care while in Thailand.
Getting a health insurance policy in Thailand isn’t as difficult as you might think. There are a variety of different options available to you, and you can work with a trusted insurance broker to find the right one for your needs.
New rules regarding mandatory health insurance were introduced in 2018. This requires retirees to have at least THB40,000 outpatient treatment coverage and THB400,000 inpatient coverage.
If you are considering retiring in Thailand, make sure to shop around for a robust health insurance policy before making your final decision. This will give you a chance to see how the costs of healthcare in Thailand compare to your home country.
Retirees who do not have a comprehensive health insurance policy in place can face serious financial problems if they need to go to the hospital while they’re in Thailand. It’s a good idea to start shopping around for a healthcare plan as soon as you decide to move to Thailand so that you can have plenty of time to find a plan that meets your specific needs.
For a quick, painless, and hassle-free way to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand, contact SIAM LEGAL today. Our team of dedicated immigration experts can help you through the entire process from start to finish.