Thailand has long been a popular destination for retirees, thanks to its affordable lifestyle, quality healthcare, and year-round warm weather. For those planning to stay long term, the right visa can make a big difference in convenience and peace of mind. The O-X Retirement Visa is a long-stay option specifically for foreigners aged 50 and over from select countries. Unlike the more common O-A visa, the O-X allows eligible retirees to stay in Thailand for up to 10 years, with an initial 5-year validity and a possible 5-year extension.
In this post, we’ll cover what the O-X visa is, who it’s for, what you need to apply, and how it compares to other retirement visa options. If you’re looking for a longer-term solution without yearly visa renewals, this visa may be worth considering.
What Is the O-X Visa?
The Non-Immigrant O-X Visa is a long-stay visa designed for retirees who want to live in Thailand for an extended period without the need for annual renewals. It allows qualified applicants to stay in Thailand for 5 years, with the option to extend for another 5 years, offering a potential total stay of 10 years.
This visa is available only to nationals of 14 eligible countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Japan. Applicants must be 50 years of age or older and meet specific financial and health insurance requirements.
The O-X visa is strictly for retirement purposes. Holders are not allowed to work in Thailand and must maintain their financial and insurance status throughout the duration of the visa.
Key features include:
- 5-year stay, extendable to 10 years
- 90-day reporting requirement (same as other long-stay visas)
- No requirement to leave the country for renewals during the valid period
- Ability to include spouse and dependent children under 20 in the application
In short, the O-X visa is aimed at financially secure retirees looking for a more stable and long-term option for living in Thailand.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the O-X Retirement Visa, applicants must meet specific age, nationality, financial, and legal requirements. The criteria are stricter than for the standard O-A visa, reflecting the longer permitted stay and the focus on financially self-sufficient retirees. Here’s a breakdown of the main eligibility requirements:
Age Requirement
- Must be 50 years of age or older at the time of application.
Nationality Requirement
- Must hold a passport from one of the 14 eligible countries:
- Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
Employment Restriction
- Applicants must not engage in any form of work in Thailand, including remote or freelance work.
Clean Criminal Record
- Must provide a police clearance certificate from the home country and one from Thailand (if residing in Thailand at the time of application).
- No criminal history in either country.
Health & Medical Clearance
- A medical certificate is required to show the applicant is free from serious diseases, including tuberculosis, drug addiction, and leprosy.
Financial Requirements
(These will be detailed fully in the next section, but here’s a brief mention.)
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, either through a Thai bank deposit or a combination of savings and income.
Family Inclusion
- Spouse and children (under 20) may be included in the visa application, but they must also meet the health and background check requirements.
- The spouse must not be employed in Thailand.
Financial Requirements
The financial requirements for the O-X Retirement Visa are more demanding than those for the O-A visa. Applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves in Thailand without needing to work.
There are two ways to meet the financial requirement:
Option 1: Bank Deposit Only
- A minimum of 3,000,000 THB must be deposited in a Thai bank account.
- The account must be in the applicant’s name only.
- Funds must be transferred from abroad.
- The full amount must be maintained in the account for at least 12 months after receiving the visa.
- After the first year, a minimum balance of 1.5 million THB must be maintained continuously.
Option 2: Bank Deposit + Annual Income
- A minimum Thai bank balance of 1,800,000 THB, combined with an annual income of at least 1,200,000 THB.
- Again, the bank funds must be transferred from abroad into a Thai account under the applicant’s name.
- Proof of income must be shown through pension statements, income letters, or tax documents.
Important: All funds must be deposited before the application and must come from overseas. Applicants will need to provide a bank letter and transaction history to confirm the transfer source and timing.
Additional Notes:
- Only Thai bank accounts are accepted.
- Joint accounts are not accepted — the funds must be under the applicant’s name alone.
- Financial documents should be recent (usually within 3 months of application).
📌 Transferring large sums into Thailand to meet visa requirements?
Learn how remittance rules and tax laws may apply in our guide to Taxes in Thailand for Foreigners.
Health Insurance Requirements
Applicants for the O-X Retirement Visa must have valid Thai-approved health insurance that covers both outpatient and inpatient care. This requirement ensures that retirees are adequately protected during their stay and won’t become a burden on the Thai healthcare system.
Minimum Coverage Required:
- Inpatient: Minimum coverage of 400,000 THB
- Outpatient: Minimum coverage of 40,000 THB
The policy must be active at the time of application and remain valid throughout the stay in Thailand.
Accepted Insurance Providers:
Applicants must purchase insurance from either:
- A Thai insurance company approved by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), or
- A foreign insurance company with documents translated into Thai and certified by the applicant’s embassy.
Required Documents:
- Insurance policy (clearly showing coverage limits and duration)
- Certificate of insurance (in the format approved by Thai Immigration)
- Proof of payment (in some cases)
Tip: Make sure the policy explicitly mentions compliance with the O-X visa requirement. Immigration officers may reject policies that don’t clearly list the correct coverage levels or valid policy periods.
Required Documents
To apply for the O-X Retirement Visa, you’ll need to prepare a full set of personal, financial, medical, and insurance documents. It’s important that all documents are recent, properly certified, and translated if required. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
Personal Documents
- Passport – Valid for at least 1 year with two blank pages
- Completed visa application form – Use the form provided by your local Thai embassy or consulate
- Recent passport-sized photos – Usually 4×6 cm, taken within the last 6 months
Financial Proof (choose one option)
Option 1: 3,000,000 THB deposit
- Bank letter confirming the account balance
- Bank book (passbook) showing transaction history
- Evidence that funds were transferred from abroad
Option 2: 1,800,000 THB + 1.2M THB annual income
- Bank letter and passbook
- Income documents (e.g. pension statement, tax return, or income certificate)
Health Insurance
- Valid insurance policy with at least 400,000 THB inpatient and 40,000 THB outpatient coverage
- Certificate of insurance (in Thai government format)
- Proof of premium payment (if required)
Legal and Health Certificates
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (less than 3 months old)
- Police clearance from Thai authorities (if applying from within Thailand)
- Medical certificate stating you’re free from serious contagious diseases (issued within the last 3 months)
After Arrival in Thailand
- TM.30 form – Proof of address notification submitted by your landlord or yourself if you own the property
- 90-day reporting schedule (starts after arrival)
Application Process
The O-X Retirement Visa must be applied for outside of Thailand, typically through a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. The process is document-heavy, but straightforward if you’re organized and meet all the eligibility requirements. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before applying, make sure you’ve collected all required documentation, including your passport, financial statements, insurance policy, police clearance, and medical certificate.
- All documents must be issued within the last 3 months (where applicable).
- If any documents are in a foreign language, they must be translated into English or Thai and may require certification or notarization.
- Financial documents should clearly show that the money was transferred from overseas into a Thai bank account in your name only.
Thorough preparation is key, as incomplete or incorrect applications are a common cause of delays or rejections.
Step 2: Submit Application
You’ll need to submit your application to a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country of nationality or legal residence. Note that not all embassies handle O-X visas, so it’s important to check with the one nearest you before starting.
- Some embassies offer in-person appointments, while others accept applications by mail or through online platforms.
- You must use the official Non-Immigrant Visa “O-X” application form, along with embassy-specific submission instructions.
- Submit all supporting documents together — missing even one required paper can delay the process.
Embassy processing fees and timelines can vary slightly depending on your country.
Step 3: Visa Issuance
Once your application is approved, the embassy will issue your 5-year O-X Visa, which will be stamped into your passport.
- Processing time typically takes 5–10 business days, but some embassies may take longer, especially during peak travel seasons.
- You’ll be given instructions on how to activate the visa upon arrival in Thailand.
Make sure to check your visa validity dates and entry instructions carefully before traveling.
Step 4: Enter Thailand
Upon arrival in Thailand, you must go through standard immigration checks and will be granted an initial 5-year stay under the O-X visa.
- Immigration officers may ask for additional documentation, such as your TM.30 (residence notification) and proof of health insurance.
- Within 24 hours of arrival at your permanent address, you or your landlord must file a TM.30 form at the local Immigration Office to register your residence.
Failing to submit the TM.30 can lead to fines or complications with future 90-day reports.
Step 5: 90-Day Reporting
All long-stay visa holders in Thailand, including those on the O-X visa, are required to report their current address to Immigration every 90 days.
- You can report online (if the system is working), by mail, or in person at your local Immigration Office.
- The report is simple — it doesn’t require new documents, just confirmation that you still live at the same address.
Set reminders for this requirement to avoid potential fines or issues during future extensions.
Step 6: Apply for 5-Year Extension
Toward the end of your initial 5-year stay, you can apply for a second 5-year extension, giving you a total of 10 years in Thailand under the O-X visa.
- You must still meet the financial, insurance, and reporting requirements.
- The extension application is handled inside Thailand at a local Immigration Office.
- Prepare updated versions of your financial records, insurance documents, and police clearance if requested.
Pros & Cons of the O-X Retirement Visa
The O-X Retirement Visa offers significant benefits for those who meet its requirements, but it’s not ideal for everyone. Here’s a balanced look at the key advantages and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your long-term plans in Thailand.
✅ Pros
✔ Long-Term Stability (5+5 Years)
The biggest advantage of the O-X visa is its extended duration. With a 5-year stay and the option to extend for another 5, you can avoid the yearly renewal cycle that comes with the O-A visa.
✔ Fewer Immigration Visits for Renewals
Although 90-day reporting is still required, you don’t need to apply for annual visa renewals during the 5-year validity period, saving time and hassle.
✔ Family Inclusion
Spouses and children (under 20) can be included in the visa, provided they meet basic eligibility requirements. This makes it a practical option for couples or families looking to retire together in Thailand.
✔ Legal Entry with Clear Guidelines
Unlike other long-stay methods that involve conversions or workarounds, the O-X visa offers a clear legal pathway for retirees, backed by Thai immigration law.
✔ Flexibility for Long-Term Planning
With up to 10 years of continuous stay, the O-X visa gives retirees the security to invest in a home, set up long-term healthcare plans, or settle into a stable community.
⚠ Cons
✘ High Financial Requirements
The visa is geared toward retirees with substantial savings or income. Many find the minimum THB 3 million (or THB 1.8M + 1.2M income) requirement to be a major barrier.
✘ Limited to 14 Countries
Only nationals from specific countries are eligible. If your country isn’t on the list, you’ll need to consider other retirement visa options like the O-A or Thailand Privilege Visa.
✘ No Work Rights
Even remote work or freelance income for overseas clients is technically not allowed under this visa, limiting financial flexibility for some retirees.
✘ Must Apply from Abroad
The visa cannot be applied for from within Thailand. This means those already living in Thailand must return to their home country to apply.
✘ Strict Documentation & Reporting
The process involves extensive paperwork, including criminal background checks from both your home country and Thailand. Financial and insurance compliance must also be maintained over many years.
O-X Visa vs. O-A Visa: Key Differences
While both the O-X and O-A visas are designed for retirees aged 50 and over, they differ significantly in terms of duration, eligibility, financial requirements, and application process. Choosing the right one depends on your financial situation, nationality, and long-term plans in Thailand.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | O-A Visa (1-Year) | O-X Visa (10-Year) |
| Eligibility | Foreigners aged 50+ from any country | Foreigners aged 50+ from select 14 countries (e.g., USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Japan) |
| Visa Duration | 1 year (renewable annually) | 5 years (extendable to 10 years total) |
| Stay Requirements | Must report to Immigration every 90 days | Same – 90-day reporting still required |
| Financial Requirement | Either: • 800,000 THB in Thai bank account • OR 65,000 THB/month income • OR combination | Must have: • 3,000,000 THB in Thai bank • OR 1.8M THB + 1.2M THB annual income |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory: • Coverage of at least 400,000 THB inpatient and 40,000 THB outpatient | Also mandatory: • Similar health insurance requirements apply |
| Work Rights | No work allowed | No work allowed |
| Re-Entry Permit | Required if leaving Thailand (single or multiple entry) | Same – re-entry permit needed |
| Criminal Record Check | Required from home country | Required from both home country and Thailand |
| Family Inclusion | Not applicable (separate visas required for spouse/children) | Spouse and children (under 20) can be included under same visa |
| Application Location | Can be applied at a Thai Embassy/Consulate abroad or inside Thailand | Only from Thai Embassy/Consulate abroad – cannot apply from within Thailand |
| Target Audience | Retirees wanting annual stay with modest financials | High-net-worth retirees from select countries seeking long-term stability |
Summary
- The O-X visa is ideal for retirees from eligible countries who meet the higher financial threshold and want to stay in Thailand long term without yearly renewals.
- The O-A visa is more accessible and flexible, especially for those with moderate finances or who want to apply from within Thailand.
Final Thoughts
The O-X Retirement Visa offers one of the most stable long-term options for retirees who meet its strict financial and documentation requirements. With up to 10 years of legal residency, the visa removes the burden of annual renewals and allows you to settle into Thai life with confidence.
However, the O-X isn’t for everyone. The high financial threshold, limited eligible nationalities, and mandatory overseas application make it a better fit for those who are well-prepared and financially secure. For others, the more flexible O-A visa—or even alternatives like the Thailand Privilege Visa—may be more practical.
If you’re looking for long-term peace of mind, a structured path to residency, and a visa that aligns with retirement in every sense of the word, the O-X Retirement Visa is worth considering. Just be sure to plan ahead, get your documents in order, and approach the process with patience.