What Is the Non-OA Retirement Visa?
The Non-Immigrant O-A Visa (commonly called the "retirement visa") allows foreigners aged 50 and over to stay in Thailand for one year at a time, with annual renewals. It is not a retirement visa in the Western sense — you cannot work on it — but it is the standard legal route for retirees living in Phuket.
You can apply from outside Thailand (Non-OA entry) or extend an existing Non-O visa from inside Thailand at Phuket Immigration Office on Chaofah Road in Chalong.
You must be aged 50 or over. There is no income requirement — only a financial proof requirement (bank balance or pension income).
Non-OA Requirements 2026
Financial requirements (one of the following)
For the bank balance method, the 800,000 THB must be deposited at least 2–3 months before your application and remain in the account at the time of application.
Health Insurance Requirement
Since 2019, health insurance is mandatory for all Non-OA visa holders. You must present proof of insurance with minimum coverage:
- Outpatient: ฿40,000 per claim
- Inpatient: ฿400,000 per claim
Many expats use Pacific Cross, Cigna, or AXA — all accepted by Phuket Immigration. Budget roughly ฿20,000–50,000/year depending on age. See our full health insurance guide for current quotes.
What It Costs
| Fee item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual extension fee at Phuket Immigration | ฿1,900 THB |
| Re-entry permit (single) | ฿1,000 THB |
| Re-entry permit (multiple) | ฿3,800 THB |
| 90-day reporting fee | Free |
| Visa agent fee (optional) | ฿3,000–8,000 |
Where to Apply in Phuket
Main Phuket Immigration Office: 474 Chaofah Road, Chalong — open Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm (closed 12–1pm). This is where you do your annual extension.
Central Festival branch: Located inside Central Festival Phuket Town. More convenient for central Phuket residents, but handles a more limited range of services.
Arrive at Chalong Immigration before 8:30am — the queue builds fast. Bring every document twice (originals + photocopies). Agents report that Monday and Tuesday mornings are the busiest days; Wednesday or Thursday afternoon is typically faster.
Documents Required
- Completed TM.7 application form
- Passport (valid 18+ months) — original + copy of all pages
- 3.5 × 4.5cm passport photo (white background)
- Bank letter + passbook showing 800,000 THB balance (or income proof)
- Health insurance certificate meeting minimum requirements
- Current TM.30 address notification (landlord must file this — confirm with them)
Alternatives to Consider
If the 800,000 THB bank requirement feels restrictive, or you're under 50, consider the LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident — 10 years, lower financial hurdles), the Thailand Elite Visa (no bank balance requirement, any age), or the Destination Thailand Visa (180 days, good for remote workers).
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