Thailand Retirement Visa Programme: Thailand is now inviting people aged 50 and above to live in the country. Many couples are choosing to retire early—around age 50—and settle in peaceful places like Thailand.
This trend is now growing among Indian couples too. Many are renting out their homes in India and shifting to Thailand.
Life in India’s big cities is hectic, crowded, and stressful, making people think about what kind of life they want after retirement.
For many, moving to Thailand is not just about avoiding traffic, but about finding a peaceful and affordable way of life.
Chiang Mai Is a Top Choice for Indians
Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, is becoming especially popular among Indian retirees.
Sarthak Ahuja, a former investment banker, shared on LinkedIn that the number of Indian retirees in Thailand has increased by 25% in the last three years.
Many of them aren’t fully retired—they continue working remotely as consultants or freelancers. Thailand’s retirement visa program is supporting this lifestyle change.
What Is Thailand’s Retirement Visa Program?
Thailand’s retirement visa also makes economic sense. Renting a 2BHK flat in Chiang Mai costs around ₹50,000, while similar flats in major Indian cities can earn twice as much in rent.
Healthcare in Thailand is about 25% cheaper, and overall living expenses are 30–40% lower than in India.
The small time difference between India and Thailand also makes remote work with Indian clients easier.
However, the visa has certain conditions: a person must have at least ₹25 lakh deposited in a Thai bank and earn around ₹1.5 lakh per month.
Why This Trend Is Growing
People on social media had mixed reactions to this trend. Some praised Thailand’s easy visa process and low cost of living.
Others were concerned about the risks of keeping large amounts of money outside India. Some also worried that retiring abroad might lead to weaker family or social connections.
How Can Indians Retire and Settle in Thailand?
Who Can Apply?
You must be 50 years or older.
You must have no criminal record, either in India or in Thailand.
Which Visa to Apply For?
1. Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant OA Visa) – Valid for 1 Year
Indian citizens can apply for this visa.
It can be renewed every year while living in Thailand.
Eligibility Requirements:
Age: 50 years or above
Financial proof (any one of the following):
Deposit 800,000 Thai Baht (approx. ₹18–19 lakh) in a Thai bank
Monthly income of 65,000 Baht (approx. ₹1.5 lakh)
Or a combination of both that totals 800,000 Baht per year
Documents Required:
Valid passport (with at least 1 year of validity)
Passport-size photo
Visa application form (available from the Thai Embassy)
Bank statement or proof of income
Police Clearance Certificate from India
Medical certificate (showing no major illness)
Health insurance (with a minimum coverage of $100,000)
How to Open a Thai Bank Account
To open a Thai bank account, you’ll need:
A letter from the embassy
Your visa or rental agreement
Proof of local address (may be required in some cases)
Important Things to Remember
After getting the visa, you must report your residential address every 90 days to Thai Immigration.
The visa must be renewed yearly.
You cannot work or run a business on this visa.
You must always have active health insurance.
