Retirement Visa
6 reasons why you should retire in Chiang Mai.
1. Natural Beauty
Chiang Mai is surrounded by lush mountains, verdant forests, and picturesque valleys. The region’s natural beauty offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and exploring national parks like Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep.
2. Cultural Richness
As the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai boasts a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. The city is home to over 300 temples, including the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The city’s cultural festivals, such as Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights), provide immersive experiences that celebrate Thai traditions.
3. Affordable Living
Chiang Mai offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to Western countries and even other parts of Thailand. Housing, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, allowing retirees to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget.
4. Expat Community
The city has a thriving expat community, which means retirees can easily find social groups, clubs, and activities to participate in. This community provides a support network and helps newcomers settle into their new life in Chiang Mai.
5. Healthcare
Chiang Mai has excellent healthcare facilities, including both public hospitals and private clinics. The cost of medical care is affordable, and many doctors speak English. International-standard hospitals, such as Chiang Mai Ram Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai, offer high-quality medical services.
6. Quality of Life
The pace of life in Chiang Mai is relaxed, making it an ideal place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The city offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, markets, and entertainment options.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be 50 years of age or older.
- Must meet financial requirements: either having a bank deposit of at least 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, or a monthly income/pension of at least 65,000 THB, or a combination of both.
- Re-Entry Permit: To maintain the validity of the retirement visa when leaving and re-entering Thailand, retirees must obtain a re-entry or multiple entry permit from the Immigration Office or at the airport before departure.
- 90-Day Reporting: Retirees must report their address to the Immigration Office every 90 days. This can be done in person, by mail, or online. We also provide this service for 600 Thai baht
The Retirement Visa Process & Cost
1. Initial Consultation
- Our process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your needs and assess your eligibility. We explain the requirements and gather the necessary information to proceed with your application.
- We need to see every page in your passport. So please bring your passport or send a picture of every page with information on it prior to your appointment.
- Cost ranges from 15,000 baht to 63,000 baht.
- The cost depends on a number of factors. For example:
- Do you have a Thai Bank Account? We assist you with meeting all requirements. Don’t worry.
- Do you have the equivalent of 800,000 Thai baht to deposit in a Thai bank account?
- What type of visa are you currently on and when does it expire?
- Are you looking to renew a retirement visa? Is this your second year and beyond?
- Are you changing from a tourist visa?
2. Payment
- We ask for at least 80% of the cost to start the process and the balance in 10 days.
3.
- After payment we will escort you to a Thai bank to open a bank account if you do not have one. You will need 2 forms of Identification to open a bank account.
4.
- We recieve letter from bank.
5.
- We go to immigration.
6.
- You will receive an appointment date usually in the next 10 days to attention the visa for the first 90 days.
7.
- You will need to come back in about 45 days to attention the visa for 1 year.
8.
- We may need to extend your tourist visa 30 days. This will take a little longer to process.
Client Testimonials
Our commitment to excellence has earned us the trust of countless clients.
“Visa Support Thailand made the retirement visa process so much easier than I could have imagined. Their expertise and professionalism were evident from the start. I highly recommend their services to anyone considering retirement in Thailand.”
– John M
“I was overwhelmed by the visa requirements, but Visa Support Thailand handled everything for me. Their personalized approach and attention to detail made the entire process stress-free.”