Thailand Retirement Visa Program: Thailand is calling people over 50 years of age to stay here. Now many couples are retiring around the age of 50 and are settling in quiet countries like Thailand. This new trend is now seen among Indian couples. Indians are also settling in Thailand by renting their property in India. Rapid life, stress of work and crowd of cities have made Indian couples think about how life should be after retirement? This decision is not just to move away from the crowd or traffic, but is part of the desire to live a cheap and relaxed life.
Thailand’s Chiang Mai Indian is getting famous
Thailand’s Chiang Mai is becoming the most favorite place among these people. Sarthak Ahuja, an investment banker, recently said on LinkedIn that the number of Indian retired people settled in Thailand has increased by 25% in the last three years. Many of these people have not retired completely, but are remote consulting or freelancing. Thailand’s retirement visa program is promoting this trend.
Thailand’s retirement visa program
Apart from Thailand’s retirement visa program, economic reasons are also strong. A 2BHK flat rent in Chiang Mai is around Rs 50,000, while people in big cities of India can pay double rent to their flats. Healthcare expenses are less up to 25% and the cost of total living is also 30–40% less than India. The time difference between India and Thailand is also very short, making it easier to work with Indian clients. However, there are conditions for this visa. A retired person should have Rs 25 lakh deposited in Thai bank and there should be an income of Rs 1.5 lakh every month.
Trend is increasing
A mixed response was seen on social media about this trend. Some people praised Thailand’s easy visa rules and cheap expenses, while some expressed concern about keeping a large amount of money abroad. Many people also felt that staying away from India could weaken family and social engagement.
What is required to settle in Thailand after retirement from India?
Who can apply?
You should be 50 years or more.
You should not have any criminal records on you – neither in India, nor in Thailand.
Which visa will have to be taken?
1. Non-Emmigrant Oa Visa-1 year old
This visa can take citizens of India.
Every year it can be extended while living in Thailand.
Eligibility (Eligibility):
Age: 50 years or more
Evidence of money (either one of the three)
8 lakh weights (THB 800,000) (about ₹ 18–19 lakhs) are deposited in Thailand’s bank.)
Every month’s pension/income should be 65,000 weights (THB 65,000) (about ₹ 1.5 lakh).
Bank + income and 8 lakhs are weights in a year.
Essential document
Passport (at least 1 year valid)
Passport Size Photo
Visa application form (meets Embassy)
Bank statement or income proof
Police Clearance Certificate (from India)
Medical certificate
Health Insurance (at least $ 100,000 covered)
How to open a bank account?
You need this to open an account in Thai Bank.
Embassy to letter
Visa or rent agreement
Proof of local address in some cases
Take care:
After getting the visa, every 90 days have to tell your address to Thai Immigration.
Every year the visa is renewed (renew).
You cannot do any job or business on this visa.
Health insurance is necessary at all times.
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