The Independent Means Visa in Thailand (also known as the Retirement Visa) offers long-term residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate sufficient financial means.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Thailand provides a pathway to long-term residency for individuals with stable financial resources. This program is designed to attract retirees and other individuals looking to establish residency in a country with a high quality of life, warm climate, and rich culture.
Overview
A pathway to long-term residency for qualified individuals with sufficient financial means in Thailand
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals aged 50 or above with sufficient funds or income
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
Initial 1-year stay, renewable annually
Months to Visa
1-2 months
Physical Presence Requirement
90-day reporting to immigration
Availability
High
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application at the Thai embassy in your country of residence or at the Immigration Office in Thailand if already in the country on a valid visa
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Can I work on an Independent Means Visa in Thailand?
How often do I need to report to immigration?
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for permanent residency in Thailand?
benefits
The program offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in Thailand's vibrant and welcoming environment.
Low cost of living
Rich culture and beautiful landscapes
Growing Southeast Asian economy
Fast Processing Time
Average monthly income requirement
.svg)
Online Submission Allowed
Visa-Free Travel Countries
76
Passport Validity
5 years
Overview
Thailand offers a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and a welcoming environment for foreign residents.
Benefits:
Advantages:
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Can I work on an Independent Means Visa in Thailand?
How often do I need to report to immigration?
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for permanent residency in Thailand?
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the Independent Means Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their financial stability.
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify passive income sources
• Confirm income thresholds
• Review healthcare requirements
• Complete financial documentation
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review residency requirements
• Assess tax implications
• Select optimal visa category
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income
• Obtain health insurance
• Prepare bank statements
• Complete background verification
Submission
• Submit residency application
• Pay visa fees
• Schedule interview (if required)
• Provide biometric data
Residency Setup
• Receive residency permit
• Register with local authorities
• Set up banking/utilities
• Complete residency registration
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport+3 passport-sized photos taken within the past six months
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Not applicable
Letter of verification issued from the country of nationality or residence stating that the applicant has no criminal record+Verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission
Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves without working in Thailand+In the case of submitting a bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is required
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
132
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
.svg)
Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
.svg)
Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
.svg)
Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
.svg)
Program Stability
Based on years of activity
.svg)
Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
.svg)
Rankings
Safety
75
Cost of Living
79
Quality of Life
34
.svg)
Healthcare Quality
71
Internet Speed
6
.svg)
Human Freedom
88
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
Explore alternative pathways to live and work
Learn about living costs, culture, healthcare, and other essential information about relocating to Ireland. Explore all available immigration pathways and find the best option for you.
View Country Guide
Need help?
get started
.svg)
.svg)
