How Much Does It Cost to Retire in Thailand?

If you are consider retiring in Thailand, it costs relatively little to live comfortably. Cost of living in Thailand generally between 35% – 45% cheaper than living in the U.S. according to Numbeo website, a site that collect cost of living data from around the world.

Housing and Condo, cost of living in Pattaya beach Thailand is very low compare to another city in Thailand, estimate for the cost I would say is about 40 to 60% of the cost of living in the U.S.

Getting an Initial Retirement Visa for Thailand

First of all, it’s worth noting that citizens of the U.S. and much of Europe do not need a visa in order to visit Thailand. All you need is a valid passport and a return trip scheduled before you enter the country.

If you wish to retire in Thailand, you will need to need to get a retirement visa, also known as a Non-Immigrant Long Stay Visa. It’s possible to do this in Thailand or at a consulate in your home country. The process for getting a retirement visa is relatively simple, but it can also become quite long depending on how, exactly, you want to spend your retirement (more on that in the next section).

To get a such a visa, you have to be at least 50 years old and pass a criminal background check. You also need to have a valid passport that doesn’t expire for at least one year. Lastly, you will need to meet certain financial requirements.