Thailand Retirement Visa Rules

Retirement Visa Rules

Working on a Retirement Extension

When you have a retirement visa, you are unable to work lawfully in Thailand. Thai immigration does not distinguish between paid work and volunteer activities. As a result, you should think twice before volunteering for any unpaid charity job. The only way to work lawfully in Thailand is to have a work permit granted by the government and a Thai work visa.

What is a Re-entry Permit?

If you want to travel outside of Thailand during the one-year time that your retirement extension is valid, you must obtain a re-entry permit before leaving the country to avoid having your extension revoked. This does not mean that you cannot leave Thailand without first obtaining a re-entry permit; rather, it implies that if you leave Thailand without first obtaining a re-entry permit, your retirement extension will be terminated as soon as you leave. You will no longer have a valid retirement extension and will only receive a 30-day visa exempt stamp upon re-entry.

Acquiring a Re-entry Permit

If you need to leave Thailand for any reason, you can get a re-entry permit at any Thai international airport or at your nearest immigration office. Don't wait until the last minute to apply for a re-entry permit; processing times might range from one hour to one day, depending on the location and volume of applications being processed.

Documentation for a Re-entry Permit

• Form TM8, This must be filled out entirely in black ink. (A copy of the TM8 Form can be downloaded from here.)
• Two front-facing passport photos taken within the last three months
• Photocopies of your passport's main page and the page with the most recent entry stamp. also a copy of your TM6 form or airport arrival/departure card.
• Please keep in mind that each photocopy must be signed in black ink to ensure that it is an exact replica of the original.
• At the time the application is filed, the right fee for processing the re-entry application is also required. A single re-entry permit costs 1,000 baht, while a multiple re-entry permit costs 3,800 baht.
• For individuals who anticipate on making several trips, a multiple re-entry permit is more cost-effective.

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