Non-Immigrant Visa OA
"Long-stay retirement visa for UK nationals aged 50+"
Thailand Long-Stay Annual Visa
The Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa "OA" is intended for applicants aged 50 and above who plan to stay in Thailand for an extended retirement-style visit. It can permit residence in Thailand for up to 365 days, subject to approval and ongoing compliance with Thai immigration requirements.
Who This Visa Is For
The OA category is designed primarily for long-stay applicants over the age of 50 who want to remain in Thailand for retirement or extended personal residence. Holders are generally required to report to the Immigration Office every 90 days during their stay.
Application Process
Since 22 November 2021, Thailand visa applications are handled electronically. Original passports are usually not required for initial submission, and a clear scan of the passport data page is normally sufficient for the online file.
Required Documents
- Passport copy: Photo page, valid for at least 6 months.
- Biometric passport photo: Recent colour photo meeting consular standards.
- Financial evidence: Pension statement showing at least £1,700 net monthly, or bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least £20,000 balance.
- Health insurance: Policy covering the entire stay with at least $100,000 medical coverage, including COVID-19 if required by current rules.
- Proof of residence: Registration certificate or residence documentation to confirm consular jurisdiction.
If your insurer is not based in Thailand, the consulate may additionally request a foreign insurance certificate template. We can advise on the current version required for submission.
Submission of Documents
Required documents can be uploaded during the online process or sent later to eta@1avisas.co.uk if your file needs to be completed after registration.
Processing Time and Fees
Processing times are shown in working days: Please note: Processing time only includes business days (Monday to Friday) when the respective visa office / embassy is open (i.e., not when closed due to holidays or public holidays).
Standard processing for this category is typically 10 to 20 embassy working days. Premium handling may be available depending on document readiness and embassy capacity.
Other Thailand Visa Categories
If the OA route is not the right fit, you can review other Thailand visa categories here: Thailand visa overview.