Visa & Immigration

Getting your visa right is the first priority when moving to Thailand. Most long-stay expats in Hua Hin use either the Non-Immigrant OA visa (retirement) or the Non-Immigrant O visa (based on marriage or family). Tourist visas are for shorter stays and require regular extensions or border runs.

Which Visa Do You Need?

The right visa depends on your age, nationality, finances, and how long you plan to stay. Here is a quick overview of the most common options:

Non-OA (Retirement Visa): For people aged 50 or over. Requires proof of income or savings, typically 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, or 65,000 THB per month income (or a combination). Valid for one year, renewable annually. No work permitted.
Non-O (Based on Marriage/Family): For those married to a Thai national or with a Thai family member. Different financial requirements. Annual renewal.
Non-B (Business/Work): Required if you are working in Thailand. Needs employer sponsorship and a work permit.
Tourist Visa (TR) / Visa Exemption: Most Western nationals get 30 days visa-free on arrival (or up to 60 days with a TR visa from a Thai embassy before arrival). Extensions of 30 days are available from the immigration office. Not suitable for permanent residence.

Retirement Visa, The Detail

The Non-OA is the most common long-stay visa for expats in Hua Hin. To qualify you must be 50 or older. The financial requirement is one of:

800,000 THB deposited in a Thai bank account at least 2 months before applying, and maintained at 800,000 THB for the full 12-month period
Monthly income of 65,000 THB or more (pension, rental income, etc), evidenced by a letter from your embassy
A combination: savings + income totalling 800,000 THB annually

You apply at the local immigration office in Hua Hin. The visa is initially for 90 days, then extended to 12 months. It must be renewed before it expires each year. Many expats use a local visa agent to handle the paperwork, see our Legal & Visa Services directory for options.

90-Day Reporting

All non-immigrant visa holders must report to immigration every 90 days to confirm their address in Thailand. You can do this in person at Hua Hin Immigration, by post, or online via the Thai immigration website (reliability varies, online is convenient but sometimes has technical problems). Miss the deadline and you face a 5,000 THB fine.

Border Runs and Visa Runs

If you are on a tourist visa exemption or extending a tourist visa, a border run involves leaving and re-entering Thailand to reset your permitted stay. The nearest border crossing is Singkhon (about 2 hours from Hua Hin). Several companies in Hua Hin run minivan trips for border runs, check the local Facebook groups for current recommendations.

Getting Help from a Visa Agent

Many expats use a licensed visa agent for their annual retirement visa extension. Agents handle all the paperwork, know the current requirements, and can accompany you to immigration. Fees typically run 3,000 to 6,000 THB for a full renewal service.

Browse Legal & Visa Agents →

Key Tips

Do not overstay your visa, fines start at 500 THB per day and can result in a ban from Thailand
Keep your passport, TM30, and visa paperwork in a safe place
Your landlord is legally required to file a TM30 (residential address registration) within 24 hours of your arrival, confirm they have done this
Hua Hin immigration office is at Khao Takiab area, check current opening hours as they change periodically
Join the Hua Hin expat Facebook groups for current immigration advice and updates