Retirement Visas Compared Internationally
Compare Thailand Privilege Card, Thailand Retirement Visa, Thailand LTR, Philippines SRRV, Malaysia MM2H and Dubai Retirement Visa by cost, age, duration, family inclusion and quality of life.
Last updated: 10/2026
Lowest cost
Thailand Retirement Visa from ~€1,500 and PH SRRV from ~€2,500.
Longest validity
Thailand Privilege Card up to 20+ years, PH SRRV permanent.
No minimum age
Thailand Privilege Card and Malaysia MM2H have no minimum age.
Best for families
Thailand Privilege Card, LTR, PH SRRV, MM2H and Dubai include family.
Best quality of life
Thailand and Malaysia offer excellent quality of life at low costs.
No local personal income tax
Dubai Retirement Visa: the UAE levies no personal income tax. What applies to your pension depends on length of stay and tax residence.
With work permit
Work is not allowed on retirement visas. The LTR provides a work permit in some categories; if you want to keep working, clarify this before choosing a visa.
| Criterion | TH Privilege Card | TH Retirement Visa | TH LTR Visa | PH SRRV Classic | MY MM2H | Dubai Retirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | — | 50 | 50 | 40 | — | 55 |
| Validity | 5–20+ years | 1 year (renewable) | 10 years | Permanent | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Cost / Deposit | from €16,500 (Bronze) | ~€22,000 deposit | — | Depends on age/status | ~€65,000 FD | ~€250,000 deposit |
| Monthly income | — | ~€1,800 | USD 80,000/yr passive | — | ~€2,500 | ~€4,000 |
| Family included | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Work allowed | No | No | depends on category | check case by case | Limited | No |
| Path to PR | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Income tax | 0–35% | 0–35% | depends on category | 0–35% | 0–30% | 0% |
| Capital gains tax | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| VIP services | Yes (from Gold) | No | No | No | No | No |
| Best for | Premium stay, VIP | Budget retirees 50+ | Active retirees, remote workers | Budget retirees 40+ | Families, long-term stay | No local income tax, luxury |
Data as of 15.10.2026. All information subject to change.
Which retirement visa fits you?
Use the Strasia Pathfinder to get a guided first direction based on your goals, country preferences and business or residence plans.
Pathfinder StartWhich retirement visa should you choose?
The best route depends on your age, budget, family plans, tax position and lifestyle preferences.
Choose Thailand Privilege Card if…
…you want premium stay with VIP services, no minimum age and up to 20+ years validity.
Choose Thailand Retirement Visa if…
…you are 50+ and want to live in Thailand with a low budget (~€22,000 deposit).
Choose Thailand LTR if…
…you are 50+, have at least USD 80,000 a year in passive income and want a ten-year solution.
Choose Philippines SRRV if…
…you are 40+ and looking for permanent stay in the Philippines with family inclusion.
Choose Malaysia MM2H if…
…you are looking for long-term stay in Malaysia with moderate costs, family inclusion and good infrastructure.
Choose Dubai Retirement Visa if…
…you are 55+ and looking for a luxury lifestyle in Dubai. The UAE levies no personal income tax; how your pension and investment income are taxed depends on length of stay and tax residence.
Common mistakes when choosing a retirement visa
Comparing only the deposit
In addition to the deposit, there are ongoing costs: health insurance, renewal fees, cost of living.
Ignoring health insurance
Not all programs include health insurance. Check local options and costs.
Ignoring tax implications
Your tax residence can change. Thailand has taxed worldwide income on remittance since 2024. The UAE levies no personal income tax. In both cases, taxation depends on length of stay and tax residence.
Not checking renewal conditions
The Thailand Retirement Visa must be renewed annually. MM2H every 5–10 years. Privilege Card depending on tier.
Not checking family inclusion
The Thailand Retirement Visa does not include family. Privilege Card, LTR, SRRV, MM2H and Dubai do.
Not checking work permit
Retirement visas do not allow work in the host country. If you keep working for clients, even online, clarify work permit and tax residence first.
The Key Options
Thailand Privilege Card
Premium residency program with 5 tiers (Bronze to Reserve). 5–20+ years, VIP services, Privilege Points from Gold.
Philippines SRRV
Permanent residency for qualified applicants aged 40 and above. Deposit level depends on age and pension status.
Dubai Retirement Visa
5-year visa for persons 55+ with a luxury lifestyle. No personal income tax in the UAE; your tax residence remains decisive.
The details per country: deposit, fees and work rules are on our page about the Philippines SRRV, conditions and process in Malaysia on the MM2H page.
From Dubai to Thailand: what changes
If you live in the UAE today, you have applied for a Thai visa only online through the Thai e-Visa portal since January 2025, with proof of your UAE residence (residence visa or Emirates ID). These routes are open to retirees:
Non-Immigrant O-A
Age 50+, one year, multiple entry. Income of THB 65,000 a month or a balance of THB 800,000, health insurance of at least USD 100,000, a medical certificate and a police clearance.
Non-Immigrant O with extension
Age 50+. Enter on the O visa, then extend for one year in Thailand, with THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account (holding periods apply) or income of THB 65,000 a month.
LTR Wealthy Pensioner
Age 50+, passive income of at least USD 80,000 a year (or USD 40,000 to 80,000 plus a USD 250,000 investment in Thailand), ten years.
Thailand Privilege
A paid membership with a visa for five to twenty years. A residence product, not a work permit.
What ends when you leave: your UAE residence usually depends on an employer, a company or a property. And your tax residence changes; Thailand taxes foreign income brought into the country under its own rules. Malaysia (MM2H) or the Philippines (SRRV) often fit better if you are under 50 or want an open-ended stay.
Sources: Thai e-Visa portal (thaievisa.go.th), Royal Thai Embassy Abu Dhabi and Consulate-General Dubai, BOI LTR portal; as of October 2026. Work is not allowed on a retirement visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which retirement visa has the lowest deposit requirements?
Can I retire in Thailand if I live in Dubai today?
How do I apply for the Thai retirement visa from the UAE?
Do I have to close my Dubai company when I move to Thailand?
Which retirement visa has no minimum age?
Which retirement visa offers 0% income tax?
Can I work with a retirement visa?
Is my family included?
What is the difference between Thailand Privilege Card and Retirement Visa?
What is the Thailand LTR Visa?
Do I need health insurance?
Can I recover my deposit?
Can Strasia help with the application?
Should I use Pathfinder before choosing?
Which retirement visa fits?
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