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.
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.
Best for tax optimization
Dubai Retirement Visa: 0% income tax, 0% capital gains tax.
With work permit
Only Thailand LTR allows work — ideal for active retirees and remote workers.
Data as of April 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 want to live and work in Thailand for 10 years as an active retiree or remote worker — with 17% flat tax.
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 want to combine 0% income tax with a luxury lifestyle in Dubai.
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. Dubai has 0%.
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
Only Thailand LTR allows work. All other retirement visas prohibit work in the host country.
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.
Malaysia MM2H
My Second Home program with 5–10 years residency. Fixed deposit required.
Dubai Retirement Visa
5-year visa for persons 55+ with 0% income tax and luxury lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which retirement visa has the lowest deposit requirements?
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?
Free initial consultation — 60 minutes, no obligation.
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Find the right retirement visa for your retirement
The best route depends on your age, budget, family plans, tax position and lifestyle preferences. Strasia helps you compare the programs and prepare the optimal application.
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