
Looking back – Successfully emigrating to Thailand Seminar 2026
Swiss Helping Point is hosting its third seminar on "Emigrating to Thailand" – and has surpassed itself this time. The seminar took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Perron Luzern.
Are you a happy retiree, an early retiree, or planning a sabbatical or simply an extended time-out? If you are over 50, you have the option of applying for a one-year visa for Thailand, allowing you to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for an extended period without having to leave the country.
Depending on a person's situation and personal circumstances, different strategies may be considered regarding emigrating or simply staying in the Kingdom for a longer period.
There are several different visa types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, which vary depending on the individual's situation, as different requirements must be met. Careful planning from within Switzerland or a strong local partner are crucial here.
For example, most long-stay visas require applicants to have a Thai bank account with a stated capital of THB 800. Health insurance may also be required.
The question quickly arises whether Thailand should simply be a second home or definitely a new adopted home with a permanent settlement.
Besides the strategic decision to cut all ties at home in Switzerland, which also involves deregistering in Switzerland with the corresponding loss of health insurance and possibly even bank accounts, the choice of the appropriate visa is of significant importance here.
As mentioned above, there are different types of visas, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Below we list the main types we can assist you with.
Tourist (TR) : Entitles you to enter Thailand for 60 days with a one-time extension to 90 days at a local immigration office. This visa type is not a one-year visa for Thailand! It is currently under discussion whether the entry stamp upon arrival will grant a longer stay without a visa. Swiss Helping Point will keep you updated on this in their blog.
Long Stay (OA) : Entitles you to stay in the Kingdom for one year. Among other requirements, the most important point is recognized health insurance , which is necessary to obtain this visa. Swiss Helping Point is happy to advise and assist with this.
Non-Immigrant O : Entitles the holder to stay in Thailand for 90 days with the option to extend this to one year (retirement visa); this is often referred to as the classic retirement visa. Health insurance is not required, but proof of sufficient capital or pension is necessary, as with the long stay (OA) visa.
With over 25 years of experience, we at Swiss Helping Point are happy to advise and support you to ensure your annual visa is a success. We can help you with the initial application in Switzerland, which has only been possible online since 2019. Of course, we are also available to assist you in Thailand if you need to extend your existing visa.
In Thailand, overstaying a visa is considered a serious legal problem for foreign visitors. An overstay occurs when someone stays in the country beyond the permitted length of stay, whether accidentally or intentionally. Penalties for an overstay can range from a fine to entry bans, depending on the duration of the violation.
For overstays of up to 90 days, a fine of 500 Baht per day, but these are 20.000 Baht Overstaying for more than 90 days can result in more serious consequences, including a longer ban on entry to Thailand. Those staying illegally in the country can also be arrested, detained, and then deported.
It's important to note that even an overstay of just one day can be penalized. Some people inadvertently overstay, whether due to misunderstandings during the visa application process or unforeseen circumstances during their stay. Nevertheless, it is each visitor's responsibility to monitor their visa and arrange for timely extensions or departures.
Thai authorities have increased controls in recent years to prevent overstays. It is advisable to contact local authorities or embassies promptly if you have any problems or uncertainties regarding your visa to avoid potential penalties. Of course, we at the Swiss Helping Point are also available to assist you with advice and assistance.
Given the legal consequences, it is crucial to carefully consider the length of stay and applicable visa regulations in Thailand to ensure legal residence in the country and avoid unpleasant situations.

Swiss Helping Point is hosting its third seminar on "Emigrating to Thailand" – and has surpassed itself this time. The seminar took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Perron Luzern.

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