Retire in Thailand › Guide › Pets, shipping and work
Pets, Shipping Your Belongings and Working
Pets can come, but you need an import permit from the Department of Livestock Development applied for about 7-14 (being re-checked) days before you fly, rabies and leptospirosis vaccines at least 21 (being re-checked) days before travel, and a health certificate. Ship only what you can't replace: furniture and electrics are usually cheaper to buy here. Retirement visas don't allow work, and even regular unpaid volunteering can count as work, so check before you start.
Last reviewed 8 Oct 2026 · Every figure is dated and sourced
Bringing a pet
- Microchip your pet and check the latest Department of Livestock Development (DLD) rules.
- Vaccinate for rabies and leptospirosis at least 21 (being re-checked) days before travel.
- Apply for the DLD import permit about 7-14 (being re-checked) days before departure.
- Get an official health certificate from your vet, endorsed by your government vet authority.
- Fly into an airport with an animal quarantine station. The legal quarantine is up to 30 (being re-checked) days, though in practice pets with complete paperwork are often released quickly.
Shipping belongings
- Bring documents, medicines (with prescriptions), photos and things of real sentimental value.
- Buy furniture, appliances and kitchen gear here. Power is 220 V, 50 Hz with Type O (TIS 166-2549); hybrid sockets sold today accept A, B, C and O plugs; E/F plugs fit only unsafely.
- Used household goods can enter duty-free under some visas; ask a mover for the current rules and paperwork.
Working in retirement
- Retirement visas do not allow work. A work permit needs a different visa and a Thai employer or company.
- Some jobs are reserved for Thais (about 40 (being re-checked) occupations on the list).
- Working illegally risks a fine of about 5,000-50,000 plus deportation THB (being re-checked).
- Regular volunteering can count as work. Ask the organisation whether they arrange permission.
- Remote work for clients abroad is a grey area on a retirement visa. The DTV exists for remote workers.
Questions people ask
What visa should I get to work on passion projects as a retiree?
If the projects earn money in Thailand or serve Thai clients, you need a business visa and work permit. For remote work for foreign clients, the DTV is designed for that. A retirement visa alone doesn't cover work.
Sources
Every figure on this page
- Apply for the DLD pet import permit this many days before departure: 7-14 (Being re-checked · source)
- Rabies and leptospirosis vaccines at least this many days before travel: 21 days (Being re-checked · source)
- Legal pet quarantine (often unenforced): 30 days (Being re-checked · source)
- Occupations reserved for Thais (2020 list, about): 40 (Being re-checked)
- Fine for working illegally (about): 5,000-50,000 plus deportation THB (Being re-checked)
- Mains electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz (Verified 7 Oct 2026 · source)
- Thai national plug standard: Type O (TIS 166-2549); hybrid sockets sold today accept A, B, C and O plugs; E/F plugs fit only unsafely (Verified 7 Oct 2026 · source)
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; check with the relevant office or a licensed adviser before you act.
Facts at a glance
Apply for the DLD pet import permit this many days before departure
7-14
Being re-checked · source
Rabies and leptospirosis vaccines at least this many days before travel
21 days
Being re-checked · source
Legal pet quarantine (often unenforced)
30 days
Being re-checked · source
Occupations reserved for Thais (2020 list, about)
40
Being re-checked
Fine for working illegally (about)
5,000-50,000 plus deportation THB
Being re-checked
Mains electricity
220 V, 50 Hz
Verified 7 Oct 2026 · source
Thai national plug standard
Type O (TIS 166-2549); hybrid sockets sold today accept A, B, C and O plugs; E/F plugs fit only unsafely
Verified 7 Oct 2026 · source