Can I apply for a Non-O visa from a Southeast Asian country without returning to Europe if I currently have a yearly extension for being over 50 in Thailand?

Non-O Visa Visa Application Thailand Immigration Retirement Visa Extension of Stay Thai Consulates Expat Life in Thailand

April 7, 2019

5 years ago

Massimo ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone. I am an Italian currently living in Phuket based on a yearly extension of stay based on being over 50. I am thinking about changing it to a non-o visa, but only if I can apply for it in a South East Asian country, ie without going back to Europe. 

To be clear I refer to option 1 from this Tod Daniels post from last year.

[members only]

In the post Tod says this visa is becoming increasingly rare. I am grateful for Infos which embassy/consulate still issues this type of visa.

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An Italian expat currently in Phuket is considering switching from a yearly extension of stay based on age to a Non-O visa. They seek clarification on whether it is possible to apply for this visa in a Southeast Asian country, as many consulates are reportedly ceasing to issue this type of visa for retirees. Comments highlight the rarity of the visa, the need to find a consulate that still offers it, and the necessity of exiting and re-entering Thailand every 90 days on this visa.

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Tod *********

@Mas****

and just so you're clear about the year-long, multi-entry Non-O visa IF you could find a place to issue it. You'd have to exit/re-enter the country every 90 days on that visa.

I too don't know a single thai consulate in S/E Asia that will issue that visa for being over 50 (retirement).

That means you either get a yearly extension as you have been OR you wing your way back to your country and buy a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa..

5 years ago

Massimo ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thank you for your feedback.

5 years ago

Reply to

Massimo ***********

James ********

You may be able to extend your current extension of stay IF you meet the financial requirements. Watch closely for any significant changes due to Thai Immigration replacement of its leader. Good luck.

5 years ago

Massimo ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

Thanks a lot Robert. Let's hope some other group member has helpful information.

5 years ago

Robert *******

I do not know any Thai Consulate in this region that offers the 1 year multiple entry Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age.

5 years ago

Massimo ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

Robert. You lost me there. When you say "finding a Thai Consulate paying 5000 Thb for the Visa and travel every 90 days abroad" what type of visa do you mean? I don't want a tourist visa. I have been living here more than 10 years and plan to continue to do so.

Again, and it is a strictly personal preference, I prefer the non-o over the extension of stay. I'm not interested in any discussion about extending the extension, as this is sorted. I'm also not interested in talking about the costs. I am simply asking if anybody knows Embassies/Consulates that still issue 1 year non-o's

5 years ago

Robert *******

@James *******

With the re-entry permit total cost is 5.700 Thb. But in my opinion cheaper than finding a Thai Consulate, paying 5.000 Thb for the Visa and travel every 90 days abroad, as you only get 90 days of stay at entry.

5 years ago

James ********

@Robert ******

good advice and a simple way to extend for another year at low cost of 1,900 Thai baht.

5 years ago

Robert *******

If an Extension of Stay is no problem, apply for that, cost 1.900 Thb. Apply when stamped in your passport for the Multiple Re-Entry Permit, cost 3.800 Thb and you can leave and enter Thailand without any problems during the year.

5 years ago

Massimo ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Extending my current extension is no problem whatsoever. It's just that I find the non-o setup way more desirable. As written by Tod and Robert, it's increasingly difficult to come by. The reason for my post is, that rather than to cold call every thai embassy in the region I'd like to assess whether it's worth the effort

5 years ago

Reply to

Massimo ***********

Robert *******

As mentioned: "This visa is NOT that common any more for people based on being over 50 (retirement) and more and more consulates are stopping issuing them." You have to search for a Thai Consulate that still issues it.

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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