Can I use my savings and Social Security income to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?

Jul 19, 2023
a year ago
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m looking into it, Thailand, retirement visa. I know you need 22,000 American. I have 10 grand saved and $1500 a month in Social Security is there anyway I can combine the two to get a visa? If not, I have a friend with 10,000 and if I leave it in the bank for two months before and three months after I can get it back to him I do the same thing the next year.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To qualify for a retirement visa in Thailand, you typically need to show proof of financial stability, which includes having 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for at least two months before applying and three months after. You can also demonstrate a monthly income from abroad, but in this case, the US embassy does not certify Social Security income. Some options discussed include pooling funds with a friend for the bank requirement or working with an agent to manage the visa application process. It is advisable to consider the total cost of living in Thailand on a limited income.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Paul *************************
James *********
Have you considered Haiti?
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ********
I am there now, New York City
James **************
The 800k is for 2 months before and 3 months after. In between that it can drop to 400k. You can combine. Or use agent....
Bryn ********
I think you’ll need 800,000 kept in a Thai bank. The other option, I’m not positive, but I think you’ll need 65,000 deposited monthly for a year and can then withdraw whatever you want so long as you maintain the monthly deposits. I won’t feel bad if someone wants to correct me if I’m wrong.
Stephen *******************
$1500 social security, you think embarrassing low

You pri*k not everyone is a drug dealer with wads of cash.
Darren ******
Take Ur friends 10k and put 65 - 80.000b

In the bank per month for 4 month then apply for the visa.

If over 50 , u should get a visa then u have a year to come up with 800k in the bank or marry a Thai and it's only 400k to show 😂
Janda **********
@Darren *****
this is very complicated, we did that and it depends on the mercy of the officer lol.
Danger ******
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Janda **********
Come with Non O visa, then use an agent to deal with your retirement visa. I got that for my friends and family. So far so good and it works well for retirement visa with out hectic. In Hua Hin it is much easier just to go with an agent -unless you have 800k deposit in a bank for 3-4 months. You need to open Bangkok Bank account. If you need a name of agent I can share it with you.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Janda *********
how much are the agents thanks for responding this is a game changer for me
Janda **********
@David *********
basically 6,000 baht to open Bank account in Hua Hin, unless you can get a proof of residential address from the immigration you then open a bank account without paying 6,000 baht (this is a cost of one year accidental insurance) if you already have Non -O visa then 20,000 Baht for services of a retirement visa. If no none O Visa, then you pay 15,000 Baht extra - you get 15 months in total. If you need multiple visa it costs 3,800 baht. So this is what they are charging for. In summary 20,000+3,800 +6,000 =29,800 if you already have none O to change for retirement visa. If no None O, then you pay 15,000 thb you get 3 months for None O visa, then3 months after 29,800 for 1 yr retirement with multiple entries.
Arman *******
@Janda *********
I got an agent that said they can obtain O visa for me asking for 56k TB , all I need to provide is two photos they will take care of bank account as well. A little cheesy but I can’t figure out where it can go wrong . I’m not depositing 800k money to account and they are giving the stamp in official office. Can you share any agent name with me please?
Brandon ************
@Arman ******
if you ever decide you want to start doing it yourself instead of paying an agent every year, you won't be able to. That's where it can go wrong. Once you're on the agent merry go round you can't get off. You won't be able to prove you had the required money in your account from the previous year. The only way to start doing it yourself is to leave Thailand without a re-entry permit and nullify your extension. Then come back and start over from scratch doing it the legit way.
Janda **********
@Brandon ***********
this makes sense, and it depends on the agent and how corrupt the official is? So far everybody I know has been using this agent in the past five years with no issue and it remains the same price. Quite lucky we are.
Janda **********
@Arman ******
56k is too much, basically 6,000 baht to open Bank account in Hua Hin, unless you can get a proof of residential address from the immigration you then open a bank account without paying 6,000 baht (this is a cost of one year accidental insurance) if you already have Non -O visa then 20,000 Baht for services of a retirement visa. If no none O, then you pay 15,000 Baht extra - you get 15 months in total. If you need multiple visa it costs 3,800 baht. So this is what they are charging for. I will send the name of the agent and contact via DM. Good luck.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Janda *********
dude you are a life saver
Janda **********
@David *********
We went to a normal process, despite knowing high rank officer, have all the document ready as mentioned on website etc, we were struggled with their decision, I did it for a year then changed to an agent then so far so good. I don’t know when the agent gonna turn on you but this is the risk we take.
Arman *******
@Janda *********
thanks a lot 🙏
Stevan ***********
Live a good life here on 1500 us
Richard *********
If ur planning on living in Pattaya you can find cheaper ( 27,000 total 1st time)
Richard *********
good people :
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VaiAna **********
Contact Thai Visa Centre . When I applied for my retirement visa last year , I paid 16,000 baht for non 0 immigrant visa & 20,000 baht for retirement . I did it while I was on vacay in Thailand . $1500 a month is low but im sure you can survive in Thailand with that .
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@VaiAna *********
thank you so much. Yeah I’m in New York right now so Thailand’s gotta be cheaper.
VaiAna **********
@David *********
yes so much cheaper than Hawaii . I was living on Oahu before and moved to Koh Tao Thailand for over 1 year . I'm back in Tahiti & moving to Florida . If you're 50 you can apply for retirement visa . Get the multiple entry so if you're traveling outside of Thailand , you can come back in without resetting the retirement visa to Zero . Every year you can renew and it's cheaper . You don't have to pay for the Non O visa again , just the retirement visa . . So total you should get 15 months then 12 months every year . My agent told me that I needed to have 20 days left on my tourist visa in order to apply for the Non 0 plus retirement visa . Anyway send them a message & ask questions . Good luck !
Sana *****
Thank you 😊
Sana *****
I want to work in Thailand
Sana *****
@VaiAna *********
Hello sir can you send me the contact number
VaiAna **********
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VaiAna **********
@David *********
let me find the link for you . They have line app , email , Facebook . They're professional & are easy to communicate with . They will tell you that you need a Thai bank account . I opened one in Chang Mai but they'll do it for you for 6000 baht . It cost me 500 baht but I had to go to Immigration .
Peter *********
Khun ************
23,500.00 American. 800,000 baht. Today's exchange rate.

Just saying.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Khun ***********
wow things just keep getting better
Us *****
Hey buddy, make sure you calculate all your retirement costs before you come here on 1500 usd a month. Research how much health insurance would cost you. I think you might be able to squeeze it out in Jomtien. However, you might want to find a side hussle to get a little extra income and to pass the time. Good luck.
Richard *********
@Us ****
$1,500 is PLENTY, even in Phuket.... seldom do i spend more than $1,300/month for 2 of us and not living poorly

I imagine most posting about financials in Thailand have never lived here> I have for 34 + years )
Mitchell *******
1500 USD is doable. That should cover rent, living expenses, food, and normal entertainment. If you are out drinking every night, you may need more.
Richard *********
IT IS: rent, food, dining out, ( we dont drink) dont go to bars, entertainment?? we live here... travel little bit,

Where do u live? Clothes ( yea about 250 baht/month lol)
Milan *******************
@Richard ********
come on.. 1500 is definitely not enough. That’s how you put yourself into poverty…

Rent, food, travel, clothes, entertainment it’s impossible to live on that money.
Jean *******
Just say your working and have someone do a work visa for you. My friend is 58 and works in a school. He has a working visa.
Frank **********
@Jean ******
yeah that is legal. Great advice lmao
Jean *******
@Frank *********
Frank Shevchuk. Money talks bs walks. A work visa issued by the government for a job is illegal ? Cool story . .go clutch your pearls somewhere else.
Frank **********
@Jean ******
you just said to him numbness to say he is working and do a work visa. You are implying that he lie as he has no job. Legally he needs a job and they will do the visa for him, idiot.
Steve *******
Get the OA in the US and stash some cash for the extention of stay, you've got 2 years to get your 800k together!
Alistair **********
You're probably better off finding an agent to sort it for you. 25-30k a year and they handle it without any money in the bank. Slightly dodgy, but plenty of people seem to do it.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
kind of heard about this not easy to get info on but it seems like a lot of people in my position are doing it?
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you so much I did not even know. This was a thing it opens more possibilities for me.
Alistair **********
@David *********
search this group, there's been a few posts with recommendations. There seems to be heaps of those agents in Pattaya, if that's where you're planning to stay.

This group is much more of an advice and DIY group, so you normally need to specifically post asking for agent recommendations.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
I feel like I’m missing info on using a agent it’s like the dark web every ones hush hush it’s so confusing anymore got a extra 10gs make it easier
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you sooo much
Jean *******
@David *********
thousands and thousands do it here every year. Its not a big secret. Big agents who employ actual teachers have close relationships with immigration. Better to get it done in a smaller province. Pay every year till the wheels fall off. Or till you can save for a more permanent solution. Not that any solution here is ever permanent.
Todd *********
@Alistair *********
only about 15k/year for agent extensions. Only the first year is a big hit as you also need the 3 month non-o visa
Ernesto ********
$1500 social security? How embarrassingly low. Sorry. Maybe not quite ready for retirement. I agree with you in searching out a place to make my money go farther
Frank **********
@Ernesto *******
that is pretty mean not everyone gets a great pension.
Ernesto ********
@Frank *********
I would not count social security as a pension. If that’s all you have then you should not retire until absolutely necessary
Jae *******
@Ernesto *******
USD$1500 per month is plenty for most people living inThailand.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jae ******
currently have Social Security working a 40 hour work week and still can’t afford to live in my own country with the VA covering my medical Thailand’s gotta be cheaper than New York
Jae *******
@David *********
Definitely cheaper, 3 adults in our thai family could easily live off 1500 month, at least in Korat. Maybe not BKK.
Ernesto ********
@Jae ******
stinks cannot survive in America or UK or Australia
Danger ******
@Ernesto *******
why the condescension?
Ernesto ********
@Danger *****
sounds right.
Ernesto ********
@Danger *****
commenting on the low SS amount is not condescension. In fact I was giving him sympathy and just wondering how someone can survive on a low amount of pension. I also applauded him for seeking out an place to retire as to make his money go further.
Danger ******
@Ernesto *******
I applaud the guy for seeking out advice too. Many, many, many people live in Thailand on that amount or less. In fact most Thais do. There are 1000s of youtube clips on living on $1000. His advice: $1500 social security? How embarrassingly low. Sorry. Maybe not quite ready for retirement. That's condescending.
James *********
@Ernesto *******
< what a fooking twit bastard
Ernesto ********
@James ********
how’s your spelling ignorant
Frank **********
James *********
David ********
@Ernesto *******
Such as the Philippines
Ernesto ********
@David *******
or Mexico
Brandon ************
The only way to use income for the initial 90 day non-O visa (if applying inside Thailand) or for the first one year extension is if your embassy will certify your income, and the US embassy is one of embassies that doesn't do this.

So you'll need to show 800,000 in the bank and as you said, it'll need to be in the bank for 2 months before the first 1 year extension and 3 months after, and then the balance can never drop below 400,000.

At the same time you can start transferring a minimum of 65,000 every single month from abroad to your Thai bank account. After you can show you've received this for 12 months continuously you can then use that for your 2nd year extension.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thank you so much for intelligent comment it helps
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