Answered2 years ago

Do I need to leave Thailand to switch from an elite visa to a retirement visa, and how can I ensure a smooth process?

Thai Elite Visa Retirement Visa Visa Extension Visa Application Process Non-O Visa Expat Visa Regulations

Chris ********

asked Aug 1, 2024

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Hello all, 

My 5 years "elite" visa runs out in six months. Due to covid, I was offered a free six months extension.  But they cannot process that in Krabi. According to Thai Elite I will have to fly to BKK to get that extension. Seems like a bit of pain for only 6 months extension. I purchased my current visa when I was 48. Now I am 53 and I can apply for a retirement visa instead. Canadian. Thai bank account balance not an issue. My wife has the same visa. The plan is to have her tag onto my retirement visa.  

Only two questions, please. 1- Will wee need to leave the country and come back?  2- Any advice on how to get this done smoothly? 

Thank you.

Answer summary

The user is seeking advice on transitioning from a Thai Elite visa to a retirement visa for themselves and their wife, noting the need to travel to Bangkok for a six-month extension and asking whether they must leave the country and how to streamline the process. Commenters provide insights on visa requirements, including the need to exit and re-enter to obtain a Non-O visa, challenges for the spouse in obtaining her visa, and suggestions for proving financial stability.

12 repliesnewest first

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Graham ******

Canadians can still use the Embassy income affidavit for proof of funds so that might help if your wife is also 50+

2 years ago

Mike *******

I received a letter from Thai Elite via email, that was sufficient for Jomtien Immigration, no stamp required in passport

2 years ago

John **********

@Mike ******

not even an extension of stay stamp? I'd be questioning that.

2 years ago

Mike *******

Got that for 12 month extension, nothing added to original Elite visa

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Chris *******

right can't cancel it, it's good as long as it's good. Time the bounce

2 years ago

Chris ********

@Tod ********

That's what it sounds like, yes. It's the normal procedure to get one year extension while the elite visa is still valid. But I only had 6 months left when I renewed. I just got off the phone with Thai elite and they explained that I have two options to get the free 6 months covid bonus. One is to renew it in Bangkok, and the other is to fly out of the country and re-enter through BKK or Phuket only. Cannot be done at the Krabi airport. But then I would have to fly out again six months later get off the elite visa and re-enter on a 60 days stamp in order to apply for the retirement visa. I think I'll just wait for the elite to almost expire and do a border run. By the way, Elite also told me that the elite visa cannot be canceled so I just have to wait and cross the border at the right time.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Mike ******

right your elite visa isn't running out, the O/P's IS

he's not wanting a year extension from the elite visa he has, he's wanting to get OFF that elite year stamp and on to a 90 day non-O then a year extension

2 years ago

Tod *********

You WILL need to exit/re-enter to get off the Elite visa entry stamp, then first apply for a 90 day Non-O visa based on retirement for 2000baht and after you get that you apply for a year extension for 1900baht

Unfortunately for your wife it won't be as easy. They do not sell 90 day Non-O visas based on being the spouse of a person on a Non-O retirement visa/extension. 😕 She can't get that visa inside the country or outside the country at a thai consulate

If she's over 50 have her get her own Non-O based on retirement with her own proof of funds. If she's under 50 I have no suggestion for you because that 'piggy back' Non-O just isn't available anymore :/

2 years ago

Chris ********

@Tod ********

Thank you, Tod. Please correct me if I am wrong. So I exit the country, no need to visit the embassy to apply and just re-enter on a tourist stamp

*****

days. During that

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days I go to immigration and apply for 90 days non O based on retirement for 2000 Baht. Finally once the 90 days is almost up I renew it for 1 years for 1900 baht. Did I get this correct? Thank you again, Sir.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Chris *******

totally correct, you will get a free 60 day entry stamp when you come back in (no need to get a tourist visa from a consulate before hand)

You get the documentation required at your immigration office together and go apply for the 90 day Non-O for 2k, wait the under review period (usually 2 weeks) go back get the Non-O visa and new 90 day stamp inked in, then wait until you have 30 days or less left on that, get new documentation, go back and apply for the year extension for 1900baht (it will be issued on the spot)

2 years ago