Answered3 years ago
Do I need to submit my Retirement Visa application in person even if I use an agency?
Even if u apply Retirement Visa thru an agency, u still need to PERSONALLY submit your application forms and passport to the Immigration Office. Is this true?
Answer summary
It is generally required for applicants to submit their Retirement Visa application in person, although experiences can vary depending on the agent used and specific immigration office policies. Some agencies handle paperwork without requiring personal presence, while others may mandate applicants to appear for photo verification or other processes. The TM7 application form indicates that in-person submissions are the norm, with certain exceptions, but the practical experience of expats suggests inconsistency in enforcement. It is advisable to choose a reputable agent who can guide you through the process.
41 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Steve ********
I saw in Pattaya of late you need turn up at imigration have your photo took with officer and you also need a tm 30 for Pattaya.
Paul **********
if you have the 800k don't bother with an agent. do it yourself for 1,900 bht. if you dont have the money then use an agent, but allways remember it's an illegal Visa. but safe enough as long as the government don't investigate the agent that stamped yours.
Thomas *******
No
Paul **************
No
Alan *********
Yesterday I attended in person paid 1,900 thb, in and out in 30 minutes.
Andi ***********
@Alan ********
That was for the initial retirement O visa ?Alan *********
@Andrew ********
I changed from marriage to retirement non-o, so my 1st retirement visa.Steve ********
@Andrew ********
No. For the non-O there's no advantage in owning a property. A lease will sufficeAndi ***********
@Steve *******
Thanks a lot for your reply. Is proof of the apartment ownership required? I think it's called a "blue book". CW is Bangkok immigration office ?Steve ********
@Andrew ********
If you're going onto Non-O (over 50), make an appointment at CW. You go to Section C. Take bank book, bank statement, lease, TM30, passport, and copies thereof. 2000 baht cash. You get a 15-day under consideration note. You return on the nominated date and get the 90-day visa stamped into your passport. Takes about 45 mins the first time, about 20 mins second time.Alan *********
@Andrew ********
PathumthaniAndi ***********
@Alan ********
ok, very quick. was that in BKK? is it ok if i pm you with some questions? as im planning to do the same visa.
Brian ********
It is true. If your agent tells you differently, I'd go to another one. You don't want anything shady.
Slaninova *********
Sure , anyway they have to take your Photo in the immigration office.
Nick ************
@Slaninova ********
I've never had photographs taken at the immigration office. Always take them with me.
Ivan ************
@Ni**
most offices they want both, they need the photo attached to the application but also want to take your photo with a webcam in the office.Nick ************
@Ivan ***********
yes, sorry. I had forgotten the little round black thing on the desk that snaps you!
Christopher ***********
@Ivan ***********
Confirm my office require both photo attached to application form and a deskcam photograph.Nick ************
My advice would be to use an agent (if you need to) who takes you to Immigration Office and takes you through the process. That way you know what you are getting and where it came from and it is less likely that things will go wrong then or in the future. I insisted on paying half up front and half on completion which should not be a problem for a legit agency. It is quite possible then to get your affairs sorted out and obtain your future extensions yourself at your local immigration office. That is the course I followed and it worked out well.
Colin *********
@Nick ***********
that sounds like good advice for anyone who would like to use an Agent. It's more likely to avoid anything dodgy that could 'come back to bite' one in the future.Nick ************
@Colin ********
only problem I had was with my new passport. Local IO refused to transfer stamps. Had to fly to Bangkok for a couple of days. It was a nice break.
Giorgio ******
have to go to " take the picture"
Steve ********
An agent pays bribes on your behalf to immigration officers to look the other way on certain items. The amount you pay usually corresponds to these sleights. You will probably end up with a visa/extension issued at an immigration office hundreds of miles from where you live. This means you have to keep using the same agent year after year. It's a bit like joining a bikie gang. You can't leave! 😆
Thomas *******
@Steve *******
, not truePaul **************
@Steve *******
nonsenseSteve ********
@Paul *************
Truth
Bob **********
No
Will ************
The TM7 clearly states ''APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT THE APPLICATION IN PERSON. WITH THE EXCEPTIONS OF HANDICAPPED PATIENTS OR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.''
Steve **********
@Will ***********
lot of things here ' clearly stated '....ha
Geoff ********
@Will ***********
we're in THAILAND!
David *******
Some agents require you to go to immigration and maybe have photo taken, other agents don’t require you to go at all.
Dawn **********
The one time I used an agent in CM, I showed up for my allotted time and stood in front of immigration person while the agent handed him my paperwork.
Jeremy ********
You should show up some I/O’s want to make sure you actually exist
Stuart *********
Perhaps that may depend on the agent you are using. Generally not.
Brandon ************
Depends on the agent. Depends on the immigration office. Many agents you'll give your passport to and pick it up a few days later and you'll have a stamp from an immigration office in a province a few hours away that you've never heard of or been to.
David *******
@Brandon ***********
you keep on repeating this assertion with zero evidence as if it’s what happens with all agents. It is extremely rare for that to be the case and certainly never the case with any of the numerous agents in Pattaya who all deal with Chonburi immigration.
Andy ********
@David ******
never the case in Pattaya you say. I know personality of one person who after leaving their passport at one of the more prominent agents in Pattaya found that their extension had been issued in Nakhon Si Thammarat. That happened this month, August 2023. The truth is most people don't even check where their visa or extension were issued.
Wayne *****
@David ******
yes you are right David. I think some people just like to big note themself and make out they know it all.Brandon ************
@David ******
Where did I say it happens with all agents? I literally said it depends on the agent.Brandon ************
@David ******
There have been at least 2 posts on this group this month alone about people having issues because their agent stamp was from out of province. I will continue to warn people about it and keep it in a negative light.David *******
@Brandon ***********
you have made the sweeping generalisation about ‘out of province’ stamps more than once.Activity
26 joined26
people
Related
25How can I open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O retirement visa with minimal documentation?
3.3k29342mo
Should you apply for a retirement visa through an agency or manage it yourself?
16.4k1122604mo
What are the steps to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand?
21.2k1553037mo
What are the steps to transition from a 90-day Non O visa to a 1-year Retirement visa in Thailand without having 800k in the bank?
2.5k22208mo
Do I need to apply for a Non-O retirement visa through an agency in the USA?
5834310mo
How complicated is it to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand?
4.5k305410mo
What is the best way to obtain a retirement visa for Thailand without having a local address or bank account?
7.5k361341y
What is the best way to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand, and can anyone recommend a reliable visa agency?
2.6k21221y
Can I apply for a retirement visa while already in Thailand or do I need to leave and apply from abroad?
2.3k17221y
Can you apply for a retirement visa in Thailand from a country other than your home country?
4.6k40381y
What are the options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand without the required funds?
10.4k891071y
What is the best and easiest visa option for retiring in Thailand as a UK resident married to a Thai citizen?
1.2k6112y
What is the best and cheapest way to obtain a Non O Retirement Visa in Thailand?
3.8k26502y
What are the best options for obtaining a retirement or spouse visa in Thailand for someone living in Australia?
1.9k14122y
What are the current challenges and requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
3.2k28162y
Is the Non-O retirement visa available in Chiang Rai for expats over 50?
1.8k14122y
What should I do if my retirement visa renewal is pending due to not meeting the bank balance requirement?
7.1k51882y
What are the steps to apply for a NON IMM O visa in Thailand on a tourist visa, and what considerations should be made regarding retirement or marriage as grounds for application?
1.4k7143y
What are the steps and costs involved in applying for a retirement visa in Thailand using an agent or on my own?
3.3k20423y
When must I use my Non-O visa issued in South Africa for retirement in Thailand?
3k26183y
What is the best way for a married couple to obtain retirement and dependent visas in Thailand?
1.3k894y
What are the best recommendations for visa agencies for long-term stay in Thailand?
6.7k64424y
Is it better to apply for a retirement visa in the US or Thailand?
3.4k25376y
What advice is available for an Australian seeking a retirement visa in Thailand after staying on a tourist visa?
8.8k83696y
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a Retirement extension visa in Thailand?
4.5k34486y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served