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Do I need to transfer my Retirement Visa to a new passport before applying for a new one?

Retirement Visa Visa Transfer New Passport Thailand Visa Rules Visa Application Process

Apr 28, 2025

11 hours ago

Paul *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Quick question:

I have a Retirement Visa that expires this week, and I will be applying for a new one. I also have a brand new passport, but my current visa is in the old passport.

Do I need to transfer the old visa into the new passport before applying, or can I just bring both passports and have the new Retirement Visa placed directly into the new passport?

Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires if they need to transfer their Retirement Visa from an old passport to a new one before applying for a renewal. Several commenters suggest that they should check if they have an actual visa or an extension of stay and recommend transferring any necessary stamps to avoid issues. It is noted that applying for extensions close to expiration may lead to complications.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Jack ********

Just a question. Why are you waiting so late to apply for the extension? Most offices you can go 45 or 30 days before the expiration.

8 hours ago

Paul *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

"How long does a new passport application take? Well, I applied for mine just after the Crimean War wrapped up on March 30th, 1856, thinking that would generously cover any possible delays. Silly me — I clearly underestimated the sheer efficiency of modern bureaucracy."

8 hours ago

Reply to

Paul *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks John Time wise all is OK

10 hours ago

John **********

@Paul ****************

hope so. Just moving stamps took hours for me recently, mostly because they seem rather worried about forged UK passports at the moment. As well as photocopies of every page in my passport they asked me to show the receipt for payment for the passport (I only had one showing zero from VFS Global so had to show them the transaction with HMPO in my online banking) and also had to file a new TM30. They were taking so long with the checks I actually went off and had lunch and they still hadn't finished when I returned.

10 hours ago

Paul *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

@John *********

I will take my Passport Receipts too thats a good idea.I must say though that new Passport is "State of the Art" Almost uncopyable LOL

10 hours ago

Reply to

Paul *****************

John **********

I'm guessing you don't actually have a visa at all but are on an extension of stay? If so you need to get the stamps moved to your new passport before getting another extension. A bit risky leaving it till the last week

11 hours ago

Paul *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I think for the last several years 2017 it is infact a one year extension of stay looking at the stamps in my old passport.

11 hours ago

Peter ****************

@Paul ****************

John is right. But....think you can do it in 2 steps same day. First transfer an then get the year extension stamped in y'r new passport.

10 hours ago

Paul *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Peter ***************