Answered3 years ago
How can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after using a 45-day exemption?
I was just told by the immigration office on Koh Samui that I can NOT apply for a retirement Visa because I used the 45 day exemption when I arrived.
Anyone have a clue on what I'm supposed to do to get a retirement Visa? I meet all the requirements.
Stressed.
Anyone have a clue on what I'm supposed to do to get a retirement Visa? I meet all the requirements.
Stressed.
Answer summary
The user is struggling to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after having utilized a 45-day visa exemption. Even though they meet all necessary requirements, they were informed by the Koh Samui immigration office that they cannot apply due to how the exemption was handled. Several commenters suggest strategies including confirming days left on their entry stamp, applying for a 30-day extension, hiring a visa agent for assistance, and considering a border run before reapplying.
114 repliesnewest first
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Falcon *******
Not true, up to their moods again.
Terry ********
Normally, you need to come in on a 60 day tourist visa and then convert it to a Non O. After that you apply for the extension based on retirement. There is no such thing as a “retirement visa” as some here have used that term.
David ******
OPThanks everyone for great help..... including you, Troll 🧌 😁
I went to see Herbert at HD Visa and the ball is rolling..legally.
Border bounce to buy time and a bus ride end of month to an undiscovered country in SE Asia....just kidding. Malaysia.
I went to see Herbert at HD Visa and the ball is rolling..legally.
Border bounce to buy time and a bus ride end of month to an undiscovered country in SE Asia....just kidding. Malaysia.
Paul ********
Hi all, is there an easier website to understand the different types of Thai visa other than the official Thai one. Always travelled to Thailand on visa exemption but would like to spend more time now in country without having to do border crossings.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Mike ********
@Paul *******
search You Tube,.
VaiAna **********
I came on a tourist visa and was told I needed 20 days left in order to apply for the Non O Visa first . That was the first step then retirement visa . If it's too complicated have an agent help you . Probably you don't have enough time left ?
Paul ********
@VaiAna *********
No I have plenty of time I’m thinking for next year.
Mark *********
@VaiAna *********
I thought it was 14 daysVaiAna **********
@Mark ********
my visa agent told me 20 days . I got my Non O visa for 90 days while she submitted for the retirement visa . Get multiple entry visa so you can go in and out of Thailand otherwise you will have to start the process all over again ......VaiAna **********
@Mark ********
I used this agency . There are others out there but this one you can trust . You can do it yourself thru the Thai Embassy Consulate from home , just gotta do tons of paperwork . I found this route easier . ******************************************************************************************************************************
VaiAna **********
@Mark ********
last year in Bangkok . Due for renewal this year . I'll be out of the country for 6 months but will need to check in a month before it expire for renewal . I got multiple entry .Mark *********
@VaiAna *********
where did you do your retirement Visa?VaiAna **********
@Mark ********
if you didn't get the multiple entry visa you can fill out a form at the airport . Just don't forget though .Mark *********
Nick ************
A misunderstanding due to language barrier no doubt. You should be able to apply for 90 day non O get your finances sorted and extend 12 months.
Donna ******
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John **********
It's crazy but each immigration office has their own policies.
Andrew ********
Leave, return, try again.
Roberto *********
Sounds like you've only got a few days left on your entry stamp. Why leave it until the last minute to apply for the non-O? You've run out of time. Get the 30-day extension and apply again
Marc ************
Get a agent
Pay a little more but get it sorted
Next year do yourself for the normal rates
Pay a little more but get it sorted
Next year do yourself for the normal rates
Robert *********
HD visa company in Samui
Herbert is his name very effecent he has been there many years.
I have used him a few times.
He also has good conenections at Samui Immigration
Herbert is his name very effecent he has been there many years.
I have used him a few times.
He also has good conenections at Samui Immigration
Nick *******
Why do you Americans that live over here all get so stressed over minor issues that can quite easily be sorted out with a bit of common sense.
Nate ***********
@Nick ******
because common sense is not always common. 😁🙃Paul *******
@Mark *****
You're making it sound easy, which it often isn't. Immigration is a pain.
Daniel *********
@Nick ******
painting with a broad brush there Mr Nick.Paul *******
@Nick ******
Immigration isn't a minor issue.
Mark ******
@Paul ******
it is, if you do it right from the beginning!! No need for any agents, if you have everything in order!!! immigration is all about submitting the documents they require!!!Nick *******
@Mark *****
Correct
Lyndon ************
Less than 15 days remaining on your stamp. Border bounce and try again
Mark *********
@Lyndon ***********
I thought you only need 14 days
Rob **********
Apply from your own country through Thai embassy
Stéfan ********
How many days left on your extension? You need a minimum of 3 weeks.
Bob **********
You need 15-20 days left on your stamp or TV to apply
Metty *******
Visa agent ,they will sort it out
Øyvind *********
David Rose, I arrived without a return ticket, and they asked me why, I told them I was going to apply for a retirement visa as my 50 yrs birthday will be within the next 60 days. They accepted and gave me the 30 days visa exemption, to be applying for a 30 days extension, and during this time apply for the retirement visa. I don’t understand why you can’t do the same.
Paul *******
@Øyvind ********
Never heard immigration asking for evidence of an outbound ticket, literally ever. That is, not if you're North American, European, Australian, Japanese, Korean, Singaporean or from another rich country.
Alistair **********
@Paul ******
you've never witnessed in person? Because you could find plenty of posts on here. Especially, among those who abuse the visa exemption system.Paul *******
@Alistair *********
I've witnessed in person but it was always someone from Vietnam, Papua New Guinea or another obscure country.Øyvind *********
@Paul ******
I am so happy for you.David ******
OPØyvind Nilssen when I went to the immigration office on Samui I was there to apply for the retirement Visa and all they gave me was a 30 exemption from the original 45 days.
Sean ********
@David *****
maybe you had less than 15 days left on your 45 day tourist visa? You need at least 15 days on an existing visa in order to apply for a non-o visaDavid ******
OPSean McFaul I tried the eVisa website to apply while still in America. It is useless.
So, since I'm a optimist I get to add 2 new countries to my list - which formerly only had the USA and Tijuana Mexico on it 👍
So, since I'm a optimist I get to add 2 new countries to my list - which formerly only had the USA and Tijuana Mexico on it 👍
Sean ********
@David *****
ah ok good to hear the agent is helping you out. It’s actually not so hard to do the whole visa process one’s self but an agent can take the stress off it for sure. Enjoy your time here in Thailand!David ******
OP@Sean *******
Sean, the girl didn't even ask me LoL. It's all good now because I went with an agent hear on Samui. Stress management - costs a little money but so worth it to get the crap under control. 🤠
Gregory ******
This facebook group will help you out with correct advice.
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Jeff ********
You're not qualified. Go home.
John **********
If you meet all the requirements you can apply for a 90 day Non-O visa at any immigration office. Each office has slightly different requirements but all will require you to have transferred 800k baht into a Thai bank from overseas before applying, a couple will want this to be seasoned for 2 months but most not. You must also have at least 15 days left on your existing stamp, 21 days in a couple of places.
Evelyne **********************
@John *********
800k per person 1600 per couple?John **********
@Evelyne *********************
depends on your situation. If you have a joint bank account you normally need 1600k for just one. If you are married your then one person can get the Non-O retirement visa for 800k and the other can get a Non-O based on following spouse visa with no money but only once the retirement visa holder is on a 12 month extension, the following spouse also to get the visa outside of Thailand. Often just easier for you both to get 90 day Non-O visa outside Thailand at the same time, one for retirement, one for following spouse then you can both extend at the same time
Steve **********
@John *********
Dont know why everyone so universally set on 800k in bank. Most expats are on pension and income per month from abroad ( FFT ) always seemed easiest.
John ********
@Steve *********
unfortunately it's not the xpats but the thai immigration that insisted that we must have the *****
0thb in the bank account for the first year before we can finally use the 65k So it's not a matter of choice but what we have to do to ensure that we have the retirement visa
Steve **********
@John *******
my 1st 21 years ago was on income. Never put funds in bank other than the bank accepting direct deposits coded FFT .John ********
@John *********
yesJohn **********
@John *******
really it comes down to ones embassy not wishing to verify the income of their nationals, if they would it wouldn't be an issue. The 65k transfers per month were introduced as a workaround for the unwillingness of these embassies to comply with the Thai rules which is why it's a kind of half way houseStéfan ********
@Steve *********
For one, it's the method the OP decided to employ, which explains the numerous mentions of it on this thread, and two, you answered your own question... The monthly pension method is easier, therefore generally requires less clarifications on FB groups.
Steve *******
@Steve *********
The UK State pension doesn't even cover the minimum 65k per month!John **********
@Steve *********
I prefer to transfer once a year. No worries about missing a month, not so fiddly.Steve **********
@John *********
Understand, my bank doesn't mind the documents once a year and don't want to leave baht in an account.10 or 15 years ago there was ' combination of both ' but confused Immigration, and learned a lesson trying to teach IO the law.
Now stick to income
Paul *******
@Stéfan *******
I hear they ask you to come back with your bank book to verify.Stéfan ********
@Paul ******
okStéfan ********
@John *********
not all require the funds come from outside Thailand but the 2-month period is mandatory with all offices.Steve *******
@Stéfan *******
NOPE! The mandatory 2 months seasoning is for the 1 year extention of stay NOT the Non Imm O visaJohn **********
@Stéfan *******
that's for extensions not for the initial visaJohn ********
@Stéfan *******
on the new application for your visa you will have to bring your passbook with the full years statement so it will show if you have broken the rules and then you have 7 days to leave the countryJohn ********
@Paul ******
as far as I know you have to show the *****
0thb in your bank account for your first application and then you can use the 65k for your next year, but not your first yearJohn **********
@Paul ******
that won't work. To apply for the in country Non-O visa you can only use 800k or an affidavit from your embassy. Similarly with the first years extension. After that it's ok.Paul *******
@John *******
Aha OK, so that's another obstacle. The 800K definitely has to be in the account for the first year? What if you can show 12 consecutive months worth of 65K transfers prior to your first application?John ********
@Paul ******
you still have to have the *****
0thb in the bank account for the first year and then you can use the 65k monthly depositsStéfan ********
@John *********
aaah right .. makes senseJohn **********
@Stéfan *******
a couple of places want you to return with an updated bank book after 3 months, most will want 12 months worth of bank statements when you apply for the next extension. If you haven't complied you won't get the extensionStéfan ********
@Paul ******
the 3 month post application is a requirement but i always wondered how they monitored thatPaul *******
@John *********
I thought it was money in the bank 2 months before and 3 months after. No exceptions, unless you're using the 65K monthly transfer option.John **********
@Stéfan *******
like I said every office is slightly different, Chiang Mai is one of a very few if they don't look at the provenance of the funds for the initial 90 day Non-O visa, none care for extensions but they all want seasoned funds for extensionsStéfan ********
@John *********
For what? The provenance of the funds? in Chiang Mai they don't require that at all.
Graham *******
I came in on a 45 day stamp and immediately applied for o visa and extension of stay at the same time worked perfect! Maybe go out and come back and reset everything, maybe talk to a visa agent before you go!
Alex *******
@Graham ******
But did you not first have to sort out getting a long-term rental which you need to show immigration? Or did you already do this before?Graham *******
@Alex ******
Alex, most important thing I can say to you is this: have a clear objective and make a plan! I intended to come to Thailand, get a 12-month extension of stay and buy a condo! I did full research on what and where I wanted to buy and how much I wanted to pay! I went to an estate agent/realtor, I saw a few condos in buildings I was interested in, I explained what I wanted to do with them, they said "no problem, we can do it for you" I made an offer on the condo, it was accepted, I paid a small deposit, signed a contract, we showed this to immigration, they gave me permission to open a bank account, I deposited the required money plus 800k for the visa extension in my bank account. I paid for the condo handed over a bankers draff for the money, got my house book, gave it all to immigration and I got my 12 month extension of stay! Bish Bash Bosh! Make yourself a plan, depending on what it is, an agent will help you if its possible!
Brandon ************
@Alex ******
if they applied for both at the same time they used an agent
Chris ****
Have you considered LTR? No visa restrictions to apply.
Frank **********
Should have taken your 30 day extension on your visa exempt then when you had at least 30 days left applied for Non O based on retirement. Time is always of the essence. That is what I did, visa exempt at the time 45 days, then 30 day extension. Submitted my Non O when I had 30 days left on visa exempt.
Barry *******
Go to a neighbouring country and apply for non o then convert when you come back
Thomas *********
I don't know where you are based? This agent is excellent at sorting out visas like yours without leaving the country. My good friend has used them for 18 years. If you have the 800k their service charge is good value for money. Maneerat Transport & Travel Visa and Tour service
081 863 0320
081 863 0320
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David ******
OPThanks for your help, everyone.
I went to Herbert at HD Visa and the ball is rolling.... legally.
Border bounce to buy time then end of month trip to Malaysia. 🤠
I went to Herbert at HD Visa and the ball is rolling.... legally.
Border bounce to buy time then end of month trip to Malaysia. 🤠
Brown ********
@Thomas ********
I 2nd this agent. They sorted me out too very swiftlyThomas *********
@Brown *******
A lot of people I've come across have used them for Bank Accounts and Visas. Totally stress free. They don't even fill their forms in. This must be an easy option.Øyvind *********
@Thomas ********
800 000 thb service charge? Are you joking?Thomas *********
@Øyvind ********
if you use an agent there's a fee. If you don't want to pay the fee? Simple, do your own visa application. In Thailand it's not what you know! It's who. As the writer of the post stated he's stressed out.Thomas *********
@Øyvind ********
I've posted their details and it depends on what services you use. Phone them ask them. SimpleØyvind *********
@Thomas ********
are you serious? I’m trying to get the necessary info to decide wether or not the agent is a good value. To make that judgement the agent fee must be provided. What is the amount they charge to do the job? What is so hard to understand? You can’t say it’s a good deal without providing the price. That I can choose to use and pay an agent or do it myself, did you really think I needed to read all these comments to figure that out? A long tread with zero info. Great. Just what we all are looking for. Welcome to Mensa, sit down, relax.
Milan *******************
@Øyvind ********
where did he mentioned the 800,000 is a service charge? That’s just the money required to have in your bankaccount ..
Ken ********
@Øyvind ********
not sure what you mean. But, I believe the best thing you can do is ask an agentØyvind *********
@Ken *******
you didn’t catch the point. To consider an wether an agents fee is good value I would need to know the size of it. That 800k in the account is a requirement is noted allready.Ken ********
@Øyvind ********
i think maybe you need to look at the requirements again. You have to have 800 000 baht in in thai bank. I believe its 2 months.
The agent you use will give you a run down on their fees
Ken ********
@Milan ******************
and he said he meets all the requirements, 555Øyvind *********
@Thomas ********
ok, noted. To have an opinion about the fee being value or not, one would need to know the size if the fee. The only amount I find in your post is 800k. Correct me if I’m wrong.Thomas *********
@Milan ******************
If you have to 800k the agents service fee for acquiring the visa is value for money. You obviously miss read my post.Øyvind *********
@Milan ******************
«If you have the 800k their service charge is good value for money.»
Peter *********
Use agent 1st time hassle free
Ed *******
Hire an agent- let them deal with it
John **********
@Ed ******
it's simple to do yourself if you meet the requirementsPaul *******
@John *********
Agreed. It's easy enough to do yourself, just know the requirements..David ******
OPEd Oteri what agency did you use?
DeWayne *******
@Ed ******
getting my retirement visa was such a pain in the ass. It's so worth it to using an agent. That's finally what I ended up doing.Ed *******
@DeWayne ******
life is too short to be caught up with this shit- pay the man and move on!David ******
OPDeWayne Hasty what agency did you use?
Dimitris ************
Ask them if you get a 30 day extension , if they allow you to apply
Kool *******
Are you sure you had enough days left on your entry stamp? Depending on the office you need between 15-20 days left. That is the most likely reason they said what they did.
Bill *********
@Kool ******
agree, came here on tourist visa and now have my marriage extension.
Phil ********
Did you get the 30 day extension?
Do you already have 800k in your Thai bank?
It might have to do with how few days remaining you have to stay/apply... each office has their own rules, yeah?
Do you already have 800k in your Thai bank?
It might have to do with how few days remaining you have to stay/apply... each office has their own rules, yeah?
David ******
OPPhil Anders I got the 30 day extension and I make the requirement monthly income to meet the requirements. Govt pension.
Darren *******
@David *****
you need the money in the bank as the US Embassy doesn't give the income affidavit thingy anymore.
Andy *********
@David *****
Agent.Phil ********
@David *****
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David ******
OPDarren Grist and yet I can't open a Thai bank account because I only the 45 day exemption+ 30 day extension stamps in my passport.
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