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How can I apply for a retirement visa to move permanently to Thailand as an Irish citizen?
retirement visanon-immigrant O visaThailand immigrationexpat living in Thailandvisa application processCOVID-19 impact on visasfinancial requirements for visas
Sep 30, 2020
6 years ago
John ************
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm irish 55 years old and want to move to Thailand permanently have enough finances but can't get any answers from embassy
TLDR : Answer Summary
An Irish citizen, 55 years old, is seeking information on how to move to Thailand permanently and apply for a retirement visa. However, they are facing difficulties getting answers from the embassy, particularly due to current restrictions caused by COVID-19. The community discusses various visa options and requirements, indicating that the Non-Immigrant O-A (Long Stay) visa, which requires a police background check, medical certificate, health insurance, and proof of financial stability, is currently the valid option for individuals over 50. They also advise postponing any move for 6-8 months due to the ongoing pandemic situation.
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.
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Andrew ********
Go to Cambodia where they think and cherish you more👍
Tod *********
@John ***********
your ONLY option during this covid-shit-show that's going on is the Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa which is for people over 50 and was just approved as a visa option people can apply for to request permission to enter the country withYou will need to do a police background check, a medical certificate, show proof of funds with a bank in your country and have the required mandatory health insurance to get the visa
AND
You will need to have the 100K USD in covid insurance, a fit to fly from a doctor, a negative covid test within 72 hours before you are allowed to fly AND book 14 days quarantine in a government approved facility here as well (that is what EVERYONE who enters thailand has to do no matter the visa you're on)
Tony *********
@Tod ********
- yup unless you are extremely stupid it is just not worth it...although I do feel for families caught up in this...the Thai government should allow them to self isolate at home with their families 🙄Dianne *****
@Tony ********
there are foreigners with current retirement visas locked outside of Thailand. Some own their own homes in Thailand, have no residence in their country of origin. Some have their pets and all their worldly goods in Thailand. For them paying for two weeks in quarantine to be able to return back is undoubtedly worth itTony *********
@Dianne ****
- of course it all depends on each person's circumstances Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Rick *******
@Tony ********
, I agree with you about just not being worth it right now to jump through all of those hoops to go back to Thailand right now. It does seem that the Thai government is starting to modify the restrictions by coming up with a long term tourist visa and discussing the possibility of reducing the length of quarantine from 14 days to 7. At least it is a start. They are beginning to actually think about how they can allow more foreigners into the country. Their economy is really suffering right now and they need an influx of money desperately. Personally, I am waiting until next year to see if they will relax the restrictions more for us who have a Thai family along with those who have a sizable investment in Thailand already and are on a retirement visa. The question always exists, what will the Thai government do if there is a vaccine available. For now, I will stay in waiting mode in my home country and miss being around my Thai family. 😕Tony *********
@Rick ******
- it's a difficult one Rick...I don't think anyone can argue that the Thai government has got this wrong...just look around the world where virtually all countries are now going through their 2nd waves...it could be argued that Thailand never really even had a 1st wave! I 100% applaud the Thai government in everything they have done and I think their record speaks for itself and they are a shining example of how to get it right...but of course as you have stated there is an awful price to pay for the economy and people's wellbeing and living standards...personally I don't think there is a perfect solution to this other than a vaccine...China should be made to pay every single country whose people are suffering poverty thanks to the 'Chinese virus' to quote Trump...I guess they are slowly trying to do the right thing and it will take time...certainly allowing people with families to self isolate at home would help...I am the same as you not planning on returning until next year and I hope by then it will be much easier...I don't want to be wasting over £500 on quarantine accommodation and health care etc...luckily I probably won't be ready to return until around next spring but its tough being away from family...let's hope the world wakes up and people start listening to their governments then maybe we will finally get rid of it 😏Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Ashley ********
Possibly the worst time to relocate here
Mark *********
I arived on 30 day visa been here 4 years now. Find an agent they will take care of everything usally between
*****
to *****
per year.Mark *********
That's probably right, now, for sure is not the norm.
Mark *********
@John ***********
You will need a bank account in Thailand with 800.000 or more. this will need to be in the bank for 3 months first Tod *********
@Mark ********
seeing as you can't get IN the country anymore on a 30 day visa exempt entry OR a 60 day tourist visa entry I'd say that is not all that useful information :( John ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark ********
have thatReply to
John ************
Reply
John ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark ********
thanksReply to
John ************
Reply
Jerry **********
You would have to apply for an elite Visa or a business Visa then convert to retirement when you arrived
Brian ********
Have you thought of joining the Elite club ? Makes life easier
Jon ********
Probably not the best time or place right now
Frank *******
go anywhere else but Thailand!
Khaiginlian **********
Buddy needs help
John *********
@Khaiginlian *********
big styleReply to
John *********
Reply
Alberto *********
I suggest firstmovevith the nee visa 270 day and vhen insideyou apply for returement.
Gary **********
I've lived in Thailand for 10 years ..on a retirement visa ..it's easy to get if financial ok .even a Thai bank account is easy ..just do your research and it's easy ..good luck
Tony *********
My advice for what it's worth is to put everything on hold for 6 to 8 months and hopefully by then the global Covid situation would have improved and hopefully be under control...in that time build up your knowledge and keep a written account of everything that might be useful...health insurance is one area that you will have to spend a lot of time on...as well as areas that you want to possibly live in, local crime, police and laws, the monarchy (you have to be extremely careful what you say in Thailand - maybe you heard about the defamation case just recently?)...also join as many forums as you can find and just absorb as much as you...there is much to learn I've been with my Thai partner 3 years and still know nothing lol...also learning the language might be a tad useful (it's not easy IMO especially their alphabet)...hope this helps and good luck 👍🏼🍀
Tony *********
Thanks Brian...better that he does his research first he might decide he wants to go elsewhere...many are saying Vietnam is now a good choice...doesn't apply to me though being in a relationship 👍🏼
Brian ********
@Tony ********
I agree I’ve been going to Thailand for the past 30+ years and for better or for worse I’m staying at the moment I’m in the UK Tony *********
@Brian *******
- I'm hoping to finally leave the UK next year and marry my partner...just have a few things to sort out here first...I find living here extremely stressful compared to Thailand...I think so long as you keep your nose clean and gob shut in Thailand you can have a peaceful life 🇹🇭😂👍🏼Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Brian ********
@Tony ********
good advice and learn the Language Reply to
Brian ********
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Rick *******
I can still enter Thailand on a Non-Immigrant O one year multiple entry visa since I am married to a Thai national and have a Thai son. I have been obtaining that visa for the past 10 years.
Stuart *********
@Rick ******
no one mentioned non O for family. The OP is asking about options for being over 50. Perhaps getting married or having a Thai kid options are there, but I suspect they’re not on the radar yet.Rick *******
Ok, just trying to give the OP some background on those who are currently allowed into Thailand. 😑
Reply to
Rick *******
Reply
Tod *********
Speculating about what response Thai Immigration will make as a result of the completely unpredictable virus situation for the end of the week is at best a krap shoot. Next month?????????? ah no chance...Everything will go better if your $$$$$$$ situation is adequate and you are prepared to Pay for "Appropriate Assistance". Prepare to go into 2 week quarentine of their choise.And never ask Why. Only acceptable questions are how high to jump? How many copies?
Charles *****
They open up a new visa for people who have 500.000 to put into a Thai bank. Visit the Bangkok bank on line they will sort everything. They also have a Bank in London to make things easy.
Dominic ****
Do you have a link that mentions both the 500k baht and a Thai bank account? The only news I've seen refers to it being seasoned for six months, and how are tourists going to have a Thai bank account?
Charles *****
@Dominic ********
please look it up on Google it's on face book in many groups as wellDominic ****
@Charles ****
That's a lazy response. I saw the 500k baht 6-moth seasoned bank statement mentioned for tourists wanting to visit Thailand. No mention of it being in a Thai bank account.Bobby ********
@Dominic ********
. I've seen the notice. I think something has been lost in translation. Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Tony *********
@Charles ****
- what is this new visa Charles...its only a little more than the standard 400k on marriage Charles *****
@Tony ********
it's only on the table now.Thailand is sinking like a brick and in massive debt.Reply to
Charles *****
Reply
John ************
ORIGINAL POSTERThank u all
Carl ***********
John not a good move right now. Wait for 6 or 8 months. Thailand is at a point now that all they want visitors to come to spend all their money and go back to their country.
Stuart *********
There is press speculation that non immigrant OA holders will be allowed very soon. That’s a harder to get visa needing police checks and medical check and health insurance. But if approved you get a one year stamp on entry.
Michael **************
@Stuart ********
What about renewal. Mine runs out in January Bobby ********
@Michael *************
. Get an extensionMichael **************
@Bobby *******
outsideBobby ********
@Michael *************
. You can't extend a visa outside of Thailand. You'll need to apply for a new one if you can't use it before the expiry dateMichael **************
@Bobby *******
Thank youReply to
Michael **************
Reply
Stuart *********
@Michael *************
are you in Thailand or outside?Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Yudishtra ***********
The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved six categories of foreigners who may enter Thailand:
(1) foreign athletes who will participate in the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Cup Tour of Thailand 2020 on 6-16 October 2020,
(2) pilots and cabin crew of Thai Airways on repatriation flights,
(3) foreigners who have non-immigrant visas, especially businesspersons who do not have a work permit (they must present bank statements for the six previous months),
(4) long-stay tourists who have a special tourist visa,
(5) APEC cardholders from low-risk countries, for example, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore, and
(6) non-Thai nationals who wish to stay in Thailand for 60 days (they can extend their period for an extra 30 days by presenting six previous months of bank statements, equivalent to at least 500,000 baht).
Anyone who wishes to enter Thailand should kindly contact the Thai embassy in their country for more details.
(1) foreign athletes who will participate in the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Cup Tour of Thailand 2020 on 6-16 October 2020,
(2) pilots and cabin crew of Thai Airways on repatriation flights,
(3) foreigners who have non-immigrant visas, especially businesspersons who do not have a work permit (they must present bank statements for the six previous months),
(4) long-stay tourists who have a special tourist visa,
(5) APEC cardholders from low-risk countries, for example, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore, and
(6) non-Thai nationals who wish to stay in Thailand for 60 days (they can extend their period for an extra 30 days by presenting six previous months of bank statements, equivalent to at least 500,000 baht).
Anyone who wishes to enter Thailand should kindly contact the Thai embassy in their country for more details.
Stuart *********
At this moment retirement visa holders (non-immigrant O) are not allowed into Thailand so the Irish embassy (actually done through London for that visa) are not issuing them.
Mikko **********
In Helsinki it's possible to apply for COE based on Non imm-OA
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
*****
d15e39c*****
07bb1Bobby ********
@Stuart ********
. OA and OX retirement visas are now allowed into Thailand, although O is not yet mentionedStuart *********
@Bobby *******
I’ve seen press reports but nothing formal (ie Royal Gazette). Bobby ********
@Stuart ********
. Might just be local arrangements. This is instruction for Swiss citizens flying Emirates Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
John ************
ORIGINAL POSTERhow can I apply for retirement Visa
John ************
ORIGINAL POSTERas consulate in Ireland is closed and no reply to email
Sammy *******
you want to retire to Thailand but dont seem to have researched much at all about the place to which you want to retire? have you read any current Thailand news? googled different aspects about living in Thailand, requirements for " retirement" visas ( you would have quickly learned that there is no such thing as a "permanent retirement visa"), or anything else to get a greater sense of what's going in in Thailand now?
certainly, ask specific questions, but to indicate u cant get the info-- it's available in great quantities-- yes, uncertainty about how Thailand will re- open, but by research, you'd have discovered that.
certainly, ask specific questions, but to indicate u cant get the info-- it's available in great quantities-- yes, uncertainty about how Thailand will re- open, but by research, you'd have discovered that.
Rob **********
@Sammy ******
maybe this is the start of his research and his search found this group and he thought. Why not ask here as it seems what this group is for 🤔Sammy *******
@Rob *********
maybe, but this group is not to be someone's secretary-- he had failed to do even the most basic research, saying the embassy won't tell him anything?! What??! and it didn't dawn on him to look at their website, where even if currently not granting them, the requirements of a retirement Visa would be listed.the old, "just give them the fish, or teach them how to fish".
now someone reads the requirements and some aspect is confusing, then having done ur basic research, now pose a specific question.
Rob **********
@Sammy ******
rant much? 😂 good luck mate 🍺🍺Sammy *******
@Rob *********
if u think a reasonable explanation is a "rant"?, u really are a dainty snowflake. break down in tears much? Rob **********
@Sammy ******
cool story 😂🤦♀️Sammy *******
Rob McLellan better get ur tissues out, snowflake !
Martin *********
@Sammy ******
... guess the guys unsure but he really should be more clued up if really wanting to retire in Toyland....You’d be surprised how may people are clueless.
Had a Travel agents in Thailand for 10 years.
Some of the situations people got themselves in to was astounding.
Total Ostrich- head in sand.
...and looked at us to sort it out...
I’d say wait until Thailand has opened up a little more at his level on knowledge...
John ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Martin ********
I asked a question no need for ignoranceMartin *********
@John ***********
... John, I said “your unsure.”...and maybe to wait a few more months.
The rest is generalisation on past situations.
Your original post says the Embassy is ignoring you.
Dealing with Thai authorities is notoriously hard. Let alone now.
Keep checking the updates.
Didn’t mean to upset you but you must have got it by now...
They ain’t playin ball...
Easier to juggle custard.
John ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Martin ********
I'm not clueless have been going to Thailand since last 15 years was not sure which visa might suit me betterMartin *********
@John ***********
...ok mate.John ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sammy ******
shouldn't be in a group with this attitudeSammy *******
@John ***********
oh, I see, an "attitude" that expects someone to do even the most basic research themselves? that sure is pretty nasty and brutal wake up to the real world. you play junior secretary for everyone all you want; all you're doing, then, is enabling them never to do for themselves. Reply to
Sammy *******
Reply
Chris ************
Maybe get an elite visa.
Michael **************
@John ***********
There are several things you need. Background check
Insurance
Note from doctor. It’s all on the Thai embassy in your county’s
Not hard to get. Had mine in less than 2 weeks. But that was a year ago
Michael ********
@Michael *************
they are not issuing new ones yet only allowing those with valid ones, but doesnt hurt to get paperwork ready for when they do.Michael **************
Reply to
Michael **************
Reply
John ************
ORIGINAL POSTERpermanent
Fred *********
@John ***********
you can’t get permanent visa retirement visa is renewed every year after you turn 50 which you have but they are not giving out yetDominic ****
@John ***********
There's no such thing as a permanent retirement visa. This isn't the EU. You need to meet criteria to extend every year.Reply to
Dominic ****
Reply
Oliver *************
What Sort of Retirement Visa ?
Bobby ********
@John ***********
. As of yesterday the OA visa is now accepted for entry to Thailand. You check with your embassy to see when they will start to issue againMichael ********
@John ***********
you cannot yet apply for new retirement visa. You can either wait or apply for one of the new tourist visa which allow you to stay max 270 daysJohn ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
thanksMichael ********
But lots of conditions with tourist visa at moment especially covid cases of country you are presently residing
Reply to
Michael ********
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Apex ********************
Right now you can't. They aren't issuing retirement visas.
Reply to
Apex ********************
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Paul **************
What are the questions you have?
Reply to
Paul **************
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