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How can I maximize my stay in Thailand with a Non-Immigrant Type O-A retirement visa?
Non-Immigrant Type O-A VisaThailand Retirement VisaVisa ExtensionRe-entry PermitVisa Application ProcessFinancial Requirements for VisaMedical Certificate for VisaPolice Background CheckLong Stay Visa in Thailand
May 9, 2018
8 years ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHow to get the most time in-country out of a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) "retirement" visa.
First off this information is ONLY about the Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa that you get from a thai consulate in your country BEFORE you come here. This is the visa that requires you to be over 50 y/o, needs a police background check, a medical certificate and meeting the financial requirements of 800K baht (or the equivalent) in a bank in your country.
The visa is valid for a year from the date it's issued AND every time you enter thailand during the validity of the visa you are stamped in for a completely new year.
The way to get the most time in country out of this visa is to get it as close to the time you're comin' to thailand as you can. Because the visa is valid for a year from the date it's issued you don't want to get it too early and then burn up the validity NOT being here ;)
Once you arrive you're stamped in for a whole year. During the validity of the visa you can exit/re-enter the country all you want and you will be stamped in for a completely new year each time.
However keep in mind when the visa itself expires. You need to exit/re-enter the country one final time just prior to the "enter before" or "valid until" date on the visa itself. That will get you stamped in for a new year (in essense giving you TWO years of stay out of a one year visa.
Remember also, IF you exit the country AFTER the "enter before" or "valid until" date on the visa itself you will need a re-entry permit to get stamped back in on the remainder of your last entry stamp because the multiple entry part of the O-A visa expires on the "enter before" or "valid until" date.
This is an example of a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) "retirement" visa.
You can see it is an O-A visa, has Multiple entries, was issued Oct 4th 2017 and has an "enter before" date of 3 Oct 2018. When the holder of this visa enters thailand they will be stamped in for a full year. AND as long as they exit/re-enter thailand one final time just prior to 3 Oct 2018 they will be stamped in until Oct 2019 (another full year).
Sorry this was long, hopefully it was helpful ;)
First off this information is ONLY about the Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa that you get from a thai consulate in your country BEFORE you come here. This is the visa that requires you to be over 50 y/o, needs a police background check, a medical certificate and meeting the financial requirements of 800K baht (or the equivalent) in a bank in your country.
The visa is valid for a year from the date it's issued AND every time you enter thailand during the validity of the visa you are stamped in for a completely new year.
The way to get the most time in country out of this visa is to get it as close to the time you're comin' to thailand as you can. Because the visa is valid for a year from the date it's issued you don't want to get it too early and then burn up the validity NOT being here ;)
Once you arrive you're stamped in for a whole year. During the validity of the visa you can exit/re-enter the country all you want and you will be stamped in for a completely new year each time.
However keep in mind when the visa itself expires. You need to exit/re-enter the country one final time just prior to the "enter before" or "valid until" date on the visa itself. That will get you stamped in for a new year (in essense giving you TWO years of stay out of a one year visa.
Remember also, IF you exit the country AFTER the "enter before" or "valid until" date on the visa itself you will need a re-entry permit to get stamped back in on the remainder of your last entry stamp because the multiple entry part of the O-A visa expires on the "enter before" or "valid until" date.
This is an example of a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) "retirement" visa.
You can see it is an O-A visa, has Multiple entries, was issued Oct 4th 2017 and has an "enter before" date of 3 Oct 2018. When the holder of this visa enters thailand they will be stamped in for a full year. AND as long as they exit/re-enter thailand one final time just prior to 3 Oct 2018 they will be stamped in until Oct 2019 (another full year).
Sorry this was long, hopefully it was helpful ;)
TLDR : Answer Summary
To maximize your time in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa, it's essential to get your visa issued as close to your departure date as possible, as the visa is valid for one year from the date of issue. Each entry into Thailand grants a new year of stay. You must exit and re-enter Thailand before the expiry date of your visa to renew your stay, essentially allowing you to stay for two years. Be mindful of the requirement for a re-entry permit if you leave after the visa's expiry date and consider the necessary financial documentation, medical checks, and police certificates needed prior to application.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnd on that note I believe we've taken the topic of getting the most out of a Non-O-A visa as far as we can. Good Luck to anyone getting this visa. Hope it helped (y)
Antonis ***********
Thanks Tod.
I have 2 questions
If you can answer.
1 you must go to the immigration stamp every 3 months as other retirement visa?
2 Do you know or some one know what has a medical exam inside?
I have 2 questions
If you can answer.
1 you must go to the immigration stamp every 3 months as other retirement visa?
2 Do you know or some one know what has a medical exam inside?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTEREveryone does a 90 day reporting except people who are on the 4 year SMART visa here.
I don't know if a thai consulate will accept a medical certificate done inside thailand when you apply for the Non-O-A visa in your country.
I don't know if a thai consulate will accept a medical certificate done inside thailand when you apply for the Non-O-A visa in your country.
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Tod *********
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John ********
Great summary Tod, thank you!
Kathryn ********
Thank you! Good to know!
Joel *******
This was REALLY helpful!! Thanks so much!
Chris ********
Actually it's ok. After reading all the comments I think my question has already been answered
Chris ********
I should clarify I meant can I apply for the multiple entry visa in Thailand
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERNo, there is no multiple entry visa available inside the country :/
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Tod *********
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Chris ********
Quick question. Can I apply for the visa in Thailand or do I have to apply in Australia
Chris ********
Yes it seems like the way to go. Thanks
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christine *******
Good Luck (y) That Non-O-A visa is worth it's weight in gold and will give you two trouble free years of stay if you work it right :)Chris ********
Thanks Todd. I should have read all the comments a bit better. Yes we will organise getting the visa from here. We are planning on going to Thailand at the end of July.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERYou can ONLY get a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa from a thai consulate in your country BEFORE you come here.
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Tod *********
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Daniel ********
What happens when you extend a multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa? Is it still multiple entry?
Martin *********
@Tod ********
sorry , I got mixed up , yes I pay 3,800 for my multi .. I don’t know if it’s the same elsewhere but in Pattaya , you have to come back the next day ‘ after ‘ you’ve obtained your yearly extension .Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mar***
you pay 1900baht a year for your extensions of stays ;)Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERNo, yearly extensions of stays that you get inside the country are sold as NO re-entry <- that's because you're already INSIDE thailand. Once you get your extension IF you're going to leave the country during the year you by either a single re-entry permit for 1000baht OR a multiple re-entry permit for 3800baht
Martin *********
You re apply ( the next day in Pattaya ) for another multi reentry . 1,900 , I think I pay each time .
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Martin *********
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Neo ************
They valid for Non O M Entry child? From Penang
Neo ************
@Tod ********
i read wrong thought it was 3 monthTod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERplease make your own thread asking your question. It is NOT related to this topic :/ Thanx (y)
Reply to
Tod *********
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Jozef *********
Be aware that if you request a credit card from the same bank that you may have your THB800k in, they will, usually without your knowledge, freeze the same amount of your credit limit of your 800k. So when you go to extend your OA it will be denied as part of that 800k will be frozen by the bank!
Imelda *********
Typo.... Fareham, not Farnham
Imelda *********
David Bonar
Police Certificates from the U.K. are provided by ARCO Criminal Records Office in Farnham, Hampshire. You can find details on the ARCO website, following the link to ARCO police Certificates. Hope this helps you.
Police Certificates from the U.K. are provided by ARCO Criminal Records Office in Farnham, Hampshire. You can find details on the ARCO website, following the link to ARCO police Certificates. Hope this helps you.
Larry *********
Todd, fantastic post, thank you. If I have an agent perform the visa service in Thailand, for the fee of around 18k thb, would the same exit/re-entry guidelines apply?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERnope, totally different thing entirely. And you don't need an agent to get a 90 day Non-O visa and a year extension of stay unless you can't meet the financial requirements. It's not brain science or rocket surgery to push your own paper and get those things done. It just takes time is all.
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Tod *********
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Martin *********
I have exactly this Todd , and have had 3 years worth of extensions now , so far so good . But After my next 90 days I will be applying for a new passport via an agent to save me travelling to BKK , because my current one runs out in October , my question is , I believe they ( immigration) transfer my stamps ( extension ) over to my new passport at immigration, but A) do I go to immigration straight away when I get my new passport back , and B ) do they transfer THIS visa page also ? ... or do I need to keep my old passport and show it each time ?
Martin *********
Tod Daniels thanks mate 👍🏻 , do I do that before my next 90 days , or not important ?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERIf you are on extensions of stays you don't have ANY visa anymore. You take both passports and the letter from the consulate saying you got a new passport to the immigration office and they move the stamps to the new passport and note that at one time you held that visa (which is now long expired).
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Tod *********
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Edward ********
Thanks Todd. Nice and clear description.
Patricia **********
F
Phil ********
Excellent Tod. Thank you. I am pretty much doing exactly as you describe, with my visa ‘enter before’ date being Oct 2018. My question to you concerns what I need to do with regard to this visa in 2019 after I have deposited the 800K bart to continue to live as a retiree. Will I need a new visa? And if so would I need to return to my home country to get it?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI don't know what caused that outburst
Myself and many others went out of their way to answer your questions, even though they were NOT at all related to getting the most time you can out of a Non-O-A visa. :/
You can certainly make a new topic asking how to get your first yearly extension of stay when your second year of your O-A is winding down.
Hands down this is the best visa / extension advice group about thailand on the inter-web. It is that way because of the many many knowledgeable members who contribute their time for free to answer peoples questions.
I'm sorry you feel the way you do, good luck (y)
@Ph**
:/ You're more than SIXTEEN MONTHS away from needing the information you were asking about (extending your O-A after the second year)Myself and many others went out of their way to answer your questions, even though they were NOT at all related to getting the most time you can out of a Non-O-A visa. :/
You can certainly make a new topic asking how to get your first yearly extension of stay when your second year of your O-A is winding down.
Hands down this is the best visa / extension advice group about thailand on the inter-web. It is that way because of the many many knowledgeable members who contribute their time for free to answer peoples questions.
I'm sorry you feel the way you do, good luck (y)
Phil ********
You’re all heart you guys. Sorry to have put you to SO much trouble. Shame this isn’t a forum to help new people understand the intricacies of the Thai visa immigration system. Oh wait.....
I’ll tell you both one time only. Next time I need to understand this system, I’ll go elsewhere. Enjoy your high- horse riding.
I’ll tell you both one time only. Next time I need to understand this system, I’ll go elsewhere. Enjoy your high- horse riding.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDavid And I will tell you one final time ;) that the money for the first yearly extension based on being over 50 has to be in the account for 60 days .
It is only subsequent yearly extensions that the money has to be in for 3 months
It is only subsequent yearly extensions that the money has to be in for 3 months
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gunm****
, it would be 90 day reporting, because you are applying for a yearly extension of stay.Pedro **********
The extension that you apply for and get, AFTER the O-A, .. would this be 90 days reporting or would it be 90 days border run required.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDo NOT confuse the time you are allowed to be here on the VISA with any extension of stay and the financial requirements for a yearly extension.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ph**
, I almost deleted these comments because they're about getting your first yearly extension of stay from the immigration office AFTER you wring two years out of the Non-O-A visa.Once you go to apply for an in country extension of stay for the first one you need to have the money seasoned in a thai bank account in your name only for 60 days, EVERY year after that you need it seasoned for 3 months.
Unfortunately this has NOTHING at all to do with the Non-O-A visa that this topic is about. :/
Phil ********
@Tod ********
confusing me now Tod! I thought the first year did not need money in the bank, as confirmed by Dianne above. And the second and subsequent years it is 90 days not 60, right?Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ph**
don't forget that money hast to be IN your account for 60 days prior to you applying for your first yearly extension, ;) Still you've got a year and some to remember it :)Phil ********
@Dianne ****
thank you. That was my understanding also. 800k in the bank on or before (in my case) 18 July 2019.Pedro **********
yes only extension. i will do the O-A in home country.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gunm****
as you are only getting an extension it doesn't require proof of origin. AND
one last time for the first yearly extension the money has to be in the account for 60 days, every subsequent yearly extension after that it's 3 months.
Pedro **********
David Broadfoot,
@Tod ********
: for money in the bank for 3 months, does this money need to show evidence that it came from a Bank transfer from outside Thailand, or do you only need to show that it is in you Thai bank account (source - borrow/loanshark..whatever).Dianne *****
Phil Taylor if October 2018 is the expiry date of your first year on the multiple entry non immigrant OA visa, and you are planning to exit and return to Thailand just before this date to give you the second year out of this visa, you do not need to show proof of funds for the second year, nor do you need to move 800,000 baht into a Thai bank for that year ie your money can remain in your own country, working for you there
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ph**
Correct, banked money method for a yearly extension must be in in a thai bank account in your name only (y)Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDavid, from what I found out there is one type of fixed account that isn't allowed. Evidently there are two types, one which is a fixed term deposit but you can access the money any time and another where the money is "frozen" and you can't get it out for the term of the deposit. <- That's the one you can't have your money in
Phil ********
David Broadfoot hmmm, interesting! I assume it must be in Thailand though?
Phil ********
Thank You Tod Daniels
Phil ********
David Broadfoot Thank you David
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDavid is correct :) other than for the first yearly extension based on being over 50 (retirement) when using the banked money method you only need the money in the account for 60 days prior to your application for extension. ;)
Every subsequent extension after that you need it in the bank for 3 months.
Every subsequent extension after that you need it in the bank for 3 months.
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Tod *********
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Garry *******
Todd my scenerio is that when i return just before the expiry date my passport will only have 9 months left, will i still get a full year stamp in or up to the expiry date.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe visa gets you stamped in for a year. BUT you'd need to renew your passport then go transfer the entry stamp to the new one once you're here.
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Tod *********
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Bernd ***********
@Tod ********
. Very helpful as always - thank you very much. 🤗Michelle **************
.
Dave ******
Tod, i assume the police background check is from your own country? What are they checking for with the medical certificate? Anything in particular? TIA .. Dave..
Dave ******
Much appreciated Tod
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe back ground check and the medical certificate are done in the country your passport comes from.
Your doc signs a form stating you don't have Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Elephantiasis or 3rd Stage Syphilis :O
This is the form you can use when you go for your medical check
Your doc signs a form stating you don't have Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Elephantiasis or 3rd Stage Syphilis :O
This is the form you can use when you go for your medical check
************************************************************
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Tod *********
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Raphael ***********
Are there any age requirements?
Raphael ***********
Working on it...
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERYou need to be over 50
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Tod *********
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Jozef *********
@Leonie ********
this is what we were talking about the other day.Karen ***********
Very helpful. Thanks!
John *****
Very good, and detailed, info Tod. This applies to me perfectly since I received my O-A visa in Los Angeles in early April this year. I will do as you say by leaving the country right before it expires in April 2019. One further question for my clarification ... how hard is it to get the reentry permit after the original visa expires? Also, if I do not leave Thailand during the second year then I don't have to worry about the re-entry permit? Planning ahead what is the best plan to extend stay after the two years? Initiate a new O-A package locally, out of country nearby, or back in the USA. Thanks again ... your info is helping me figure out things and plan my visa activities. Appreciate your expertise.
Fritz *********
Very helpful, thanks a lot!!
Ton ******
When ask for the extension on the O-A, which documents have to be supplied?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gunm****
right, (y)Pedro **********
OK.. So rather than reapplying for another O-A, can he just apply for a a year extension, upon completion of the O-A (Prior to the end of the Stretched 2yr O-A)
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERwe are talking about the Non-O-A visa ONLY
@Gunm****
, that visa has nothing to do with extensions until the second year is up.Pedro **********
Can you not just apply for another year extension prior to the end of the last extension granted.?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERyou only need a re-entry permit for the second year IF you're going to leave the country. I know many people who go back to their country every 2 years to get a new O-A visa because once you do it once you know the procedure.
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Tod *********
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