Answered9 months ago
How legal is it to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand through an agency?
Hello everyone. How legal is it to get a retirement visa through an agency? I was told that they handle everything, so I don't have to open a bank account or a one-year residence contract. Isn't there a risk that I won't be able to extend my visa after a year? Thanks for the answers
Answer summary
The legality of obtaining a retirement visa through an agency in Thailand is a complex issue. Many community members have shared experiences, highlighting that while using an agent is not inherently illegal, circumventing the legal financial requirements can put your visa at risk. Some agencies may assist with the financial aspects (such as showing sufficient funds in a Thai bank), but this can lead to complications during future visa renewals. Ultimately, while agents can facilitate the process, individuals should be aware of potential risks including visa cancellation and deportation if immigration rules are not properly followed.
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David *******
Several immigration departments do the direct deal methods.
No agent involved.
The 17,000 baht etc goes straight to the official in charge of the office.
Work with any commercial bank.
Proof of funds etc. Provided.
(Then funds removed)
Is immigration going to check immigration?
Doubt it...
Don't be surprised how many provincial offices do this...
No agent involved.
The 17,000 baht etc goes straight to the official in charge of the office.
Work with any commercial bank.
Proof of funds etc. Provided.
(Then funds removed)
Is immigration going to check immigration?
Doubt it...
Don't be surprised how many provincial offices do this...
Graeme *******
Do it yourself that way you learn what is right, why pay someone when I'm sure many.can work though the process.
Harry ********
I am going to use Siam Legal in Chiang Mai as it's an important life change for me and I want things to go smoothly
Nigel *********
I was told that you always have to do it through the same people, year after year. So you cannot ever break away and do it on your own. Who knows what the future will hold?
Bill *********
I used an agent to set up my Visa as well as all the extensions. It's not illegal at all and I'm not required to use the agent now or in the future. It's purely up to me. But of course anything related to immigration I will use my agent.
Dave *********
@Bill ********
And you don't have the funds seasoned in your account as required?Bill *********
Dave Procter Funds are definitely seasoned. When I initially opened my account with the help of my Visa agent 3 years ago, I've never let the balance drop below the B800,000 mark. I top off as needed via SWIFT since I routinely use the account for rent and other daily expenses. Working perfectly.
Jeff *******
Using an agent if you have the funds in place (ie you can't be arsed) is fine. Using an agents funds cos you don't have them, is illegal. Only today i was told by an immigration contact, the clampdown is on the radar.
Michael ********
Be prepared to pay anywhere around
*****
b to cut corners
Ossie *********
Speak with Grace
thaivisacentre.com
thaivisacentre.com
Steve ************
Ossie Cassidy where are they located?
Tim ****************
Ossie Cassidy Thai Visa Centre is excellent
สก็อต *********
Surely if you use an agent for the first extension but have been paying in let's say 70k baht every month then surely you can do it yourself on the 2nd extension
John **********
@สก็อต ********
You don't just need to meet the requirements of the subsequent extension but also show you've honoured the terms of the current extension
Dave **********
Only upside I see,is you don't have to keep 800,000k sitting in a bank,or 400,000k minimum after you got the visa,invest it,and that will more than pay for the agent,bribes are commonplace, and it won't stop anytime soon,but as they say "up to you"
Jeff *******
Dave Marriott Imagine you had 'invested' that in 2008 😆
James ***************
Immigration is aware the money in the bank is fabricated, as long as they get their cut they are not bothered. The agents fee is minimal, immigration take most of the fee.
Jay ********
The impression I get is that immigration prefers using agents as they get a cut from the agent’s fess
Goes into the pot and gets divided up between the staff
🙊🙈🙉🫣
Goes into the pot and gets divided up between the staff
🙊🙈🙉🫣
Jeff *******
Jay Cutler Not going to help him when he gets deported IF a clampdown comes
Arnold **********
Do it yourself
Peter ******
It’s illegal doesn’t crack it in Thailand . So is prostitution .
Until they stop it
It makes the world go round
Until they stop it
It makes the world go round
Stuart ***********
I get your point, but it's not really a good comparison. What's the worst that is going to happen with a prostitute with regards to the law, I am guessing a small fine by the police (unsure if that ever happens). Being caught circumventing the law with immigration can lead to your visa being cancelled and deportation (this does happen). Imagine if you planned living in Thailand, bought a house and car and then couldn't live here? People need to understand the risks and decide for themselves.
Jay ****
Stuart Chiverton if they bought a house and car they'll obviously have the funds for visa requirements. Or they're very stupid. 🤣😂
Garry ********
Hi guys i have just done my retirement extension with only help of my Thai wife for comms to immigration you don’t need to go through agent
Nigel *********
Garry Mccoll you can also do it on your own, I e, you don't need Thai wife
Garry ********
Nigel Lilburn your rite you can do it on your own but it sure does make it easier
Bruce *****************
You are at any stage ever tied to an agent no matter what they tell you
Stuart *********
Not quite true. If the agent is a “hand holder” then there is nothing stopping you doing DIY going forward.
If the agent does the funding for you and gets the extension in “Nakon Si Nowhere” then you won’t be able to DIY.
If the agent does the funding for you and gets the extension in “Nakon Si Nowhere” then you won’t be able to DIY.
Doug *******
@Stuart ********
The exception is if you leave Thailand and return with a new non O visa then deposit your own actual 800,000 TBH. Then you will be free of the agency. Correct me if I’m wrong.Stuart *********
Yes. That’s known as “breaking the agent train” and going legit.
Bruce *****************
You're not an agent yourself are you ?
Stuart *********
The “hand holding” agents just facilitate the process of getting all the paperwork ready and ensuring you have everything needed (as if you did it yourself). They may “skip the line” at immigration but essentially you have to have the funds and stuff as if you were doing it yourself. You get the extension in the province you live in and all is above board.
There is no issue not to use them next time.
There is no issue not to use them next time.
Stuart *********
No but I do volunteer at immigration.
Bruce *****************
@Stuart ********
no who told you thatStuart *********
You’d need to leave and come back on a Non O or exempt and convert to a Non O in country
Stuart *********
If you used an agent to “show funds” for your last extension then no.
Ian ********
@Stuart ********
Even if you now have the financial side covered with funds in bank are you saying my local immigration office won't process my next extension?Stuart *********
The “full service” agents do everything for you including showing that you “have the funds” and will get the extension in a province you probably don’t live in. That is quasi legal and beyond the scope of this group to debate but you certainly won’t be able to rock up to your local immigration office to get the “next” extension with out using them (or another agent) again.
Ted ********
It isn’t that difficult to do on your own. Yes a bit of a hassle but doable. Just do it.
Martyn *******
Just think about consequences and if you can afford not to use your own time
Ross ************
Martyn James please tell us your experiences, with detail. You're coming from knowledge I see
Martyn *******
Ross Shropshire not an expert don't claim to be but having come to Thailand many times over many years I think you just need to think about what you want to achieve and what risks you want to take. Many of the options for different immigration requirements and visas are not easy to understand or meet, and agency can help but breaking the rules can have consequences. Choices at the end of the day are yours alone
Thai *******
I think you're looking on the black market side of it and possibly end up being deported if found out! So the risk your looking at won't solve your problems
Rene ********
Cool
Stuart *********
Depends on the agent you use. Some are just “hand holders” and will prepare all the paperwork and ensure you have everything correct but you need to have everything pretty much exactly as if you were doing it in person. You go to immigration with them
Other agents do everything for you. You don’t need to be with them. You do need to have a Thai bank account but they “sort out” the funds. They will help you get a Thai bank account if you don’t have one (but you will need to be with them for that).
Obviously charges differ depending on the service offered.
Contact
Other agents do everything for you. You don’t need to be with them. You do need to have a Thai bank account but they “sort out” the funds. They will help you get a Thai bank account if you don’t have one (but you will need to be with them for that).
Obviously charges differ depending on the service offered.
Contact
@THAI *****************************
for specifics on what they will charge.
William *********
The agency does everything. They will take you to the bank and to immigration. If they handle the financial requirements for you, then it is a major hassle to stop using them every year. They pay bribes to get everything done, so it's technically illegal; however, Thailand turns a blind eye to practices that benefit Thais. If the agent were Chinese, for example, they would shut him down in a heartbeat.
Gordon *********
If you live here don't knock people who use agents we have the money but why leave it in a bank account also why do married people still take non o visas when they only need 400 not 800 because if there wife tells them to fuck of they 7 days to leave the country and good bye you're 400
Jeff *******
Gordon Herriot Because thats the law? The latter part is too stupid to respond to. You know how to transfer cash right?
Marc ********
Gordon Herriot But they can withdraw the 400k. So not good bye
Gordon *********
Marc Widmer his wife has probably took it already
Kim *********
Gordon Herriot nonsense - of course the wife can't take money from his account.
Steve *******
Gordon Herriot I always do 👍
Gordon *********
Steve Greir ok mate you take care
Marc ********
Gordon Herriot if he is stupid enough to give her full access to his account
Steve *******
Gordon Herriot How do you work that out? The 400k is in your account not your wife's and it's accessible as soon as you receive your extension, unlike the 800k for the retirement extension. Plus the Non Imm O visa is the marriage visa, it's first needed in order to obtain the 12 months extension of stay.
David *********
Gordon Herriot absolutely spot on correct
Stuart ***********
Using an agent is not illegal.
Using an agent to circumvent the law is illegal and if caught your visa will be cancelled and you would be deported (this does happen).
So, if you use an agent to use their money to deposit the 800,000 baht you are at risk. You will also be tied to an agent the following year as you will not meet the rules again the following year and so on
Using an agent to circumvent the law is illegal and if caught your visa will be cancelled and you would be deported (this does happen).
So, if you use an agent to use their money to deposit the 800,000 baht you are at risk. You will also be tied to an agent the following year as you will not meet the rules again the following year and so on
Gordon *********
Stuart Chiverton what would happen if imagination went to the bank to see we're the 800k is it never goes in
Stuart ***********
Gordon Herriot I don't understand what you mean. Immigration could not go to banks and get confidential information about the banks customers.
Stuart ***********
Immigration?
Jeff *******
Stuart Chiverton Of course they could. If a government offiical goes to a bank with an enquiry, the banks will spill the beans. they will have zero interest in bringing down the pack of cards by being obstinate
Gordon *********
Stuart Chiverton we are all on the same computer how many people are being payed from agents banks imagrasion more l suspect they would be a lot of head's would roll never happen
Jeff *******
Gordon Herriot Thats right, but you only need one young greasy pole climbing head honcho wanting to make a name for himself and it falls like a pack of cards. It's amazing such an in your face blatent circumvention of the law has gone on for so long. You just need the right person at the helm to allow it, until he's not in at the top and is replaced by someone who actually wants to adhere to the law. Bottom line is, if you can't muster up 65k a year of 800k in the bank, you offer next to nothing to Thailand, they'll wake up to this sooner or later. It's a matter of time
Stuart ***********
Gordon Herriot forgot to say, it does happen, I conversed with a guy that had circumvented the rules like you last year that was being deported.
Stuart ***********
Gordon Herriot I don't understand your logic, the immigration officer has turned a blind eye on your extension, so on the computer it looks legitimate. Only if someone checks the records will it be found. I am not saying don't do it, I am saying be aware of the risks, especially as there are other (legal) ways of not having 800k in a Thai bank account after the first year.
Benjamin *******
Stuart Chiverton if someone gets caught using an agent then obviously the agent will be in big trouble too. Also immigration officials involved with it.
Bob *****
Benjamin Peter You do know you don't know what you're talking about right? I was at immigration division one just the other day renewing my Visa.. agents everywhere. no one gets caught using an agent unless that agent messed up. it is woven into the fabric that is Thailand. Will it still be here tomorrow who knows? But it's very much a part of today. stop spreading lies.
Steve *******
Benjamin Peter Most likely the Immigration Officer would be transferred to an inactive post, the agent gets a fine and a slap on the wrist and you're left with a fraudulently obtained extension of stay. This is Thailand, they look after their own when it's Farang v Thai
Stuart ***********
Benjamin Peter you mean circumventing the law presumably. I don't know about the agent, possibly, but there will be no trace to them as they presumably pay in cash. The immigration officer definitely. I conversed with a guy a year or so ago, who was in this position and he was blaming the agent and immigration officer (unbelievably not himself for paying someone to break the law!) and he said the immigration officer was under investigation. I don't know if that's would lead to criminal charges or anything.
Deepak *******
Stuart Chiverton for 10 years when I used to get agent assistance, I have changed agents thrice. So you are never tied to one agent. It is only a myth. Make sure that the agent is local and he gets you the stamp from local immigration where you are staying. It is better to have a foot hold in one place before getting the agent. If you want to be a nomad, get a nomad visa aka DTV. It is illegal if your stamps are not legal. Then you will be in big trouble. In Pattaya, you can visit the agent in person and he will assist you with a genuine stamp from the local immigration office.
Jeff *******
@Deepak ******
The stamps are legit, the means to getting them are fraudulent! All they need to do is a spot check that you had the funds in place for the required periods. 10 year banSteve *******
@Deepak ******
The stamps are always genuine but are fraudulently obtained if you're using an agent to circumvent the seasoned 800k.Stuart ***********
@Deepak ******
I have edited it with Noel and your correction.Stuart ***********
@Deepak ******
read my reply to Noel.
Noel ********
Stuart Chiverton the last part is not true, just get another agent from the area you are staying in
Chuck **********
Noel Holman You don’t need a agent next time.
Stuart ***********
Noel Holman maybe, but you are still tied to using an agent, which is what I think the person that made the post was talking about.
Ian ********
Gregor Huettner not so
Gregor **********
Jay Wb you cannot do it by yourself in the following year because you violated the terms for the upkeep of your deposit
Jay ****
Stuart Chiverton unless they have the 800k baht in and account in thailand or meet the monthly transfer amount the following year.
Marc ********
Fabricate evidence you have 800k in an account is illegal. The rest not
Stephen ********
Think about it. Why does it cost
*****
+ baht for a 2000 baht visa? It's not too difficult to work out is it?
Petro ************
Stephen Howell two times more now
Shane ***********
Stephen Howell going down that track you’re looking at 60-80,000 baht
Stuart *********
You need a different agent.
@THAI *****************************
the follow on years is around 15k. The initial Non O plus 12 month extension is around 35k. These are approximate costs as they may vary from time to time or indeed what passport you hold.
Mike **********
Shane Kinneally what track ? It’s 20k max .
Noel ********
Mike Harrison I paid 60,000
Trevor ******
Stephen Howell please explain
Stephen ********
Trevor Simm Where do you think that money goes?
Paul *******
You still have to open a bank account and more
Chuck **********
Paul Grove yep
Davide ***********
not sure it works that way. An agency is a facilitator, you still have to meet al the requirements of the specific visa you intend to apply for!
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