How long does it take to get approval for a 12-month extension on a retirement visa in Thailand?

Good question.

Some say yes,

Some say no.

Hi @ Darren Hill

If documents ok everything they will give you 1 month first, than you got get result the visa on the date of immigration give you on yr passport 😉

It depends on the office. At the Phuket office now, you pick it up the next day. I submitted my application this morning. I made an appointment online. They know me, so I was welcomed in, paperwork checked, talked and joked with the head of the extensions office and he said I can pick up my passport between 4 and 5 PM tomorrow. I asked if Friday was okay since the traffic isn't very good at that hour and it's a 40 minute motorcycle ride each way. He said anytime Friday is okay. Years ago, I just waited about an hour. There are a LOT more people here now. As far as the lease goes, you will have to ask. I've always had one year or more leases.

Good luck

If you looking for long term I have a one bedroom apartment coming free May 3rd with contract 18.000 a month

In Lamai beside makro

Have you gone to immigration to ask them what their requirements are? Not every office requires a long term lease in order to apply for an extension.

Normally a retirement extension is stamped into your passport on the day of application if you meet all requirements.