Answered2 years ago
How long does the money need to be seasoned for a NON-O retirement visa in Thailand?
I talked to a guy this week who kept repeating he needed 3 months to season his 800,000 baht before he filed for his non o retirement visa and withdrawed it after 2 months. He went through a visa agent outside of Issaan. He is transferring 70,000 baht in the hope that his next extension will be good to go. I keep seeing on this site people repeating the same. I told him 2 months and 3 months after. Poor guy.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the need for seasoning funds when applying for a NON-O retirement visa in Thailand. A user shared their experience with a friend who was confused about the requirement of keeping 800,000 baht in a bank account for 3 months before applying and 3 months after. Various comments highlight the inconsistencies in local regulations, stressing that requirements can differ by province, advising against using visa agents who may propose shortcuts, and suggesting that some practical approaches can help manage the financial aspects legally.
57 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
John *******
OP@Ian *******
What is the whole year? Whole year to me is 12 months. Year starts when you get the extension. 9 months after the 3 months?Ian ********
@John ******
From the day your extension is granted, you need 800k for 3 months. You can use it after that providing your funds don't drop below 400k.You have to then ensure you have 800k back in your account 2 months before the day you re-apply for the following year.
So 800k for 5 months..
Not less than 400k for 7 months.
John *******
OP@Ian *******
Yes. I have always done that. But I keep hearing you still need the 8oo k two months prior to applying for the monthly method. Even after using the 8oo k method.John *******
OP@Ian *******
And if applying for the monthly, do I need 800 k two months prior?
Pertti *************
Poor guy.. Maybe learned and next year Apply new initial visa and season money right and pay 1900baht for visa. 70k is ripoff💸
Jeff *******
For all those who fret about the tiny amount of extra interest you can get on 800k, and the loons who worry about thai banks blah blah blah, just set up a standing order for 65k from UK to Thai - after all you have to live off something! There, no 800k, no expensive agents, no loss of interest, no seasoning AND you'll have a LEGAL extension as opposed to the ILLEGAL agent route. You can thank me later
Steve ******
Who does the first year at 12,500 in Pattaya ?
Wosa *******
@Steve *****
I would like to know too
Jimmy *********
Unlimited visa available free
Jimmy *********
Waste of money...
Keith *******
I understand 3 months before the spplication and 3 months after the grant of the visa.
John *******
OP@Keith ******
The belief in two months after is the problem.
Jim ***********
Hua Hin no seasoning. Depends province lives
Thaimer ******
Or just pay agent 15k and you don’t need any money at all
Kace *******
@Thaimer *****
is that the going rate for non o retirement first time??? i thought it cost 65,000 thb. obviously i have not been to any agencies yet
Galenus ******
@Thaimer *****
how? Who? Send PM pls
Adrian ******
@Galenus *****
name Lucky in Soi buakhao
Peter *******
@Thaimer *****
12,500 in Pattaya
Rok ********
@Peter ******
first year even in Pattaya one of the best agencies still charges 30,000 and 15,000 renewals thereafter.Peter *******
@Rok *******
Usually 26k first year, 12.5k following years, 30k and 15k is milking it, some charge more for nothingRok ********
@Thaimer *****
it will be much more and you are at a mercy of the agent forever ….
Colin ********
@Rok *******
no it isn't more, 14k and my friend has been doing it for, 15 yrs
Bo **********
Thaimer ******
@Rok *******
no, it’s not much more. It’s 15k and no hassle. At least with that agent I know.Thaimer ******
@Jeff ******
not in Thailand permanently so not a big deal. Anyway you can always change agentJeff *******
@Thaimer *****
The 'hassle' comes with you are stuck with that agent for life, if a crackdown starts and the agents run to the hills, you're in the brown stuff.
George *********
Usually about 25,000 baht first year, subsequent years 15,000
John *******
OP@Thaimer *****
I was not talking about me.Thaimer ******
@John ******
neither was I talking about you. I meant in general.John *******
OP
Kenneth *******
What kind of nonsense are you doing. Put the B,800,000 in an account and leave it there. If you can't do that then leave Thailand. I have received 27 extensions and always have to show the bankbook and it has to be up to date on the day of applying for an extension. The B,800,000 has stayed in the bank all those years. I have other accounts for a living.
Andreas *********
@Kenneth ******
That is the only correct answer, although many people will be upset that you can say such a thing.
Neil ********
@Kenneth ******
sensible mate well ✔️
Mika ********
@Kenneth ******
what a sanctimonious reply 😂🙄
Micheal ********
@Kenneth ******
They got you stitched up like a keeper mate until you die *****
Bob **********
@Kenneth ******
why didn’t you switch to monthly transfersSean **********
@Bob *********
many immigration office will not accept if your embassy will not provide a certification of funds paid monthlyJeff *******
@Sean *********
If people in the same office are having no problem and others are blocked, it has to be one officers interpretation of the rules. If it happens again ask to speak to their supervisor and say exactly what you just replied to me with. Reading stories like this, every day I'm thankful I have Hua Hin immigration who can never do enough to help you. They have a pre-screening desk to make sure you're not going to be wasting anyones time, and their patience has to be seen to be believed, and if somethings not right they will point out what it is so you can correct it, they do all this before sending you upstairs to an officer and everything swims through, never seen a problem yet.Sean **********
@Brandon ***********
yep have and will do
Brandon ************
@Sean *********
Just make sure you keep the deposit in the bank from your previous extension the entire time, as you still must meet those requirements until you get your new extensionSean **********
@Brandon ***********
is setup a separate account just for the monthly transfers. And will attempt to convert again this coming spring (3rd year)Brandon ************
@Sean *********
it's required to convert and for your first annual extension. But after that you should be able to use monthly transfers to your bank account to prove income for year 2 and beyond.Sean **********
@Jeff ******
LIKE Buriram immigration office. Told me that the letter of guarantee from the embassy is required. Since the US embassy will no longer offer then I cannot qualify for the 65k per month financial requirement.I have had this discussion last year when it occurred and some expats from Buriram said they had no problem and others said they were also rejected. Obviously there is no black & white accepted method and seem to depend on the agent you are talking to.
Jeff *******
@Sean *********
Like who? Monthly transfers are an absolute staple! Providing you supply a credit advice from your THAI bank, they cannot refuse it.
Kim *********
@Sean *********
some don't care about that and some accepts a document from the pension company or the pension authorities.
Luit *****************
@Kenneth ******
I agree that if you cannot leave the 800k there and need it for a living, you better can leave Thailand, but I also think there are many better places to leave this 800k and get more profit from it, than on a Thai bank account.I would prefer funds in other countries also would count as proof of enough funds.
Jack ****************
@Kenneth ******
you are a derpAndreas *********
@Jack ***************
No idea what a deep is, but he gave the only right answer.John *******
OP@Jack ***************
What is a derp ?John *******
OP@Kenneth ******
I think u need to read my post. I said somebody gave some wrong advice. Not me! It was from this site.
John **********
Depends where he is. In Sa Kaeo you need 3 months before and 3 months after from the second extension onwards
John *******
OPHe will not be able to extend if he took out below 800,00 2 months after and use the 65,000 baht or more deposits for 12 months.
John **********
@John ******
correct. They're usually pretty strict on that so he'd need to start overJohn *******
OP@John *********
But not 2 months after?!
John ********
@John ******
that's right it must be 3 months afterJohn **********
@John ******
no. I think everywhere is 3 months after and not below 400k the rest of the timeActivity
31 joined31
people
Related
25What are the best long-term visa options for a US citizen spending extended time in Thailand, particularly for Koh Chang?
865262mo
What are the banking requirements for obtaining a Non-O visa and subsequent retirement extension in Thailand?
4.3k51264mo
How do I submit the first 90-day report for my retirement visa in Thailand, and can I do it online?
623288mo
What should I do about my TM30 when applying for a stay extension in Bangkok before moving to Hua Hin?
5.9k161468mo
How can I successfully extend my retirement visa in Thailand?
3k20429mo
Does the initial Non-O retirement visa require a minimum stay in Thailand to extend to a one-year stay permit?
571241y
Why is my same-sex marriage extension not accepted by Thai immigration?
7.6k441321y
Can I switch to a DTV visa from a retirement visa while in Thailand, and what are the requirements?
1.5k7102y
What are the consequences of a delayed TM30 submission for my retirement visa extension in Thailand?
2.5k17102y
What are the best visa options and strategies for a 60-year-old retired Canadian planning to stay in Thailand longer than 90 days?
6.1k59362y
Do I need to keep 400K in my bank account after changing my retirement visa requirements?
4.2k34403y
Can a Non-O retirement extension be converted to a Non-O marriage visa in Thailand?
1.4k8113y
How can I change my O/A visa to an O visa for retirement in Thailand?
831174y
What are the requirements for the first 90-day check-in for a Non-O visa in Thailand?
1.7k7234y
What happens if I accidentally drop below the 400,000 baht balance needed for a retirement visa in Thailand?
7.8k71625y
What are the best options for cheap insurance to renew a retirement visa in Thailand?
1.2k885y
What should I know about onward flights, COVID insurance, and visa extensions when arriving in Thailand?
1.4k1175y
How many days before my retirement visa extension expires can I apply for renewal in Thailand?
808435y
Will my husband's recent bank withdrawal affect his retirement visa extension in May 2021?
1.3k6146y
What are the current rules for converting a NON-O visa to a one-year visa in Thailand?
2.3k2196y
Can I switch from a Non-Immigrant O-A visa to an O visa in Thailand, especially at my age with health insurance concerns?
3.6k34216y
Do I need a re-entry permit for my O-A (retirement) visa after the first year?
667257y
Should I apply for a retirement visa in the US or Thailand after my work permit expires?
1.1k848y
Can you switch from a work visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
1.2k7118y
What paperwork do I need for my 90-day reporting on a Non-O visa with retirement extension in Thailand?
1.1k848y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served