thailand
Ask question

Is a quoted fee of 30,000 baht for a retirement visa processing fair?

Retirement VisaVisa FeesThailand ImmigrationNON-O VisaVisa Application ProcessExpat Advice
May 25, 2022
2 years ago
DeWayne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I contacted TikTok Services to do my retirement Visa. I'm from America and I have the 800,000bt. They are quoting me 30,000bt. Is that a fair price?
9,610
views
25
likes
245
all likes
114
replies
1
images
54
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
An American expat with 800,000 baht is quoted 30,000 baht by TikTok Services for a retirement visa. Many commenters suggest that the price is excessive, highlighting that the cost for a DIY application is only 1,900 baht, plus some potential bank charges. Several users recommend researching other agents, with typical fees ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 baht for those who prefer not to handle it themselves. The conversation emphasizes the simplicity of the application process, especially for those meeting the financial requirements.
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.
Colin ***********
Follow up questions: Is it better to apply in the USA or in Thailand. I have heard that you don’t need the 800k if applying in the US, just guaranteed income such as SS. If applying in Thailand, I have heard that you don’t need health insurance. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy **********
*****
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Thelittle ************
Too much I found agency did with
*****
or less
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Cyrille ************
Is it à first time or renewal ?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ********
tiktok visa services quote you 30k ? 🤣

you dont need to hire them since you have balace aly on account.

30k is overpriced
2 years ago
Like
Reply
THAI ******************************
It depends on what your previous visa was.

If you have a non-o visa then our team charges 14,000 THB for the yearly extension.

Message our team for a exact quote:

**********************


As mentioned by others if you can support all your requirements it is also possible for you to simply apply on your own for 1,900 THB at immigration.

Some of the prices mentioned on the comments may be rather high if they are just speaking about a extension.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Thai *****************************
 where does the extension you are referring to get issued from?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Eric *******
Absolutely NOT.

I can understand you thought about using an agent applying for the first time (even if the process is not that complicated, having the 800k), but in your situation (very easy one for them) agents should never ask you for more than between 8.000 Thb and 15.000 Thb, period.

So 30.000 Thb is just a monumental rip off.

If you do use an agent this time, do it on your own next year for your 1 year extension, as you"ll be on easy street being familiar with the whole process then (just pay attention to everything your agent will ask you and do for ya the first time) .
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Sebastian *************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
Why don’t you do it yourself? It’s as easy as making ice cubes. It literally took me 45 minutes after I submitted my documents.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Edward ******
60 days money in the bank before applying for retirement visa. Easy to do it do yourself.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael **************
Stop.

Do it yourself.

It’s not hard at all besides you are going to need to supply them with all the info
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Joshua **********
Have you had the 800k seasoned in the account before application or do you need the visa right away? Because if not i'd be factoring that into your quoted price 👍
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Wyn **********
Could they be quoting you
*****
to do the visa without the money in the bank double check because i have used Tik Tok and only had good fair expriences.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *********
Don't understand why you would even consider not doing it yourself. The agent will ask you for all the details anyway and send the details you give them and make money from you. Doesn't make sense to me
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Anyarin ****************
*****
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John **********
Did you know that, Tik Tok is chinese?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Peter *********
Is it your 1stever non o visa ?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Dave *********
Yes ..I paid 22k but been doing it for a few years with the same company . I'd say fai..
2 years ago
Like
Reply
THAI ******************************
@Dave ********
 This is rather high, our fee is 14,000 THB.

You can message our team here to confirm:

**********************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
THAI ******************************
Reply
Hans ******
1900 bath at immigration

Not hard to do
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Tipsda ********
Why don't you do it by yourself 😂..

Or you have overflow of 💰💸 and don't know what to do with it .

800k is the only requirement and you have it ..😂😅👌💸
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Tipsda *******
 if only that were true.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
DeWayne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone! I'll give it a shot by myself
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Luc ********
1900 baht, and not difficult in pattaya, although bangkok is more of a challange. never pay more than 8k for an agent for a small job like this.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Peter *******
Absolutely NOT necessary to use agents, as Immigration will guide you and help you with your retirement visa application at every step.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
I did it myself... It was free and very easy.... Saved 20k-30k Baths...
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob ********
@Dana ******
 I'm going on 73 now and have been doing it myself since I was 50. I think it is "Fear of the Unknown" that prompts people to use agents. I didn't know or heard of agents back then so I just started at the beginning myself, my first step was to go into Immigration and ask them what do I have to do. From there they guided me step by step. I know for certain they are still doing that as I had to start at the beginning again last month after being stuck in Europe since the Covid struck the world and my Retirement Ext. had expired. A lot of paperwork for sure but the chap that does all the photo-copying at Immigration knew exactly what documents needed to be copied (3of each) and again I was "walked through" the process. At this stage I have been granted my 90 day Retirement Ext. Next stage the One Year Ext.

The only difference this time, they decided to tip themselves 100 bt. so it cost 2,000 bt. plus around 90 bt. for photo-copies.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
@Robert *******
 I did exactly the same ! Indeed, they charged me 2'000 THB instead of 1'900. But I was quite happy to let it go ! 😄
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Robert *******
 not everyone gas an IO that is as co operative or helpful. There is no way my office would do any photocopying for you. You would have to leave, get the copy and then que up again only to be told something else is required. Trying to get a certificate of residence out of them is like pulling hens teeth.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob ********
@Nick ***********
I have to admit the counter I was dealing with were positively rude, I dreaded the thoughts of dealing with them (ladies)...but persevered and have moved on the deal with a different one next time.. TG.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob ********
Reply
Luc ********
@Dana ******
 don't lie, it is 1900 baht..
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
@Luc *******
 That is very little compared to the 20'000 - 30'000 baths that an agent might ask. Read again : I wrote that I saved 20'000 to 30'000 baths...
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Luc ********
@Dana ******
 you wrote it was free…
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
@Luc *******
 It is free of non-compulsory charges... 😉
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dana *******
Reply
Edward ******
Are you 50years?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
DeWayne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Edward *****
 59
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
DeWayne *******
Reply
Khyle ****
and now we know why scammers online are doing well...
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
If you have the funds do it yourself it's not hard for my O-A visa with my funds I was quoted 8000
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob ***********
Are you in the US or Thailand now?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
DeWayne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob **********
 thialand
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob ***********
@DeWayne ******
 I'll send you a DM.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob ***********
Reply
Richard *******
No just take the time and do it yourself….Should have gotten the OA Multiple Entry Visa before you left the US mine was $240 with the delivery fees
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Gianni **********
25.
******
.000 must include :

3 months Non O Visa × 1 year Retirement Visa , total 15 months.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephen **********
@Gianni *********
 is that an agent in Bangkok? Is there any preference to where one should employ an agents services? More expensive in Bangkok vs elsewhere?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephen **********
Reply
Gianni **********
With agent 25.
******
.000 fair price
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Dave **********
Just helped a friend who had the funds. Cost was 1900 bth so why pay a Agent if you qualify?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Pete *******
1900 baht, do it yourself. Agents are just rip off merchants preying on the uninformed
2 years ago
Like
Reply
David ***********
Over price find someone else normal about
*****
b
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephen **********
@David **********
 where for example? Are you talking Bangkok or?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Steven **********
 I paid 12,500 with
@Mots ********
 and that included a re-entry stamp.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephen **********
@Steve *********
 and that’s using you’re own 800k right?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Steven **********
 yes
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
David ***********
@Steven **********
 Pattaya soi 6 a bar called The Queen Victoria
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephen **********
@David **********
 Is that supposed to be a joke?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephen **********
Reply
Richard ********
Maybe it s better to pay an expensive serious agent than giving 3000 to a clown
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Lyndon ************
To obtain the non-o in country and putting 800k into a Thai bank account costs 2000THB for the first 90 days, and the 1900THB for the following 12 months.

It's not that difficult to do yourself.

Making an appointment online saves you waiting in line...
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
Outrageous. I paid 12,500 for that same thing with a re-entry stamp at Mot’s.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Don ********
Where are you located?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Johnny ******
3,000 baht would be a fair price.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Johnny ******
yes, why?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Johnny ******
What are you on about? Only illegal ones get ones for 15k plus. Legit ones just gather your documents, they don't bribe immigration officers.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Johnny *****
 no reputable agent would get you a Visa extension for 3000 baht.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Nick ************
@Johnny *****
 are you being serious?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Tony *********
It costs 1,900 Baht for one year to do it yourself. Why on earth are you thinking of paying someone 30,000 baht to fill out a couple of forms and provide a bank statement!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Steven **********
 not that I know of. But Bangkok and Pattaya seem to have lots of agents
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Tony ********
 it depends… 800k baht at 5% produces 40k baht annually if invested well somewhere. And not dead in a Thai savings acct. That easily pays your 30k fee and covers your bar bill all month. And you don’t have to do any paperwork or go to immigration and wait in line. Bit of a no brainer really for anyone who owns a calculator
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Luc ********
@Todd ********
 i paid
*****
baht for an agent when baht was 34 to the euro. I transferd
*****
euros when the baht was 39 to the euro .. easy maths(and luck)
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *********
@Todd ********
 where u get 5 per cent
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
Pretty much anywhere now. My savings account in Mexico pays 5.2%. Interest rates are rising fast this year and u may even be able to find a secure 5% with bonds or saving instruments. Depends on which country. Does anyone know current interest rate in Thailand for one year savings on 800k?

Or you buy any one of hundreds owls global stocks with a greater than 5% dividend. This exposes you to fluctuations of the share price, but that could make u far more than just 5%…
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephen **********
@Todd ********
 is there any advantage to using an agent in Bangkok over elsewhere? Cheaper or easier?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephen **********
Reply
Nick ************
@Todd ********
 Todd, you are like a breath of fresh air or the light at the end of the tunnel. After the frustration and runaround I have suffered on so many occasions ( even been laughed at)
*****
baht is cheap to get what I need plus a nice few days in Bangkok if i choose.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Nick ***********
 yessir, that is true. There is plenty of old school thinking about it… it’s 1900 baht dammit!!! But money never sleeps. And if you need to tie up 800k, ur losing money
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Peggy ************
@Todd ********
 5% interest per year? Where would you get that in the current climate please 🤔
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony *********
@Todd ********
 each to his own of course but for me it isn't worth paying 30,000 baht to someone for doing this:

Drive to Central Plaza and go to my bank and ask them for a bank statement. Wait 15 minutes. Told to come back in 1 hour and pick up the letter and statement.

Stroll through the air conditioned shopping center and go to my favorite restaurant and have a nice lunch.

After lunch walk for 5 minutes back to my bank and pick up the statement.

Get in my car and drive to immigration and wait for about 15 minutes before I see someone to whom I hand my passport a form with my signature on it and the letter and bank statement. "Just sign it sir. Don't bother with the form we'll fill it out for you"

20 minutes later pick up retirement extension stamped in my passport and go home.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ******
@Todd ********
 .. but paying someone 5000 THB or doing it yourself for 1900 is still a lot less than 30,000 isn't it? That's what my calculator tells me anyways.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Tony *****
 if you are paying someone 5000 baht for a Visa extension you are in for trouble somewhere along the line.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Todd ********
 sorry, I'm not sure what you are referring to.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Tony *****
 your calculator doesn’t understand money and interest
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony ******
@Todd ********
 Mu calculator tells me you can invest the money the same with or without paying the 30,000 to someone to fill in some forms for you. 100% don't follow your logic.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tony ******
Reply
Nick ************
For 30k I got funds deposited, a bank account and absolutely no hassle getting my retirement extension. Took about one hour. I've had
*****
0 baht in a Thai account for nearly 3 years but for some reason I always get declined my retirement extension. I prefer to go through the process in person to make sure it is done right.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Christopher ****************
Thanks!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Christopher ****************
Do you still need 800,000 baht if your pension is $5,200 per month?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Christopher ***************
 you need to show an income from abroad if not less than
*****
baht each and every month for the 12 months prior to your application. You can also use a combination if income and banked cash. If your income goes astray by even 1 baht in any month or you can not show that it came from outside Thailand then you will be declined.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
DaddyWarbucks ********
@Nick ***********
 who can you recommend to use?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@DaddyWarbucks *******
 can not recommend here but will PM you. Probably get into trouble for that too.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Tony *********
@Nick ***********
 there's no reason to get declined if you have the money in the bank. I've been doing this for 20 years by myself. There has to be a reason.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Tony ********
 Tod, if you can come up here and work out a way to get my extension locally I will pay for your flights and give you the agents fee.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Russell *******
@Nick ***********
 hi ,do you know why you get declined ? Thanks 🙏
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Russell ******
 always something different. Wrong bit of paper. Right bit of paper but not hand written, double sided copy, previous extension from another province, new passport etc etc etc. Its not worth wasting any more time with them. I was told to get 2 covid extensions to allow money to season even though it had been in my account 8 months! I did this and went back but still no good as one covid extension was obtained out of my home province as I was in Bangkok at the time. I have managed many things with ease in Bangkok that local immigration will not even consider. They make up the rules as they go along and vary them every day.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Russell *******
@Nick ***********
 oh ok , that sounds crazy . I would of thought they would just give you the opportunity of correcting what they are not happy with. Where have you been doing that ? So you now use a agent ? 🙏
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Russell *******
Reply
Nick ************
I've now decided the
*****
0 baht is better off back in the UK.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Nick ***********
 no point leaving 800k dead money here
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Rob *********
@Todd ********
 Dead money? My Thai baht deposit has been one of my best investments compared to the small range of mutual funds that I hold.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Rob ********
 what is the return rate on your Thai baht deposit?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Todd ********
 absolutely right.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Bobby ********
@Nick ***********
 OA visa is the only way to go
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick ************
@Bobby *******
 to be truthful I am not fully aware of the difference between OA and non O based on retirement. I am back in the UK next month and might invest a bit of time finding out. Funny thingis they fell over themselves to give me a re entry permit without me even asking for one. Strange people.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Rob *********
@Nick ***********
 Agreed. I have no idea either what the difference is or why one requires insurance and the other doesn't.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rob *********
Reply
Paulus *********
It is very easy to do it yourself
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Sam *******
1900 baht..
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael ******
No try manerat soi post office
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Johan ********
Get a signed bank certificate and go to immigration yourself. 30k is if they lend you funds.

If you don’t like to deal with immigration: Talk to other agents. Where are you located?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Luc ********
@Johan *******
 13-
*****
is if they lend you the funds ... everything else is robbery .
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Luc ********
Reply
Stenbjorn *********
Many I know pay in this range. It is not ridiculous. Of course some people say it is possible to do yourself. But it is your choice if you prefer to use an agent.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Aristo *******
It’s okay to do yourself, the requirements can be found on the internet. But if you just want a smooth process by hiring someone, at least find a few other agencies for quotation.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
If you have the 800,000 just do it yourself at a cost of 1900 baht. I can understand using an agent if you don't want to keep the large sum tied up. But otherwise like I say just do it yourself.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Mark ******
Go to your local immigration office, and ask what docs you need. It will cost you one thousand nine hundred baht!!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Brian *******
Bear in mind that the service price will include a payment to immigration - way in excess of 1900 baht.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ivan ************
Not necessarily, if he actually has the 800k. No need for extra payments in that case.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Brian *******
@Ivan ***********
 The last agent I spoke to said I didn't need the 400k...,​so the brown envelope was required. I did have that, so did it myself.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brian *******
Reply
Garrett ***********
TVC does it for in the 20s, send them a message first.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
DaddyWarbucks ********
@Garrett **********
 is this Thai Visa Center?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@DaddyWarbucks *******
 Yes
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are some recommendations for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand, particularly for financial assistance?
69 comments
3 months ago
What are the recommendations and costs for hiring a visa agent for a retirement visa in Bangkok?
5 comments
3 months ago
What are the costs involved in hiring an agent for a retirement visa and bank account in Thailand?
98 comments
4 months ago
What is the process for obtaining a Retirement Visa in Thailand as an expat, and should I hire an agent?
98 comments
5 months ago
Should I use an agent or go DIY for my retirement visa in Thailand?
46 comments
5 months ago
What are the average costs for Non-O retirement visa services and multi-entry in Thailand?
65 comments
6 months ago
What are some recommended visa agents in Thailand that charge around 25,000 baht initially and 10,000 baht annually?
4 comments
7 months ago
What is a reasonable fee for an agent to organize a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa in Thailand?
98 comments
7 months ago
What is the process and cost for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
67 comments
8 months ago
Is 40,000 baht a fair price for a Non-O visa and extension in Thailand?
76 comments
a year ago
What are the average agency fees for retirement visas in Pattaya?
64 comments
a year ago
What are the steps and costs involved in applying for a retirement visa in Thailand using an agent or on my own?
20 comments
a year ago
What are the expected costs for hiring an agent to arrange a retirement visa in Thailand?
51 comments
a year ago
What is the cheapest price for a first retirement visa from an agency in Thailand?
114 comments
a year ago
What is the average cost for hiring a visa agent to assistance with a retirement visa in Thailand?
74 comments
a year ago
What are the options and costs for obtaining an O or OA retirement visa in Thailand?
19 comments
2 years ago
What is the cost of a retirement visa in Thailand and how long does it take to process?
25 comments
2 years ago
How can I transfer from a Non-Imm B Visa with a Work Permit to a Retirement Visa O in Bangkok?
8 comments
2 years ago
What agency should I use to obtain a retirement visa for Thailand without directly depositing 800,000 THB?
36 comments
2 years ago
What are the typical fees for agents assisting with retirement visas in Thailand, and what do they include?
61 comments
2 years ago
What are the costs and requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand through an agent?
77 comments
3 years ago
Is it easier to hire a visa agent or do the paperwork myself when changing from a work permit to a retirement visa in Thailand?
41 comments
4 years ago
What are the costs of using a visa service for extending a retirement visa in Thailand?
19 comments
4 years ago
What Are the Costs Associated with Retirement Visa Financial Documentation at Bangkok Bank?
11 comments
5 years ago
What is the process and approximate cost of renewing a retirement visa in Thailand with the help of an agent?
58 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.