Is it better to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand or from abroad?

Thai Retirement Visa Visa Application Process Non-Immigrant Type O-A Visa Expatriate Guidance Thailand Visa Rules

Jun 1, 2018

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Quick question.... Is better to get the so called "retirement visa" in country or out of country.  I am not in country, currently living in Japan.  

I see two options:. 1. Get a 60 day visa, then apply in country.  2. Apply for the AO visa before going to Thailand.

My guess is that #2 is best, but some of my pals did #1.

Thanks in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The consensus among commenters suggests that obtaining a Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa from a Thai consulate in your home country (option 2) is more advantageous than entering on a 60-day tourist visa and then converting it in Thailand (option 1). The O-A visa offers longer stays and is less complicated, as it grants a one-year stay upon entry and allows multiple entries within the first year.

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.

Tod *********

Getting a Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa from a thai consulate in your country BEFORE you wing your way here gives you the most time in country with the least hassle.

True, to get that visa you do need a police background report and a medical certificate but it's a GOOD visa to have. Far superior to coming in on a 60 day tourist visa, converting that to a 90 day Non-Immigrant Type O visa and then applying for a yearly extension of stay after that

6 years ago

Daniel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

As always, spot on and clear info. Cheers,

6 years ago

Reply to

Daniel *********

Robert *******

Benefit of the Non Immigrant O-A visa is that it is multiple entry during the first year and on entry you get 1 year of stay. If you enter and come back on or just before the valid until date on the visa you get almost 2 years of stay out of it. Time enough to plan your next step.

6 years ago

Daniel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So, #2, right?

6 years ago

Reply to

Daniel *********

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