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

Retirement VisaThailandO-A VisaNon-Immigrant VisaThai Elite VisaVisa Application ProcessExpat Life in ThailandImmigration Advice
May 28, 2018
7 years ago
Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Perhaps this has been answered several times before, but I would really appreciate any advice. I have read many of the posts here, the Thai embassy's home page, and spoke to a friend who has obtained a "retirement visa."

The question: Is it better to apply for this visa in Thailand? My friend says this is what he did, and he did it with only passport and bank deposit - no Thai health insurance.

PS. I am US citizen with residency in Japan.

Thanks in advance.

PSS. Is the Elite visa a better option?

Double thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks advice on whether to apply for a retirement visa (specifically the Thai Non-OA visa) in Thailand or from abroad. They mention that a friend successfully applied in Thailand with minimal documentation. There’s confusion regarding the different visa types and requirements. Comments suggest that applying for a Non-OA visa in Thailand is possible with documents confirming income and a police check from Japan. Additionally, discussions around the Thai Elite visa highlight that it may offer a more straightforward process but comes with higher fees and investment restrictions for work.
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.
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Anthony *************
I read on other forua that you can get a letter from your embassy confirming your annual income and that this meets the funds requirements to apply for a retirement visa, It was costing him significantly less than what he was quoted by many agencies.
7 years ago
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Mary ********
True. DIY when it comes to anything Visa related is cheaper than any agency. I use an agency for 2 things. The 90 day reports and that stupid you have to report within 24 hours when returning from a different province or country.

The 90 days report because the on line requires some antiquated version of explorer and the 24 hour thing because the last thing I want to do is go out to immigration after a trip.
7 years ago
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Tod *********
The affidavit of income from abroad letter varies in price depending on the consulate. For Americans it's 50USD, for brits it's 52GBP, for Aussiez it's 71AUD
7 years ago
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Tod *********
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Patricia **********
F
7 years ago
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Tod *********
Daniel You could apply for a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa. That is the one that requires a police background check, a medical certificate and meeting the financial requirements without using a thai bank account.

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7 years ago
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Tod *********
David Broadfoot, you are confusing two things that are commonly called a retirement visa. I know 20 or 30 people who hold yearly extension based on being over 50 (retirement) and hold valid work permits too.

I know NO ONE who holds a work permit on a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa that they got from a thai consulate in their country before winging their way here. That visa has type on it Employment Prohibited

Here's a recent Non-O-A from London, note the remark :/
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 , just what I wanted to hear. Thanks so much. It sounds so difficult and time consuming, but loads of lads are doing this, so it probably is easier than it looks.

Too bad about the work thing though... Would really like to volunteer at a school for special needs children - my current work in Japan is in this field.

Thanks again, Tod.
7 years ago
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Tod *********
@Dan***
 Once your second year on the O-A visa is running out you could apply for a yearly extension of stay at the immigration office for 1900baht by meeting the financial requirements and supplying the correct documentation.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 , got it. What does one do after the two years? As I plan to retire there, I will need more than two years ( I hope, 555)
7 years ago
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Tod *********
Employment Prohibited is stamped on that visa when you get it from the consulate,

You cannot legally hold a work permit on it and work or volunteer.
7 years ago
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Tod *********
@Daniel ********
 You can get TWO years of stay out of that visa. Seeing as each entry is good for a whole year if you exit and re-enter just before the visa expires you get a second year of stay out of it.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 , thanks this sounds like a good option.

So, I have to leave the country, Thailand, once a year? Or could I renew it at the local immigration office?

And, of course, it would be impossible to work/volunteer on this visa, right?
7 years ago
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Tod *********
Outside of the country this is the visa most people get when they talk about a 'retirement visa'. This visa allows unlimited entries and exits for the year validity and each time you enter you get stamped in for a completely new year.
7 years ago
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Tod *********
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Robert *******
the big question is what is a retirement visa? You like to go for the Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age, or the Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O-A Visa, both has to be applied for at Thai Embassy or Consulate. Or do you like to go for the Single Entry Non Immigrant O visa, you can apply at Embassy or Consulate or at local Immigration office once you're in Thailand.
7 years ago
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Tod *********
@Daniel ********
 okay, neither a visa nor an extension of stay can be renewed. :/ they expire when they expire.

Once your second year on the O-A visa is running out you could apply for a yearly extension of stay at the immigration office for 1900baht by meeting the financial requirements and supplying the correct documentation.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 , right. But I will be there for several years. Do just renew the visa again and again? Or can I change to a longer term visa at some point?
7 years ago
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Robert *******
Best option is as Tod posted below. You can get almost 2 years of stay out of that Visa.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Right, there's no such thing as a "retirement visa.". What I want to do is live full-time in Thailand. Am in my early 60s, have enough cash for the required bank deposit. And have health insurance, in Japan. Will pass the police record check ( would that be in Japan? Have been living there for nearly 37 years)

I would like to work or volunteer I'm Thailand, but know that may not be an option.

Truth is a list of available visas is a bit confusing, and it seems that some of the information varies, depending on the source.

What do you think is my best option? Cheers
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
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Robert ********
The Thai Elite version is the easiest as it does not require any documents. Simply complete the form and pass the background check and if approved, you can join after paying the fees.
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7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 , thanks. Will pm you.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
, right. And a higher floor to avoid the flying insects...
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Any other "Off Visa" topic questions, I can help you via PM as well...anytime.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 , do you know any good agents in Pattaya, or Rayong. My plan is to start in Pattaya, then move to an area like Rayong.... quite, clean (cleaner) and slower lifestyle.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Gratefully Thailand is not effected by storms with strong winds, but the rainy season and flooding can be a nightmare, so insuring wherever you decide to buy is NOT prone to flooding is a serious concern before buying anywhere.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
@Daniel ********
 FYI: A Good agent will assist you in an arrangement with the seller, whereby you rent for a period of time before you commit to buying anything...
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 , all good advice sir. Indeed the condo market can tricky.. Will definitely lawyer up before I buy. My plan is to rent for a time, and buy later. That will, of course, depend on what happens to the market.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Daniel, the Thai Govt welcomes your investment $$$ regardless of your visa type, they just make it much easier with certain select visas. Make note, the real estate business in Thailand is open to anybody and does NOT require any licensing, training OR certification to legally call yourself a property agent. Hence, I would recommend you only work with the international registered property firms and retain a good lawyer to review your agreements before signing or paying for anything.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 , oh I am wrong again. Good to know, thanks. Investment is interesting. So, on other visas investment is forbidden? I do plan to buy a condo at some point...
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Daniel, on this visa you are NOT allowed to hold any work permit, but you are allowed to invest in a wide variety of investment options. Elite members have access to a
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concierge service to assist with privileged banking, invites to investment seminars...etc.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 , when you look at it that way, it's not too bad. Let's see 280 b/day = 4 beers/day. 555.

Will still keep this option in mind, as it seems like there are no work restrictions... Or am I wrong?

Thanks, Robert.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
It comes to Bt. 280 per day on the 5 yr / Bt.500,000 plan or less if you choose the 20 yr Bt. 1,000,000 plan. But that is your decision.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 , agree with that thought. I have been to Thailand on several occasions over the last 30 years, so am pretty sure I will like it. Am looking at the beaches in Rayong for my retirement...
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 , thanks for clarifying that.... Seems at bit pricey. 500,000 Baht
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Do as Tod suggested for now, then you can always switch to another visa choice after you've been here for a while and feel more comfortable staying longer term.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
The amounts on the website are one time membership fees. Then you must extend once per year, either at Immigration costing Bt.1,900 or take a trip somewhere and stamp in for 1 year. Some options have annual fees and others do not. Immigration is quick as Elite members do not queue in line and are processed right away.
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sounds like a good option. What are the fees? And is this a renewable visa.

The amounts on the home page look like amounts needed for a bank deposit. Is that correct? Plus additional fees?
7 years ago
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Daniel *********
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