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Is it possible to use an agent to manage my retirement visa requirements using their own funds in Thailand?
Retirement VisaVisa AgentsThailand ImmigrationBank Requirements for VisaThai Visa RegulationsFinancial Requirements for Retirement VisaMonthly Income for VisaUsing Agents for Visa Application
Aug 1, 2023
3 years ago
Heath **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi Guys, saw a comment on another forum recently, so I thought I would ask if anyone else has done this or if it's just BS.
Using an agent for RV who will use their own 800k and charge you a fee of 20-25k to do so.
I know it's super tight ass, but needing to hold 1.6mil in the bank does my head in a bit haha.
Using an agent for RV who will use their own 800k and charge you a fee of 20-25k to do so.
I know it's super tight ass, but needing to hold 1.6mil in the bank does my head in a bit haha.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the possibility of utilizing a visa agent to handle the financial requirements for a retirement visa, specifically using the agent's own funds of 800,000 THB in exchange for a fee. Many responses highlight the convenience versus the potential drawbacks, such as becoming reliant on agents for future visa applications. Others caution against the legitimacy of such arrangements, arguing that they may not comply with regulations, particularly the requirement to have a minimum bank balance of 400,000 THB throughout the year. The conversation also touches on the implications of recent reports about potential government crackdowns on retirement visa practices.
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.
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- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Bob **********
A related question. As I understand it, the Thai government would consider the 65K monthly as income and charge income tax for it. Wouldn’t that be true?
Chris ************
@Bob *********
they have the right to do so, but have so far refrained from doing so. Furthermore, foreign income that was generated in the previous year is tax-free.
So as long as you don't live on your income monthly, but annually with a time lag, only territorial tax applies.
Reply to
Chris ************
Reply
Jo **********
some people who done this have been caught and blacklisted
Jim ********
Beware! Big Joke is on the warpath. He wants to shake up the retirement extensions
****************************
Jim ********
If it's all above board with correct bank account criteria being met it's fine. The reports over the last few days that "Big Joke" will be looking closely at retirement visas due to connection to farang bikie gangs operating in Thailand does not bode well for those who have been bribing immigration officers (via an agent). Like the culling of ED and Volunteer Visas, the retirement visas could be in for a massive shake-up
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/01/thai-police-pledge-to-eradicate-foreign-motorcycle-clubs-involved-in-alleged-criminal-activities/Phil ******
I'LL HOLD THE CASH FOR YOU
@He***
Eno ***********
I heard that too, 1.2 million soon, but it wasn't from a official source, so i would no know if its true.
Brian ********
@Ron ******
from what I've learned this guy has been a thorn in immigration's side for decades, as he used to be with the immigration department. He tried several times to increase the requirements and the government turned him down every time. This may be the same and nothing will happen. We shall see, but I'm not going to panic over an article without some kind of official announcement.Steve ********
@Ron ******
With any luck they'll crack down on "agent" retirement visas, and have a massive spot check on retirees bank accountsPhillip ********
@Steve *******
why ??Steve ********
@Phillip *******
That's what immigration do when they get the shits about something. Ask anyone who's had a bogus ED or volunteer visa. Only a matter of time until they got into the bogus retirement visasRon *******
@Steve *******
you forgot the big changes happening to the TE visa from October.I really do have this feeling that the gloves are off this time
Reply to
Ron *******
Reply
CjandBrigitte **********
I just wonder how anyone that goes this route gets past the fact that your bank balance cant go below 400K in the year that you have applied for your visa?
John **********
@Brigitte *******
you can't. If it does you won't get the next extensionTodd *********
@John *********
except if using as an agent. As the 800k was never in the account at all. Let alone the subsequent 400kCjandBrigitte **********
@John *********
My point exactlyReply to
CjandBrigitte **********
Reply
Eno ***********
I had a friend, doing this kind of thing, where he had to provide a bank account to the agent, but not the 800.000 THB. He were watching the account and the money never arrived or left there. These agents must have another way of convincing the government. But i guess its ok for the first year. You let the agent sort out the first year and start depositing the 65 k each month. Then after one year, you can do the next extension by yourself based on your proof of regular income.
Eno ***********
I dont quite understand that. You do your first extension to 12 months with an agent. Cost you 36 to 50k all up. From that day you start sending yourself 65k per month. On your next renewal date 12 months later you do the next extension based on your monthly income. That extension will only cost you the 2000 bath gouvernment fee.
Brandon ************
@Eno **********
you can't. Next year they want to see you met the rules from your previous extension. Those rules are you had 800,000 in your bank account for 3 months after your received your extension and for the rest of the year your account never dropped below 400,000. Those are to meet the rules of the PREVIOUS extension. You need to meet those rules PLUS transfer 65,000. If you cannot show you had the 800,000 and 400,000 the entire year, you didn't meet the requirements of last year's extension and you'll not be given a new one.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Brandon ************
@Eno **********
you won't be able to do it yourself the next year even if you transfer 65,000 because part of the requirement for using 800,000 is keeping it your account for 3 months after you get the extension and never letting it drop below 400,000 the rest of the year. When you give your 12 months of bank statements to immigration next year they'll see you broke the rules for your last extension and will not issue you a new one.Eno ***********
That would be awful for some Guys, as the gouvernment is now cracking down on some dodgy visa agents. Just imagine, they cant do this kind of arrangement any more and all the poor guys have to come up with the required 800.000.
Brian *******
@Eno **********
It's not dodgy agents that the govt cracks down upon, it's dodgy immigration heads that receive bribes. They are the ones which allow/encourage agents. I know this, cos I have first hand experience.Eno ***********
I believe the reason why so many retirees choose that path is, that they just dont have the required 800.000 THB.
Todd *********
@Eno **********
I just don't think that is a reasonable assumption. 800k THB is $23k USD. IF you are a plus 50 and don't have $23k in the bank... you are NOT retired. You are a Walmart greeter. I'm sure there are a select few that actually don't have the 800k, but for the vast majority, it's just a foolish financial decision to bring the 800k here to sit at less than 1% return.Bonnie *********
@Eno **********
so older people haven’t saved up 25,000$ or 20,000 Euro and expect to live in another country?Reply to
Bonnie *********
Reply
Todd *********
@Eno **********
why would that be a hardship? IF the rules ever change and/or agents are cut out (exceptionally unlikely) then you bring the 800k. In the meantime, that money is making 5-10% or better somewhere else.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
John **********
@Eno **********
depending on the agent this may or may not work. If the agent gets your stamp in your local immigration office all should be ok but many get dodgy stamps and folk can then be stuck with the agentReply to
John **********
Reply
Phillip ***********
yes go to maneerat
Steve ********
Yes you can use an agent to pay a bribe to a government official on your behalf, because that's exactly what it is. It's all good unless you're caught out
Brian ********
@Steve *******
or you do a legitimate 800,000 baht deposit and use an agent just to ensure the paperwork and everything else is done easily and efficiently. What makes you think everyone who uses an agent is trying to skirt the system?Dianne *****
@Brian *******
but why would you need to use an agent if you have the funds and can do the visa legitimately? People throw stupid amounts of money away ie up to 28,000 baht just to have someone sit next to them at immigration for an hourBrian ********
@Dianne ****
avoid the headaches. Like I said earlier, the same reason I don't do my own brakes any more. I can afford to have someone else do it. Besides, there's more to it than filling out a form. There's getting a bank account to put the money into when you are still on a tourist visa (not spending all day going to a dozen banks and maybe getting lucky). Etc. And what does it really matter to you? Want to do it yourself? More power to you. I don't.Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Steve ********
@Brian *******
The paperwork? You mean filling in a form? Jesus! Next there will be people asking for an agent to wipe their backsidesBrian ********
@Steve *******
would you?Steve ********
@Brian *******
I've never used an agent in 23 years in Thailand, but I see people asking for agents for visas, driver's licenses, passport applications, bank accounts, yellow books, pink cards, green books...you name it, people cannot do simple transactions themselves. I wonder how many people ever made it to retirement without having someone to hold their handsDianne *****
@Steve *******
I wonder how people ever got a passport to travel, if they can't fill a form out. Doing your own visa at immigration is no more difficult than applying for a passport in your own country. And I'd wager most did not employ an agent in their own country to fill out their passport application formBrian ********
@Steve *******
i can do all those things myself, but I don't want the headache and I can afford to have someone do it for me. Same reason I don't do my own brakes any more. I wonder how someone so jidgemental of other people's choices relaxes.Steve ********
@Brian *******
Is it judgemental or factual? None of those things gives me a headache. I guess I come from a non-entitled generation where I was taught to do things for myself. Comparing fixing brakes on a car to filling in a form is really of no value. But hey! Each to their own. I know guys pay agents 15,000+ baht each year, and then go into meltdown over 300 baht to get into a national park. Go figureBrian ********
@Steve *******
those things give me a headache. I don't like beurocracy of any kind and avoid it whenever possible. It's more than filling a form. It's getting a bank account that requires a long term visa when you don't have one, for starters. A lot of other things. And I grew up in the 60s and 70s. Learned to do everything myself. Thing is, I also learned it's nice when I don't have to.Steve ********
@Brian *******
Probably have a point, and probably the same reason I've never bothered getting a Thai driver's licence or a pink ID card. Way too much hassle for little benefit. So yeah, we each have our own idiosyncrasiesBrian ********
@Steve *******
lol, I'm probably going to use an agent to get a license also. We'll see. Being a bike nut, I will at least need a scooter to keep my sanity!Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Bonnie *********
@Brian *******
maybe not everyone, but there are an awful lot scamming the system, like this post.Brian ********
@Bonnie ********
I plan to use an agent just to avoid the headaches like actually getting the bank account to put the money into, however I'll do it honest and upfront. Plan is to never need the 800,000 or any part of it so it just stays there year after year.Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Jennifer ******
We started off using the 800k in the bank. Then after renewal after the 12 months we started depositing the 65k per month into our bank account here. Withdrew 4ook after the 3 month holding and then at the end of the year and on renewal we withdrew the final 400k. We are now solely on the 65k per month into our account from Aust. Bit of a pain, but all legal and once done good to go each year.
Paul *********
@Jennifer *****
is the 65k from pension can I ask?Todd *********
@Jennifer *****
definitely a good way of handling it. Especially as Aus no longer supports citizens here with the letter of affadavitJennifer ******
You spend it as you want, and we do every month lol. You just have to show the monthly deposit from out of Thailand for renewal of visa with a bank statement for renewal.
Paul *********
@Jennifer *****
hi do you mind if I ask how much commission or bank charges you get charged every month doing the bank transfer?Dianne *****
@Paul ********
I found that Wise never charged more than $20 AUS for the monthly transfer of around 65K baht. Usually it was $18-$19Paul *********
@Dianne ****
Jennifer I've just set up a wise account but it appears someone has been using my address in the uk already for money transfers 🤣🤣 just waiting for the fraud team to open in the uk and try and get this sortedJennifer ******
@Paul ********
we send via Wise.Paul *********
@Jennifer *****
thank youReply to
Paul *********
Reply
Heath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jennifer *****
OK, thanks.Reply to
Heath **********
Reply
Heath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jennifer *****
The 65k deposit, does that need to be held or can the 65k be spent after deposit as long as there is the minimum 65k being deposited each month?John **********
@Heath *********
it has to show it has come from overseas but can be spent once it's in your account.Reply to
John **********
Reply
Todd *********
Yes, you can simply use an agent. Try
@Thai *****************************
Jeremy ********
You have just described factoring money and a loan shark operation all in one…
Heath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
that's a good point, it didn't even cross my mind tbh. Haha. Well to keep it legitimate I won't be going down that path.Jeremy ********
@Heath *********
and I’m sure if you don’t return the money very quickly a few guys will show up to your door and you’ll have to pay around 20 points more to get out of troubleHeath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
haha probably, and here was hoping I could blow all my kids inheritance on changs. Lol.Reply to
Heath **********
Reply
John **********
Why do you need to hold 1.6 million in an account. Retirement visa only requires 800k and that only for part of year
Heath **********
ORIGINAL POSTERIs the requirement not 800k per person not per couple over 50?
John **********
@Heath *********
depends if you are a married couple or not. If married your wife can get a Non-O visa as a trailing spouse which has no financial requirements. If not married then you are individuals for visa purposes. But then you also need to double the agent fees.BTW I think you are Ozzie so have you looked into the ox visa which doesn't require money in Thailand at all?
Heath **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHad a quick look at the O-X visa. Looks like it's even worse for requirements.
Stephen *******
@Heath *********
This can be your superannuation balance if you are over 60Todd *********
@Heath *********
yes - but that money can stay in Aus. Could be retirement funds. No need to transfer any to 🇹🇭Heath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Ok, I thought the O visa was for one was under 50. As a married couple once both were over the age of 50 and you had to both be on the retirement visa and seperatley prove financial.Steve *******
@Heath *********
The Non Imm O visa IS the 'retirement visa'John **********
@Heath *********
that might be the case in a couple of offices but generally notHeath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
ok, thanks for the input.Reply to
Heath **********
Reply
Brandon ************
They'll do it but you won't be able to do it yourself anymore in the future. You'll be stuck using an agent every year after that because you won't be able to show you had the money in the bank this year if you wanted to do it yourself next year. So keep that in mind.
Brian ********
@Brandon ***********
unless you use your own money, as I plan to. You seem to think everyone using an agent is trying to skirt the system and that is just not so.Nick ************
@Brandon ***********
I did manage to get off the agent provided Visa and get one locally at my immigration office myself. I had been warned at bkk that I should get my next extension myself so I did with a little perseverance. I was required to have *****
0 baht in my account for 3 months prior to applying. I made it by 3 days!THAI ******************************
@Nick ***********
Yes it is a common misconception that once you go agent you can't go back.Simply file a TM30, and make sure all your affairs are in order. Requirements will vary from province to province.
Reply to
THAI ******************************
Reply
Jim ******
@Brandon ***********
Not if he transfers 65k Baht every month for the 12 months prior to his first renewal and then qualifies under those provisions which I have been doing for the last four years.The process is not that difficult just needs a lot of copies of various things plus bank statement/letter etc etc details of which are available in printed form from any Immigration Office..
Paul *********
@Jim *****
hi Jim sent you a message if that is OK?Brandon ************
@Jim *****
yes he still wouldn't be able to do it. Because next year they will ask for 12 months bank statements to show he kept the 800,000 in the bank for 3 months after he received the extension and never let it drop below 400,000 for the rest of the year.Jim ******
Brandon Thurkettle Well that was certainly NOT my experience because my Visa Agent/Lawyer put in and took out the 800k the same day and I just transferred 65k a month for the next 12 months.
Your first renewal is based solely upon the 65k transfer being made every month and absolutely nothing to do with retaining any monies in your account which would only be required if your first renewal was being based upon the “old” method which is not what you are applying for.
Maybe I got lucky but that was definitely my experience as I have NEVER had 800k or even 400k in my bank account other than the day that the agent deposited it and took it out the same day after my visa application was lodged.
Your first renewal is based solely upon the 65k transfer being made every month and absolutely nothing to do with retaining any monies in your account which would only be required if your first renewal was being based upon the “old” method which is not what you are applying for.
Maybe I got lucky but that was definitely my experience as I have NEVER had 800k or even 400k in my bank account other than the day that the agent deposited it and took it out the same day after my visa application was lodged.
John **********
@Jim *****
timing. Back when you did yours the rules were different. You didn't need to keep money in your accountBrandon ************
@Jim *****
When you get your 1 year extension you sign a document that says you agree to follow the guidelines. The guidelines for a 1 year extension based on having 800,000 is that you will keep the 800,000 in the bank for 3 months after you receive the extension and never let it drop below 400,000 the rest of the year. Those are the requirements for the year after you get the extension. Next year the immigration will ask for 12 months of bank statements and they will check to see if you followed the rules. If you did not follow the rules, you do not get a new year extension.Regardless of what your experience was, those are the rules. Many people who use the 800,000 method are denied their extension for the next year for failing to meet these rules.
You will also be denied getting your next year extension if you want to use the monthly transfer method because you broke the rules for your last extension.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Heath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thanks mate.David ********
@Heath *********
it is fraudSteven ***************
@Heath *********
. I know someone who needed half the 800k and approached agents. They all flatly refused unless they provided all of it. Sounds nefarious to me.. smells of white lies and brown envelopes..Jackie ***********
@Heath *********
sent you a messageReply to
Jackie ***********
Reply
Carlos *********
Yes, agent takes care of all the BS of standing in lines, etc. Find one,( an agent), in your location, or in Pattaya.
Steve ********
@Carlos ********
I've been doing retirement extensions for years. What lines do you stand in, somehow I've missed this part? If you're talking about arriving at the airport there's really no way around thisCarlos *********
Steve SmytheThe visa agent line Steve, we are talking about visa agents, try to keep up. The visa agent stands in the lines for you. You just go pick up your passport when it's ready.
Ivan ************
@St***
it depends on the office and ebbs and flows. There was a time when in Chiang Mai people were turning up at 5:30AM to get retirement extensions, and even queues starting at 1-2AM for other extensions. It's not that bad now but I can understand using an agent to queue in this circumstance. People at the time saying agents were a waste of money because they ONLY had to queue 6 hours, and they'd prefer that to paying an agent. It's nowhere near that bad now, it got a lot better. But there certainly have been times when multiple hours queues were a possibility.Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Carlos *********
@Heath *********
exactly. Agent can take care of the bank issue, but you WILL need an account. You want to find an agent where you reside was my point.Marc ********
@Carlos ********
No you don't need an account. But you will pay more if you don't have anyHeath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Carlos ********
oh ok. Cheers.Reply to
Heath **********
Reply
Heath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Carlos ********
maybe I wasn't clear in my question, sorry. I saw someone mention using an agent's 800k as proof of funds for your RV instead of your own.Bob **********
@Heath *********
yes about 25Kfor the first 15 months then 12.500 for the next year extensionMarc ********
@Heath *********
I don't know what RV is but yes the agent will "provide" the 800k in an account in your nameHeath **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marc *******
sorry I assumed people would know what I was talking about as soon as I mentioned 800k. Haha sorry RV Retirement Visa.Marc ********
@Heath *********
Ah ok yes for the retirement visa they will transfere 800k in an account and withdraw it againDudley *********
@Marc *******
doesn't it still need to be there for your 90 day check-in?Todd *********
@Dudley ********
no.Marc ********
@Dudley ********
I guess soReply to
Marc ********
Reply
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