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Is there a long-term reward for continuously renewing a retirement visa in Thailand?
Jun 30, 2023
3 years ago
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTERSerious question here. With the retirement visa’s that you get and keep extending, then reapplying. Is there any long term prize/reward?
Say after 5 years, do you get one year free, or do they go well done,now you are Thai, don’t worry about the visa’s anymore. You can just stay as long as you want now. Looking long term here.
Thank everyone.
Say after 5 years, do you get one year free, or do they go well done,now you are Thai, don’t worry about the visa’s anymore. You can just stay as long as you want now. Looking long term here.
Thank everyone.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among the community is that there are no long-term rewards for continuously renewing a retirement visa in Thailand. While immigrants can extend their visa indefinitely as long as they meet the requirements, there is no automatic progression to permanent residency or any financial bonuses after a specified duration. For permanent residency, individuals generally need to work and pay taxes in Thailand for several years, with paths also available through marriage. Some users humorously noted that staying longer may even lead to stricter scrutiny from immigration authorities.
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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David *****
Thai retirement Visa
Somsak ************
Yes, You can apply permanent residence.
Dave **********
I think they give Green Stamps, you're probably not old enough to even know what those are :-)
Colin ********
@Dave *********
are they even still a thing? I collected them for years, but I was so busy collecting them I forgot to cash them in 😄😄Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave *********
judging from your profile pic next to your comment I am a lot older than you. Other than a green stamp referring to cash though, still have no idea what you mean.Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Ken ******
you are rewarded by thai hospitality
Somsak ************
@Ken *****
if you donate blood, yes, hospital free.Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ken *****
this is true.Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Phillip ********
🤣😂🤣
David **********
Thailand should just give you a visa if you purchase property in the country. I'm not going to splash-out for a condo but if they sweeten the deal by giving me a visa I'd do it. As some may know, it's quite a hassle to stay legal here, especially if one is not the youngest anymore.
Jim ********
@David *********
It's actually easier for older people to stay than younger ones. Over 50 it's a doddleDavid **********
@Jim *******
But they mandate things like health insurance for older folks - that can cost over $1,500 a year - steep for something most will never ever use.Jim ********
@David *********
Health insurance is not compulsory for the "over 50" visa in Thailand, although it's strongly advisedDavid **********
@Jim *******
Will check. Have also heard from one source that 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account is also not compulsory. It came from the mouth of someone who is married to a Thai woman - they probably gave him the retirement visa because of that.Jim ********
@David *********
Instead of the 800k in the bank you can use the 65k per month transfer method. Money is yours to use as soon as you get it. The Married to a Thai visa is different, it's not a retirement visa and requires only 40k per month transfer (although how anyone can live on that beats me but many seem to do it)Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
Sel *****
Even for the $17k 5 years Elite Visa you only get a USB stick as a thank you 😂
Bryn ********
Don’t kid yourself. Yer here strictly on probation. Checking in with the parole officer every three months is mandatory.
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bryn *******
yeah yeah I am hearing ya. Just thought I would ask how things proceed. Get some good tips here sometimes. Cheers🍻Bryn ********
@Sam ****
Wishin’ ya luck. I’ve just got to the point I’ll only stay during the winter tourist season. Can’t take the heat and humidity. I’d head south but I’m just not a beach guy.Reply to
Bryn ********
Reply
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ********
did you just find new emoji’s? Keep them coming.😁Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Graeme **********
What are you on
Graeme **********
Must be the ‘High’ ya gettin from life eh buddy
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graeme *********
you know it.Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graeme *********
high on life buddy. Don’t take everything so literal and then to heart. Didn’t mean any harm.Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alessandro *********
yeah true that. Was just being a little felicitous with the prize / reward comment Thought I might find the golden ticket advice here on how things proceed 10 / 20 years down the track. I am still feeling quite optimistic though. 😁Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Colin ********
It's not a lottery, there is no prize or gamification 😆😆
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin *******
please refer to Charles comment above.😜Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Kevin *********
Buy One.
Get One Free.
Sale Now On.
Get One Free.
Sale Now On.
Danger ******
Hopefully, that's not a serious question. Duh.
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Danger *****
nup totally, wasn’t sure if this is what people did til they Karked it or what. 30 plus years of the same deal seems a bit retarded is allDanger ******
I've been here 6 years and look forward to spending 1900 baht a year in future to remain in this wonderful country.
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Danger *****
nice tip cheers 🍻Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Danger ******
@Sam ****
Well. Thailand has a permanent resident program. 5 seconds to Google it.Reply to
Danger ******
Reply
Charles ***********
Yes there's a prize. The prize is we get to stay in Thailand and not have to return to our home countries, unless we really want to.
Eric *********
@Charles **********
or unless you have to. I.e. forced to.Reply to
Eric *********
Reply
Cliff *********
No.
But the reward is you get to live in Thailand year after year.
Not bad huh?
But the reward is you get to live in Thailand year after year.
Not bad huh?
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cliff ********
wasn’t complaining just asking a question. And definitely not bad at all.Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Polo *********
Such a nonsense!
John ********
After 20 years abidin all the rules at my last retirement ext i was rewarded with a five hour wait on a very hard chair.
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
Ah Thailand the land of uncomfortable chairs. They are really lucky they have so much else going for them. Most oldies backs are just holding up 😂😂Eric *********
@John *******
some of these will be rewarded with a very hard dick in the ass, so I suggest they get lubed upReply to
Eric *********
Reply
Kevin *******
Learn to read write and speak thai then apply for thai citizenship ! Easy lol
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin ******
I actually agree with you here. I was just seriously asking as I wasn’t sure if you just kept doing the same thing for like 30 years or what really.Alistair **********
@Sam ****
if you want permanent residency you have to work and pay taxes here for at least 3yrs before applying, this can eventually lead to citizenship. Working can also provide you with Thai social security, which allows you free use of government hospitals. So if you plan to live here for a long time and are young enough it's not a bad ideaEric *********
@Alistair *********
crap advice. Knowing the right people, greasing the right palms and paying tea money is the quickest and simplest way. I also speak fluent Thai and Issan which means they can't fool an old farang too.Reply to
Eric *********
Reply
Eric *********
@Kevin ******
did that 10 years ago. I've also got a gun licenceKevin *******
@Eric ********
what you shooting ?Eric *********
@Kevin ******
generally, people. I get paid to do it. I'm a mechanicReply to
Kevin *******
Reply
Tulip ********
Yes, it's a points based system and don't forget points mean prizes. And don't forget the cuddly toy
Michael *******
Do not pass go, do not collect $200.
VaiAna **********
San Sam , what a F'ckn Awesome deal ! Do you work for Walmart ? Buy one and get the second one for half price ?
Eric *********
Get your bellend out at immigration and you get an all inclusive stay at the Bang Kwang hotel with room service and wall to wall ladyboys
Chris ******
Reply to
Chris ******
Reply
Jack *********
I've extended twice and now I'm full blooded Thai. They gave me the key to the city and made me an honorary chief.
Timothy **********
Nationalisation after 5 years if you meet the requirements
Martyn ***********
I think your on the wind up mate...
Mark ********
That's what I love about this site...nothing. Everyone's a smart a*se know all.
Chris ******
@Mark *******
Thai forum's are notoriously pathetic... beer and broken hearts could be to blame .Reply to
Chris ******
Reply
Duncan **********
Oh the buy 5 get 1 free deal
Dave *********
@Duncan *********
It's good immigration are doing this now. I got a free bottle of water at the petrol station the other day and a key ring at Amazon. Good to see immigration are doing free deals now too.Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Gray ******
After 5 years, they moved my immigration office. I guess they don’t want me to renew.
Shayne **********
USD $60 per year and you're worried about getting a bonus? It's not that hard.
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shayne *********
nah was just checking for some insight to the future, from those who go before me.Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Jeff *********
You are dreaming, the longer you stay the more they don’t trust you! lol
Steve ********
I've had 14 can I have free icecream
Dave **********
@Steve *******
been here 23 years and went to a LTR Visa, .Steve ********
@Dave *********
I've been here 25 but I only 63 so had a double on one yearReply to
Steve ********
Reply
Kathalyn *******
Which country does this?Yours?
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kathalyn ******
I didn’t realise every country was keeping up with each other. I thought that’s why everyone loves Thailand in the first place , because it is good differentLynnette *******
Kathalyn Ayers imagine trying to stay in UK or USA long-term so easily.
Jarek ************
@Lynnette ******
no one in their right mind would wanna stay in the US/UK or Canada 😂😂Lynnette *******
@Jarek ***********
really? Where did you live that made you think that?Jarek ************
@Lynnette ******
Canada for 17 years, some trips to the US and Europe... Overrated shit holes with nazi governments, increasing crime rate, shit healthcare and education system, rising taxes and cost of living. But I guess some love the rat race and enslavement...Reply to
Jarek ************
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
You wish, right? Could make sense, right? But: TIT. Anyways, closest thing what you describe would be "Permanent Residency". But no, this is not awarded automatically after a certain period of stay. You would need to have worked and paid taxes in the country for a while to be eligible to apply for the PR. If I remember correctly, another way would be through marriage.
Jo **********
@Frank-Steven **********
and speak ThaiBrandon ************
@Frank-Steven **********
I think the marriage only without work is just for females.Frank-Steven ***********
@Brandon ***********
Curious: Would your LTR in the remote working category make one eligible for a PR? I would expect not. But I don’t know.Brandon ************
@Frank-Steven **********
unfortunately not because you're exempt from taxes for remote work. Can't even get a work permit which I really wanted for getting a credit card and other things.Jo **********
@Brandon ***********
actually you may be able. if you have been here for 5 years and speak Thai it’s possible. not saying it’s going to happen but it would be possibleFrank-Steven ***********
@Brandon ***********
I see. I thought so. And yes: The “digital” work permit thing was amongst the things phrased confusing. It sounded like all LTR holders could get them. Thought one could work for a Thai company on the side, too. Oh well, but I guess there is worse things in life than tax-free income. Might give the LTR another go myself.Chris ************
@Frank-Steven **********
@Brandon ***********
the LTR for purpose of remote work get a work permit if also working for a local Thai Company.Taxed with 17% then. Taxfree only for foreign income.
How that could create an entitlement for a later residence... don't know yet.
Brandon ************
@Chris ***********
the "highly skilled professional" LTR is specifically for people that work for a Thai company and includes the special tax rate and work permit. It's mutually exclusive with LTR-T.Chris ************
@Brandon ***********
i talked about remote, meaning the "working from thailand" category. Can work remote taxfree, take jobs also from/for thai companies, but need for each company a different work permit.
Was my friend and his lawyer told from BOI just now being in the process...
Brandon ************
@Chris ***********
you said "the LTR for purposes of remote work". That's the LTR-T remote worker for foreign company. If you have that visa you cannot get a job with a Thai company according to the BOI.Brandon ************
@Chris ***********
the BOI told someone in the past that had the LTR-T (the remote worker version) that if they later got a job with a Thai company they would need to cancel their LTR (no refunds) and apply for a non-B as they're not allowed to get a work permit on the LTR-T.Brandon ************
@Frank-Steven **********
I'm American so there's no such thing as tax free income 😅Frank-Steven ***********
@Brandon ***********
Damn. That’s right. World income principle. I hope it is at least a good bit less taxes than if you were in the US.Reply to
Frank-Steven ***********
Reply
Mark ********
Try Thai Elite visa if you have the coin.
Ruth *******
@Mark *******
that doesn’t solve the problem askedIvan ************
@Ruth ******
it solves it for up to 20 years.Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ivan ***********
yeah well if I go out young, that might be the ticket 😂Reply to
Sam *****
Reply
Mark ********
@Ruth ******
Sshhh.Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
John ********
Nothing is free in Thailand and the answer to your question is No its a life time commitment
Henrik **************
What planet are you from 👽?
Andrew *********
It's Thailand, if anything they will charge you more the longer you stay
Judy *******
The straight answer is no. You extend your visa forever
Brandon ************
There's not a punchcard. Immigration isn't a cafe.
Your prize is you get to stay in Thailand another year if you meet the requirements.
Your prize is you get to stay in Thailand another year if you meet the requirements.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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