Should I apply for a retirement visa in the US or get an agent after arriving in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Application Process Non-O Visa Expatriate Guidance Bank Account Opening in Thailand

Nov 6, 2024

a month ago

Jeff *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m close to my 2 year window to go to retire in Thailand. Question, my spouse who just went to LA to Thai consulate to renew her passport made me think about this. Should I apply for a retirement visa in the US before I go or get an agent once I’m there?   No experience with any of this.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

This conversation discusses the best course of action for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, comparing the option of applying from the US versus hiring an agent after arriving in Thailand. Community members suggest that applying for a retirement visa (Non-O) before going can facilitate opening a bank account, essential for obtaining a 12-month extension. It is also mentioned that hiring an agent may not be necessary unless you're avoiding specific financial obligations.

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.

James **********

Read this group chat all the way back six months. Read some more, and do it again.

a month ago

Dieter *******

If you will avoid any financial obligations to get the retirement visa, take an agent. Otherwise an agent is not needed.

a month ago

Graham ******

Yes, better to enter on a retirement visa (usually Non-O, 90 day stamp) as this will make it easier to open a bank account which will be needed to get your 12 month extension

a month ago

Jeff *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

Thank you. I will save this post. My wife has a Bangkok bank account. Maybe I should just get added at some point after Non-O 90 day stamp

a month ago

Kool *******

@Jeff ********

the Thai bank account must be in your name only. You can not qualify if it is a joint account with a Thai person. A joint account is only accepted, and very seldom, if both parties are foreigners, in which case it needs to be double the bt800,000.

a month ago

Graham ******

@Jeff ********

Some Immigration Offices require that the bank account is in your name only but if they do accept a joint account then the financial requirement (800k for retirement) will double

a month ago

Ron ******

@Graham *****

Sounds like his wife is Thai so that changes the financial requirements depending on going down the marriage or retirement path.

a month ago

Graham ******

@Ron *****

yes but he specifically asked about a retirement visa extension which has a higher financial requirement but less documentation etc. required which is why some prefer it

a month ago

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Graham ******

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Should I apply for a retirement visa to Thailand in the UK or during my 60-day visit?

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