Answered2 years ago

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

Jeff *********

asked Nov 6, 2024

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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.

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.

8 repliesnewest first

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James **********

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

2 years ago

Dieter *******

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

2 years 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

2 years ago

Jeff *********

@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

2 years 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.

2 years 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

2 years 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

2 years ago