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What are my options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while exploring different locations?

retirement visaNON-O visaresidencyThailand immigrationexpat livingTM30 reporting
Feb 17, 2018
7 years ago
Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the ad guys!

We are thinking of retirement in Thailand and have been checking out different towns, cities, and islands..

But still undecided where...

So we are still extending tourist visas as we come in and out of the country, before we apply for residency.

love this group though!!!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses a couple's plans to retire in Thailand while currently extending their tourist visas. They seek advice on the process and options for obtaining a retirement visa, mentioning the importance of location choices (towns, cities, islands) in their decision-making. The comments provide various insights on visa types, including the NON-O and O-A visas, and the challenges of documentation for those frequently moving. Additionally, they clarify the requirements for applying for a retirement visa and address thoughts on residency eligibility.
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.
Andy ********
Getting to a point where you have to decide based upon the local immigration office . You will be actioning the TM30 card process and it is becoming an issue . As the 90 day reporting on line gets better that will be less so
7 years ago
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Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@JD ******
 Is that done at the immigration office, consulate, or where is the best place to start? thanks in advance. :-)
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Everytime you go the Immigration for your 90 day residence reporting, you never have to queue. I am in and out, in less than 15 minutes for mine.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
The THB is very strong at the moment, but the privileges & perks of the card are really useful as well. You never have to leave the country for the duration of the visa and if you do travel anywhere overseas by air, the airport assistance extended makes it really convenient. There is also a
****
concierge service, private banking help, etc....
7 years ago
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Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 hey Robert, this is Tamra. Wow I just did the conversion to USD. A bit pricey...
7 years ago
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Robert ********
They are headquartered in Bangkok, so you can apply directly, no need to use any agent.
7 years ago
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Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Robert ***********
7 years ago
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Robert ********
David, I am a member and can answer your questions about the Elite Visa.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
******************
7 years ago
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Robert ********
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Joe ***********
From reviewing the comments and replies... I suggest to the poster to buy an Elite Card... 500,000 Baht for Five Years... Then do it again year six
7 years ago
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Omer *********
For your information do Thai visa.com and it depends on you if you wish to live near hills or in the islands decide and make a good plan
7 years ago
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Omer *********
haha
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Sadly both are links to the credit card company and not the Thai Visa group for expats staying Thailand.
7 years ago
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Jon **********
@Robert ***********
 it’s the website for visa. As in the payment giant. Dont think hes scamming/spamming for visa.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Possibly, but the option to delete the link is there, which he declined, so misleading?
7 years ago
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Jon **********
Think he was suggesting thai visa website. Facebook adds links that it thinks match the comment. Benefit of the doubt here?
7 years ago
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Omer *********
Ok it is better to check Thai embassy or consulate in theirs respective countries
7 years ago
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Robert ********
This is spam....
@Tod ********
,
@Lloyd *******
.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
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Robert *******
Get the Non Immigrant O-A visa at your home country, on entrance Thailand you get stamped in for 1 year, report to nearest Immigration Office when you stay longer than 90 days. Travel around, enjoy your time.
7 years ago
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Alfonso ******
If you have good monies, a lot good place to choose for retirement depend you like cool high mountain region or near sea beach. Not enough monies, second option retirement at Thai temple .
7 years ago
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David **********
Lloyd is correct as it takes 20 years of retirement visa renewal to even apply for residents visa, even if married to Thai.

Good luck whatever you do. And have a blast
7 years ago
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Lloyd ********
Just to clarify, you will not be applying for residency. That is a totally different ball game. As retirees, you will never even be eligible to apply for residency.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
I'm well into my second decade living here and will remain for life :-)
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Housesitting is not popular out here as it is back in the west.
7 years ago
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Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 that's us!
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Reminder, if you stay in Thailand on a retirement visa, you are not permitted to work / be employed.
7 years ago
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Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
this is what our friend has suggested...
@Lloyd *******
There are two types of retirement visas; you can get a retirement visa from within the country ie no need to leave the country to activate it. First you apply for a non O visa which gives you 3 months here, which you then extend by 12 months on the basis of retirement effectively giving you 15 months in the kingdom. You need proof of funds, a copy of your rental contract, a copy of your landlord's housebook and ID and a copy of your TM30. If you are moving around housesitting then providing all of this documentation may not be possible for you to do. Rather than go back to your own country you can apply for a regular retirement visa at the Thai Consulate in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. I believe that this will allow you two years in the Kingdom if you leave and come back in on a multiple entry permit just before your first 12 months are completed.
7 years ago
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Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Maybe I phrased that wrong.
7 years ago
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Tamra **********
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Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Maurice ******
 :-) You all have so much wisdom....We will be calling on you soon!!
7 years ago
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Maurice *******
@Tamra *********
 am doing the same thing atm :)
7 years ago
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Maurice *******
@Tamra *********
 its a lot to get your head around isnt it
7 years ago
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Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
thanks.. We always check the Thai web page but, things change a bit..lol :-)
7 years ago
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Maurice *******
Tamra N David yea iam not the best one for Visa advise, trying to get my head around my own haha. but hope it works out for you :)
7 years ago
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Tamra **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maurice ******
 We are back in county next week. Doing and extension on a tourist visa...and we hope we get 90 days.
7 years ago
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Maurice *******
Good luck Guys, so many nice places to choose from
7 years ago
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Maurice *******
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Maurice *******
Keep us updated, where you find paradise within paradise
7 years ago
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Maurice *******
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