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What are some recommendations for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand, particularly for financial assistance?
Aug 21, 2024
2 years ago
Peter ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, I live in Jomtien, any recommendations on who to use to renew retirement visa including looking after the financial side of things, have a quote of 16,800 at the moment. TIA
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user in Jomtien seeks recommendations for agents to renew a retirement visa, mentioning a quote of 16,800 THB. Comments suggest various agents, prices, and methods of renewal, with some users recommending doing the renewal independently for cost savings. The discussion spans different quotes, services, and the importance of choosing reputable agencies, indicating a range of experiences with the visa process in Thailand.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Mathias ******
Can absolutely recommend
FS CONSULTING or Stefan Fabbro here on FB !!
FS CONSULTING or Stefan Fabbro here on FB !!
Hugh **********
Question folks newbie here. I don’t want to go the 800.000baht route, for the 65k route does that have to be set up in your country and through the Thai embassy. Thank you.
Kool *******
@Hugh *********
Thai immigration for the 65k route only accepts an income/pension notarized verification letter from your embassy the first time, and lots of embassies no longer issue them. What is your passport country?Hugh **********
@Kool ******
thanks. UK and USA.Reply to
Hugh **********
Reply
Ar *******
I’m guessing the price must be more when it’s a first time visa application. A friend of mine moved to Pattaya , she got a retirement visa with agency . They did everything for her but it cost 29,000 baht plus 5000 for multi entry. The agency even does her 90 day reports and assisted her with getting a condo ( not part of the service ) but just on recommendation of a real estate agent in jomtiem area. She saw the agent on buzzin Pattaya blogs giving advice and contacted them , she recommended it to another friend and he got same service but without multi entry. I will be moving over soon and I intend to use the same agent. English guy Mark and his Thai partner, one stop visa service, not sure where in Pattaya. My friend travels a lot but uses jomtiem as her base, she is from UK originally and found Mark very helpful. I suppose most agents will be ok to use but if you get a personal recommendation then it’s sometimes feels more reassuring.
Wyn **********
Maneerat Soi
****
by post office 12,500 OA renewal.David *********
15k over there I would have thought ..
Jon ********
Mots....
Jim ************
I think I pay 23,000 bhat here in Phuket.This is for retirement visit with multiple entry and I don't need a certain amount in checking.
Those that do themselves, power to you but I'm happy paying for my convenience.
Those that do themselves, power to you but I'm happy paying for my convenience.
Terri *********
@Jim ***********
hi Jim I’m coming in March to Phuket can I please have the agent you used? I want to retire there but I’m not going to put 800,000 baht in the bank! That’s all I have to get started there 😂 much appreciated 🥰Jim ************
@Terri ********
sure- tmt visa services Good luck with moving here. It's been great for me - I've met so many helpful people and made great friends.
Terri *********
@Jim ***********
thank you so much I’m so excited!! Maybe when I get there you and your partner if you have one can meet up for a meal and drink on me 🥰Jim ************
@Terri ********
sounds good!Reply to
Jim ************
Reply
Michelle *****************
@Jim ***********
could you send me the agency you went to in PhuketJim ************
@Michelle ****************
TMT visa servicesMichelle *****************
@Jim ***********
thank youReply to
Michelle *****************
Reply
Martin *********
@Jim ***********
Can anyone offer this service /price in Chiang Mai ?Martin *********
@Jim ***********
Is that for a 5 year or 10 year visa Jim ?THAI ******************************
@Martin ********
We also offer visa services which can be used from Phuket 🙏You can try contact our team here:
**********************
Martin *********
@THAI *****************************
looking for Chiang Mai ideallyTHAI ******************************
@Martin ********
We are one of the few agnecies which can service all of thailand via post 🙏Reply to
THAI ******************************
Reply
Jim ************
@Martin ********
no sir- sorry for confusion. It's a non o one year retirement visa with multiple entry.They set up a bank account for me the same day and took care of the required deposit amount, perhaps it's less expensive for my renewal.
Seems maybe expensive, especially to those that do themselves but I'm ok with the fee. Keeps me from having to leave the country unless I choose
Eric ******
@Jim ***********
So you didn't have to transfer $800 baht? If so, it pays for itself while your money collects interest. Any potential downside to it? What happens if immigration finds out, or can they? That is the route I would choose if no risk involved.Jim ************
@Eric *****
the service agents are in good standing and reputable, it's probably just the way the system works. Yes , I feel it pays for itself by my not having to leave the country for 15 months
Martin *********
@Jim ***********
no problem bud any other agent in CM welcome to contact me regarding visa ?Jim ************
@Martin ********
not sure but if I had to guess I would say probably even lower. Things tend to be tad more expensive around PhuketReply to
Jim ************
Reply
THAI ******************************
In Bangkok, we offer full-service extensions where you don’t even need to leave your home.
For those outside of Bangkok, we can handle everything via post, ensuring a seamless process no matter where you are.
While there are many agencies in Thailand, it’s crucial to choose one with a long-standing reputation and a proven track record of success.
We also provide
For prices just send our team a message, and explain your situation. For exact pricing they may need to see a photo of your last visa stamp as well.
For those outside of Bangkok, we can handle everything via post, ensuring a seamless process no matter where you are.
While there are many agencies in Thailand, it’s crucial to choose one with a long-standing reputation and a proven track record of success.
We also provide
****
support through our LINE account, so you can reach us anytime for emergency assistance or any other help you might need: **********************
For prices just send our team a message, and explain your situation. For exact pricing they may need to see a photo of your last visa stamp as well.
Deb ********
Dan about Thailand on FB interviewed an agent.
Glenn *********
@Deb *******
Dan from thaiand talks out his back door..been living here 25 year's and travelling most of thailand. Would not watch that Dan information myself...Deb ********
@Glenn ********
Well I find him very informative, if you're such a know it all why don't you do your own vlog instead of rubbishing others. Everyone in life has different circumstances, different lives and I always take that into account when reading others opinions.Do you have kids, are you a different age, have a Russian wife, do you work? If your answer is no to some of those questions then you will surely have a different experience to Dans! All sorts of things need to be taken into account!
Glenn *********
@Deb *******
I am a single dad daughter nearly,18 son 6 years..i don't do bloggs to make money everything I do in chonburi and information I give out is free..respected for helping Thai and foreign people....i am messaged frequently for advice...i dont need to be a know it all. I do what I do for charity and the good of the community at my own costs not making money from you tube . thanks for your reply..regards GlennDeb ********
@Glenn ********
Well bless you for doing that!Reply to
Deb ********
Reply
Glenn *********
Royal thai visa 12.500 BAHT..south Pattaya road pattaya Thai ..Mr Niels colov.
Peter *********
@Glenn ********
Couldn`t find anything on that name. Has it changed?Glenn *********
@Peter ********
please try @Niels ******
and message him on Facebook page...he owner of royal Thai visa.. just mention Glenn...Reply to
Glenn *********
Reply
Graham *******
mots services 15k I think, for naughty boys.
Charles **********
I’ve renewed my retirement visa myself several times, it’s very easy and you’ll save money.
Todd *********
@Charles *********
you won’t save a nickel if you have 800k sitting at 0%. You will loseCharles **********
@Todd ********
that’s why I don’t go the 800k TB route.Michael *******
@Todd ********
SCB pay 2.5% 20k p.a before tax - almost what folks pay for agent….Todd *********
@Michael ******
Good info. 2.5% per tax mitigates the damage for sure if it's an eligible account. I make 8.2% pre-tax (10%) in Mexico so net is 7.38%. Which would more than cover the agent cost and leave you some beer money. Agent renewals can be found for about $16k still, but maybe not everywhere.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Charles **********
@Todd ********
I know that, but I don’t go that route. I have more than 65.000 TB being deposited into my Thai Bank acct each month, I then get the appropriate letter and statement from the bank in the morning before going to Immigration with the completed form, photos, copies, etc., pay the Visa fee (somewhere around 2,100 TB) and it’s usually done in less than 30 minutes. We live in Samrong, Samutprakan near Bearing BTS, So I go to the Samutprakan Immigration Office.Todd *********
@Charles *********
the 65k route is definitely a much better way to go!Charles **********
@Todd ********
Yes it is, I’ve done that a few time and I always do it myself as it’s very easy. However, the last time the Thai Immigration Senior Officer, gave me a hard time saying the transfers to my Thai bank account have to come from a U.S, government agency, not my U.S. bank. I always use Wise Transfer Service to send the $ from my U.S. bank to my Thai bank. The immigration guidance I saw 4 years ago when I did it last said nothing about my transfer coming from a U.S. govt agency to my Thai bank account. He eventually approved it after yelling. I’m thinking maybe he gets a payoff from the agents foreigners pay to do this for them and he was pissed. I did it myself and he gets nothing.Todd *********
@Charles *********
for sure it’s very easy to do by oneself. Some absolute chimpanzees here manage it every year. But it’s not smart financially with the 800k way and not many retirees are big fans of bureaucracy wasting their time. So I can understand either side. That’s interesting about the Immigration officer. You were using the same immigration office you always have? (This type of frustration is one reason why so many turn to agencies). Each office has its own take on the requirements and some are definitely harder than others. Also agree that Wise still seems to be the best way to transfer in. Nicely done
Charles **********
@Todd ********
yes, we stay in Samrong, Samutprakan when we are there and use their Immigration Office every time as we also have a house there.Todd *********
@Charles *********
you will probably have zero issues next time! EnjoyCharles **********
@Todd ********
Tks.Reply to
Charles **********
Reply
Kool *******
You'll have more problems trying to switch agents than you'd have just staying with who you used before. When you don't have the money agents get very protective not to lose you.
Lloyd *********
@Kool ******
total bollocks, new agency will welcome you..Done it, no problems, and only charged 12,500Thelittle ************
@Lloyd ********
DM this agent pleaseLloyd *********
@Thelittle ***********
as you live in Doha I don't think they can help you 😕Thelittle ************
@Lloyd ********
I am living in BangkokLloyd *********
Reply to
Lloyd *********
Reply
Kool *******
@Lloyd ********
then the agent you use is what the OP is looking for.Lloyd *********
@Kool ******
correct, if he wants to PM me I will inform him, 🙂Reply to
Lloyd *********
Reply
THAI ******************************
@Kool ******
We can’t speak for other agencies, but our clients have always transitioned smoothly when switching to our services.In fact, we often assist clients in making the switch away from our services if they choose to manage their visa process on their own. It's entirely possible to do so without agency help if that’s their preference.
Kool *******
@THAI *****************************
that is true in that respect, but this OP is looking at switching agencies, not doing it on his own after being with an agent because he can't meet the financial requirement. I've known people that ran into serious problems trying to do that. Can you help him at a cheaper price than he was quoted?THAI ******************************
@Kool ******
Unfortunately, we can't match that price, as it applies to in-person attendance in Pattaya.Our service is designed for hands-off renewals, so there’s no need for you to be physically present.
If you opt to go in person with a local agency in Pattaya, you may find a slightly lower cost. However, everyone has different priorities when it comes to choosing a visa service.
For some, the lowest cost is the primary concern. For others, convenience, reliability, and peace of mind are more important.
Our clients tend to value the ability to manage their case from anywhere in Thailand, the assurance of responsive service, real-time tracking, and the convenience of not needing to visit our offices.
Kool *******
@THAI *****************************
do you have any experience when people try to swift agents when they can't meet the financial requirement?Todd *********
@Kool ******
it’s naive to think it’s a matter of ‘can’t meet the financial requirements’. Bringing 800k over (with costs) to sit in a Thai bank at 0% is only for the financially foolish.Eric ******
@Todd ********
That equates to almost $90-$100 a month depending on how your money is deployed. And with the new 60+30 exemption, seems like a no brainer to me, especially if you go home once a year or spend time traveling to surrounding countries.Todd *********
@Eric *****
yes, that’s a fact. Call it $1200 a year. Not much. But nothing I would throw in the garbage either. The 60+30 is a great change. If you travel out of the country often enough, you don’t even need to bother with a visa. Only annoyances are the regular immigration trips +1900 for extensions and then having to leave every 90 days. Might not bother some people
THAI ******************************
@Kool ******
As long as you have your passport in hand, you can switch to another agency without any issues. The agency does not know when you have extended with another agency other than the fact that you did not show up the next year.The only potential problem might arise if your current agency is already processing your case and still holds your passport when you decide to switch.
Occasionally, additional fees may apply if you’re switching from one province to another, depending on the specific circumstances. This is why we always review case history thoroughly and provide a final quote.
Did someone mention that you couldn’t switch, or has something happened that concerns you?
Kool *******
@THAI *****************************
it's not that you couldn't switch. It is that in most cases you did not meet the financial requirements of the bt800,000 in your account for three months after getting your stamp, and then never letting the balance drop below bt400,000 for the rest of the year, as you don't have the bank book to prove it.THAI ******************************
@Kool ******
Most agencies should be well-equipped to assist with this situation.If you're considering supporting yourself without an agency after previously relying on one, make sure you meet the financial requirements independently and have correctly filed your TM30.
Reply to
THAI ******************************
Reply
Steve *******
By “looking after the financial side of things” do you mean that you do not have the required funds in a bank?
This does not seem overly expensive if that is the case. Why not use your original agent?
This does not seem overly expensive if that is the case. Why not use your original agent?
Peter ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve ******
just seeing what’s about, thanksReply to
Peter ********
Reply
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