Answered3 years ago
What are the alternatives to meet the financial requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand?
What do I need to do to get a retirement visa when I don't meet the money requirements..... Anyone?
Answer summary
Many expats looking to secure a retirement visa in Thailand find the financial requirements challenging, particularly the need to have 800,000 THB (or the equivalent in pension income). Comments suggest various options including getting the necessary funds via a visa agent, marrying a Thai national (which reduces the financial requirement to 400,000 THB), or considering other visa types like student visas or non-O visas based on marriage. While agents are an option, their use raises concerns about legality and accountability. Discussions also cover the importance of holding the funds in a Thai bank account or a foreign account, and the importance of long-term financial planning for living in Thailand.
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Pertti *************
Buy company and get non b and wp. When you have enough in bank account rest of your life then you can retire like others🌴🍹
John ********
Aint going to happen
Ric ****
A Job...
Mike *******
Can I extend my 30 day VOA for 30 more days? Which is better Chaing Mai or Chaing Rai?
Graham ******
@Mike ******
You mean Visa Exempt 30 day entry which can be extended just once for 1900B at the Immigration Office serving the area where you are and have a TM30 registered.
Frances ********
@Graham *****
just once? I thought twice if by land border and unlimited if by airports. (Although IO not thrilled to see too many border runs in order to get another extension) but did that change? Just one now?Graham ******
@Frances *******
The once is the Tourism Extension per entry stampMike *******
whats a TM 30?
Graham ******
@Mike ******
Registration of a foreigner staying - completed by the hotel or landlord
Joe ******
Don't use an agent if you want to stay in Thailand seriously. If any law changes or agents are abolished you will not be able to renew, and will have to leave. Best to just save up and have peace of mind if you really want to live in Thailand.
Alma ***************
Joe Mann best advice !
David ********
Joe Mann I use an agent have way over 800k Thai baht in Thai bank account get over £6k a month from uk plus’s uk savings property etc etc
the reason I do is it’s so easy no waiting outside immigration for hours all loaded in like cattle it’s quick visit to bank for statement in immigration mins residents cert 90 day n renewal visa and multi entry stamp it’s all about time 🤙
the reason I do is it’s so easy no waiting outside immigration for hours all loaded in like cattle it’s quick visit to bank for statement in immigration mins residents cert 90 day n renewal visa and multi entry stamp it’s all about time 🤙
Steve **********
@David *******
You're not waiting in line, you're simply participating in the system.What else do you have to do ?
David ********
555 I’m still physically fit not at your stage in life yet so lots
Joe ******
@David *******
we are talking about if you don't have the financial requirements and use an agent to bypass the laws
Jan ******************
@Rikki *******
you could use a combination of income and money in your bank account, but in total it has to be 800K a year.
Rikki ********
OPThanks Jan
VaiAna **********
Go thru an agent . If you don't have one , I know of one that I used in Bangkok .
Wyn **********
Just ignore the negative lot go to a well known agent pay around
*****
for OA or *****
for O and enjoy your life in Thailand.
Doug *********
@Wyn *********
in other words, throw common sense to the winds, and give your money to some scamster.🙄🙄Wyn **********
@Doug ********
Ye or throw it in a scammy bank to rot.Graham ******
@Wyn *********
It will not rot in the 14 months you need to maintain a balance of 800k initially and 400k for the completion of your first 12 months extension
Wallace ******
How do I commit a crime and announce it on Facebook?
John ********
@Adonis **********
The marriage visa gives you twelve months the same as the retirement visa extension. Both are non immigrant 'O' visa, but one is based on marriage, the other one retirement.
Johnny *********
If you are retired and get pension then you can get visa if you get
*****
0 year after tax. You need confirm from your ambassador. As long account and pension together is. 800 it’s enoughJohn ********
@Johnny ********
Surprising Johnny how many are unaware that you can use a combination of Net pension plus money in Thai bank account together as you point out that come to 800k.Johnny *********
@John *******
you can find it under information from thai government but it must be payment to your Thai account after tax and you must have your ambassador to confirm and translated of courseJeff *******
@Johnny ********
ambassador? lol which country?David ********
Boys town moonlight
Ellwood **************
Oh I see - the Thais really play it straight !
Doug *********
@Ell****
Foreigners are more vulnerable to extortion. Why would any Farang want to get in that sewer?John ********
@Doug ********
Bit naive Doug me thinks. There are from what I have been told many farangs who use visa agents and have done for years.Doug *********
@Jo**
“from what [you] you have been told…”? I have lived and worked here since 1998, and since that time I’ve seen many foreigners who were scammed or extorted by visa agents and unscrupulous local lawyers. Just finished a trial against one.Naïve to think there’s no risk in using these people. It’s highly risky.Doug *********
Stay compliant in Thailand. Foreigners often get into serious trouble then they try to use "short cuts" with dodgy agents and local lawyers. Can't complain to anyone when that happens. Play it straight.
Alma ***************
@Doug ********
and this is where rules apply to be followed just like I said..but others think otherwise..
Bernie **********
Get some more money
Patrick ********
An agent can facilitate everything at a cost..
Doug *********
Visa agents are unaccoutable and often pay bribes. Use someone legit.
AxMdob *******
Go malaysia 3 month Philippines 3 month thailand 6 month no need visa , and have chance to see different culture
Jo**
@AxMdob ******
depending on your luck or the immi officer's mood. After a few times, Malaysia immigration might just give 7 days or even less or deny entry. A German buddy is facing that at each visa run.
Khanitcha ****************
Can do
Todd *********
@THAI *****************************
has your answers. You don’t need to do anything but pay the fee
Malcolm *******
Agent is your only option mate .
Don *********
If THB800k or THB65k per month is an issue I suggest you would struggle to find a decent quality of life here…
Jim ***********
Pay agent 40k
Sue **********
you cannot stay in Thailand then for more than 60 days like a tourist. Either apply for tourist visa 60 days and extend it at immigration or with a 30 day visa exempt and extend it 30 days.
BioNycc *****
I have the 800k baht and I’m retired and I’m only 41.
There’s no way around it other than do border runs for 9 years?!😂😂😂
There’s no way around it other than do border runs for 9 years?!😂😂😂
Steve **********
@BioNycc ****
tough being 'young', eh.BioNycc *****
@Steve *********
Hardest thing I’ve ever done 😝Steve **********
@BioNycc ****
by morning, with age. You usually forget the pain from the night before. Often you forget the night before !
BioNycc *****
@Steve *********
Life gets easier… but let’s talk about the aches and pains in the morning! 😂😂
Kim **********
@BioNycc ****
Add another 100K Baht and go for the 5-year Elite VisaBioNycc *****
@Kim *********
researching it now. Thank you!Kim **********
@BioNycc ****
You are welcome. Good luck
Rene ******
@BioNycc ****
elite visa?
Why****
And for those playing at home an FPV type visa is.... ?
BioNycc *****
@Why****
I don’t think there’s an FPV Visa 😂That’s my Pilot name so it’s what I go by on social media.
BioNycc *****
Duncan **********
@BioNycc ****
no age restriction. I got one as moved here in my 40's and wasn't married so it was the best practical option. The price has more than doubled though now for them compared to what I paid 4.5 years agoRene ******
@BioNycc ****
no idea, dont think so
Jo **********
you needa da moneya
Kool *******
You use an agency, that in this case technically acts as a loan shark, loaning you the money at an interest rate. Loan sharks are legal, and that is what agencies that do this fall under.
Jeff *******
@Kool ******
and the 3 month seasoning that doesn't happen? Seriously that was the worst bit of advice I've read for a while in a sea of shit advice on here.
Joe *********
@Kool ******
loan sharing is legal?Kool *******
@Joe ********
yes, as long as their interest charge does not exceed the legal limit. Think about the interest charged by a credit card as the max, about 28+%. Loan sharking is big business.
Ricky ******
Go Fund Me?🤔
Damo ***********
@Ricky *****
absolutely 100% GFM candidate. Most likely can not afford insurance, nor will attempt to take it out. The time he will realise he should have taken out insurance is when he is all banged up in hospital, and the doctor's are more concerned with him being able to pay before looking at or trying to heal his busted body... hence the GFM.. which I will take note of his name, so I can ignore it.Stephan ***********
@Ricky *****
Good one... made my day... 🤣
David *****
Don't bother
Frank **********
Can you even afford to retire here? If so an agent can help you.
Gray ******
Get married, or go to college
AxMdob *******
@Gray *****
also better the student visa it will save you a lot of money and paracetamol
Ann ************
@AxMdob ******
no education visa over 50Gray ******
@Ann ***********
***************************************************************************************
Australian Thai embassy does not have an age restriction
Gray ******
Just trying to help, I’m out!
Ann ************
@Gray *****
i did …. Thats why i came on a retirement visa insteadGray ******
@Ann ***********
Look for the requirements from the country you will apply from, the requirements will not be much different.Ann ************
@Gray *****
yep that’s for usa peopleGray ******
@Ann ***********
**********************************************************************
Gray ******
Ann ************
@Gray *****
my experience doesn’t count then i guess??Gray ******
@Ann ***********
I sat in real college classes with people over fifty on education visas, issued directly from immigration.Gray ******
@Ann ***********
visa office, do you mean immigration?Ann ************
Gray ******
@Ann ***********
I went to college with some people over 50.Ann ************
@Gray *****
i live here …. I tried to get in on education visa first but was told you cannot if you are over 50Gray ******
@AxMdob ******
A real college is a great option for 4-6 years of a visa, some include health insurance in the tuition.AxMdob *******
@Gray *****
thank this definitively change my planGray ******
@Ann ***********
Cite a source with an age limit of 50.
De *******************
Stay away from this country, nothing to do or to see here !
Steve **********
@De ******************
Aren't you the guy, asked to leave by Immigration Office.....shame on you.
Gym *****
@De ******************
you yourself live here and suggesting others to stay away. double faced oldmanDe *******************
@Guddu *******
I have my reason !
Michael *******
@De ******************
😂😂😂😂🤔🤔 thats not the reply he is looking for!Stephan ***********
@Michael ******
Nope... not at all... 🤣Stephan ***********
@De ******************
All good, mate... no worries... :-)De *******************
@Stephan **********
sorry, i just wished to help 🙏
Graham *******
you will be paying a lot for that again and again and again.
Stephan ***********
@Graham ******
And you'll beeing "on risk" all the time... 😁Graham *******
@Stephan **********
Why am I on risk?Stephan ***********
@Todd ********
I know exactly what the agent can do... and at least one of these options is clearly illegal... the other one halfways. But looks like Graham don't see any risk in this... that's why I want him to think about ("...what do you think..."). I'm stupid, but not that stupid... 😎😏😀🤣Todd *********
@Stephan **********
‘what do you think the agent can do’ was your question. Sounded like you don’t know. answer is… the agent can make that go away. Ur welcome
Stephan ***********
@Todd ********
There's no doubt that the agent will sort it out. Did I say he can't? Nope...Todd *********
@Stephan **********
lol. What? The agent will sort that out. Where have you been?!? Cmon manGraham *******
@Stephan **********
I can fulfil the requirements. I will do my first renewal in June. Usually, Maga trash who cannot find the money.Stephan ***********
@Graham ******
What do you think an agent can do if you don't fulfill the requirements? Not too many options, right?
Paul ********
Talk to Thai Visa
@THAI *****************************
Damo ***********
Stay where you are and just ‘visit’ Thailand on tourist visa
Steve *******
marry a rich women.
Bryce *******
@Steve ******
That conflicts with the man's role of being a provider. Yep, I'm old and old fashioned.Steve *******
@Bryce ******
"What do I need to do to get a retirement visa when I don't meet the money requirements".....it was a joke. Don't get so old that you lose your sense of humour.Bryce *******
@Steve ******
That excellent woman in the pic with you will keep you healthy for a goodly number of years. I'm counting on my Thai woman to do same for me.Steve *******
@Bryce ******
ill be 70 this year.💀Bryce *******
@Steve ******
Everything's a joke to you gosh darn kids! And get off my lawn!Why****
NO NO NO... do not do this, it makes the situation worse because she is well educated and well informed and well connected, you will enhance the headache 🤦
Alma ***************
Isn't it that's why there are requirements to follow to qualify?
Alma ***************
@David *******
which mask?Todd *********
@Alma **************
that’s for people who love rules. Keeps them in line and makes them feel like they are still in their shitty home country. It’s greatJoe ******
@Todd ********
silly excuse 🤣Alma ***************
@Todd ********
don't we all need rules to abide?Todd *********
Beverly **********
The 800K baht is non-negotiable.
Either in country or abroad, some kind of bank account.
If abroad, you follow the guidelines for an O-A retirement visa...having those funds in your account in the US or the UK or Australia or Germany or wherever.
If within the country, the funds will need to be in a Thai bank account.
Or if you are married to a Thai, then the money is half the 800K baht or 400k and you do the visa for that status.
Either in country or abroad, some kind of bank account.
If abroad, you follow the guidelines for an O-A retirement visa...having those funds in your account in the US or the UK or Australia or Germany or wherever.
If within the country, the funds will need to be in a Thai bank account.
Or if you are married to a Thai, then the money is half the 800K baht or 400k and you do the visa for that status.
Neal *******
@Beverly *********
Am I correct that for O-A the 800k in a bank account in the applicant’s home country only needs to be there for a specific length of time prior to the visa application and can be withdrawn after the visa is issued? OP could borrow and return the money???Steve **********
@Beverly *********
Or retirement income, pension, Soc Sec, etc wired to your Thai account monthly, in excess of 65,000 bahtshown as FTT. ( foreign transfer ).
Rick *********
@Beverly *********
I see a variety of guidances on this. If applying in the home country, can the bank account with the money be in the home country, or does it have to be in a thai bank account? The info on the Embassy site in Washing DC is not clear at all.Beverly **********
@Rick ********
I used the OA Retirement Visa using funds in my IRA in America. There are many additional requirements for the OA, some hoops to jump through, including insurance, health forms, bank statements and letter from the bank, and FBI fingerprint and background clearance. Once I moved to Thailand, I opened two bank accounts and since moving back to America, I'm sending money into those accounts fairly regularly. I'll be able to use the Thailand banks statements when I move back to Thailand in a few yearsBryce *******
@Beverly *********
thumbs up for thoughtful, legit response.Rick *********
@Beverly *********
Huge help, thanks. That is exactly what I want to do! cheers
Adonis ***********
@Beverly *********
Just Clarifing your Advice,if you are Married to a Thai National,you only require 400,000 baht in your Thai Bank Account,for a Retirement Visa,.Is this what you are Informing us,cheersJohn ********
@Adonis **********
No that is for a marriage visa. If you want a retirement visa extension you need either 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account in your name. Or 65,000 a month pension paid into your Thai bank and proof it's a pension. Or a combination of pension plus money in your Thai bank account that is equal to 800,000 per annum. So if you have 400,000 pension, then you only need 400,000 thb in your Thai bank and proof for any of these scenarios that the money comes from outside Thailand. Other than this, as some have suggested as long as your over 50 and have some sort of income then agents can sort it for you.Adonis ***********
@John *******
Thanks for your Feedback,as i will soon be Marrying Leagally My Thai Partner of 4 Years,I'll be Definatly be looking at a,Spouse Visa.
John *********
@Adonis **********
yes, Non-O marriage visa requires only B400k.
Steven ***************
@Adonis **********
No. That's the financial requirement for a spouse visa for a foreign husband/ thai wife. Foreign wife/ thai husband is 0 baht. Don't ask me why.Steven ***************
@Stephan **********
. You can work on a spouse visa( with permit). You can't on a retirement visa. Also need to be 50+ for retirement visa. Good luck finding work here as a 50+ foreigner nowadays.Stephan ***********
@Steven **************
I don't even understand why you need as a single 800k, but only 400k after you married a complete family... 🤣For the 0 baht... maybe because the Thai men are well known as good "caretaker"? 🤔🙄😁
Stephan ***********
@Adonis **********
No... then it's not Non-O "based on retirement" anymore, then it's Non-O "based on marriage". Different kind of visa, different requirements. For a "retirement" you will always need the 800k or the 65k/month.
Victor *********
What’s the age of retirement visa
Beverly **********
@Victor ********
Age 50 and beyond.
Carlein *******
Go to an agent
Jim *********
visa agent will sort you out.
Jeffrey ************
Save up...
Janet ********
@Jeffrey ***********
sad reply
Matthew *******
@Janet *******
how is being truthful sad ?Joe ******
@Janet *******
you need money for a retirement visa, if he doesn't have it, saving up is the only option.Joe ******
@Ady *****
you talk like you have shite all 🤣
Ady ******
Joe Mann you talk some shite
Jeffrey ************
@Janet *******
But true.......Activity
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