Answered4 years ago

What are the best options for obtaining a Retirement Visa in Thailand considering my recent visa history?

Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Non-OA Visa Tourist Visa Visa Extensions Visa Rules Thailand

Nicholas *******

asked Aug 30, 2022

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Hi - I'm looking for advice in relation to obtaining a Retirement Visa, taking into account that I have resided in the Thailand since October 2021 (1x 60 Day tourist Visa, 30 day TR extension + 4 x Covid Extensions).

I leave Thailand for the UK in mid-September and would like to return to Thailand after 4 weeks away and reside here for 12 months as a 'retiree'. Would it be a bad idea to apply for a Tourist Visa to re-enter Thailand? My concern is that I don't appear to be a 'Tourist' based on my passport history for the past 11 months. Therefore I will have wasted time and money applying for one should my application be rejected. So instead I should rule out the TR-Visa route and focus on either Non-O or Non-OA applications in the UK.

One further question - I have read that with an Non-OA it is possible to make it last for almost two years. I don't understand how this is possible and whether it will continue to be possible. Is there a post where I can read all about this? This appears to be one of the main benefits of the Non-OA that would make me consider going that route over the Non-O.

Thanks in advance for any advice offered :-)

Answer summary

The user seeks advice on applying for a Retirement Visa in Thailand due to their recent visa history and upcoming travel plans. They express concern about applying for a Tourist Visa given their long-term stay in Thailand and consider focusing on Non-O or Non-OA visa applications instead. A comment elaborates on the Non-O visa application process and suggests using a visa exemption for re-entry. Another comment explains how to extend the OA visa for nearly two years through re-entry before expiration, including insurance requirements.

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Tod *********

As far as getting two years of stay out of an OA visa that is valid for a year, it works like this

The OA visa is a year-long, multi-entry visa, meaning it's unlimited entry during it's validity and every entry gets you stamped in for a new year (if you have insurance for that length of time).

What you do is just before the VISA itself expires is exit/re-enter the country and you'll get stamped in for a whole new year (or as long as your insurance is valid for up to a year) That's how you get 2 years of stay out of a visa valid for one.

Keep in mind Oct 1st the OA visa requires a 3 million baht insurance policy which is quite an increase from the 40K/400K baht one that is currently required, and remember you can only get an OA visa in your country, it requires a background check, a medical certificate, proof of funds, and proof of insurance.

4 years ago

Nicholas *******

Thanks Todd. For the OA visa I was struggling in my research with how to get a medical certificate in my home town and also I had failed to think through the health insurance policy. Yes, I will want health insurance but it would be for far less than the 3 million baht coverage now being requested. Thanks for making me think that through. The OA is even less appealing to me now.

4 years ago

Tod *********

One thing to consider is that getting the O visa/yearly extension issued inside the country does not require insurance, back ground check, medical certificate, only proof of funds. So it's more attractive to many people.

4 years ago

Tod *********

I think your easiest option is to come back on a visa exempt entry which will be for 45 days starting Oct 1st, then get the 800K baht funds transferred into a thai bank account in your name only, go to the immigration office apply for the 90 day Non-O visa for 2000baht, wait for the under review period to run down (14-20 days depending on the office) then go back and get the Non-O visa and the new 90 day stamp inked in.

AFTER that you wait until you have 30 days or less left on the 90 day stamp and your funds are seasoned in you account for 2 months and go back and apply for the year extension for 1900baht

4 years ago

Isabelle *******

@Ellie ******

thank you,will check 🙏🙏🙏

4 years ago

Ellie *******

@Isabelle ******

Depends on the immigration offices. Typically, these are the reason for in-country Non-Immigrant visas available at most offices, such as retirement (being over 50), spouse/parent to a Thai national, studying, employment for a company, teacher, and on and on.

For further detail, please make your own post.

This is the 'general' information for in-country Non-immigrant visas. As I wrote, if it's mentioned here doesn't mean it's available at your local immigration office.

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4 years ago

Isabelle *******

@Ellie ******

thank you, after 12 years in Thaïland, i did not know ! Which reason is supposed to be " accepted " ?

4 years ago

Ellie *******

@Isabelle ******

, depending on which type/reason of Non-O you want to get inside Thailand, but YES, some type of Non-O visa for 90 days are available inside Thailand (but not all). You can apply for one at the local immigration office.

4 years ago

Nicholas *******

@Tod ********

Ah - VISA Exempt - of course - what you say makes perfect sense. I will reread the posts you've written previously on how that process works. Thanks!

4 years ago