What are the best practices for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand for an American expat and spouse?

Question

Hi..Enjoy this group....I'm an American, lived in Thailand before, and have visited in the past 20 years more than 50x.  I want to retire in Hua Hin most probably.  My wife is not American and less than 50 years. For immigration, I understand that one could proceed without the help of a lawyer, but from experience, the advise and assistance of a proper, connected lawyer is preferred.  Could any of you please recommend a good lawyer/law firm to assist...either in Bangkok or Hua Hin.  Very much appreciated. Khap Khun Mak Khap.

Ask Thailand · Answer

An expat American living in Thailand is looking for assistance regarding retirement visas. Community members suggest that obtaining a retirement visa (NON-O-A) can be done without hiring a lawyer. For the husband, they recommend applying for the NON-O-A visa in the US, which requires medical certification, background checks, and bank proof of funds. The wife can apply for a 90-day NON-O visa, then apply for an extension upon arrival. Many respondents share their personal experiences, emphasizing that they successfully navigated the visa application processes independently without legal assistance.

Tod ********* · Answer

Okay, in my humble opinion, the best, least problematic and easiest path for the O/P as far as a "retirement visa" would be;

They apply for a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa in the US before they come here (that's the one that takes the medical certificate, the police background check and proof of the equivalent of 800K baht in a bank in the US). In the US that visa can ONLY be gotten from the thai consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York or Washington DC.

At the same time their wife applies for a 90 day single entry Non-Immigrant Type O visa (based on being married to someone who is holding a "retirement visa". Once they arrive here they go to the immigration office and apply for a yearly extension for the wife that matches the husbands "admitted until" stamp

Shahrokh ******** · Answer

1 - No need a lawyer

2 - Get Non immigrant (o) visa ( 3 months )from out side thailand in any thai embassy

3 - open a bank account in thailand  and deposite 800,000 thb for more than 2 months and then get a deposite certificate paper from your bank

4 - Going to nearest immigration office and apply1 year visa ( 1 month + 11 months ) for yourself and your wife

Jimmy ******* · Answer

I am curious what prior experience the OP has had to feel compelled to seek out a lawyer.

Edward ****** · Answer

No need a lawyer do it yourself

David ************ · Answer

I did the agency lawyer thing first time and it was a waste of money. Should have done it on my own.

Frances ******** · Answer

You can get an O type visa and as your spouse, she can get an O-A visa.

Tod ********* · Answer

I agree with [mention redacted], there is no need to contract a lawyer to push-paper for you to get a Non-O visa, then a yearly extension of stay based on being over 50 (retirement) and then getting your wife to "piggy-back" onto your extension.

Depending on where you're going to live, you'll have to use the immigration office in that area, but most offices have a sheet in thai and english they hand out which explains how to do the process, what documentation is required, etc.

Robert ******* · Answer

Living in Thailand for 14 years, never needed a lawyer to help me fill out a form and make a photo copy for Immigration.

What are the best practices for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand for an American expat and spouse?

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