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What are the best visa options and services for moving to Thailand from the USA at age 49?
Thailand VisasEducation VisaRetirement VisaNon-B VisaLiving in ThailandExpat ServicesBank Account SetupLong-term ResidencyStarting a Business in Thailand
Aug 22, 2023
3 years ago
Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am planning to move to Thailand in 2024 from USA at age 49. I am unsure of exactly what the plan is and I would like a service that can guide me through the visas, advise, help setup bank account if necessary, but I want a reliable service that is also priced reasonably. I am open to doing an education visa, learning Thai for the first year, then moving on to retirement visa. But, I am unsure of many things and may even want to try and work or start a business there. I need some help and guidance and want the right service.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is planning to move to Thailand from the USA at age 49 and is seeking guidance on visa options, particularly an education visa initially, transitioning to a retirement visa later. They are also considering working or starting a business. Various community members suggest coming to Thailand to assess the situation, strongly recommend enrolling in a reputable language school for visa paperwork, and note the need for passive income if pursuing long-term residency. Several links to services and discussions about visa options like the Multi-Entry Tourist Visa and the importance of personal research are also provided.
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.
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Slaninova *********
If you come for Non B and or asked tourists for 90 days that more easy for you to choose to made another type of visa . Example : 1 Ed visa for Moui Thai or Thai Language, for 1 years. And then can change for business visa or another type or continue Ed until can made retirement visa, for more information can IB to me.
Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
Thank you for sharing this useless information. I don 't work for either company and this is no way relates to my post.Paul *******
@Russ *********
Like I said, more places have been added to that list. Specifically, some hospitals. It's starting up again and a lot of media are talking about it. Even Ron Paul.Paul *******
@Russ *********
It might, given that in the meantime, more businesses have reimposed mask mandates in the USA and this could gain traction again worldwide in the weeks and months to come. I hope it won't, but I'm just warning you anyway. Normies like you crack me up though - you really believe we'll never experience something like Covid again? Lol!!!
Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
You are just spreading fear. I never said I believe we won't experience something like Covid again. But, your two insignificant examples don't actually mean anything, especially for my post.Reply to
Russell **********
Reply
Paul *******
Let's hope they don't shut down the country for another Covid variant as some rumors are suggesting by then.
I don't want to make any predictions nor do I know how credible this information is, but some rumors circulating of TSA agents in the USA being told masks back on for employees by mid September and for all air travelers by October. Then a full worldwide lockdown by December.
Already a number of places in the US have brought back Covid mask and isolation rules in recent days. The occasional hospital in Europe too.
Sadly, this could spread to Thailand eventually.
Again, remains to be seen. Nothing concrete as of now. Just making you aware you can't take it for granted everything will be normal when you plan to come. Hopefully it will be.
I don't want to make any predictions nor do I know how credible this information is, but some rumors circulating of TSA agents in the USA being told masks back on for employees by mid September and for all air travelers by October. Then a full worldwide lockdown by December.
Already a number of places in the US have brought back Covid mask and isolation rules in recent days. The occasional hospital in Europe too.
Sadly, this could spread to Thailand eventually.
Again, remains to be seen. Nothing concrete as of now. Just making you aware you can't take it for granted everything will be normal when you plan to come. Hopefully it will be.
Paul *******
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Paul *******
@Russ *********
Not everything InfoWars says is true, no. I'm personally skeptical, but then I saw the DoD funding for new Covid protocols over the next 2 years.Then you have multiple schools/workplaces reintroducing Covid mandates, including masks and contact tracing. This is all verifiable.
So it could be something is in the works.
Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
Infowars is a fake news website.Reply to
Russell **********
Reply
Zun **********
You can try with this one tho, good one with free consultation
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Terary **********
If you are coming and you are 49, you maybe able to get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (good for 9 months), then you should be good to get a retirement visa (available to those who are over 50).
John *******
Do your own research follow your heart not your head for visa advice (one stop visa ) soi 6 pattaya
Ernesto ********
You might need to look and do research on your own by visiting royal thai embassy and inquiring about their long term visas first and then ask specific questions. There is a lot to consider and you might need more prep if you want to start a long term life in Thailand.
Neil ******
The only visas you will be able to work on are B and LTR. If you don’t have 80k income per year or 40k and buying property, forget LTR. B will cost you roughly $6k per year for all costs associated with the visa and work permit, taxes, accounting, Etc.
Mike ******
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Mike ******
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Reply to
Mike ******
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Luc ************
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Rogerio ******
While I understand some people might want a 'full service' advice, I would recommend you come to this group and ask pointed questions - answers even by 'experts' can be contradictory and not always correct.
Mark ******
If you enrol at a reputable language school, they will do all the Education Visa paperwork for you. You'll need to supply a few documents but the school will do all the preparation. So you wont need an agency to do it for you.
Mark ******
I don't know what the exact requirements are. However my school was willing to put through an ED Visa application if I paid for 60 hours of lessons. I do 2 * 2 hour lessons per week. Other schools may have different policies - I am not sure.
Mark ******
I think it was around 12,000 Baht for 60 hours. This is for group lessons (6 in the class). My school also does 1-2-1 lessons where the cost will obviously be higher.
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Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *****
That sound like it would be great for me....may I ask what the cost was for the 60 hours?Bob **********
@Russ *********
make sure it’s an accredited school and you go to classes there are many dodgy visas that will cause you problems getting a non-o based on being over 50Reply to
Bob **********
Reply
Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *****
Thank you. Do you know what the avergae requirement is for hours/days of class per week?Deanna *******
@Russ *********
On Samui, my daughter had to go 3 times per week for 2 hours each time. That was in 2016 though. Not sure if it has changed.Reply to
Deanna *******
Reply
Us *****
You should come here for a couple of months to see how you like it. But ed visa for 1st year to bring you to 50 and then retirement visa. But make sure you plan on how to make passive income while staying in Thailand such as investment portfolio and rental income. Message me if you need any advice.
Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTERJorge Jr Malana Baliguat
@Todd ********
So, the METV Visa would require how many border runs? I actually dont mind doing that, as I love to explore new places. Whats it going to cost and any chance for being denied entry? What if I need to visit the USA during the METV? TYUs *****
@Russ *********
it is not complicated. METV gives you 6 month of stay with unlimited entries. Fly in, extend before 60 days will give you 89. Fly out and visit another place. Fly in and repeat. BUT MAKE SURE YOU FLY BACK IN BEFORE THE METV EXPIRES. That will give you another 90 days. Fly out again to apply for your retirement visa if you cannot do it in Thailand. Hopefully you will be 50 by then. Message me if you need help.Reply to
Us *****
Reply
Todd *********
@Us ****
no need for Ed visa at all. Can get METV or border bounces for year 1.An ****
Todd McGowan does it work even after having had Ed visa? I m in same situation, hv been advised for uni ed visa for 15 months but I’m 47 😉 🙏
Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks for the info. I do not qualify for the LTR. So, after the 9 months, I just test the border bounce theory by leaving and re-entering every 30 days?
Graham ******
@Russ *********
Every tourist entry stamp can be extended for 30 days for 1900BReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
Yes, I have been told the METV would work, but I thought the max is 9 months.Todd *********
@Russ *********
it is. At which point you could simply border bounce depending on how many more months you would need. Also ensure that you are not eligible for LTR visa. It’s by far the easiest and least costly Visa out there and lasts 10 years. But qualification is fairly high
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Russell **********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks! I have been there twice in the past year or so. I'm pretty set with at least trying this for a year. I have savings and investments to keep me going. I want to have a really good understanding of my options.
Us *****
@Russ *********
I'm doing the ed visa right now to learn the language. It is a good option to understand what they are saying about you. But calculate if the METV with a 9 month max will bring you to 50.Reply to
Us *****
Reply
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