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What are the best visa options for a German married to a Thai national looking to retire in Thailand?
Visa OptionsNon-Immigrant O VisaThai Marriage VisaRetirement VisaInvestment VisaLong Term ResidencyBank Account RequirementsExpat Life in Thailand
Jul 16, 2023
3 years ago
Giacomo ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI am a German married to a Thai woman, we are currently living in Singapore and I want to live with her in my retirement in Thailand. Which kind of visa would be the best for long term stay?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A German citizen married to a Thai woman, currently living in Singapore, seeks advice on the best visa for long-term retirement in Thailand. The discussion highlights several visa options including the Non-Immigrant O Visa and the OA Visa specifically for retirees. The Non-O Visa is popular as it requires lower financial proof if married to a Thai national (400,000 THB in the bank). Meanwhile, the OA Visa has stricter financial requirements (800,000 THB or proof of a monthly pension) but involves less paperwork. The Thai Elite visa and a long-term resident visa are also mentioned as options for those with higher financial means. Additionally, difficulties regarding opening a Thai bank account on a tourist visa are discussed.
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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Giacomo ******
ORIGINAL POSTERFrom what I get I have to open a bank account under a normal tourist visa first? Possible to open without being in the country?
Brandon ************
@Giacomo *****
very difficult to open an account with a tourist visa. Easier if you get a non-O from your embassy before you go to Thailand but still not easy. Many are resorting to agents lately who can help you open an account for about 5k baht. You can't open an account or do anything in Thailand without being there in person really.
Giacomo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thanks for your advise.Reply to
Giacomo ******
Reply
Michael ***********
Non Immigrant O.
800.000 auf dem Konto oder Nachweis von mtl. 65.000 (Rente,etc)
800.000 auf dem Konto oder Nachweis von mtl. 65.000 (Rente,etc)
Giacomo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael **********
what means O.David ********
@Giacomo *****
Some say it means "other".David ********
@Michael **********
He got it wrong - O visa includes multiple kinds of visas.Reply to
David ********
Reply
Michael ***********
@Giacomo *****
, sorry should be OA for retirement. O is for Thai spouse..PS
I have been living in Potong Pasir for 5 years, nice place to remember.
Giacomo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael **********
thanks for your explanation and help. Had a friend living in Potong Pasir. I am living more in the West of Singapore. Clementi.David ********
@Michael **********
O includes several types of visas including a retirement visa. So if you refer to a O visa you have to specify what kind.Reply to
David ********
Reply
Kool *******
The best visa extension is still the Investment Visa, if you can meet the financial requirements.
Giacomo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
what are the reqs for the investment visa?Reply to
Giacomo ******
Reply
Steve ********
How much money have you got? Longer term visa (eg Elite, LTR) more easily available for those with cash to splash, otherwise it's the standard non-O as described by
@Brandon ***********
aboveMarty *********
You have several choices depending on your income. The most expensive is the Thai Elite visa starting at 600,000 baht. The 10-year LTR for pensioners is 50,000 baht but you have to have a pension income of $80,000/year. The non- immigrant O visa is the most popular. The financial requirement for a 1 year extension is 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or you could pay a visa agent. There is the OA, only available in your home country. The 1 year extensions for the OA are the same as an O plus an insurance requirement. You can get 1 year extensions as married to a Thai and that lowers the financial requirements.
Brandon ************
Marriage visa and extensions are going to be "cheaper" as you only need to show 400,000 in a Thai bank account for the extension and you can spend it after you get your visa, you just need to make sure it's back in the account 2 months before the next told you apply.
But many people who are married decide to use retirement visa extension instead because it requires a lot less paperwork, no home visit by immigration usually, and generally more straightforward. But this one requires 800,000 in the bank for 5 months per year and can never drop below 400,000.
But many people who are married decide to use retirement visa extension instead because it requires a lot less paperwork, no home visit by immigration usually, and generally more straightforward. But this one requires 800,000 in the bank for 5 months per year and can never drop below 400,000.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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