Answered3 years ago
What are the best visa options for a German married to a Thai national looking to retire in Thailand?
I 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?
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.
16 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Giacomo ******
OPFrom 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 ******
OP@Brandon ***********
thanks for your advise.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 ******
OP@Michael **********
what means O.David ********
@Giacomo *****
Some say it means "other".David ********
@Michael **********
He got it wrong - O visa includes multiple kinds of visas.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 ******
OP@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.
Kool *******
The best visa extension is still the Investment Visa, if you can meet the financial requirements.
Giacomo ******
OP@Kool ******
what are the reqs for the investment visa?
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 ***********
above
Marty *********
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.
Activity
7 joined7
people
Related
25Is the long term retirement visa process easier for foreigners married to a Thai citizen who is a permanent resident in Australia?
2.3k19301d
What are the best visa options for retired Canadians looking to stay in Thailand for 5.5 months without leaving?
5.1k48453mo
What are the differences between the Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas in Thailand, and why do many expats prefer one over the other?
17.6k943406mo
What are the best visa options for long-term stay in Thailand for my wife and me?
1.7k13176mo
What is the best visa option for retirees who want to spend 5 months in Thailand each year?
9.8k551796mo
Can I use the 65,000 THB per month method for my Thailand Non-Immigrant O visa from the start?
17.3k1481947mo
Can I apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand while on a visa exemption, and what are my options for staying longer?
3.6k35191y
What are the best steps to take for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while starting on a tourist visa?
6.7k51821y
Do I need to apply for a retirement visa before arriving in Thailand?
3.1k20292y
What is the best visa option for a semi-retired landlord from the UK looking to stay in Thailand?
3.1k28222y
What are the options for applying for a DTV Visa in Thailand, especially when retired and without an income?
1k4102y
What are the options for a long-term retirement visa in Thailand for a 73-year-old expat?
1.5k1082y
What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand as a tourist planning to retire?
13.4k1031682y
What is the best visa option for a 66-year-old retiree planning to split time between Thailand and the UK?
5.5k43602y
What are my options for staying in Thailand after my education visa expires before applying for a retirement visa?
1.5k9102y
What is the best visa option for a US citizen married to a Thai citizen looking to stay in Thailand for 180 days each winter?
983553y
Is it easier to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand with an agent or in Canada with the embassy?
2.1k16174y
What are the residency options for Bulgarian citizens in Thailand, especially for those over 50?
2.3k2194y
What are the visa options for Americans living in Thailand on Social Security?
1.6k9164y
How can I start the process for a retirement visa in Thailand while currently on a visa-exempt entry?
6.9k67464y
What are visa options for a defacto couple with a Thai child retiring to Thailand post-COVID?
1.3k985y
What is the best visa option for a retired person married to a Thai national who wants to spend 6 months in Thailand?
2.7k16356y
What are the best options for getting a marriage or retirement visa in Thailand before my current visa expires?
2.5k15306y
What are the implications of choosing a Non-Immigrant B visa versus a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand?
1.2k878y
How can a tourist open a bank account in Thailand for a Retirement Visa?
5.1k46359y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served