Answered4 years ago
What are the best visa options for retirees in Thailand who prefer minimal paperwork and self-insurance?
Been reading through more of the posts in this group, May I say you lot are amazing, sound advice (ok, sometimes misguided) usually in a polite way
Someone earlier asked about the 5yr elite visa and the responses you gave were very interesting, the elite visa was going to be our ticket to Thailand but a lot of you on here have kinda suggested it might not be the best way for us
So, May I ask which visa you would recommend based on the below requirements
We will be retirees
We do not want to have to have private medical insurance (we will be self insuring ourselves)
We want to be able to leave Thailand whenever we want and return whenever we want (purely to visit our children in Australia and New Zealand)
Putting a quantity of cash into an leaving it in a Thai Bank is absolutely fine
We will both be over 55
As little admin/ paperwork/ reporting as possible
Thank you as always for views
ππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌ
Someone earlier asked about the 5yr elite visa and the responses you gave were very interesting, the elite visa was going to be our ticket to Thailand but a lot of you on here have kinda suggested it might not be the best way for us
So, May I ask which visa you would recommend based on the below requirements
We will be retirees
We do not want to have to have private medical insurance (we will be self insuring ourselves)
We want to be able to leave Thailand whenever we want and return whenever we want (purely to visit our children in Australia and New Zealand)
Putting a quantity of cash into an leaving it in a Thai Bank is absolutely fine
We will both be over 55
As little admin/ paperwork/ reporting as possible
Thank you as always for views
ππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌ
Answer summary
A user in a community discussion seeks advice on the best visa options for retirees looking to move to Thailand. Key factors include no requirement for private medical insurance (as they plan to self-insure), the ability to travel to Australia and New Zealand freely, and a desire for minimal administrative tasks. The majority of responses recommend the NON-O (Retirement) Visa, emphasizing its affordability and lower paperwork requirements compared to the Elite Visa, which, while offering full services, tends to be more expensive. Alternatives such as the Long Term Resident (LTR) and the use of agents for assistance with paperwork were also discussed.
42 repliesnewest first
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Andy *********
When you get your Retirement Extension, purchase the Multiple Reentry stamp.
Or, if will only be entering/returning via air, you can get a single reentry at the airport each time.
Or, if will only be entering/returning via air, you can get a single reentry at the airport each time.
Terary **********
Hire an agent to do Retirement + Dependent visa.
You can do the paperwork yourself and save a few dollars.
You can do the paperwork yourself and save a few dollars.
Cliff *********
As a 62 year old Physician I am asking if you really think itβs wise to have no health insurance?
Perhaps you donβt want to buy the minimalist Thai insurance, but there are other types of international health insurance policies.
Perhaps you donβt want to buy the minimalist Thai insurance, but there are other types of international health insurance policies.
Kyong ****
@Cliff ********
Agree, and while still in their 50βs, the international health insurance rates should be moderate if no health issues exist. And should pre existing issues be of concern, health insurance will cover all non-related health care requirements. Pls do the research to be sure before moving forward. When it comes to healthcare in a foreign country, the rule of thumb is safety first π
Linz ************
OP@Cliff ********
under my circumstances, yes, I do feel it is wise, we can put a reasonable lump sum of money into an account, we can add to the amount every month, our credit card can take the initial βhitβ if needed, I have blood pressure issues since suffering from a spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection a number of years ago ( no stroke, no stent, no aneurysm, no medical intervention) so I am under the impression health insurance either would not cover me for my pre-existing issues or would involve such a high excess or high additional costs to render it unfeasible hence going down the self insure route
Fran *****
@Cliff ********
age 72 policy harder to get at price that is not exhorbitantLinz ************
OP@Fran ****
exactly π
Helen ********
We both entered on Non O's obtained in our home countries, then on our first retirement extension I changed to trailing spouse. If you can produce a marriage certificate/license, your spouse can be added as a trailing spouse so only one of you has to provide a 800K THB bank account or pension.
We are CAD so were still able to get an affidavit of income and verification of our marriage license. Not sure if you need to get the marriage verified another way if the embassy doesn't. We did it ourselves and found it quite easy, just some paperwork and an hour at immigration for the extension.
We are CAD so were still able to get an affidavit of income and verification of our marriage license. Not sure if you need to get the marriage verified another way if the embassy doesn't. We did it ourselves and found it quite easy, just some paperwork and an hour at immigration for the extension.
Todd *********
The gold standard for Visa is LTR. You just have to meet the income requirement. Option B from Aus would be 10 year O/X.
Failing those using the 65k deposit method is good. If no, use an agent like Thai Visa Centre is great with no hassles
Failing those using the 65k deposit method is good. If no, use an agent like Thai Visa Centre is great with no hassles
Lisa ****
10 year LTR visa if you meet the requirements.
Dawn **********
10 year LTV with in and out privileges. requires a 80k annual income in home country. They also want to see your taxes statements . No bank requirement in Thailand. They allowed my European medical policy of major medical /emergencies/accidents. Meaning I have to self fund regular appointments. The fee was less than $1400 fee for 10 years.
Dawn **********
I donβt understand your tariff question.
Alex *******
@Dawn *********
May I ask what insurer the policy is with and what your tariff is called, please?Dawn **********
@Alex ******
*********************************
Dawn **********
@Alex ******
1400 was for the 10 year visa. Insurance premiums are typically based on your age/gender.Alex *******
@Dawn *********
Thank you. And do I understand it correctly: The fee was 1400 USD, but this is per annum, not for the entire 10 years together?
James **************
What's best way to xfer the 800k into Thai account? Any issues with xfer? Thx
Brook ********
@James *************
Wise, carry & declare it or bank wire.Johan ********
@James *************
TransferWise is a good method. Good rates and fast.James **************
How long are you allowed out of thailand beforr you must return on a multi-entry retirement visa?
Robert **********
@James *************
you donβt ever have to leave. Extension each year for non OA (required health insurance, visa gotten in your home country) each leaving and reentry gets you a yearβs stay, for the first year. For non O, usually obtained in Thailand by first entering on tourist visaβthen get 90-day retirement visa, which you then extend each year. You donβt have to leave the country, but if you do, get a reentry permit to preserve your visa. οΏΌAndy *********
Robert Gerchalk
There is NO Retirement Visa, it is a 1 year (NOT 90 Day) Retirement Extension of a Non O or Non OA Visa.
There is NO Retirement Visa, it is a 1 year (NOT 90 Day) Retirement Extension of a Non O or Non OA Visa.
Ivan ************
@James *************
you would need to enter before the expiry date on the visa, or if on an extension with reentry, before the end of the extension, to extend again for another year.Fran *****
I have non -o retirement visa with required Bht in bank
Can I put in a lump sum in bank : Ex:$10,000. To spend downvs 2,500USD( 86,000 thai Bht) monthly?
Can I put in a lump sum in bank : Ex:$10,000. To spend downvs 2,500USD( 86,000 thai Bht) monthly?
Ivan ************
@Fran ****
you can either do 800k lump sum in bank OR transfer in 65k monthly. If you do the latter you have to show 12 months of transfers but you can spend it all immediately, there are no holding periods like the lump sum.If doing this, you need to keep it outside Thailand and move it in monthly. Can't transfer in in one lump and spend it down.
Brook ********
I have the Non O with multiple reentry, and I used an agent.
I spent all of 1 minute at immigration.
Although I maintain ΰΈΏ800k in a Thai interest bearing account, I think the Non O is much less expensive than an Elite Visa.
Both must do 90 day reporting and some of the Elite benefits are limited to one time, or once a year if you read the fine print.
I spent all of 1 minute at immigration.
Although I maintain ΰΈΏ800k in a Thai interest bearing account, I think the Non O is much less expensive than an Elite Visa.
Both must do 90 day reporting and some of the Elite benefits are limited to one time, or once a year if you read the fine print.
Johan ********
@Brook *******
Agree.
Teresa ***********
Retirement visa is a good option.
Charles ********
Asked on your requirements, elite is a good choice, but again still at a higher cost than an non o.
The least amount of admin/paperwork. They help you with everything immigration related and 90 days reports. Elite can assist you with even non-immigration matters too, like drivers license, banking, atc.
You get vip entry at airport into the country and on the 5 year get private car to and from your hotel or home.
Never have to worry reentry permits. Each time you enter you get one year stamp. But if you stay continously can extend at immigration.. But if you travel a few times a year then never have to worry.
Elite doesn't require health insurance either. So you are free to do what you want.
The least amount of admin/paperwork. They help you with everything immigration related and 90 days reports. Elite can assist you with even non-immigration matters too, like drivers license, banking, atc.
You get vip entry at airport into the country and on the 5 year get private car to and from your hotel or home.
Never have to worry reentry permits. Each time you enter you get one year stamp. But if you stay continously can extend at immigration.. But if you travel a few times a year then never have to worry.
Elite doesn't require health insurance either. So you are free to do what you want.
Paulus *********
Non O visa based on retirement,no need for an agent, do it yourself it's easy
Linz ************
OP@Paulus ********
easy? Good to know, thank you
Steve **********
As said already Non O based on retirement. No insurance required. Dump money in the bank. Do your 90 day reports (required by everyone) and thatβs it. Renew/extend next year for 1900 baht. Or hire an agent and not have to do anything. They go to immigration for you for the extensions and the 90 day report.
Linz ************
OP@Steve *********
seriously? Non O, Money into Thai Bank, Find a reputable and decent agent and for a nominal fee, they can take care of everything else ongoing?Would we have to leave the country every 90 days or so?
Steve **********
@Li**
serious as can be. Thatβs exactly as I do for three years now. And no, you do not have to leave. I have a friend that hasnβt left in 14 years.Linz ************
OP@Steve *********
awesome ππΌπ
Sidd ********
The elite visa also has its perks your customer rep you get assigned handles most of the things bank accounts and literally anything you need they are very well connected
Chris *****
Yes I've pointed out that their website says unlimited, but they just repeat that you only get one assist for free. They claim to assist with driving license, but charge 3000 if you want them to get the residence certificate as well as using up your free assist presenting it to driving authority. I find it dishonest, and petty given how much Elites cost - we paid 1,100,000 Baht, and they want to charge another 2-3,000 to bring an additional document. That said they do give good instructions and these things are mostly pretty easy, eg, banks recognize the Elite card. Airport service is really nice, golf cart from plane to the visa fast lane, escorted through, while baggage is collected, to a plush car waiting.
Chris *****
Elite do also charge for most of those, you only get one assist for free, then it's 2000 baht plus each time.
Linz ************
OP@Chris ***************
oh wow, didnβt know that π²Ivan ************
@Sidd *******
you can do that yourself, it's not a big deal IMO. If you want help with something like the bank account, you can just pay an agent for that one thing. Not necessarily a bad idea, if you want to save time and paperwork. But not necessary to get Elite for this.Johan ********
A Non-O visa based on retirement is my choice. Having a good agent helps with all the paperwork.
Quinton ******
@Johan *******
agree. 800K Thai Baht deposit in an account and can speak to the agent about the trailing spouseActivity
23 joined23
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