Answered5 months ago
What are the best visa options for retirees spending 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the UK?
Best options for retirement visa ....6months in Thailand and 6months in uk
Answer summary
The discussion centers around the best visa options for retirees who wish to spend half the year in Thailand and half in the UK. Various visa types are debated, including the Non-O and Non-OA visas, with users sharing personal experiences and advice on managing stays, extensions, and financial requirements. Many suggest applying for the Non-O visas for easier management or considering the long-term resident (LTR) visa, which offers several advantages. Participants also discuss the implications of banking requirements and possible alternatives to the retirement visas.
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Dave *********
6 month multi entry tourist visa .then just get new one once it runs out cheap no extra trips to immigration for permission to leave / re entry country etc
Neale *********
DTV
Gerald ********
as much as I hate agents I always use one for my retirement visa as it makes it easier
helps if you have a bank account and property
helps if you have a bank account and property
Barry ************
I did a 6 and 6 for almost 20 years, U.S. to Pattaya. Splendid.
Paul *******
LTR for me.
Charles ********
UK!!!???!!! Full of terrorists, Muslims, extremists and delinquents. What a perspective! 🤣
Robert *********
METV
No money in bank .
Easy
I have used it for many years .
No money in bank .
Easy
I have used it for many years .
Jason ****************
Best one in Hua Hin only
*****
. I posted before but some stupid admin took it down. These clowns are a JOKE!!!!!
Ron *********
LTR visa. Unlimited entry, good for 5 years extendable for another 5, report once a year rather than every 90 days and non-government retirement income brought into Thailand not taxable. I had no problem getting one without using and agency.
John **********
That's what I do
Andy ********
That's exactly what I do.
Peter *********
I spent 8 months Thai 4 months uk just get retirement multi entry visa. Keep £20 k in Thai bank no hassle
Peter ********
No months in UK is great retirement.
Peter ********
Exactly. I use$ to visit UK once a year. Those days are over since QE died and the caliphate reached your shores.
Bob *********
Peter Janoff The UK is now an Islamic Caliphate, best to avoid ❗️
Begona *******
Sounds exhausting
Tim ************
Go for it
David **********
Paul tierling what agent did you use in pattaya
Paul ********
David Williams go and see the agent on soi 6 beach rd end
Cool_Ba********
OA or NON O + 1 year
Derek ************
Choose one or the other, cos in the 5-10 yrs you wont be travelling anywhere without special written permission
Susan ******
Derek Pennington just w8 for them to be moaning about that
Frazer ************
If you are only doing six months per year, you can actually legally do it with, you might see this as too much hassle, but it saves the requirements for the retirement visa. You can legally be in Thailand up to six months per year on tourist visas, so you could just do a three-month tourist visa, take a trip to a nearby bordering country, apply for a new three-month and come back. If you are struggling for the requirements for the retirement visa, that's an option that's allowed. But if you've got all the requirements for the retirement visa, just go ahead and apply.
Nicolas *********
November to April.
Steve ******
Anyone found a bank where you can put the 800,000 and draw interest?
Gerald ********
Steve Eddy they all offer interest just at varying rates
Flavio *********
Steve Eddy krungsry they place it according to your will, they do even for 24 months…actually I did it first time and they renewed me for another 24 months automatically…they told me anyway that if I want to withdraw it I can….I never withdraw it so I can’t confirm this….they retain 15% tax on interests payment on expiry
Steve ******
thank you, will check with them
Paul **********
I just got
Multiple entry retirement visa till Aug 27 easy
No problem at all
Used an agent in Pattaya
Multiple entry retirement visa till Aug 27 easy
No problem at all
Used an agent in Pattaya
John ********
Paul Tierling Hi Paul, could you tell me the name of agent in Pattaya. I am coming out this time in December with intention of getting a retirement visa. Thank you.
Paul **********
John Pearce
Yes I can but I can’t get details until Wednesday when I’m back in jomtien.
In Chang mai at the moment
Yes I can but I can’t get details until Wednesday when I’m back in jomtien.
In Chang mai at the moment
Cool_Ba********
Paul Tierling Sounds like you got a 1 year extension of stay, with a multi re-entry permit, not a visa. But yes, it is commonly called a retirement visa.
Paul **********
Cool_Bananas_😎no extension
First application
All good
Never had a visa before
First application
All good
Never had a visa before
Cool_Ba********
Paul Tierling You did get an extension, after your NON O ;)
Greg ***********
Paul Tierling that's not possible without first having done the "change" to the initial 90-days visa from a touristic entry, with the help of an agent. Of course you had a 90-days "visa" before
Karma *******
OPApologies Martin
Dennis ********
This is my plan
Michael ********
No way, too much hassle! I stay here since 12 years, without any travel to Europe! But going always for a nice holiday trip to Singapore, Japan, Vietnam and China!
David ***********
METV much easier
Cj ******
David Warburton need to take a course, if you're retired.
Robert ********
Cj Baas not for the METV , yes for the DTV .
Martin ********
Am I the only one on here who gets tired of rude people ? No "Hi" or "please" or "thanks" . This post for instance. Nothing from the author. Not a reply , not even a like to the comments, I don't get it 🤷♂️ so I won't help anyone who doesn't have basic courtesy.
Wayne *******
Martin Martin that’s life now do younger people stand up for you on a train or a bus if a senior or handicapped in some way no way unless ask and they moan about it I know it’s only in China and Singapore they get up with even being asked to.
How many people thank you for holding a door open hardly anyone especially Russians and ladies.
I just let it slam now had a woman confront me about it in broken English and I told her since when was a Russian doorman
people have no respect now-days, in our day it was a fistfight and a cuddle then have a drink. Now-days it’s weapons of some sort and no manners.
It’s the western countries and European who are the worst they walk around as entitled.
It’s the way of the world now
How many people thank you for holding a door open hardly anyone especially Russians and ladies.
I just let it slam now had a woman confront me about it in broken English and I told her since when was a Russian doorman
people have no respect now-days, in our day it was a fistfight and a cuddle then have a drink. Now-days it’s weapons of some sort and no manners.
It’s the western countries and European who are the worst they walk around as entitled.
It’s the way of the world now
Karyn *******
Martin Martin They may have posted a day or so ago and its just been approved by admin and they dont realise its up yet
Charles ********
Martin Martin good morning to nowadays' reality 🤗
Martin ********
Charles Michel yes, some of us are a dying breed 😭😭😭😭😭
Jason *************
Martin Martin im not fussed about in̈troduction or goodbue's but, not aknowledging a atemt of advice with a thank's is a bit off.
Jackie **********
Martin Martin 💯
John ********
Martin Martin totally agree with you..I just deleted my comment. If they can’t be bothered neither can I
Martin ********
John Warren good for you 👍🏼
David *****
Martin Martin I always wonder if these people/posts are just click bait to try to get followers for their influencer business. 🤔
Lisa *********
David Lew or simply bragging about going to Thailand
Martin ********
David Lew yes I think so too 👍🏼🙏🏼
Tomas *******
That’s what I do for a couple of years now
Chris ********
12 months here
David *****
Vietnam
Thorsten ***********
METV
Tor ******
Cheap and clean solution: 6 months validity multiple entry tourist visa, with visa runs and extensions (might get annoying). Expensive and clean solution: non-o with 800k THB in the bank (safest option, also: will let you open a Thai bank account). Slightly sketchier solution: DTV, but the scrutiny whether the reasons for issuing the visa still exist might get tougher in the future.
John **********
The 12 months Non-OA visa may suit you better than the 90 day Non-O visa. Apply for a new one each year when back home but it does require insurance, police checks etc
Wayne *******
@John *********
that’s why it’s a pain in the butt. O is easier and best suited for most expats that I know when getting a retirement visa. Others who are on the OA say it’s stupid and gives you know more advantages then an O visa.
The Non-Immigrant O is a much more flexible, family/retirement-focused visa.
No thanks everyone to their
John **********
Wayne Lucas horses for courses. Both have their advantages and drawbacks. It's up to the individual to decide, but not requiring funds in a Thai bank and having to be in Thailand at a specific point to apply for an extension are things worth considering for someone planning 6 months at a time
Dave *******
METV
Stephen ********
Is this still available METV ?
Dave *******
Stephen Barlow yes and if you use it correctly you can get a total stay of 9 months more or less
Simon ******
Stephen Barlow just look at the immigration web site
Dave *******
Stephen Barlow yes
Steve *****
When do you come? I have a very nice accomodation for you!
Phil ******
Non O based on retirement
Nongnuch ********
I am doing this for the past 17 years. Six months in Europe and six months in Thailand. When I turned 50, I got a single Entry Non-Imm-O 90-days retirement Visa. After I entered Thailand, I got a bank account opened and transferred a minimum of 800,000 THB into it. As soon as the deposit had sat in the account for 2 months, I applied on Immigration for the 1-year extension of the stay permit based on retirement. And every year, I have been applying for the next 1-year extension of stay, since 17 years. I always buy a 1000 Thai Baht single re-entry permit for the 1-year Extension of the Stay Permit, so it does not become void when I exit Thailand
Frank **********
Nongnuch Kamdee planning to do the same.... October to April 😉
Audrey *****
Nongnuch Kamdee Hi 800k to be in the bank permanently or it could be withdraw out anytime ? Thanks
Nongnuch ********
Audrey Ang The deposit can be withdrawn any time. The money belongs to me
Geoff *******
Nongnuch Kamdee What happens to your extension if you do that?
Stefan *********
Nongnuch Kamdee that's one way of doing it but 800k for 17 years would have been a lot more if invested in something. I use the monthly 65k instead as I don't want to lock 800k up.
Geoff *******
Nongnuch Kamdee If you are only spending six months annually in Thailand, you don't need to get a one year extension to your Non-O, or waste ฿800k in a Thai bank. Simply do two visits of 90 days using two single entry Non-O visas. Just leave enough time between visits to apply. Simple.
Chris **********
Geoff Nolan I was considering that option this time round, getting two O visas.
How do you use the second visa though if each visa must be used within 3 months and you are staying 90 days on your first visa?
Do you leave a few days before the second visa expires and therefore not quite get 90 days on your first visa?
If obtaining a second visa from say, Laos to re-enter then how do you obtain 3 months bank statements while outside of your home country showing your monthly income?
How do you use the second visa though if each visa must be used within 3 months and you are staying 90 days on your first visa?
Do you leave a few days before the second visa expires and therefore not quite get 90 days on your first visa?
If obtaining a second visa from say, Laos to re-enter then how do you obtain 3 months bank statements while outside of your home country showing your monthly income?
Geoff *******
Chris Richards Personally, I go home to UK after my 90 days are up. I then allow at least a month or six weeks to apply for my next visa. I've never applied from anywhere else. You can only get one visa at a time.
Nongnuch ********
Geoff Nolan I guess the 38 readers who granted me a "LIKE" for my description of how I achieve the 6 months stay in Thailand, speak for themselves. It seems to be the more popular way than what you suggest
Nongnuch ********
Geoff Nolan well understood, but I prefer to stay on my one-year stay permit based on being over 50, with the 800,000 in my Thai bank account. This is my personal choice. The annual application to a new 1-year extension is a breeze and takes maximum 25 minutes on my Immigration, and the 800,000 deposit is my emergency fund that lets me sleep in the night, AND it is a gift to my girlfriend for her all-around care after my demise (a Thai Last Will appoints her as the executor and heir).
Geoff *******
Nongnuch Kamdee If you ever have to use that 'emergency' ฿800K, that's the end of your extension and goodbye to Thailand.
Sean *********
Nongnuch Kamdee folks sleep on the Non-O Visa, we are currently on one for 90 days. We won’t extend it this time but maybe when we return in the future.
Nongnuch ********
Sean Anthony well, you can spend the 90 days like a holiday. Nobody is forcing you to apply for the 1-year extension of the stay permit
Sean *********
Nongnuch Kamdee yes, that’s the plan
Nongnuch ********
Cj Baas well, for 4 months you have two options: the 90-days Non-O visa and one border run and a visaexempt entry. . . .OR a 60-days tourist visa single entry, a 30 days extension for 1900 Baht, followed by a visa-exempt border run. The first option is less expensive, but you have to be over 50 years old, and you need to fulfill the financial requirements for the application to the Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa
Cj ******
Nongnuch Kamdee thanks, 4 months per year in Thailand is what I would like.
Nongnuch ********
Cj Baas YES you should be able to do so . . . . However, this depends on your recent ROLLING one-year stamp and entry history. And it depends on the Immigration officer you stand in front of. He is free to individually decide to allow entry or not. If you have no further visa-exempt or touristic entries during the recent one-year period, you should be fine. But you can always be asked for the three famous proofs: 20,000 THB in cash, a few nights of accomodation booking, and proof of onward travel within the first 30 days
Cj ******
Nongnuch Kamdee can you do a 90 day follow by a 30 day no visa?
Dave *******
Nongnuch Kamdee a lot of people don’t want that if they are spending less than 6 months in Thailand
Nongnuch ********
Dave Flago it is actually the easiest way, as applying for a Non-O/A or a multi entry Tourist Visa is a pain in the a! My annual application to the next 1-year extension, a single re-entry permit and doing a 90-days report, everything at the same time, is done and dusted on Immigration in 20-25 minutes and costs 1900 Baht and 1000 Baht for the re-entry permit. The 850,000 THB deposit is a perfect emergency fund. I do not care how much 25,000 USD equivalent would earn in interest, as in my home country, the highest yield would only be close to 3%, and myThai savings bank account at least makes 1.25% every year
Dave *******
Nongnuch Kamdee metv is easy 😳to apply for
Cool_Ba********
Dave Flago Not a huge amount of other suitable options. OA would be good, but needs insurance.
John ********
That was my path too. Going back to The New Forest for the summer next week. I can’t wait.
Paul ********
John Wenman 1.5 months of rain in the 11 days of June
but hoping its all changing this weekend and Summer kicks off!
but hoping its all changing this weekend and Summer kicks off!
Nongnuch ********
Paul Acourt you can spend the leisure time reading a few good books and sipping some pale ale in your favourite pub. Who cares about a few grey socks and rain?
Mats **********
Nongnuch Kamdee Hear they don't allow people to apply for bankaccounts without a visa!
Cool_Ba********
Mats Engström Probably why he got a visa. ;)
Nongnuch ********
Cool_Bananas_😎 I must have had a plan 17 years ago. Or why would I accept that the consulate in Essen, Germany, asked me for a police record for an application to a Non-Imm-O "over 50" visa? It was not a part of their requirement list. I guess the consulate staff decided to ask a police record off of me after seeing my extensive tattoos
Sylvia ********
Mats Engström correct, apply on line first for 90 days O visa, arrive and open bank account.
Deposit funds then ypu get 12 months more
Deposit funds then ypu get 12 months more
Nongnuch ********
Mats Engström I did not enter without a visa. I had a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa, so I was allowed to get a bank account opened.
Banks still accept applications to a Thai bank account if you have the correct longterm visa - that's what a Non-Imm Visaclass is. You cannot get a bank account opened on a tourist visa, visa-exempt entry or DTV, if this is what you meant.
You need a Non-Imm visaclass, a mobile phone SIM-card registered to your name and passport, you need a "certificate of residence" from Immigration and many banks will ask you for a second piece of identification next to your passport, like your national driver’s license.
Banks still accept applications to a Thai bank account if you have the correct longterm visa - that's what a Non-Imm Visaclass is. You cannot get a bank account opened on a tourist visa, visa-exempt entry or DTV, if this is what you meant.
You need a Non-Imm visaclass, a mobile phone SIM-card registered to your name and passport, you need a "certificate of residence" from Immigration and many banks will ask you for a second piece of identification next to your passport, like your national driver’s license.
Graham ******
Mats Engström A bank account is needed to get a Non-O 12 month extension unless your Embassy still does the income affidavit which many don't
Mats **********
Graham Seal my Ambassy are very busy, and Thai banks need a visa to allow people to apply for a bankaccount!
Dave *******
Consider getting a LTR visa
Cathryn *****
Dave Allen do you know if one need to open a bank account for ltr visa?
Robert ************
Dave Allen I like that one but I don’t have income 80,000 a year
Geoff *******
Non-O gives me two 90 day trips per year. Used to be multi-entry. Now single entry only.
Karma *******
OPGeoff Nolan hi
Can you explain how that works
Can you explain how that works
Geoff *******
Karma Bella Just apply for the Non 0 in your own country. You will need 3 months bank statements showing pension (or other income) of at least ฿65K pm. The visa will be valid for 3 months from date of issue and give you 90 days in Thailand. You can extend by a year, if you want to set up a Thai bank account and deposit ฿800K, which you effectively cannot use. A complete waste of money in my view.
Geoff *******
Ando Yip Yah I don't think that is possible. You cannot apply for the Non-O while still in Thailand. You have to allow time to apply from outside. I usually allow 4-6 weeks minimum gap between visas. Works fine.
Ando **********
Geoff Nolan Yes, I have done that. But I think I'm reading you maybe can apply for another non o and the 90days starts from the end of first non O . Giving you 180 days Is that possible?
Nongnuch ********
Geoff Nolan in the future you might be frowned upon by Thai Immigration. A 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa normally is not meant to spend two 90-days of holidays in Thailand on them, and that every other year. . . . . . Depending on how an Immigration officer thinks about if - if he/she is seeing an accumulation of 90-days entries on your central computer file, without you ever applying for the 1-year extension of stay permit, at some point you might get pulled aside and interogated
David ******
Nongnuch Kamdee what do you mean? I think you are suggesting they prefer faux immigrant aliens? Why can't the function of the non immigrant Visa be for retired people that have time to stay 90 days for their retired enjoyment and enrichment. I'm not sure if everyone is meant to be an immigrant alien. It literally is a Non-immigrant Visa Non-immigrant meaning a temporary alien. I highly doubt this will be trouble. Probably even preferred.
Nongnuch ********
David Earl you forget that EVERY Thai visa-type is only for temporary stays. Unlesse you gain "Permanent Residency" or Thai citizenship. Thailand does NOT allow permanent migrantion. . . . . Every Thai visa-type is made up for a special purpose or "category". The Non-Immigrant visa categories are NOT set up for touristic purposes! Just get yourself the .pdf list of all Thai visa types. There are 63 (!!) different visa types. . . . . Some embassies and consulates offer another type of listing, like here:
**********************************************************************
Geoff *******
David Earl I agree, let's not imagine problems, where there are none.
Cool_Ba********
Nongnuch Kamdee Not at all. That is exactly what a NON O is for.
Geoff *******
Nongnuch Kamdee I think you misunderstand the meaning of retirement. It is not necessarily tourism. With the Non O, there is no compulsion to extend by a year, if all you need is 90 days. Simply doesn't make sense. If you need the extension, take it by all means but there is no compulsion.
Nongnuch ********
Cool_Bananas_😎 sorry but that's not what it is meant for. The Non-Imm-O Visa type is not a tourist visa type, it is not supposed to be used for touristic purposes or consecutive holidays. You are, however, free to have a different opinion. Until you meet an Immigration officer who thinks like me, it remains open for a discussion
Geoff *******
Nongnuch Kamdee You are wrong. The non-O visa is specifically for those over 50 on a state pension who wish to spend no more than 90 days in Thailand. Suits me. Been doing it for 16 years now. Only problem is that it is single entry only now, whereas it used to be multi entry. Who can predict the future? I do not need the year extension.
Nongnuch ********
Geoff Nolan well, it is hard to believe, However I am willing to accept that in the past it has been a viable option and still is. Since November 2025 the approach of Immigration has tightened, that's why I would not be surprised if your method raises eyebrows in the future. However I guess, as long as your stays remain under 180 days within a rolling one-year period, you should be fine
Ralph *******
Geoff Nolan Why only two?
Ian ********
Maybe he only comes here twice a year
Geoff *******
Ian Carman Exactly. I like to escape the UK winter. Been doing it for 16 years with various visas. Never had an issue.
DelightfulN***********
9 months Thailand and 3 months UK. For me, the 3 months in the UK would be during the Thai hot season ( Mar, Apr & May).
Cyril *********
DelightfulNectarine850 which is uk rainy time,best to stay in Thailand .saving money and use the air conditioned malls and shops plus it's most likely safer place than uk.
DelightfulN***********
Cyril Ranchod respect your opinion but give me the UK spring time (which is my fav season)over the Thai hot season in a heart beat 😃 Also, never felt unsafe in the UK.
Andries **********
Non o visa
James **********
Depends if you want thai banking
Cool_Ba********
James Mitchell It is a factor, yes.
Robin *******
Banking has fcukall to do with it 😂😂😂why cant he have a Thai bank & English account like most retirees ,, another man who knows nothing
Cool_Ba********
Robin Banks Because you need a NON O visa to get a bank account in Thailand, that's why. It has everything to do with what visa is chosen ;)
James **********
Robin Banks shut up you mouthy cnut, put the Leo down. Bar stool wanker
Jim *********
Robin Banks a totally ignorant of the facts reply. The OP was asking about a Non O visa followed by a Retirement extension. He will need a Thai bank account to achieve this. Rather than posting nonsense you should try posting something helpful
Dror *********
Robin Banks fucking moron stupid and imbecile you think you can open bank account with every visa? Prove it im gonna send you right now 50,000 bht if your correct
Richard ******
Obviously you are the one who knows nothing. You can’t open a bank account in Thailand without a long term visa.
David ******
Richard Moir 90 Day Non O is enough to open bank account. No long term is needed. I am living proof.
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