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What are the best visa options for retiring in Hua Hin, Thailand for New Zealanders?
Thailand visa typesRetirement visaNon-O visaNon-OA visaExpat adviceHua Hin expat communityVisa application processBank account setupHealth insurance requirements
Dec 21, 2024
a year ago
Jo *********
ORIGINAL POSTERPlease help, I am confused. We are retiring in hua hin from new zealand. We know we have 60days, then extend to 30 more days but after that confused with an o visa , oa visa or retirement visa ? Thankyou
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is seeking clarity on visa options for retiring in Hua Hin after arriving from New Zealand. They mention a 60-day visa, which can be extended for 30 days, leading to the confusion about whether to apply for a Non-O, Non-OA, or another type of retirement-related visa. Responses highlight that there is no specific 'retirement visa' but rather options like the Non-O visa (which can be extended for a year) and the Non-OA visa (which requires application from their home country and includes health insurance). Advice is given about the importance of setting up a Thai bank account early, the costs involved with visa applications, and utilizing agents to simplify the process.
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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Gary *********
I am also from NZ been in Thailand 15 years Apply for what is "called" a retirement visa from the zthai embassy in Wellington Web site is good explains it all but u need apart from passports
1 Police report get from NN justice depart on line application no issue but takes a few weeks
2 Medical form signed by your GP suggest get first form done but not dated GP will advise Then in future just copy last form and date.
3 Financial info from bank or eg.Milford finance showing available funds
4 If you have friends or family in Thailand Intro letter from them like s character ref.
5 Ticket to Thailand can be just itinery re travel doesn't have to be paid for at application time
The visa section in WLG very helpful they will respond with advice and info via e mail..Fee is around 300$/person and visa from embassy is always multi entry unlike when applying in Thailand thru an agent when it cost 4000b extra for multi entry.
Or just use a agent in Thailand at a cost of about
1 Police report get from NN justice depart on line application no issue but takes a few weeks
2 Medical form signed by your GP suggest get first form done but not dated GP will advise Then in future just copy last form and date.
3 Financial info from bank or eg.Milford finance showing available funds
4 If you have friends or family in Thailand Intro letter from them like s character ref.
5 Ticket to Thailand can be just itinery re travel doesn't have to be paid for at application time
The visa section in WLG very helpful they will respond with advice and info via e mail..Fee is around 300$/person and visa from embassy is always multi entry unlike when applying in Thailand thru an agent when it cost 4000b extra for multi entry.
Or just use a agent in Thailand at a cost of about
*****
b which includes opening a Thai bank account.Bob ********
I can recommend a very very good agent, been using for years.pm me. Please remember don't spend any money in Thailand that you can't afford to loose or run away from....
Deb ********
We are NZers doing the same. Firstly do you know you can apply for your super to be paid to you whilst living abroad? Contact NZ Supers international dept. Secondly we will be using an agent in the first instance to sort out which is the most appropriate visa for us. We'd rather pay to get this done professionally. Our extensive research has told us not to buy a place in Pattaya, rather rent and then only a years lease to start. How to rent, we will be using Airbnb situations then approaching the owners to pay month by month for a year. This takes away someone wanting 2 months in advance and us possibly never seeing that money again. From this stance, after living there for a year we can make a more informed decision going forward. I hope this helps.
Hoffman ******
Pm you
@Jo ********
Alan ********
Oh also inform bank of your stay and possible ATM use in Thailand check expiry on bank cards and license. Pension office and voting need to know update eye glasses before coming. After your here and get your phone number you will need to let bank know for there records for any large withdrawals inform inform bank frayd squad as they can stop payment if they think it is a scam.
Alan ********
Ps have international medical insurance bring as much meds as you can and organise someone to get your mail
Alan ********
Come on 60 day visa go to visa agent they will get you extra 30 days and extra 3 months then your 12 months visa open a bank account for you all in 1 month all you need is passport open wise account in NZ for money transfers. So easy but agent will need to keep your visa till completed so get a laminated copy take photo and make sure you have as many years on it also get international driver's license so you can easily get the a thai license for extra id.
Stuart *********
It’s going to cost you $800 per person to get a Non O visa in NZ or $2,000 per person for a Non OA. Absolute madness.
Save that money and arrive visa exempt. Spend a few thousand baht with an agent to open a bank account (you will find it incredibly difficult to do yourself).
Once you have the bank accounts then put in 800k in each account and apply for a in country Non O for 2,000 baht. When that’s winding down apply for the year extension for 1,900 baht.
Save that money and arrive visa exempt. Spend a few thousand baht with an agent to open a bank account (you will find it incredibly difficult to do yourself).
Once you have the bank accounts then put in 800k in each account and apply for a in country Non O for 2,000 baht. When that’s winding down apply for the year extension for 1,900 baht.
Stu *********
@Stuart ********
Or hire an agent that deposits the 800,000Baht for you. Just cost a bit more.Marc ********
Stu Malcolm and is a bit illegal😅
Reply to
Marc ********
Reply
John **********
@Stuart ********
but you have to balance that against the extra NZ$40k+ in a Thai bank account for the spouse as they won't be able to get a dependent Non-O in ThailandStuart *********
@John *********
Not sure if NZ will issue a spouse visa on a Non OA.John **********
@Stuart ********
they say they do**************************************************************************
Reply to
John **********
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Grant *******
get an O visa to start from the embassy and open a bank account here as soon as you can. then extend it to retirement at immigration. that's what I did and have been extending for 4 years now. also from nz. you will find it hard to open an account here if at all if you are on tourist visa. also you cannot open a Thai bank account from outside Thailand.
Chris *******
Okay let's make this simple there is NO retirement visa.
You cannot apply for an OA in Thailand, can only obtain from an embassy.
If applying Thailand you can only apply for a 90 day non-o visa BASED on being over 50 (retirement).
You then do a 1yr extension off of that visa.
You can also apply for the non-o (not OA) from your home embassy and makes it easier for bank account and getting setup.
** OA is a 1yr visa that requires health insurance, medical and criminal background checks.
You cannot apply for an OA in Thailand, can only obtain from an embassy.
If applying Thailand you can only apply for a 90 day non-o visa BASED on being over 50 (retirement).
You then do a 1yr extension off of that visa.
You can also apply for the non-o (not OA) from your home embassy and makes it easier for bank account and getting setup.
** OA is a 1yr visa that requires health insurance, medical and criminal background checks.
Grant *******
@Chris ******
and OA is very hard to get in nz if at all. the non o is best overall from nzJo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ******
brillant thankyouReply to
Jo *********
Reply
John **********
@Jo ********
there are about 4 different visas that are all referred to as retirement visas. Plus the 12 months extension of stay is also often referred to as a retirement visa. The 2 main options people use are Non-0 visa based on being over 50. You can get inside Thailand or elsewhere. Gives you 90 days of stay which you then extend for 12 months. Requires money in a Thai bank but doesn't require insurance
Non-OA visa based on being over 50 which you can ONLY get in your home country, gives you 12 months of stay with multiple entry, requires insurance but doesn't require money in a Thai bank.
Does your use of "we" imply you are a married couple? If so the 2nd option might suit better as the second person may be able to get a Non-O visa based on being a dependent of the first with no additional requirements.
The other 2 options are the Non-OX visa and the LTR Wealthy Pensioner visa, you can research them yourself
Jo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
thankyou so much. Yes it's myself and my husband. If one of us gets the oa visa in newzealand , does that mean the other person would get theirs in thailand.Phil *******
@Jo ********
I am kiwi, but been living in Aus for 18 years. I just moved to Thailand last month. I just came on the 60 day visa free, then paid agent to do visa for me, if you get retirement visa from NZ you will have to buy insurance, as much as I believe you will need it, it can be purchased cheaper in Thailand.You will both have to go through the same process.
John **********
@Jo ********
no. You can't get the dependent visa in Thailand at all in case of retirement. You would get it in New Zealand before travelling. It would be for 90 days but a quick trip to immigration will get it extended to match the others expiry dateReply to
John **********
Reply
Anthony ******
My advice is speak to an agent. They will smooth over the process.
@Nicky **********
can helpRon ******
@Anthony *****
Apart from opening a bank account if you don’t get the Non Imm visa before arriving why would you need an agent? It’s not exactly difficult to do the rest yourself.Anthony ******
@Ron *****
by doing it with an agent then it means they will overcome any issues that might arise. We are in a who you know worldReply to
Anthony ******
Reply
Joseph *********
@Anthony *****
see advice but try to do it yiurself or you coukd be stiluck with an agent forever.If you do it yourself it costs 1999THB plus 1999 for multiple reentry if you want to travel.
If you leave leave Thailand while on retirement visa yiu need a reentry sticker in yiur PP.
Marc ********
@Joseph ********
If it costs 1999b the regular way then might aswell take an agent.Joseph *********
@Marc *******
2000 compared to *****
+Reply to
Joseph *********
Reply
Anthony ******
@Joseph ********
by doing it with an agent then it means they will overcome any issues that might arise. We are in a who you know worldJoseph *********
@Anthony *****
I never had any trouble with immigration in Chianfg MaiReply to
Joseph *********
Reply
Aake **********
@Anthony *****
no agentAnthony ******
@Aake *********
she is an agent.Reply to
Anthony ******
Reply
Baz *********
You should apply for 3 months visa BEFORE you travel and then start the process for getting bank account set up and retirement visa application
Michael ********
@Baz ********
Most expensive place for Thai visas is NZReply to
Michael ********
Reply
Rodney ********
Do some research h on retirement visas easy to follow
Bob **********
@Rodney *******
the OA has an insurance requirement where as the non -o doesn’t much better to apply in your home country then open a bank account and get your funds transferred in for the yearly extension 800k Thai bahtJo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rodney *******
i have but trying to work out what's the o visa or the oa visa or retirement visa. I just asking for advice. ThankyouAsokā **********
@Jo ********
get an agency in hua hin tk dk that for you there is O for 3 minths then 12 months retirement si they all will say you get 15 months to make it sound as though their service is cheap but the fee is anyway around 30,000 thbRon ******
@Jo ********
You’re probably looking at the Non Immigrant O Visa based on retirement. You can apply in NZ or within Thailand. You then apply for an extension of stay each year by continuing to meet the requirements. If you want a Non Imm OA visa you need to apply in NZ before coming to Thailand. The OA is valid for one year but requires mandatory health insurance, you can effectively get two years out of it provided you have insurance for the second year. The advantage is you don’t have to maintain funds in a Thai bank account, leave them at home getting better interest. There’s plenty of info available on the pros and cons of both. There’s also the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), check it out it might suit.Reply to
Ron ******
Reply
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