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What are the best ways to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand with recommendations for agents in Phuket?

Mar 18, 2025
15 days ago
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am new to this group, so I apologize in advance if this question has been already answered a gazillion times. That said… My husband and I want to retire to Thailand this year. We’re convinced that we should hire an agency for getting a retirement visa since we’re not good at all with details. We’d really appreciate any personal recommendations for a reliable agent in Phuket. Thank you in advance. 
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user new to the group seeks recommendations for reliable agencies to help obtain a retirement visa in Thailand, specifically in Phuket. The conversation reveals mixed opinions on using agents versus handling the process independently. Several comments highlight the complexities involved with banking and visa requirements, leading many to endorse using an agent for peace of mind, while others caution about potential issues and added costs. Recommendations for specific agencies, like Siam Legal and Thai Visa Centre, are provided.
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.
Leo *****
But is problematic with the bank account not available for tourists visa
Sean **********
@Peter *****
5 percent ? You are out of touch. My CDs are renewed at 4.2 percent for 5 months.the highest it has been in the past year. Was at 5 a couple years ago. Was in the under 4 percent. I use B ofA and US Bank.
Pat *******
@Sean *********
If you are earning interest on your savings in Thailand, will that lead to paying income tax there? I don't know.
Sean **********
Everytime they pay interest they tax it 15 percent
Sean **********
They taKe taxes out here is a sample
Sean **********
@Pat ******
I do not think so. Will be in Thailand for 5 months this year
Pat *******
@Sean *********
ok thanks. I didn't know that
Susan **********
You pay much less for an agent than the interest you earn even at 4%
Sean **********
@Susan *********
that's like 172 meals in a food court to me.
Sean **********
@Susan *********
paying $415 for something worth $56 does not make any sense to me. I don't care if it takes 3-4 hours
Sean **********
I guess that depends on how much you have invested.
Sean **********
@Peter *****
5 percent ? WHERE?
Sean **********
Don't waste your money
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sean **********
@Barbara ******
I am on a Non O and just extended for my 2nd year.
THAI ******************************
We service Phuket by signature on delivery post.

Our team regularly assists hundreds of retirees in Phuket.

If you need any assistance please message our team via line ( https://tvc.co.th/line ), or email (
**************
**********************
), or email ( help@tvc.co.th ).
Bill *********
I don't have advice for an agent there because I did mine in Bangkok. But I applaud your choice of utilizing an agent. It made things so much easier and faster. All done in under a day with no stress. It costs more but money can be made and time cannot.
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill ********
thank you
Martin *********
Make sure the agent that you use has an office in the city that you're going to be living in.
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Todd *********
Use
@THAI *****************************
. They are based in BKK but can assist anywhere. They are also a great agency for continued use and assistance with any visa type issues.
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
thank you
Tony **********
It is a simple (though sometimes tedious) process. But since you're already convinced, not sure what you're asking about. Use an agent if you want, but use your own money in the bank so you can remove your lips from the agent teat in the future.
Jim ******
Robert *********
How much time have you spent here ?

What place ?
Charles **********
I recently documented, on my Travel Blog, the process as it applies in the United Arab Emirates. You may find some useful tips there as the process should be similar around the world. Good Luck 🇹🇭🙏🏻
*********************************************************************
Tom *********
As far as I am concerned, get an agent, it will save you a huge amount of stress.
Bill *********
@Tom ********
💯 % agree
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tom ********
thank you
David **********
Don't use an agent just go to immigration with a thai friend and it is easy to get retirement visa
David **********
I say hi to farangs in thailand all the time they never respond
David **********
Good question
Randy ******
@David *********
We don’t have a Thai friend. Why don’t farang expats who already have experience in the process volunteer to help new comers?
David **********
I opened one with it with bangkok bank was easy
David **********
Same go to immigration and file the tm30 and get residency certificate and ask for a letter for the bank to open an account
Wayne *****
@David *********
What about opening the bank account?
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
David **********
@Barbara ******
if you ever need advice just message me ive just gone through the process
Ken ********
I used an agent in Phuket. It was very expensive and took much longer than it should have and they did a lot of shady things that made it impossible to renew. I had to leave the country and reapply. If you use an agent, don't let them put money in the Bank for you. Set up the Bank correctly and wire in your own money, or you won't be able to renew.
Peter ******
@Ken *******
You can renew if you use the same agent
Ken ********
@Peter *****
and keep paying the high fees. I've been here for years and do it myself. Very easy.
THAI ******************************
@Ken *******
You should be able to apply on your own if you have the proper funds, and file a TM30.

We assist our clients with obtaining a TM30 as well if they wish to apply on their own provided they meet the other requirements.
Wayne *****
Easier to use an agent with the new banking crap.
Debbie ***********
We were ready to do everything ourselves but ran into problems when we went to open a bank account. The bank said they changed their policy and had to have a longer visa, 90 days didn't meet their rules. After that we didn't want the headache and decided to use an agent. We couldn't open just a bank account, they wanted to do the whole thing. We used Siam Legal in Phuket. They were very good and it provided some peace of mind.
Duncan ********
@Debbie **********
Siam Legal is very good.
David ***************
Duncan ********
@David **************
And IF you’re lucky in this life, you actually get what you pay for.
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Debbie **********
thanks. We’re looking for some peace of mind.
Stuart *********
It’s not too difficult to do yourself if you meet the financial requirements.

You’ll be better off to apply for a Non O visa prior to coming here because it’s far easier to open a bank account with a long term visa over a tourist or exempt entry.

The Non O is valid for 90 days from issue and on entry you’d get a stamp for 90 days.

Open the bank accounts and deposit the 800k (each) and when that’s been in the account for 2 months apply for the year extension.

The website that
@Ch***
mentioned will give you all the other requirements. Or pop in to room 101 or 204 to speak to the volunteers at the Phuket Town office.
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
thanks much
Andy ************
If you're thinking of retirement visa, it means you're both over 50. Why is it so suddenly you need help to fill in a couple of forms and tick off a checklist?
Nom *******
@Andy ***********
if you are accustomed to bureaucratic apocalypse eg Germany - “why would we translate anything, this is Germany’

The welcome to foreigners concept is inconceivable
Aaron *********
@Andy ***********
I like your thinking!
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ***********
interesting question
Paul *******
I understand. I thought the same the first year. Not only was it very expensive to use an agent but it did cause MAJOR issues when I wanted to renew myself the second year.
Peter ******
@Paul ******
The interest money you receive from foreign bank accounts easily pays the agents fees
Eric ******
@Peter *****
He's not wrong!!
Paul *******
@Peter *****
what do you mean?
Peter ******
UK bank account 5% interest rates , which is 40 000 Baht a year if you keep that 800 000 Baht in a home bank account , Visa agents fees are less than that
Paul *******
@Peter *****
do you mean obtain the visa under false pretenses?

That sounds like a really smart idea. 🤡
Graham ******
@Peter *****
but you live with the fear of Immigration knocking your door one day, not woth the risk to "save" a few thousand Baht
Peter ******
@Graham *****
No, the immigration target the cheap charlies who just pay 1900 Baht a year , they prefer you to use agencies as they get their slice of the pie
Graham ******
@Peter *****
good luck with that
Peter ******
@Graham *****
They will keep on making it more and more difficult for you until you use an agency as well
Barbara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
thank you
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