Answered5 years ago
What are the costs and requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand through an agent?
Can anyone advise how much I should expect to pay for a retirement visa if I go through an agent.
All I have is a UK passport and a 30 day exemption stamp.
I know it will be cheaper to do it myself but I really don't fancy the runaround to get familiar with the fine print during covid. It was bad enough trying and failing to open a bank account!
Also how long do they keep the passport for?
Would be grateful for any recommendations via pm. Thanks!
All I have is a UK passport and a 30 day exemption stamp.
I know it will be cheaper to do it myself but I really don't fancy the runaround to get familiar with the fine print during covid. It was bad enough trying and failing to open a bank account!
Also how long do they keep the passport for?
Would be grateful for any recommendations via pm. Thanks!
Answer summary
The cost of obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand, particularly if using an agent, typically ranges from 25,000 to 50,000 baht, depending on whether you have the required funds in a bank account. If you do not, you may find the costs on the higher end. The process generally requires opening a local bank account and depositing 800,000 baht if you want a long-term visa. Agents can handle the process for you, but they may require your passport for a couple of weeks, making it difficult to travel during that time. Some users cited that they would rather handle the application themselves to avoid the additional costs associated with agents.
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Metty *******
Sometimes you have to shop a round for the retirement visa.
In pattaya its goes around 35 to 40 thousand Tb
I have been told
'Cambodia visa centre'in pattaya cheapest.
I done mine in jomtien bit expensive.
It takes 3 weeks
You need to have enough days to cover it.
If you dont. need to take 30day extension and apply.
In pattaya its goes around 35 to 40 thousand Tb
I have been told
'Cambodia visa centre'in pattaya cheapest.
I done mine in jomtien bit expensive.
It takes 3 weeks
You need to have enough days to cover it.
If you dont. need to take 30day extension and apply.
London *****
OPSorry one more - the agents want to keep my passpory for 3-4 weeks. Can't afford that as have elderly parents and may need to return to UK at short notice.
So only choice is to apply personally?
So only choice is to apply personally?
Stuart *********
@London ****
do not do that. Many horror stories of agents holding passports for months.
Gordon *******
@London ****
Try different agent Joe. That's far too long it's usually only a couple of days. If you want. the I'll pm you with 2 agents. Are you in Pattaya nowLondon *****
OP@Gordon ******
i will be in 2 days. Currently North.Gordon *******
Contact me when you're in Pattaya Joe. I'll send you 2 agents in Pattaya who should be able to sort it for you without holding your passport more than 2 days
Gordon *******
Problem is trying to open up a Thai Bank Account in Thailand. Tried 7 different banks, unable to so so
Agent said can open for me at cost of 4000b (Pattaya)
Agent said can open for me at cost of 4000b (Pattaya)
London *****
OP@Gordon ******
thats 2000 less rhan 6k I waa quoted by Bangkok Babk Branchin pattaya - that included some expensive accident insurance. Said rhere was no other way and I was free to try everywhere else and then return!Gordon *******
Yes, it's so frustrating Joe, I had exactly the same refusals as you've mentioned.
The two agents I went to were about the same prices.
4000b for bank account
Next year
Asked if they would be problems at Immigration, both said no problem at all
Apparently they also do reporting for you at Immigration every 90 days rather than lining up for hours on end at times.
I know lads on here say it's easy to do but all my friends in Pattaya have gone down the Agency route. They only held the passport for a couple of days
The two agents I went to were about the same prices.
*****
b for 15months4000b for bank account
Next year
*****
b for visa extension. Asked if they would be problems at Immigration, both said no problem at all
Apparently they also do reporting for you at Immigration every 90 days rather than lining up for hours on end at times.
I know lads on here say it's easy to do but all my friends in Pattaya have gone down the Agency route. They only held the passport for a couple of days
Metty *******
By the way
When bank account opens
You get one year
Free insurance
When bank account opens
You get one year
Free insurance
London *****
OPJust out of interest, I am curious as to how the agents get round the 800k requirement. As many of the agents are offering this, albeit at a price. Is it naive to think that requirements are requirements or are they submitting false paperwork?
Metty *******
@London ****
This is ThailandAgents dont break the rules .
They just know how to get around it.
I am not sure but I think the bank loans you the money.
Lyndon ************
London *****
OP@Lyndon ***********
ok. I get it. At the end of the day the applicant is responsible for the paperwork that is submitted, regardless of who submits it.If the officer decides to give a visa based on imcomplete documents, that's his judgement.
Have to draw the line at any false document submissions.
Lyndon ************
@London ****
it's easy to go the legal route if you have the cash, and less problems later on.Once you start with an agent, it's hard to get off. As you'll face a barrage of legit questions when you put your passport in front of your local immigration officer, with hooky stamps from the other side of the country.
Metty *******
I came to thailand 30 days visa exemption on 31th dec.on the 4th dec
With an agent went to jomtien pattaya immigration together with my agent
She done everything for me bank account ect.
Multi entry 15 mounts its 40.000 Tb .
After 15 months you get yearly .
Then ,With the agent that cost 15.000 tb
It's worthed if you have th spare money
It takes 3 weeks to get it.so you must do in that first 30 days you have.
If you dont have enough time .
Get 30 days extension for 1900tb.with an agent 4000.
Then apply for your retirement visa
With an agent went to jomtien pattaya immigration together with my agent
She done everything for me bank account ect.
Multi entry 15 mounts its 40.000 Tb .
After 15 months you get yearly .
Then ,With the agent that cost 15.000 tb
It's worthed if you have th spare money
It takes 3 weeks to get it.so you must do in that first 30 days you have.
If you dont have enough time .
Get 30 days extension for 1900tb.with an agent 4000.
Then apply for your retirement visa
London *****
OP@Cagneys *******
did you transfer the 800k after the account wss opened? Or did she arrange that too?London *****
OP@Cagneys *******
Do they keep your passport for the 3 weeks. If so means cant travel or change hotel?Metty *******
They do arrange every thing money too
Dont ask me how
Dont ask me how
Metty *******
@London ****
Yes they keep your passport
Gary **********
You can do it with agent ..it's aprox 30k but you don't need money in bank at all .. but you need a 60 / 90 day visa first ..I always done it myself. But many I know use a agent costs more but it's easy
Rob **********
Do it yourself it is very easy, and you will save yourself 15,000 to 20,000 baht as well.
John-Paul ******
Around 15 to 20k depending on agency. You could message me
Lee *******
You can get a 2 month covid extension with a bit of luck and have time to apply for non o first
Lyndon ************
NB, you will need to first open a bank account and move 800kTHB then apply for a 90 day non-o. You need to submit this with a minimum of 15 days remaining on your stamp. If you don't have 15+ days left, apply for a 30 day extension first 1900b
Once you have your money seasoned for 2 months then apply for the 12 month extension.
All done for 6000b in total (if you need the 30 day extension to submit)
Once you have your money seasoned for 2 months then apply for the 12 month extension.
All done for 6000b in total (if you need the 30 day extension to submit)
Stuart *********
@Lyndon ***********
where do you get the 6k figure from?Lyndon ************
@Stuart ********
corrected thanksLondon *****
OP@Lyndon ***********
Thanks Lyndon. I just arrived in Udon Thani and still have 15+ days left.Do I need anything more than my passport amd the fee to get 90 day non-o in Udon?
Lyndon ************
@London ****
I can't say for Udon, you could call in and ask them.This is what Bangkok have asked me for
Stuart *********
@London ****
These are the requirements for the Phuket office. All offices have slight variations but it’ll at least give you an idea on what’s expected. ******************************************************
Peter *********
Agent for 1st non o retirement between
*****
/*****
baht recommended darren at key visa pattaya after 1st 1 you can so it yourself easy 1900baht. 1st visa hard to do
Stuart **********
If you can't do it yourself there's not much point in you being here, you'll learn nothing 👍
James **********
The price will depend a lot on whether you have the correct monthly income or the 800k to deposit.
Gary **********
@James *********
not if you use a agent
Оливер *********
Paul ************
@James *********
2 months😊London *****
OP@James *********
can tfr the 800k. But if I understand correctly, then have to wait 3 mths before I can apply. Agents seem to be able to get round these issues..Stuart *********
Depends on whether you have funds in a bank account or not. Perhaps 18k if you do, maybe 50k or more if you don’t. 2,000 baht if you do it yourself.
Greg ********
@Stuart ********
Without money in Bank, 15 months and a multi-entry stamp it should be about 30k in Pattaya all in.
ᘻᗅᖶᖶᗁᕦᙛ *******
@Stuart ********
its 800,000 in the bank (or )a monthly pension of 65,000Stuart *********
@ᘻᗅᖶᖶᗁᕦᙛ ******
and how is he going to show 12 months of 65k, transferred into a non existent account?ᘻᗅᖶᖶᗁᕦᙛ *******
@Stuart ********
oh wow your rightStuart *********
@ᘻᗅᖶᖶᗁᕦᙛ ******
he doesn’t have a Thai bank account. He’s here on a visa exempt so he’s been in the country less than 30 days. He can’t use the 65k deposit method (yet).ᘻᗅᖶᖶᗁᕦᙛ *******
@Stuart ********
the embassy don't give income letters anymore. So he need the bank statements. I know because I am going through it now lololᘻᗅᖶᖶᗁᕦᙛ *******
@Stuart ********
bank statements of his pension being depositedLondon *****
OP@Stuart ********
i dont currently. A newbie at this. Once I open a local bank account I can easily transfer. But rules seem to say need it there for 3 mths before applying.But more than one agent offering to fix it all even without funds. Not quite sure how and whether its legit.
Chris ********
@London ****
yes, got 90 day Non O in uk. Not sure if you can apply in ThailandStuart *********
@Chris *******
you can apply for a non O visa based on retirement within Thailand. You need 800k in a Thai bank in your name that’s been transferred from abroad and at least 15 days left on your current stamp (21 if in Chiang Mai).Chris ********
@London ****
I tried 6 banks in Ubon on 1st visit, pretty much everyone had different criteria for opening. 2 however said "come back with retirement visa and we'll open one". Got 3 weeks after AQ to open and transfer cash so I'm going back with my shiny Non O and politely requesting one. If they say no I'll fly back to Bangkok with fiancée, apparently easier to open thereChris ********
Tried 5 or 6 banks in Central Plaza, Ubon. I was told i needed retirement visa (2 banks), letter from embassy, work permit, marriage certificate and one added a few of these together. I went for noodles!. Very frustrating but now i have Non O I am hopeful. After quarantine I'm going back to all of them and telling them all that they said I could have an account when I returned. Maybe I'll get one in each!. Preferably Siam Commercial, Bangkok or Kasicorn as I can still transfer large amount in one go, most others are 50,000 baht max in 1 transaction now
Stuart *********
@London ****
No that’s not correct, but some bank branches will tell you that. Each branch sets its own rules as to who can open an account. Anyone can on any visa (or exempt) but try telling the branch manager that!London *****
OP@Chris *******
yeah but ro get a retirement visa need 800k in a Thai Bank account! To get a bank account need a Rwrirement vusa/work permit!Stuart *********
@London ****
A visa from an agent where you don’t have the funds is never “legit”. They pay someone to get it for you. Whether you have repercussions from that down the line is a coin toss.James **********
@London ****
It’s not legit but many do it that way if it is their only choice
Bobby ********
London Joe. If you don't have the funds you don't meet the requirements of the visa, so it's a visa obtained "under the table". You have to wear the consequences if you're caught.
Jim ***********
Agent does it cheaper get them do it. I needed bank account opened as here a few months didn't want bring cash for long trip
Jim ***********
@London ****
I done it myself. The insurance is in thai and probably worthlessLondon *****
OP@Jim **********
yes thats exactly what the agent is also offering at Bangkok Bank. Expensive insurance! But thanks for info. Where ever possible I like to do it direct.Jim ***********
@London ****
I opened bank account soi buakaoh 2 weeks ago Bangkok bank. Cost 5900 as includes 1 year insurance. Also 500 baht for card. Also needed put 500 baht in account.Lyndon ************
@London ****
I opened a bank account on a tourist visa in October. I used the Bangkok Bank head office, they wanted an 'embassy certified copy' of my passport and my tm30. I took my Thai partner with me, she was asked to vouch for my address. No need for agentLondon *****
OP@Bobby *******
Thanks. No issue with the funds. Mistakenly thought it had to be there for 3 mths. As of today, I dont even have a Thai bank account. Just starting the journey! Hence request for advice. Visited about 5 banks - none would open an account - wanted lease, 1 year visa.Two agents offering to open it in 1 hr. One for 3,500 another for 6k.
Stuart *********
@London ****
no the 3 months you are referring to is actually 2 months, but that’s only when you go to get the extension off a Non O visa. When you initially apply for a Non O visa the 800k just has to been seen as coming from abroad. There is no time seasoning on it. As you are getting close to the 90 days from that you apply for the extension and that’s when the 2 months before and 3 months after applies.Chris ********
@London ****
no problem, good luckLondon *****
OP@Chris *******
ok now I understand. Thanks for clarifying.Chris ********
@London ****
yes, i ignored that part. Uk Thai embassy page says something like "visit family etc and retirement plus some other stuff". I assumed as I didn't put anything in relation part I'd be done under "retirement".Stuart *********
@London ****
visiting Thai family extension is 60 days, not 90. You can only get this extension once per entry.London *****
OP@Chris *******
chris I looked at this but seems can only apply for 90 day if visiting "family of a Thai national". And wants details ofthe relationship added. Did u just ignore that part?London *****
OP@Chris *******
chris, you did this before coming to Thailand? Probably cant be done if already in Thailand.Chris ********
@London ****
I have a 90 day Non O visa. Disease info is for OA, not Non O. Plus with Non O I don't need additional long term insurance. I can extend from 90 day initial visa when i have money in a/c for 2 months. I uploaded recent passport photo, Passport, bank statement. I have no proof of relationship (not married and no kids) and not sure if I put insurance documents on application. Goto thaivisa.go.th and register. Tells you everything you need to upload. Seriously, it's very easy.London *****
OP@Chris *******
Chris, if you dont mind, apart from UK bank info what else did you upload - when I looked into it in UK, it mentioned some certification re not having a bunch of diseases. That and rhe poluce certificate put me off.Chris ********
@London ****
Only 2nd time here, 1st on 60 day tourist visa so I'm by no means savvy on visas BUT using Thai Embassy page in UK i applied for, and got, Non O based on retirement in less than a week. Uploaded UK savings account summary showing adequate funds + other requested documents. No police report needed. IT IS SO EASY I would listen to others re under the table agents. Honestly, save ya dosh, do it yourself. Good luckStuart *********
@London ****
That’s for an OA visa. You can apply for a non O in London and it doesn’t require those. Also extensions off of that in Thailand do not require mandatory health insurance that the Non OA does.London *****
OPHas anyone experience of applying for rhe retirement visa in UK? seems to require police report and some health declaration rw a whole bunch of diseases - notbsure where would even get that. But these dint seem to be required if applying in Thailand
Stuart *********
@London ****
That’s what they do. I certainly couldn’t recommend going down that road, but many do.London *****
OP@Stuart ********
thank Stuart. Didnt appreciate that. But 2 agents are offering to get both together- ie 3+12 months.Stuart *********
You might get cheaper than 50k. That was just a guess. Looking back on some older post perhaps 35k might be more in the ball park.
Osama ************
@Stuart ********
Actually 53k what I was quoted by a known agency in October of 2021.Activity
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