thailand
Ask question

What are the current challenges and requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?

Retirement VisaNon-O VisaVisa Application ProcessThai ImmigrationLong-term Stay in ThailandVisa FeesUdon Thani ImmigrationExpat Life in Thailand
Nov 20, 2024
a month ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am now pretty much ready to retire in Thailand. I have used it as a base to travel in Asia as a tourist on and off over the last couple of years and used the multiple entry visa as it was designed to.

I went to Udon Thani immigration to enquire about the possibility of changing to a 90 day visa and then a retirement visa. The lady said it is now very difficult to do. You need Thai witnesses, house visits, etc and takes a long time. She seemed genuine and suggested I get the 90 day visa back in the UK.

I checked with a visa agent in Udon Thani and they said they now charge 70,000 THB because it has become so complex with checks and witnesses, which backs up the IO's previous statement.

As I have come back to the UK for family reasons I am going to apply for the 90 day visa here for retirement here, and then seek to switch it to the one year retirement extension when back there. I already have a condo and the seasoned funds in BKK, does it matter that my current 6month multiple entry tourist visa is still valid until February? Anything else to look out for? The application online has been streamlined and looks extremely simple.
1,395
views
3
likes
44
all likes
28
replies
0
images
12
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is preparing to retire in Thailand and has inquired about switching from a multiple entry visa to a 90-day visa and then a retirement visa. They encountered challenges, including the need for Thai witnesses and home visits, leading them to decide to apply for the 90-day visa in the UK. Comments highlight various opinions on visa agents' fees, the validity of holding multiple visas, and reassurance that meeting financial criteria simplifies the process. Some users suggest potential alternatives for obtaining the visa.
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.
Bob ********
Siam legal...
a month ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
This seems like they are advising you about applying for a marriage visa. Have you asked them for their list of requirements for the non o retirement visa.

It's usually very straightforward with no agent required.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
in Pattaya F.S. Consulting Co. is charging 19.000.- THB for the "change of visa type" to the 90-Days Non-Imm-O and the subsequent 12-months extension, if you have your own funds. All fees included, however I am not sure if this includes a single re-entry permit for the 12-months extension, which will add another 1000.- THB. . . . . Asking you for 70.000.- THB when you got your own funds? Thieves, leaves me speechless
a month ago
Like
Reply
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg **********
 I think this is perhaps an Udon Thani only issue. 12 months ago the same agency were charging 25,000 for the same service.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
@John *******
 ok. However the rules regarding a "change of visa type" did not change in the least. They are pulling this outta their noses. Prolly trying to up the provisions
a month ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Greg **********
 Procedures of a specific immigration office can change without rules actually changing.

When the specific immigration office tells these are their procedures, how should that up their provisions.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Bob **********
70,000 is a joke it’s 25,000 in pattaya and it’s not hard
a month ago
Like
Reply
Will ******
Can't see what the problem would be if you meet all criteria. Insurance needed?
a month ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Will *****
 Not for a Non-O
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Ian **********
The online non imm O e-visa is pretty easy and as you already have seasoned funds there is no reason to consider any other type of visa. I expect your current METV will just be cancelled when you are granted a Non O. Your Non O will be for 90 days and you can apply for the retirement extension up to 30 days before it expires. You must be able to show the funds came from abroad. On the non O application they ask for proof of residency in your home country so just upload your DL or your passport again as both are accepted
a month ago
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
@Ian *********
 the problem is, you actually cannot make a multi-entry visa invalid. You have to wait until it expires, before an embassy would allow you to apply to a new visa. You cannot hold two different visa at the same time. . . . Neither Immigration nor the Thai Embassy has the right to void an METV any day earlier before it officially expires
a month ago
Like
Reply
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian *********
 thanks for answering the question.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
@John *******
 you also need to consider timing the date of the yearly applications to a new "retirement extension". Example: If you enter with a Non-Imm-O visa on December 10, the date your extensions end will be March 9 every year - and you must be present for that. . . . in case the embassy refuses to issue a 90-days Non-O visa, because you are on a still valid METV, the earliest date you can enter Thailand with a fresh Non-O visa would be beginning of March. This would shift the date of yearly applications to the 1-year extensions to the beginning of June. You would need your presence in Thailand in the hottest month and probabyl also a very wet month.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Greg ***********
@John *******
 it could be a problem that you still have a valid visa until February. Normally, one cannot apply for a new visa unless a valid stay permit or valid visa has been made invalid prior to applying for new visa
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
John **********
It's not that complex, particularly if you have the funds in the bank and can show they came from overseas. You need 10 to 15 days left on your stamp depending on where you are. But their reticence and the fact you already have a condo makes me wonder about your history inside Thailand?
a month ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@John *********
 Agreed, and I think the complexity (witnesses, house visit etc.) is for the Non-O based on marriage not retirement unless this is a requirement that Udon Thani imposes.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Terry ********
@Graham *****
 Myself and a friend both had home visits (Mine 9am, on a Sunday morning..😡) not long after renewing our retirement, not marriage, extensions in March 2024. Not in Udon but in another NE Esaan province; Nakhon Phanom.
a month ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Terry *******
 yes, seems to be coming normal. I had one this year in Sa Kaeo shortly after my 7th extension based on retirement. But the extension was not dependant on the visit, it had already been issued. Normally they call and ask if it's a convenient time
a month ago
Like
Reply
Terry ********
@John *********
 They did call and ask and we agreed 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. but the morons turned up about 10 minutes later at about 9:15! They demanded photocopies of three documents, copies of which were provided less than 2 weeks before for the actual extension!!! I would have refused to do it there and then, but my girlfriend was there and scuttled off to do their mindless bidding!
a month ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Terry *******
 ha I got the call 2 days after they turned up. They didn't want any paperwork, just a couple of photos and a look at my passport. I think their just verifying your actually staying where you say you are
a month ago
Like
Reply
Terry ********
@John *********
 That sounds more reasonable, but mine also wanted a witness to verify l was staying there. But they were out of luck there because there was only one other Thai resident in another apartment and he always went home to his family at the weekend. So they had to be content with my girlfriend as a witness.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terry ********
Reply
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 oh and what is it you are wondering about? I have never over stayed, never lived in Thailand, and never had any problems.
a month ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@John *******
 I was wondering more about previous visas rather than anything like overstay
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 yes, previously so. And no doubt in other areas but for some reason in Udon Thani they are making it difficult with a need for in district witnesses and other information, and it then has to be signed off in Khon Kaen. Apparently due to 'previous problems'. The IO said it was difficult now and an agent said the same thing, last year the same agent charged 30,000 now 70,000. I assume this is a local issue, following some sort of investigation.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ********
Reply
Philip *******
You could apply for non O from Vientiane
a month ago
Like
Reply
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Philip ******
 yes that was actually the suggestion of the agent. But as I am back in London for family reasons, I thought I may as well do it here
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ********
Reply
Ning ******
try dtv visa ?
a month ago
Like
Reply
Luit *****************
@Ning *****
 Why?
@John *******
 wants to retire.

All visa are designed for a purpose, not to try one randomly.

In fact I think get non-o in London, travel to Thailand and get a 1 year extention after the 90 days is exactly the way the non-o is designed to use.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand as a tourist planning to retire?
103 comments
3 months ago
What are the options for opening a bank account on a tourist visa in Thailand and pursuing long-term residency?
123 comments
3 months ago
What is the process for obtaining a Retirement Visa in Thailand as an expat, and should I hire an agent?
98 comments
6 months ago
Is it better to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand or from the UK, and how should I manage my funds?
19 comments
6 months ago
What are my best options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand given my current situation?
24 comments
8 months ago
Is it better to arrive in Thailand on a tourist visa and then switch to a retirement visa or to get the retirement visa beforehand?
29 comments
10 months ago
What is the process and requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand, especially for those changing their plans?
15 comments
10 months ago
What are the alternatives to meet the financial requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand?
152 comments
a year ago
What are the steps and costs involved in applying for a retirement visa in Thailand using an agent or on my own?
20 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for a 54-year-old planning to retire in Thailand?
15 comments
a year ago
Should I apply for a retirement (Non-O) visa in the UK or Thailand, and what are the necessary requirements?
42 comments
2 years ago
What experiences do expats have with obtaining a 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa and transitioning to a one-year retirement visa in Bangkok?
14 comments
2 years ago
What are the experiences and recommendations for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand without an attorney?
46 comments
2 years ago
What are the steps to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand for a UK expat married to a Thai citizen?
42 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements and best options for obtaining retirement visas in Thailand for US citizens currently in Malaysia?
53 comments
4 years ago
Is it easier to hire a visa agent or do the paperwork myself when changing from a work permit to a retirement visa in Thailand?
41 comments
4 years ago
What advice is available for an Australian seeking a retirement visa in Thailand after staying on a tourist visa?
83 comments
4 years ago
What is the process to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand if I currently reside in the UK?
7 comments
5 years ago
What are the best options and steps for retirees to obtain a visa for living in Thailand?
49 comments
5 years ago
What Are the Requirements for a 12 Month Retirement Visa Extension in Thailand?
5 comments
5 years ago
Have expats on a retirement visa faced difficulties at Thai immigration?
9 comments
5 years ago
Can we apply for a NON-OA or OX visa while in Thailand if we obtain a 90-day visa first?
31 comments
6 years ago
What are the latest changes to the retirement visa process in Thailand and how can expats best prepare for it?
0 comments
6 years ago
Should I apply for a retirement visa or continue using a 60-day tourist visa to stay in Thailand?
16 comments
6 years ago
What are the requirements and steps for applying for a Retirement Visa in Thailand?
49 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.