What are the document requirements and procedures for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand?

Feb 26, 2023
2 years ago
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
hi everyone, I entered Thailand last May with my first year annual retirement visa and it is going to expire in coming mid April. I would like to ask

1) what documents (originals n copies)do I need to prepare for renewing my visa?

2) any forms do I have to download n fill in before proceeding to the Immigration dept ?

3) How much earlier should I need to start applying for the renewal n how much time do they usually take to approve my visa?

many thanks for your valuable replies n have a good day!
1,669
views
2
likes
56
all likes
26
replies
1
images
6
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking information on how to renew their annual retirement visa in Thailand, specifically asking about the required documents, necessary forms, the timeline for applying, and processing time. Comments suggest that requirements may vary by immigration office, advising the user to obtain an official list of documents from their local office. Additionally, there's mention of the option for a border bounce to extend the visa, provided that insurance is maintained.
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.
Tod *********
Remember (
@Kim ********
&
@Paul *****
)

these sheets that Ellie made up to list the usual requirements needed to get an extension for different reasons are just "guidelines"

We recommend you slog on over to your immigration office and get the official hand out or list of requirements from THAT office before you show up trying to get your yearly extension because that way you know exactly what you need.
Edward ******
@Tod ********
Damn good advice, Todd, with a reference on THAT office.
Tod *********
@Edward *****
with 80+ offices in the country there's no way anyone has the definitive list of what's required at each one. πŸ˜›
Kim *********
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you.
John **********
@Paul *****
if you have a Non-OA visa which expires in April you can actually do a border bounce just before it expires to get another year out of it. You will still need insurance for that year and will need a re-entry permit if you plan to leave Thailand and return at any point in that additional year.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
thank you for your reply. but sorry I m not sure what what mean. do you mean I can leave n return to Thailand before my retirement visa expires then my visa will be extended to another year without the need to go to the Immigration dept ? certainly I will have my insurance for another year.

sorry for my question and thank you.
Ellie *******
@Paul *****
you have definitely a valid non O-A visa. As long as you have an insurance policy covering for another year and enter Thailand on or before 20 April, you will be stamped in for 365 days or the same as your insurance expires. If you have a travel plan until then, you don’t have to apply for a 1-year extension right now.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
that's so awesome ! thx for the gd news!
John **********
@Paul *****
yes you will need to show insurance. Other than that just show the OA visa and check he puts the correct stamp in your passport.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
that's encouraging to me. sorry , one more question, I m now having a multiple entry n will I have the same multiple entry when I get the new stamp for another year for my retirement visa at the airport? so grateful for your reply.
John **********
@Paul *****
no you won't but you can buy a multi entry permit from immigration or from the major airports when leaving
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
I see. that's pros n cons. really appreciate your help. hv a nice day !
John **********
@Paul *****
that is correct assuming you have an OA visa which hasn't expired. Every time you enter Thailand during the validity of an OA visa you get stamped in for a year, or for as long as your insurance good for, whichever is sooner
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
if that's the case , that's good news. actually before I knew this information, I really have the need to leave Thailand in March.

so, when I return to Thailand at the airport, should I show my new insurance certificate to the officer n anything I need to do or ask for the new stamp for another year for my retirement visa? thank you so much for your help. πŸ™
Peter ****************
@Paul *****
Maybe an "open door" but you have to be back to Thailand before/on that 'mid April' date of the visa !!! if you leave in March.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ***************
that's worth giving a try. if I m lucky enough to get a stamp for another year for my OA retirement visa, I can avoid all the troublesome preparations n procedures to renew my visa at the immigration department. Thank you for your advice.
Ellie *******
@Paul *****
, what you need to do to make things sure is checking and reading your visa carefully, or post the photo of your visa and stamp here (or send one of the moderators) after covering your personal information.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
that's a wise suggestion.

hope I m not causing too much trouble. here is my visa below:
Robert *******
Requirement are not exactly the same at different Immigration Offices, for example, 1 office want a hand drawn map to your place and another office accept a print out from Google.

As you ask in time, best advise is to visit your local Immigration Office and ask the hand out with requirements and make an appointment to apply for a 1 year Extension of Stay. You can not renew an used visa.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
thanks for your reply.

i did my first 90days report at Immigration Chaengwattana n the other 2 reports online. I think I will attend the same place for my renewal. a hand drawn map!? does it mean I draw a map of where I live? I m not sure what it is about. do you mind telling me more about it?Thank you !
Marty *********
@Paul *****
At Chaengwattana you do indeed bring a hand drawn map of where you live. My condo was at the corner of Sukhumvit and Soi 71 so I drew the small area of Sukhumvit, 71, and W District. I labeled my condo on the map. You can use Google maps to research the street names. I always brought a hand drawn map but you could also print out a Google map and keep it with you if that is what is asked for. It never hurts to bring too much and is a PIA if you don't have what you need.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
thank you so much for your explanation. I also think about having a hand drawn n a Google map with me.
Roberto *********
@Paul *****
Chaengwattana require a hand drawn map, they do not accept Google printout. Doesn't have to be anything flash. Just show street you live on with an 'X' marks the spot and any cross streets/BTS station
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
so grateful for your reply. πŸ™
Robert *******
@Paul *****
I tried to explain that the best way to know all about the requirements is to visit your local office, ask the hand out, read it, ask questions about not fully understand items and make an appointment when all clear.
Thai Visa Advice
... members Β· 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice