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What are the key considerations and requirements for obtaining different retirement visas (types O and OA) in Thailand?
Thailand VisaVisa OptionsRetirement VisaNON-O VisaNON-OA VisaVisa ExtensionsTM30 RequirementRe-Entry PermitsHealth Insurance RequirementsCanadian Embassy VerificationRetirement in ThailandVisa Application Procedures
Nov 4, 2021
4 years ago
Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTERIn preparation for my upcoming retirement (July 2022), I have been researching the different visa options (O, OA, ...) in order to see which one is most suitable for me.
Yesterday, I posted my first attempt at a comparison table. I got a lot of very useful comments and learned a lot in the process. Thanks everyone from your comments.
Based on everyone's comments, I realized that there were some important flaws with the first version of my table:
1. I was mixing up "visa options" with "extension options"
2. There were some innacuracies regarding the insurance requirements for type-O Visas
3. There was some missing information regarding re-entry options.
Based on everyone's feedback, I have done a major rework of the table. In the process, I realized that the criteria which are applicable for the initial Visa application are not always the same as for the extension application. So, in order to make the tables easier to read, I have decided to use to separate tables:
Table 1: Criteria Appplicable to Initial Visa Application
Table 2: Criteria Appplicable to Extension of Stay on existing Visa
For the initial Visa application, I also realized that for the O Visa, some of the criteria will differ depending on whether the Visa application is made in Thailand or in your home country. As a result, I have included additional columns in table 1, in order to be able to contrast these differences.
I am including in this post an updated version of the comparison tables. I realize that there may still be some errors or omissions (I'm still learning!), so I welcome your comments in order to arrive at a better version. 😀
I will wait a few days for comments and I will post a last version based on all these comments.
Thanks for everyone's help.
Yesterday, I posted my first attempt at a comparison table. I got a lot of very useful comments and learned a lot in the process. Thanks everyone from your comments.
Based on everyone's comments, I realized that there were some important flaws with the first version of my table:
1. I was mixing up "visa options" with "extension options"
2. There were some innacuracies regarding the insurance requirements for type-O Visas
3. There was some missing information regarding re-entry options.
Based on everyone's feedback, I have done a major rework of the table. In the process, I realized that the criteria which are applicable for the initial Visa application are not always the same as for the extension application. So, in order to make the tables easier to read, I have decided to use to separate tables:
Table 1: Criteria Appplicable to Initial Visa Application
Table 2: Criteria Appplicable to Extension of Stay on existing Visa
For the initial Visa application, I also realized that for the O Visa, some of the criteria will differ depending on whether the Visa application is made in Thailand or in your home country. As a result, I have included additional columns in table 1, in order to be able to contrast these differences.
I am including in this post an updated version of the comparison tables. I realize that there may still be some errors or omissions (I'm still learning!), so I welcome your comments in order to arrive at a better version. 😀
I will wait a few days for comments and I will post a last version based on all these comments.
Thanks for everyone's help.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the author's journey in researching retirement visa options in Thailand, specifically the NON-O and OA visas. After receiving feedback on an initial comparison table, the author revised it to separate the criteria for initial visa applications and extensions of stay. Key points addressed include the distinction between visa and extension options, insurance requirements, and re-entry permits. The discussion includes advice from commenters who offer insights based on their personal experiences with the visa application process, documentation needed, and the differences between applying for a visa in Thailand versus one's home country.
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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Jack *********
This is brilliant
Mah **********
Fantastic work! Thank you! But did I read this correctly? If one apply for Non O in Thailand, one only need to have 20k baht instead of 800k baht? (Disclosure: I have not applied for any O visa yet, still trying to find out more info)
Bobby ********
@Mah *********
You read wrongly. You need 800k in the bank for any retirement visa/extension. Or *****
/month income over a 12-month periodReply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Philip **********
@Piero ***********
What have you decided to do? Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Philip *********
: I'm definitely going to follow the same strategy as you. I'll be back in Thailand in January and have already set up a meeting with the Canadian embassy. After all my comparisons, this is by far the most convenient option.Reply to
Piero ************
Reply
Valerie ************
Is it mandatory to be vaccinated to travel to Thailand? Asking for a friend
Valerie ************
@Bobby *******
thanks Bobby ********
Valerie Hijniakova. Not yet, but I think it will come for foreigners. The country is covid-paranoid, and they want everyone vaxxed, and as the government can't keep up with the rollout, and I think they'd love to put the responsibility on another country!
Reply to
Bobby ********
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Bruce *****
Great research
Brent ******
Congratulations! So happy for you!
Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brent *****
: Thank you! I'm looking forward to it.Reply to
Piero ************
Reply
Stephen **********
Thanks. That looks very useful.
Mitch ********
Never retire.
Mitch ********
Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mitch *******
: We can live to work, or work to live. I prefer the latter. 😂Reply to
Piero ************
Reply
Jeffrey ************
Just get the Thai Elite Visa..
Phill ******
@Piero ***********
, that could change any time at all . elite is garenteed .Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeffrey ***********
: Jeffrey Waddingham : I wouldn't want to spend the 600,000 baht - 1.5 million baht, if I can do it with the standard (O or OA) visa for 3000-4000 baht per year.Reply to
Piero ************
Reply
Philip **********
@Piero ***********
. Don’t overthink it. You’re making it more difficult for yourself. Come in on a 30 day and apply for a an extension based on retirement. Bring your pension papers with you. Make an appointment with the Canadian Embassy to get a verification letter of your pension. This is to show you make over $65 K Bhat a month. It will cost you $50.00 Go to Thailand immigration and fill out the application. You’ll also need something from your landlord. It will cost you $1,900.00 Bhat. If you want to get multiple entry. Get it when you leave Thailand. You don’t need to have 800 K in bank. There’s no requirement for health insurance but it’s a good idea to have some. I did everything myself. If I can do it. Anybody can. You’re lucky that you come from Canada because Canada is one of the few countries that issue the verification letter. USA, Australia, UK don’t issue them.
Philip **********
@Dave ********
bank statements for 6 months. I believe. To show that 65k is being deposited into your account.Dave *********
@Philip *********
if you were going to do an oa visa extension & you were from a country that doesn't do the Embassy letter , what would you needPiero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Philip *********
: That is definitely my preferred option. If the net amount which the Canadian Embassy will certify meets the monthly financial threshold (65K), then that is definitely the route that I will be taking. However, since there are still some unknowns (my pension payouts start next July, gross amount vs net amount, part of my income comes from RRSPs, etc...) I always like to have a "plan B".
Thanks for all your help and advice. I'm definitely aiming to follow the same approach as you, and hopes that it will all pan out as well as it did for you.
Philip **********
@Piero ***********
. I don’t have a bank account in Thailand. I got a verification letter from the Canadian Embassy. I just showed them my pension statements. CPP & Work pension. I got documents from my landlord. I filled out the application for extension based on retirement. (Did that beforehand). Went to immigration (Kohn Kean). It took about 45 minutes and I was done. It was easy peasy. No need to have bank account. It really is that simple. Stop looking at any other options. It’s too messy. Bobby ********
Piero Colagrosso. Possibly not. If you get a statement from your pension provider which can be certified by the embassy, which states you receive $xxxx per month, this should suffice. Now you mention it, I don't believe you have to show the last twelve months. As I'm Australian, our embassy no longer does this, so I'm not up to speed. I think
@Philip *********
is also Canadian, so I would most definitely be guided by his advicePiero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
: Yes right. But my pension payouts will start next July, at the same time as I plan to start my retirement in Thailand. However, I had understood that the affidavit is based on a statement from my pension fund, showing that I have the monthly revenu which is required. I did not think that I have to show that I have already received these for 1 year. This is what I have understood from some responses by @Philip *********
. Bobby ********
Piero Colagrosso. Actually I just noticed you are Canadian, so you don't actually do the 65k transfers. Provided you have income (pension or otherwise) of this amount paid in your home country, you only have to get your embassy to verify this. It's a better option as it means you could qualify immediately, provided you can show twelve months income verified by your embassy
Bobby ********
Piero Colagrosso. That is correct. The 800k needs only two months to "season" whereas the 65k needs 12 months worth. In the old days if border bouncing this was easy with an OA, which effectively gives two years in Thailand without an extension, merely by bouncing towards the end of the first year, and being stamped in for another year on return. This gave (or gives, once the land borders are open - although also possible with an out/in via air) ample time to get the monthly income stream flowing.
Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
: So under this scenario, for the first year you have no choice but to go the "tied up 800K route", unless you prep the monthly payments one year before actually going to Thailand to retire. Is my understanding correct? Bobby ********
Piero Colagrosso. Twelve, at monthly intervals.
Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
: If I have to go the route of the 65K/month transfer, how many of these transfers do you need to show (via bank statement) before you do your first extension application? Philip **********
@Piero ***********
Ya sorry. Typo Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Philip *********
:By my calculation, it's more like 2415.00. That's at 26.9 baht / dollar.
But if I go the marriage Visa route, I'm more than convered for income (40K/month).
Otherwise I have to freeze up 800K in a Thai bank account or setup the monthly 65K payouts into a Thai bank account.
There are many ways that can work, but I'm trying to find the one that is most hassle free. I like the affidavit route. It's the simplest and cleanest.
Philip **********
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*****
Read 22
Philip **********
@Piero ***********
I think it’s net income. Approximately $2,014.00 cad is 65k Bhat. I have insurance through work.Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Philip *********
: Thanks so much Phil! Yes, this is great advice and exactly what I will be doing. I just wanted to make sure that I had all my bases covered (re-entry, insurance, proof of finances, etc ..). . If you don't mind my asking, which health insurance company do you deal with? Also, for the affidavit from the embassy, which is the amount that they will certify, is it the gross (pre-tax) amount or the net (post-tax) amount? In my case it might make a difference, because pre-tax I'm ok for the 65K, but after tax deductions I'm not absolutely sure. A good part of my retirement income will come from RRSPs, but this cannot be covered by the affidavit. As I understand it, only the actual pension fund payout (from my current employer) can be certified. Thanks much!
Michael ********
@Bobby *******
i can see it being mandatory as well, it makes sense. But then they should reduce the monetary thing as that was one of the things they said it was for (hospital bills in emergency)It wiĺl never happen though
Bobby ********
Philip Houghton. Absolutely. Canadians are very fortunate you can still get the embassy affidavit. As an Australian this whole 65k/month transfer is a pain in the backside but I refuse to tie up 800k for the rest of my life! Good advice too regarding insurance. To me it's a must have, even if not mandatory. You can keep renewing right up to age 99. There may come a time it will be mandatory for all retirees, and anyone 75 and up won't be able to get it, which means goodbye Thailand.
Philip **********
@Bobby *******
Ty Bobby. I think he’s making it more difficult for himself than what needs to be.Bobby ********
Philip Houghton. Very sound advice.
Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Brett **********
For all those showing the bitter comments about bureaucracy and money grabbing can I ask how easy you think it is for foreign nationals to come stay in your home country long term? If all you can do is be bitter and not give any constructive advice why on earth are you even here? You must have very sad lives
Abel *********
Your tables look good. Unfortunately, the regulations you are summarizing do not. They really need to get their shit together and stop with this bureaucratic out of touch bs already.
Bobby ********
The OA visa has the potential to last for two year's worth of entries, with the correct strategy.
John *****
Great start. Tod and his team r the men to check these
Simone *********
The only thing that comes to mind is Multiple entries aren’t automatic on the OA extension. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Simone *********
@Bobby *******
thank you!Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
: Got it. Thanks Bobby!Bobby ********
Piero Colagrosso. Yes. This applies to ANY visa extension. In Thailand you buy an "extension of stay" which keeps you in the country. There is no such thing as a multiple entry extension of stay. The re-entry permit (ME or SE) is a totally seperate entity (and stamp)
Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
: If I undertand correctly, you can multiple entries on the orginal OA Visa, but not on the extension (Table 2). Do I undertand it correctly? Bobby ********
Simone Barrile. ANY extension requires a ME or SE re-entry permit, which can be obtained at immigration or at the airport
Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Mick *********
My advice after living in Thailand for 10 years and returning to Canada 2 times a year.IT IS NOT WORTH THE STUPIDITY YOU MUST DEAL WITH.One example I had to file for a new marriage o visa here in canada,but was rejected today due some ridiculous thing GUESS what you cant edit this document :you must file a new application and PAY again 130$.when questioned the thai consulate they just hang up the phone!!!!.MY ADVICE JUST DONT GO AVOID THIS BACKWARD REGIME.I have money their that will be extracted asap.
Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mick ********
: I prefer to deal with a little bureaucracy than freezing my ass off at -20c in the winter. Nothing is perfect in this world.Reply to
Piero ************
Reply
Michael ********
TM 30 is required . I own a condo and have yellow house book for our house (house in wifes name) but still need to do TM 30
Michael ********
@Meno ****
yesMeno *****
@Michael *******
... this was issued by my hotel... So this is enough for proof of residence? Michael ********
@Piero ***********
hotels do it for you as landlords are supposed to, but you need to get a copy for extension etc. Stupid rule i got a pink thai ID card with my addres on registered onto house documents but still need to do TM30Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
: Thanks for the update. I had understood that it was only for tenants. Will update! Reply to
Piero ************
Reply
David *******
I suggest you have Tod Daniels look these over to get his feedback. My $.02…
Steve *******
You need to get out more!
Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
: Thanks. Sure, I'll add it in just for completeness. 😂Bobby ********
Piero Colagrosso. I think it's very good. How many people ask the question: what's the difference between these visas? Without wanting to blow any fuses, for completeness you should also include the OX visa!
Roger ********
@Piero ***********
good job 👍Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
: Thank you! John ******
@Piero ***********
The table is great! 🤓Piero ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve ******
: Creating these tables is a much less time consuming way of understanding this maze of requirements. This way I have more time to get out. 😂Reply to
Piero ************
Reply
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