What are the key requirements and options for obtaining a Non-immigrant O-A retirement visa in Thailand for Australian citizens?

Thailand Visa Non-Immigrant O-A Visa Retirement Visa Visa Requirements Immigration Process Health Insurance Re-entry Permit TR60 Visa Reporting Requirements Chiang Mai

Nov 25, 2021

3 years ago

Graham ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am an Australian citizen planning on retiring to Thailand (Chiang Mai) in April next year.

I am aware of the requirements for a Non-immigrant O-A longstay retirement visa and that is the one I am pursuing at the moment. I note that some embassies globally are increasing the requirement for monetary deposits to a Thai bank and/or monthly income amounts.

I am also aware of the requirements for elite, 5 year retirement and STV (if it still exists).

However, in order to cover all my options, I am particularly intrigued with the TR60 (+30) visa with the option of applying for a Non-immigrant O visa based on retirement within the initial 60 (possibly 90) day stay.

I would like some clarification on the following:-

a) the reporting process during the 12 month period;

b) the insurance requirements (including for covid) whether it be travel specific and/or health specific;

c) Is it single or multi entry - I ask this because there is a possibility that I will need to return to Australia within the initial 12 month period).

I already rent a room in a guesthouse, have a partner who owns a business and I am the ATM. 

All constructive comments appreciated. If there are any Aussies that have gone through the Non-immigrant O visa process I would certainly  welcome any comments/experiences/setbacks etc.

Cheers!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post addresses the inquiry of an Australian citizen planning to retire in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and explores the requirements for a Non-immigrant O-A longstay retirement visa and alternative options like the TR60 visa. Key points discussed include the reporting process during the 12-month visa period, insurance requirements including COVID coverage, and whether the visa allows for single or multiple entries. Community responses generally recommend applying for the retirement visa directly in Thailand, provide insight into the associated financial requirements, and clarify re-entry permits and health insurance considerations.

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Paulie *********

A ‘retirement’ visa can be either the OA or the O; the OA requires a fair bit of initial work in your country of origin (police clearance, proof of funds, a dr’s letter etc) plus $100 000 insurance and, once you’re here, 800 000 baht in a Thai account when you apply for an EOS which could be a maximum of 2 years from entry if you don’t leave.

For an O, it’s a case of visa exempt for 30 days, followed by an application for a 3 month O early in your stay, followed by an 800 000 baht seasoning of a local account within the 1st month of the 3 month period so it’s in for 2 months prior to your application for a 12 month O.

Insurance is moot; you don’t officially need it for the O (although you’ll need $50 000 for your 30 day exempt) but only an idiot would live here without good cover and $100 000 is about right; plus the fact it is probably going to become compulsory for the O, soon enough.

Trust this helps…

3 years ago

Dave ***********

same scenario, watching with interest. graham can you keep us up to date with the procedure these days please

3 years ago

Bobby ********

With OA visa you do NOT have to transfer money into a Thai bank account. You use funds in your home country account to meet the criteria. If you plan a visit home every 18-24 months, it is by far the best retirement visa

3 years ago

Andy *********

@Bobby *******

Yes, but have to get the medical form, & police background check, correct? (working on OA & O visas for me and wife now.)

3 years ago

Bobby ********

Andy Harwood. Medical form is nothing. My GP signed it off, no tests, he knows my medical history, yours will do the same. If you are concerned about your police record then if course choose another visa!

3 years ago

Reply to

Bobby ********

Steve **********

Reporting during the 12 month period is the same as all visa extensions. You have to report to immigration every 90 days to verify your address.

You’ll only need the insurance required by Thailand pass.

You can get re-entry permits at the airport or immigration offices. As long as you return before the expiration date of your extension you are good. If I remember correctly a single exit/re-entry is 1000 baht.

3 years ago

Jonas *************

You can arrive on exempt and 15 days before end of it apply to transfer to non-o 90 day visa (for retirement). I think you need to show (longer term) rental contract for apartment not just stay in guesthouse). For the non-O visa you need to have transferred 800k/etc to Thai bank and have proofs. Then, once the money has sat for 2 months you can apply for 1 year extension of stay for retirement reasons.

To exit thailand and cone back and not lose the stay you need to get reentry permit. You can search Google for that.

Insurance is not required for O visa.

Just for non-o just for entry into country (TP) etc.

It may be possible to apply for non-o in your country but I don't know the procedure.

3 years ago

Paul *******

Get your retirement visa when you are living in thailand do not get one in your home country

3 years ago

Reply to

Paul *******

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