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What are the options for getting a retirement visa in Thailand if I don't have the full 800,000 Baht in the bank?
Retirement VisaVisa ProcessBank RequirementsExpat LifeThailand ImmigrationEducation VisaThai Language SchoolMuay ThaiIncome Verification
Jul 1, 2024
2 years ago
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTERSawasdee khrap
i live in cambodia and am nearing the end of my visa and rental contract.
i plan to move to thailand soon and qualify for retirement visa EXCEPT i have only HALF the 800k to put into a thai bank.
i don’t want to have an agent apply for my retirement visa as i read that i would always have to use an agent for future retirement visa extensions.
what i think would work is a short time in a language school then shift to musay thai school. in that period i would place the 800k from a combination of transfers from my american bank where my military pension is direct deposited and my cambodian bank. i think that will be topped up to 800k within 5-6 months.
that way i can do the retirement visa applications on my own from then on.
i had thought i could just print out my bank records of the last 5 pr more years showing i receive u.s. treasury checks plus a statement i can have the veterans administration send with a current date. i have inquired about that option several times and heard no answer.
if i can get an education visa at a reasonable expense i will be so happy. of course i realize i would have to actually study but that is actually what i love to do anyway and would do it even if i was already on retirement visa.
i’m so looking forward to living in Thailand.
pom rahk pra ted thai !
i live in cambodia and am nearing the end of my visa and rental contract.
i plan to move to thailand soon and qualify for retirement visa EXCEPT i have only HALF the 800k to put into a thai bank.
i don’t want to have an agent apply for my retirement visa as i read that i would always have to use an agent for future retirement visa extensions.
what i think would work is a short time in a language school then shift to musay thai school. in that period i would place the 800k from a combination of transfers from my american bank where my military pension is direct deposited and my cambodian bank. i think that will be topped up to 800k within 5-6 months.
that way i can do the retirement visa applications on my own from then on.
i had thought i could just print out my bank records of the last 5 pr more years showing i receive u.s. treasury checks plus a statement i can have the veterans administration send with a current date. i have inquired about that option several times and heard no answer.
if i can get an education visa at a reasonable expense i will be so happy. of course i realize i would have to actually study but that is actually what i love to do anyway and would do it even if i was already on retirement visa.
i’m so looking forward to living in Thailand.
pom rahk pra ted thai !
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat living in Cambodia plans to move to Thailand and apply for a retirement visa but currently only has half of the required 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account. They are considering attending a language school, then a Muay Thai school, while accumulating the remaining funds through transfers from their American and Cambodian banks. They seek advice on self-managing their visa application without using an agent, and discuss the challenges of proving income for visa purposes, as the US embassy does not provide certification for retirement income.
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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Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
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Robert **************
Laos is simple and easyer
Robert **********
Better to leave your $$$ in ABA bank earning interest and get a agent to fix your Thai visa.
Richard ********
@Robert *********
fix being the operative word.😂😂😂Reply to
Richard ********
Reply
Cel *******
You can check with
@SLS *****************
I did my Ed visa there and happy with their service and teaching .. I will recommend it.Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cel ******
thanks. i will visit w them soon.Reply to
Kace *******
Reply
Kathy ********
What is the non O retirement visa thanks
Nick **********
Prior to the 1st 1 year extension of stay. Then yearly, it is just renewal of the 1 year
Cost yearly is 1900 baht
Cost yearly is 1900 baht
Nick **********
@Kathy *******
There is actually no such thing as a retirement visa. It is extension of stay for 365 days based on retirement. The NON-O is 3 months visa prior to the yearly extension of stay, for the purpose of seeding the *****
0 baht for at least 2 months prior to the 1 year extension of stay.Terry ********
@Kathy *******
if you’re over 50, google it and check the requirementsTerry ********
@Kathy *******
their pretty straight forwardKathy ********
@Terry *******
thanksReply to
Kathy ********
Reply
Randy ******
If you older than 50 years old, you can NOT apply for thai language visa or thai karate visa
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Randy *****
i am pretty sure you absolutely can.Himanshu *****************
Randy Peel can apply even after 50yrs , depends on the province and immigration
My uncle and aunty they got in krabi language school.
Both are almost 64
My uncle and aunty they got in krabi language school.
Both are almost 64
Reply to
Himanshu *****************
Reply
Henrik *****
Take control of your new life, and do everything yourself, you have the time to do it.
Don’t get in the hands of any agents.
Don’t get in the hands of any agents.
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ****
what about an agent to open a thai bank account??Henrik *****
Take control, and don’t get depending on others ( agents )
Henrik *****
Start by getting a 60 days tourist visa + 30 days extension, since you need to travel around and find a place to settle, which you cant on ED, or better get a long term visa, which will qualifi you for a certificate of residence after 3 month, which can ease getting a bank account.
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Dave **********
@Kace ******
since the Embassy quit doing income verifications it's 800K upfront. I'm retired USAF on year 23 here in ThailandTerry ********
@Kace ******
. The main thing you’ll have to worry about is if you ever take any money out of the 800,000. I too am an American Vet and they always pay on the last day of the month. Since you’re required to show proof of income for each and every month, this can be an issue.
Sometimes we don’t actually get paid at all in a month sometimes it’s once a month and sometimes it’s twice a month. All just depends on how the weekend falls and how the holidays fall over here.
I now have all my money in the bank and never touch it.
Good luck
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terry *******
i never have any disruption in my once a month check. once i have the 800k in the bank i have no need to touch it. i live comfortably inside my budget and always have considerable amount left over.Terry ********
@Kace ******
do you know if you can set your disperment date to say the 5th of each month or is it always on the *****
no matter what ?Nongnuch ********
@Terry *******
he can but first he must collect 12 months of consecutive transfers into a Thai bank account in his sole name, in order to be able to apply for the "retirement extension"Terry ********
@Nongnuch *******
I do know that part, I’m just curious if the VA can change your disbursement date or not ?Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terry *******
i don’t think so. it comes on the last weekday of each month.Nongnuch ********
@Terry *******
oh, I see what you mean. As long as he receives a money transfer monthly, month for month, it will be accepted by Immigration. He just can't miss one single month. . . I recommended the deposit method to him, with +800.000.-THB in his bank account he can sit back and realx and doesn't have to worryReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Edward **********
I had a hard time opening a bank account in Phuket. I went to several banks, but they gave me the same excuse that they need a retirement visa to open an account for me. I told them that I can’t get a retirement visa unless I have 800,000 in the bank, so it’s a vicious circle. Can’t open the bank account without the retirement visa can’t have a retirement visa without 800,000 in the bank account. Any Suggestions?
Henrik *****
Need to have stayed at least 3 month on a long term visa ( not tourist ) to get certificate of residence from Immigration, which could ease getting a bank account.
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Alan ******
Sounds like a plan. Personally, I'd investigate further language school and Meuy Thai stuff.
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan *****
that works for meReply to
Kace *******
Reply
Peter *******
no need for a photo
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ******
if i were you i wouldn’t post ANY photos of myself anywhere. just sayin’ mate.Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTERtrust me my man, you definitely need man scaping and serious gym training. you are definitely projecting your low self image onto others as a coping mechanism. that’s for you and any potential mental health advisors to work out.
Peter *******
@Kace ******
trust me yours are a lot worse. Why do you think people want to see your photo?Reply to
Peter *******
Reply
David *********
It's pretty simple use an Agent ,
I have a great one for you here in Hua Hin .
I have a great one for you here in Hua Hin .
Rene ********
It's not true that you always have to use the same agent. This might be location specific but there are many places where that is not the case it's kind of random but I'm just correcting you on that.
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rene *******
is didn’t say i would have to use the SAME agent but i DID hear once you use an agent to do your retirement visa for you, you will always need an agent, not necessarily the SAME agent or agency. supposedly they withdraw the money before it is allowed and in future, immigration will see that in records and deny you if you do it on your own. i heard bc they grease the wheels and the individual is not…Rene ********
@Kace ******
.... I'm going to go and ask the question exactly and and categorically mention the cash won't show as the agency may have withdrawn, if they ever deposited itRene ********
@Kace ******
I've heard all that too but I went and inquired and was told it was fine I don't know more than that I only know what immigration told me personally in one specific placeReply to
Rene ********
Reply
Graham ******
@Rene *******
But you don't know which camp you are in until the potential consequences hit youJD *******
@Rene *******
Good Info Rene, Thanks For Your Reply.Reply to
JD *******
Reply
Jacob *******
The US embassy in Bangkok recently refused to notarize my personal affidavit with a statement about my retirement income. I brought a 1099-r and my w-2 and they still refused because they say they cannot verify my income. I attempted to make a complaint to the Inspector General, but it was rerouted back to the embassy and there doesn't seem to be any oversight of their refusal to complete income verification requested by Thai immigration. As others mentioned, depositing money is the only route.
Interestingly, the US embassy told me "The good news, however, is that this is not necessary per Thai regulations – if you look at the PDF taken from the Thai Immigration website no mention is made of an embassy certifying income." I'm applying for a spouse visa, not retirement, so I cannot confirm this information.
Interestingly, the US embassy told me "The good news, however, is that this is not necessary per Thai regulations – if you look at the PDF taken from the Thai Immigration website no mention is made of an embassy certifying income." I'm applying for a spouse visa, not retirement, so I cannot confirm this information.
Steve **********
@Jacob ******
US Embassy stopped notorizing income statements some years ago.Either 800k in Thai Bank
65k / mo in Thai Bank
Or combination of both equaling equaling 800k/ year.
If problem with the 800k supplement with DD / mo to equal it.
Because of time required to have income or nested funds in bank,
you may need an agent for 1st year.
Jacob *******
@Steve *********
thanks, I realize this is the case. But I also hope that someday they will start providing this service again or negotiate with thailand to accept our tax statements or US banked money. Likely all of the embassy staff involved in this decision to stop notarizing forms is no longer at the embassy since they stopped in 2018. At the end of the day we are US citizens requesting a service from our embassy. I wouldn't even mind mailing it to Virginia to get stamped like document authentication.Steve **********
@Jacob ******
You've traveled and served, as have I.US Embassies are for parties and fronts for Intel Agencies.
Been in Thailand over 20 years. Embassy does Zero for expats.
Get your 1st yr behind you, then all is fine.
Thai Immig just follows rules. US is only getting worse.
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Bob **********
@Jacob ******
they stopped income affidavits years agoDave **********
@Jacob ******
the Embassy for more then a decade verified out income by have us sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury. Would you belive some lied under oath? The Thai Government wants the Embassy to certify we actually make the money and they are not manned to do that. I went to the 10 year LTR Visa. You may however write your Congress Person if you disagree with the Embassy.
Jacob *******
@Dave *********
thanks for the background. I'm just writing my experience since it was last month. Interesting about the LTR is that BOI accepted my w-2 and 1099-r as proof of income without a stamp from the US Embassy. I do intend to contact my senators.Dave **********
@Jacob ******
Thai BOI and Immagration have different requirements and one will not not accept my military insurance letter and one will. Venting to your Seantor is a Constitutional Right however it's not going to change anything. Several years ago they consolidated FEDERAL BENFITS UNITS (FBU) so now there is, for example, no Social Security Officer at the Bangkok Embassy. We have to use the FBU in the Philippines. Here us a list if things they will not to you can add to your letter.
What the U.S. Embassy Can’t Do:
While we continue to work towards assisting any American citizen in need, there are a number of frequently requested services that we are unable to provide:
Assist with Thai or U.S. residency or immigration issues, including Green Cards or acquisition of U.S. citizenship
Provide information regarding U.S. visas or immigration benefits
Locate lost property
Pay personal debts for U.S. citizens
Authorize or pay for medical treatment
Provide legal advice or intervene in judicial cases
Prepare tax returns or translations
Issue or authenticate U.S. birth/marriage/death certificates
Issue U.S. police records
Provide security or law enforcement services (including fingerprinting)
Assist with travel, employment or real estate
Collect or forward mail/packages
Cash checks
Locate or provide information on U.S. citizens without their permission
Provide information on schools or businesses in the U.S. or Thailand
Renew or replace driver’s licenses
Assist with social security service or benefits questions
************************************************************************
Reply to
Dave **********
Reply
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jacob ******
is didn’t find the u. s. embassy helpful in phnom penh either. i was trying to finish my son’s passport issue and his mother flew here to Cambodia specifically to hand deliver her consent for him to get his american passport renewal. they didn’t accept her notarized consent from philippines because it was not done at the American embassy in philippines because they jerked her around there so she notarized with a local non embassy notary.Reply to
Kace *******
Reply
Derek *********
Best to you man.
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Derek ********
thanks. to you as well.Reply to
Kace *******
Reply
Bob **********
Be careful there’s a lot of shoddy visas and schools some will prevent you from the long term visa
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
that’s why I’m being careful and triple checking everythingBob **********
@Kace ******
make sure it’s an accredited school but that rubbish about once using an agent you can’t do it yourself me and my friends are living proof we used agents but do it ourselves now using monthly transfer of 65k or better no problemReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Erik *******
Hi. Many people in Thailand are currently speaking of moving to Cambodia (mostly because of higher costs of life , tourist invasion and new tax scheme)…. I’m curious to know why you want to make the opposite move ?
Dave **********
@Erik ******
cheaper is not better I know as I have been to Cambodia a few times. As to the tourists I preferred Thailand fifty years ago however it's still my best choice for retirement so I'm not leaving. I do as I did in Florida, many years ago, during tourist season I avoid tourist areas.Sone ********
+1 to the question and thank you for your service,
@Ka**
.Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Erik ******
i want a beach life and thailand is so much more beautifulReply to
Kace *******
Reply
Luan ********
ajent. thai visa centre
Jorge ****
Can you can use an agent till you have the funds, then start new without the agent?
Jon **********
You can live in Thailand for 6 months easily without proper visa. If you’re new to Thailand it’s common to do this. You can do land border crossings twice a year (Jan-jan). I’d come and enjoy yourself for a few months then do the long term visa.
Jon ********
Use an agent. When you get the 800,000 K the agent will drop the extension renewal to 8,000 baht.
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jon *******
8,000 baht sounds very reasonable. do you recommend anyone in pattaya specifically?Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTERi thought there were no 90 days only 30 days on tourist visas
Jon ********
@Kace ******
if you have a retirement Visa extension you need to do a 90 day check in.Reply to
Jon ********
Reply
Jon ********
@Kace ******
MOTS, they will also do your 90 day for free. So unless someting else pops up, using them you only need to go to immigration once a year for 10 minutes to get your photo taken for the retirement extension.Reply to
Jon ********
Reply
Steven *********
@Jon *******
If you have the 800,000 already why bother to have an agent?Jon ********
@Steven ********
It's a pain in the ass. I do it for the convenience. Money is not an issue. DIY 1,900, Agent 8,000.Steven *********
@Jon *******
I've done it for 20 years. It's a very straight forward and easy application and it gets me out of the house. The 6,100 baht I save is well worth it.Jon ********
@Steven ********
Good for you.Reply to
Jon ********
Reply
Rich ****
@Jon *******
Can you recommend an agent?Jon ********
MOTs on Khaotalo.
Reply to
Jon ********
Reply
Mary ********
Tourist visa or exemption and border bounces until you have the 800k maybe?
Zabrina ******
My friend
@Praew *********
was a tremendous help!Shane **********
Get married, marriage visa requires
*****
0 in a Thai bank account.Christopher *************
@Shane *********
stupid answerShane **********
@Christopher ************
it’s a factChristopher *************
@Shane *********
in your brain maybeShane **********
@Christopher ************
No it’s not in my brain, it’s public knowledge that you are obviously ignorant of.Christopher *************
@Shane *********
your boring me now byeReply to
Christopher *************
Reply
Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shane *********
i am already married but separated to a filipinaRobert *****
@Kace ******
who’s to know. ? Find a girl on ThaiFriendly dot com. Problem solved.Wayne ********
@Robert ****
 obviously you have never experienced that. Do you really think Thai Immigration just takes the word or the marriage license to prove your married? No, they come to your house they interview your neighbors. It’s not as simple as find someone thai friendly..Daniel *********************
@Robert ****
or problems startedReply to
Daniel *********************
Reply
Brandon ************
The only way you can use income for a retirement visa is by using income that is certified by your embassy. The US embassy does not offer this service, so Americans cannot use the income method for their visa. The 800,000 is the only option.
Nongnuch ********
@Roger ******
I know VERY well what I am talking aboutNongnuch ********
@Roger ******
once an agent, always an agentKace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
bummer but important to know. thanks 🙏Dirk **************
@Brandon ***********
at least for the first year. Whether you can use a verification of a monthly deposit from abroad into your Thai bank account depends on your immigration office.Roger *******
@Dirk *************
🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️Roger *******
@Dirk *************
Not going to argue with you, this is my last post on the subject. But I know plenty of expats, including myself, who have done it this way.Kace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roger ******
hard to follow your point about plenty of expats do it this way. what did they do and how??Nongnuch ********
@Kace ******
he wants you to pay an agent 30.000 THB every other year, to bribe an officialKace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
that’s what i thought. i want to be able to do it myself. i avoided the immigration officers in philippines for years while i was finishing my paperwork to get married to a filipina. they said they would give me the marriage stamp on my passport long before i actually got married there. if i had i would have been subject to blackmail and deportation. they were shameless and every two months i had to go back for another stamp and stalling them without getting them angry. it was a tightrope and i had to continually pretend i didn’t know what they were trying just said i didn’t have the funds to pay the bribe YET always acting as if i would once i had that much saved up.Nongnuch ********
@Kace ******
avoid the agent route. wait until you got the 800.000 in your Thai bank account, then apply for the "change of visa type" from the tourist visa or visa exemptv to the 90 days Non-Imm-O retirement visa, and from there to the one year extended stay permitKace *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
i will absolutely take your advice. i will do the tourist and extensions. not sure how many before they get annoyed. then student for 6 months language. by then i will have the savings in the bank. i will be in pattaya / jomtien. should i get the bank account on my own? or use an agent? tiaNongnuch ********
@Kace ******
use an agent to open a Bangkok Bank account, it's the easiest wayReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Roger *******
@Dirk *************
use a visa agent the first year and they will get everything set up right, the following years you can easily do it yourself.Nongnuch ********
@Roger ******
very BAD advice by youNongnuch ********
@Roger ******
no you cannot. If he uses an agent, he will be bound to use an agent for all future handlings. One in the agent's carousell you can't escape any more.Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Dirk *************
right, but didn't want to cause confusion for the op since that's not in the cards (yet)Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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