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What are the pros and cons of applying for a retirement visa for Thailand from the UK versus applying in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Expat Life Visa Extensions Thai Embassy in UK Visa Requirements

Mar 24, 2023

3 years ago

Carl ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi , I’m a UK citizen and currently in the UK but will be returning to Bangkok in just over two weeks. I plan to apply for a “retirement” visa and would like to know if there are any differences in requirements or any pros/cons according to where I am when I apply.  ie applying now in the UK or leaving it until I get back to Thailand. Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A UK citizen planning to apply for a retirement visa for Thailand is inquiring about the differences in applying from the UK versus upon returning to Thailand. Comments suggest checking local Thai immigration offices for requirements and mention that many expats successfully apply while in Thailand. It is noted that applying in the UK could result in faster processing, potentially via email from the embassy, but arriving as a tourist is also an option. Various experiences and advice are shared to guide the applicant.

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.
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Stuart ********

I’ve found the Thai embassy in the UK very quick so you might be able to get it done in time. They just email you the visa now so you don’t have to send your passport in to them. So if you don’t get it in time you can still travel to Thailand but arrive as a tourist with visa exception. If you later border bounce and your evisa has come through (that you applied for in the UK) you can print and use that. I found it very quick and easy to do online. It took less than a week and that jncluded asking for more information that I had forgotten to give.

3 years ago

James ********

Here's a recent post about getting the retirement Visa and extension of stay inside Thailand

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3 years ago

Stuart *********

Pushing it to get in time for applying in UK but possibly could be done. Advantage is you get 90 days on entry to get your ducks in a row for an extension, but many just wing it here on a tourist or exempt entry and start the process of getting the non O in country to start and then subsequent extensions from there.

3 years ago

James ********

I have placed the TOPIC of Extension 50 years+ Retirement

on your post...

CLICK on it and all posts about it will pop up to read the experiences of others.

3 years ago

James ********

Be sure to visit your local Thai Immigration office for their list of requirements for both the Non O Visa and its One year extension of stay as retired. These are the common found requirements...

3 years ago

James ********

I really believe that you have waited too long to apply for the Non O Visa as retiree using the Evisa online application system and with the Thai Embassy in the UK.

Most folks like you are coming to Thailand and obtain the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay as retired from their local Thai Immigration office.

3 years ago

James ********

Carl had you read my PM reply to you ...This is what I said..

3 years ago

Carl ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Apologies , hadn’t noticed that. Thanks.

3 years ago

James ********

@Carl *******

not a problem... Oftentimes folks are not looking at the PM messages sent