What are the requirements and process for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, and is it necessary to use an agent?

Nov 23, 2022
2 years ago
Vaner *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi Everybody

I am planing to preapere a retirment visa application .

But I had an information which is very confused.

As far as i know for retirment visa I have to have a Thai bank account and deposits 800.000bht. That money has to stay in that account gor 2 monts.

But I have been told showing your last 3 monts statements of your bank will be enough.

Is that information correct?

Second question is I tried to get quote for processing retirment from agents . So many of them want to keep my passport 4 weeks.

4 weeks long time with no passport .

I would like to hear friends experience about two issues pls.

Thank you in advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To apply for a retirement visa in Thailand, you need to maintain 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months prior to submission, and you must keep at least 400,000 THB in the account for the rest of the year. Some sources suggest that showing three months of bank statements may suffice instead of maintaining the minimum balance for the full period. Regarding passport handling, using an agent may require you to surrender your passport for up to four weeks, but you can apply directly through immigration to retain your passport. Additionally, it's important to gather all required documentation such as bank letters, proof of income, and completed forms before your appointment.
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.
Chulala **********
it's possible only for 1 day, half of the day for a retirement visa if you used the agent.
Vaner *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Linda ***********
To be sure you have all needed docs/ forms, pick up retirement set at Immigration. Collect and complete all in specified timeframe and submit in order at Immigration. Save you from having to make multiple trips.
Linda ***********
Note: new now... BBK bank can order 1 year of statements from Bangkok for you and they email back to you 200 bt... instead of post mailing back to bank in 2 weeks. You also need letter from bank mgr and updated bank book (& copy of update) 100 bt. day you submit to immigration. Sign all your copies (passport, bankbook front page and update, etc). Lots of forms needed for your residence including TM30 from owner who can email you copy. Google to learn how to make Google map of residence. Hand draw map with nearby shopping mall, resort etc. These are some of the things you're not told about.
Peter ****************
Is it a visa where you talk about or is it a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement
@Vaner ******
. Big big difference. Extension of stay based on retirement the money not have to be international transfer and almost never go under consideration. Go to Thai Visa Thai visa advice group for good info !
Andy ********
As said above, you need the 800k in your bank for 2 months before and 3 months after and even after the 3 months is up it must never fall below 400k.

You need a bank statement showing that the money came from outside Thailand, a letter from your bank confirming the ammount in your bank on the day of application and a bank statement printed and dated on the day of application also plus all your other paperwork for rental lease, pasdport copies, etc etc.....

4 weeks seems long to keep your passport but on getting the visa it is stamped as 'under consideration' and they will give you a date to return to immigration for the actual visa stamp so maybe the agent just finds it easier to keep the passport for this period. You dont need an agent by the way but it can make it easier.
Vaner *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for the information
Chris *******
Here is a link to what is needed, (Phuket specific )most areas will have the same requirements or very close.

Your local immigration office can supply the requirements and forms needed.

******************************************************
Vaner *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for the information
Steve ********
Must have 800k in the bank for two months before application and three months after, and must then remain 400k for the rest of the year.

Just go get the visa yourself from immigration, that way you don't have to give your passport away
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