What are the requirements and process for obtaining a Retirement extension visa in Thailand?

Jul 8, 2020
4 years ago
Roger ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
45 minutes in the Bank sorting out papers, followed by a whole 40 minutes at Korat Immigration getting my Retirement extension. Job done.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the experience of obtaining a Retirement extension for a Non-O visa in Thailand. The user successfully completed the application process within a reasonable time frame at the immigration office. Several comments clarify the requirements for retirement visas, discussing the necessity of health insurance based on visa type. There's also dialogue about the complications of the visa process, especially for those currently on amnesty, and various perspectives on navigating the Thai immigration system. Key points include the need for bank account verification and the differing requirements for first-time applications versus extensions.
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.
Carlo **********
Can you get the 90 day visas at Samui Immigration?
Carlo **********
Extensions.
Roger ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Visas, or extensions?
Kimberly ************
Just to let ppl know you cannot get your first retirement visa whilst still in Thailand... You need to do it in your country of residence. Extentions of retirement can be done inside Thailand. Source... Samui Immigration
Alwyne ********
Did you people read what the man said from immigration
Alan ***********
I got a Non-O visa inside Thailand whilst here on a tourist visa (which I had extended by a further 30 days). If I recall correctly I had to apply for the Non-O visa with more than 23 days left on the tourist visa. It's not possible at the moment of course and I guess it may well be different rules when all this blows over.
Kimberly ************
I cannot get a retirement visa while still in Thailand with just an original 60 day tourist visa... This is what I am saying
Tod *********
@Kimberly ***********
you COULD have indeed applied for a 90 day Non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) at an immigration office INSIDE the country IF you had 15 days left on your current 30 day visa exempt entry, 60 day tourist visa entry OR a 30 day extension from one of those.

What you can't do is go to a 90 day Non-O visa inside the country from amnesty. SO the second you went on amnesty you burned yourself from being able to do an in country 90 day Non-O :(
Kimberly ************
@Tod ********
that is my sad problem... Thanks for the explanation
Allan ************
@Tod ********
in layman’s terms be damned if you do and damned if you don’t, no logic in immigration, which changes daily
Brett *******
I extended my Non O-A Retirement in mid-June at Jomtien. Definitely had to have appropriate insurance.
Todd *********
I’m just gonna ride out the stress free and free amnesty. But if people want to pay to stay - i applaud their enthusiasm
Nick ************
@Todd ********
I think you have the answer. Bugger their over complicated and impossible system that is different everywhere you go. What is the worst that can happen. A 10 year ban? Their loss not mine. I have been on it for 10 weeks now and no one has been able to explain what i need to do 1. To open a bank account and 2. To get a retirement Visa.
Todd *********
@Nick ***********
I understand the plight!! I have dedicated zero seconds of my life and zero $$ to the pursuit so far. We don’t know a damn thing yet! So worst case scenario is $20k baht for an 89 day overstay AFTER whatever day/month/year the amnesty ends!! Cheers 🍻! The process is way to complicated until we know more 🙂
Nick ************
@Todd ********
I'm going for another gin!
Todd *********
@Ni**
lol. That’s exactly where I am at now too
Nick ************
Tod *********
As long as you're NOT on amnesty
@Nick ***********
the steps to get an in country 90 day Non-O visa are:

open a bank account in your name only,

transfer in 800K baht from abroad

have at least 15-21 days left on your current 30 day visa exempt entry, 60 day tourist visa entry, 30 day extension from one of those OR a 60 day visit thai family extension

Apply for the 90 day Non-O visa at the immigration office

WAIT for the 14 day under consideration period

GO back and get the Non-O visa and new 90 day stamp inked in

WAIT until you have 30 days left and your 800K is in the bank for 2 months then go apply for a year extension :)

That's how it works, and it works at 99% of the immigration offices in the country.

BUT

As I said, IF you are on amnesty, you're done. You can't do the process because you need REAL hard stamp days left in your passport.

Good Luck with it, Sorry you're having so much trouble with it :(
Paulie *********
@Tod ********
It is it 800 000 per person ? What about farang husband and wife? 400 000 each in same joint account? Or not?
Tod *********
@Paulie ********
, it is 800K baht per person
Nick ************
@Tod ********
you and Todd have given me the confidence to wait it out and see what happens. Oh, and i finally managed to get a bank account opened in my name today. Things are looking up.
Tod *********
Congrats
@Ni**
(y) that's ONE step forward.

Just face these thing step by step, you WILL succeed..

It just takes time (and a LOT of patience AND then some more patience and a little more time :P )
Todd *********
@Tod ********
if you are on amnesty, clearly there will be another way once it’s lifted
Tod *********
I think you're correct
@To**
(y) It appears they are putting things in place to get anyone who is on amnesty off of it and back on 'hard stamps' by some way or another.

AND

that would mean you then possibly could apply for an in country Non-Immigrant visa because you would be on a real stamp extension not this no stamp fairy tale amnesty stuff ;)
Todd *********
@T**
that makes lotsa sense. There will be no push whatsoever to force people out. An extension of amnesty would seem most likely and during that time a requirement to convert (and pay) for some sort of Non-Immigrant visa. And the option to ‘border bounce’ doesn’t exist at present. I’m on amnesty now and not sweating it one bit. Worst case scenario is to overstay 89 days and take fine of $20k baht whenever amnesty ends. No waiting in line at immigration for that.
Geoff ********
Question. Non O or Non O-A Visa one year extension ? If the latter, did you need the required insurance ?
Roger ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I converted a Multiple O based on marriage (obtained from Laos) to a Retirement extension. No insurance required.
Allan ************
Hi Roger what was required, thank you.
Roger ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I went for a Retirement extension, not a Married Man's
Roger ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
3), 6) and 7) were not on the list on the form provided but were still required.
Allan ************
@Roger *******
hi Roger thought its 40,000 if married to a Thai lady
Roger ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
In addition to Immigration's forms and a photo:

1) Copies of Passport pages

2) Evidence of income. In my case a 12 month statement from the Bank to show 65K+ coming in every month

3) Something to show the source of the money. I used a P60 UK Tax form which identified what I received in the financial year.

4) Letter from Bank - dated that day

5) In my case a confirmation that two financial entries marked as SMT were actually FTT

6) Copy of Wife's house book

7) Copy of wife's ID
Simon **********
Nice to see a positive post for a change! 😀
Bim *******
Well done mate ✔️
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