What are the requirements for a Canadian passport holder with Hong Kong residency to apply for a Retirement Visa in Thailand, especially regarding the lease agreement and guarantor?

Maybe it is buried somewhere in the comments and replies (I checked but did not see).. Is she a citizen or legal resident of Hong Kong?

And if applying for the O-A, ask if Hong Kong will accept the completed Medical Certificate signed by a Thai doctor here in Thailand ??? .

There is only one option according the website.

As a residency in Hong Kong, I believe her best option is to return to Hong Kong and apply for the O-A visa for retirement.



Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) Download required form here

This type of visa may be issued to applicants aged 50 years and over who wish to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 1 year without the intention of working.

Holder of this type of visa is allowed to stay in Thailand for 1 year. Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited.

1. Eligibility

1.1 Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application).

1.2 Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).

1.3 Having no criminal record in Thailand and the country of the applicant’s nationality or residence.

1.4 Having the nationality of or permanent residence in the country where applicant’s application is submitted.

1.5 Not having prohibitive diseases (e.g., Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14 B.E. 2535.

2. Required Documents

- Passport with validity of not less than 18 months.

- 2 copies of completed visa application forms.

- 2 passport-sized photos (4 x 6 cm) of the applicant taken within the past six months.

- A personal data form.

- A copy of bank statement showing a deposit of the amount equal to and not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (an original copy) or property deed. The applicants need to prove or demonstrate adequate income documents or assets to support their living in the country.

- In the case of submitting a bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is required.

- A letter of verification issued from the country of his or her nationality or residence stating that the applicant has no criminal record (verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).

- A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).

- In the case where the accompanying spouse is not eligible to apply for the Category ‘O-A’ (Long Stay) visa, he or she will be considered for temporary stay under Category ‘O’ visa. A marriage certificate must be provided as evidence and should be notarised by notary organs or by the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission.

3. Channels to submit application

Applicant may submit their application at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Hong Kong.

4. Visa fee

The visa fee is HK$1,500 in cash.

The big question is, for what type of visa is she applying: 1) The Single Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age OR 2) the 1 year Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O Visa based on being over 50 years of age OR 3) The Non Immigrant O-A (long stay) Visa. All named retirement visa because it types faster but different requirements.

She may not need to leave Thailand. Has she extended her current exempt on arrival stay? If not get the 30 days extension at local immigration 1,900 Thai baht. And ask if she can convert it to an O Visa? Followed by one year extension of stay for retirement. Visit local Thai Immigration and request their listing of requirements for this.