What are the steps to obtain retirement visas in Thailand while on a Covid extension?

Dec 1, 2021
3 years ago
Sue *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are currently in Thailand on a covid extension. What are the first steps to ultimately obtain retirement visas please.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To obtain a retirement visa while currently in Thailand on a Covid extension, first check with your local immigration office for eligibility to apply for an in-country Non-O visa based on retirement. Ensure you have 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account or a pension of 65,000 THB per month as proof of income. You need to have a minimum time remaining on your current visa stamp (15 days for Bangkok) to initiate the process. Once conditions are met, you can apply for a 90-day Non-O visa, and when you have 45 days remaining, request a one-year extension of stay based on retirement.
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.
Tod *********
Another critical piece of the puzzle is what visa/extension stamp you were on BEFORE you went on covid extensions?

and

When did you enter thailand?
Sue *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Also I can open a bank account while on a tourist visa?
Benjamin ******
@Sue ************
Yes you can. However, each bank branch has their own policies. If you say you want to deposit 1.6M THB as soon as possible, I'll expect them to open the account quickly.
Sue *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
๐Ÿ˜‚ ok I see
Sue *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
we arrived 29th August visa exempt got 30 days plus 30 days extension now on covid extension
Tod *********
@Sue ************
then follow Benjamin's advice and head on over to your immigration office to get the hand out.

Hopefully in the 60+ days here you've already opened a bank account and got your funds transferred in
Sue *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
do I need a certain level of insurance cover for this visa and also do we need separate bank accounts as husband and wife with the required amount in each?
Benjamin ******
@Sue ************
you do not need health insurance for a in-country non-O visa.

You can use a joint bank account, but you will need 1.6M THB in the account (800K times 2).
Sue *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
thank you so that would be 1.6 million or 130k per month provable regular income?
Benjamin ******
@Sue ************
I never heard of anyone being successful in getting an in-country non-o visa based on income. If your country embassy offers the embassy letters saying you make 65K THB a month in pension per person you can use that.

I know the USA consulate does not issue these letters
Sue *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
oh your first reply mentioned the options. So you mean I would have to have the 800,000 each person not the income. Not a problem just wanted to be clear.
Benjamin ******
@Sue ************
You must have 800K THB for each person :)
Sue *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you ๐Ÿ˜Š
Benjamin ******
The very first step would be to contact your local immigration office and ask them if it's possible to acquire an in-country Non-O visa based on retirement. If the answer is yes, you will need transfer 800K THB per person into a Thai bank account, OR (if your consulate still issues them), a letter saying you have a pension of 65K THB a month.

You will give your passports to the local immigration office, along with some documents. You will need a minimum amount of time remaining on your current "admitted to" stamp (15 days for Bangkok, 21 days for Chiang Mai), and you will be granted a 90 day in-country Non-O visa.

When you have 45 days remaining on your existing "admitted to" stamp (30 days for some immigration offices), request a one year extension of stay based on retirement.
Sue *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
thank you so much
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