What are the visa options for a 50+ EU citizen wanting to stay in Thailand for up to 5 months?

Visa Rules Thailand Immigration Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Extension Tourist Visa Visa-Free Entry

Nov 17, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all. I'm a EU citizen, from a "low-risk" country. I am 50+. Pre-retired (it means i can not get an official document, saying i am reired). I intend to go and stay in Thailand as much as i can (but up to 5 months).

1-I am nor sure about: Entering with visa free (30 days), i can extend my stay one 1 more rime (so, max 60 days)? Or more?

If i get a Non O retirement visa, i can stay 60 days and extend 1 time 30 days only?

2- Extending for 30 days in a visa free entering, it costs 1900 bahts, right? If it is possible to get more extensions, the cost is the same?

How much does Non O retirement visa cost? and its extension(s)?

3- If i can not stay 5 months on the visa free mode or on the Non O retirement visa, how can i stay for those 5 months?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An EU citizen over 50, who is pre-retired and wishes to stay in Thailand for up to 5 months, should consider several visa options. For a visa-free entry, they can initially stay for 30 days, with a possibility of extending this stay once for another 30 days at a cost of 1,900 THB, totaling a maximum of 60 days. A Non-O retirement visa allows a stay of 90 days, with the option for a one-year extension based on retirement. To maximize their stay to 5 months, it is recommended to enter on a single entry tourist visa for 60 days, extend that for an additional 30 days, and then apply for an in-country Non-O retirement visa which offers another 90 days of stay. Costs for in-country visas are approximately 2,000 THB and extensions are 1,900 THB.

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.
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Ellie *******

If you want to stay 5months and are going to leave Thailand after, options could be roughly...

- visa-exempt entry if you are eligible, apply for tourism extension then non-O in-country

- SETV entry + apply for non-O in-country

- entry on Non-O at consulate + 1-year extension

- entry on STV + 1 STV extension

in-country visa is 2000thb. Extension is 1900thb regardless of the length of stay

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

> I am 50+. Pre-retired

Thailand doesn't care one bit about "pre-retired" or whatever your country calls it. They only care about the age, and the income/ savings.

> Entering with visa free (30 days), i can extend my stay one 1 more rime (so, max 60 days)?

That is correct. DEPENDING on the immigration office, you may also get an in-country Non-O visa based on retirement. An in-country Non-O visa based on retirement will let you stay for another 90 days.

>f i get a Non O retirement visa, i can stay 60 days and extend 1 time 30 days only?

No, you can stay for 90 days, and get a one year extension of stay based on retirement.

>2- Extending for 30 days in a visa free entering, it costs 1900 bahts, right? If it is possible to get more extensions, the cost is the same?

All extension of stays are 1,900 THB. All in-country visas are 2,000 THB.

>3- If i can not stay 5 months on the visa free mode or on the Non O retirement visa, how can i stay for those 5 months?

My recommendation would be to enter on a single entry tourist visa that will let you stay for 60 days, extending that ONCE for another 30 days, and then purchase an in-country Non-O Visa based on retirement, which will let you stay for another 90 days. That will give you a total of 180 days, which is about 6 months.

3 years ago

Paul ***********

Or get a 60 day visa, extend 30 days and bring out either the linguist in you and sign up for 8 hours a week for a learn to speak Thai course or bring out your cullinary skills and do a cookery course and obtain an education visa.

3 years ago

Daniel *****

@Benjamin *****

can you please explain how to get the in country non O visa based on retirement (documents) ? Many thanks !

3 years ago

Daniel *****

Bangkok

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Daniel ****

You should require the following documents:

1. Your passport and a copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent visa (if applicable).

c. The most recent entry stamp or extension of stay (if applicable).

d. The departure card (“TM 6”) stapled in the passport.

2. If entered on a tourist visa, a TM 86 visa change request form, and if entered on a visa on arrival, visa exempt, or bilateral agreement, a TM 87 visa change request form.

3. A copy of the submitted Notification of Residence of Foreigners form ("TM 30”).

4. A letter from a Thai bank showing that 800,000 THB was transferred into the bank account from overseas, or pension from overseas of no less then 65,000 THB a month, or a combination of both income and pension, totaling 800,000 THB.

5. A hand drawn map to the house where the applicant resides.

6. A copy of the lease agreement or proof of ownership of the property

7. 1x passport sized (4cm by 6cm) photos.

8. A processing fee of 2,000 THB.

You must have at least 15 days remaining on your existing “admitted to” stamp.

3 years ago

Daniel *****

@Benjamin *****

many thanks !

3 years ago

Reply to

Daniel *****

Benjamin ******

@Daniel ****

Which immigration office?

3 years ago

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