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What benefits or opportunities does a three-month retirement visa with a 12-month extension provide in Thailand?

Feb 23, 2025
14 days ago
Ian ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
"I currently have a three-month retirement visa and a 12-month extension.

What benefits or opportunities does this visa provide? For example, can I apply for an ID card, a driver’s license, or any other official documents?

Additionally, are there any applications or processes I should avoid?

I would appreciate well-informed and sensible advice.

Thank you in advance."
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A three-month retirement visa with a 12-month extension allows you to reside in Thailand legally. This visa type provides several benefits, such as easier access to certain services like opening a bank account. You can usually apply for a driver’s license at most Department of Land Transport offices, which may offer longer renewal periods compared to temporary licenses. An ID card application is possible, but it requires a yellow house book, which isn’t limited by visa type. However, there are some processes you should avoid, particularly any that may not acknowledge your visa status.
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.
Jan ******************
….and you’ll get a permanent and five years renewal of your drivers licence instead of temporary and two by two years.
Brandon ************
The benefits are that you get to stay in Thailand. It is slightly easier to open a bank account with a long-term visa but you likely already have that since you need it to get the visa in most cases.

An ID card requires a yellow house book, which is not restricted by visa type.

A drivers license is not restricted by visa type in most DLT offices.
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