Answered6 years ago
What documents are needed for an American to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?
I have an old friend from the US who is 65 now and wants to retire in Thailand. What kind of documents he needs to bring along to apply for retirement visa?
Form 1099R to show all retirement incomes? Or a Reference Letter from his old company and Social Security Statement of incomes? Anything else? He have a Long Term Care Plan Insurance that can cover him in Thailand as well.
Form 1099R to show all retirement incomes? Or a Reference Letter from his old company and Social Security Statement of incomes? Anything else? He have a Long Term Care Plan Insurance that can cover him in Thailand as well.
Answer summary
An American wishing to retire in Thailand needs to apply for a Non-Immigrant O-A visa, which requires a minimum of 800,000 Baht transferred into a Thai bank account for at least two months prior to application or show a monthly income of 65,000 Baht for the past 12 months. Additional documentation such as a bank statement, proof of income, and medical insurance covering the duration of stay is essential. It's advisable to apply for this visa at a Thai consulate in the U.S. before arriving in Thailand.
141 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
James *******
He should apply at the Thai Embassy DC online before he comes. If he is planning on getting the 1 or 5 year visa, he will need an FBI criminal background check. A letter from his bank showing his account balances (and/or proof of income), and medical insurance documents covering beyond the ending date of his intended stay. For example if he has a 1 year visa and on the day he arrives there are only 11 months left on his insurance plan, the immigration officer will only stamp him for 11 months. Same with exit and re-entry to reset the clock on his year.. They will only stamp as far as the insurance document date covers. So he wont get the full year unless there is still another year left on his insurance document. The insurance must have covid-19 coverage that meets a certain $$ amount of coverage (cant remember how much).
Duncanc **********
just cash
Tod *********
@Duncanc *********
fail :( 
Dave *********
800,000 baht in a Thai bank account thats about it..non of these fancy documents.. I've been on retirement now 4 years no hassle..funds in bank will suffice.. and Grace the agent..life saver..👍👍
Tod *********
David Broadfoot you making a point or going somewhere with that comment or just needed to get it off your chest?
The fact I am terse, coarse, and borderline condescending is not up for debate, it is a fact..
I pointed out that TVC doesn't require bank books for an extension.. Sorry to have ruffled your feathers :)
The fact I am terse, coarse, and borderline condescending is not up for debate, it is a fact..
I pointed out that TVC doesn't require bank books for an extension.. Sorry to have ruffled your feathers :)
Tod *********
:O thanx for that David, but clearly you don't know what Grace/TVC does. They don't have that, you pay the same price with them whether you bank your own money or not. In fact they don't even NEED you to bank any money ;)
Tod *********
now you're talking out your backside
BUT I think if you'd LOOK at your extension you'd see it's not from the immigration office that you would use. The agencies use out of province offices
@Da**
, if you use an agent you don't even need to show banked money or an account or anything. You hand your passport over to the agency/agent and a pile of money and you get it back with your extension in it. BUT I think if you'd LOOK at your extension you'd see it's not from the immigration office that you would use. The agencies use out of province offices
Dave *********
@Tod ********
correct ..I dont show anymoney .. Grace has done mine for four years.. at a fee less than 20k.. like afew guys who do the same.. Not really talking out of my arse as you put it..was just trying to highlight some of the truth about the 800k.. it is the legit way of doing it ..but this is Thailand there is always an alternatvie.. as you are obviously aware..
Puma **********
OP@Dave ********
I think that’s the easiest approach too. I’ll take him to open Thai bank account as soon as we get settled in. I already arranged a caregiver, driver, and yardman. It can help creating jobs for the Thais too. 
Moaya **********
Why is he not doing this for himself and has he ever been to
Thailand ? If he needs help just asking this question than he won’t last long in the kingdom ...
Thailand ? If he needs help just asking this question than he won’t last long in the kingdom ...
Puma **********
OP@Moaya *********
he has an early stage of dementia. I’ll have to escort him to Thailand too. 
Dawid *************
Call
@Keith *************
he will assist with everything he is a very trustable and reliable person
Joe ***********
The man should apply for a Non Immigrant O-A Visa in America. He will have to show 800,000 Baht Equivalent in an American Bank Account for 3 months prior to applying at the Thai Consulate. If he does not have this amount if he can get a loan for the 800,000 Baht Equivalent place it in a bank account in his name... Do all necessary steps to Apply. Once the O-A Visa is put in his Passport he can withdraw the money and pay back the loan. Because under an O-A Visa the money in the Bank Account is never checked again (not same as what happens in Thailand with the O Visa Extension).
Phil **********
JDG you've been here long enough to know when you're dealing with a ........
Joe ***********
@Phil *********
It is easy Phil... BLOCK soonJoe ***********
@Kim ********
Yes... definitely 
Kim *********
@Joe **********
Block now Dwayne *************
@Joe **********
where are you’Based’ zzzz. In other words.... DO you have. T30.*****
363 ..........’555’......... Form?Wher do you do your 90day report.....??? / Checking....?
Tod *********
Careful Dwayne your near total ignorance about all things visa/extension wise here is showing again
Dwayne *************
The difference ‘This conversion’ ... WAS... I was trying to help out.... #YOU💊 want to get Technical’......... Wow..... again.... How Long have you been here and DOING ... WHAT..... Teach ‘US’.......!!!!!!!
Tod *********
Dwayne Du Plessis I don't know how much you're actually helping anyone with your bad information :(
Paul ********
Ask Google or local Thai Embassy
Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
This is the ‘Best’ joke yet...!!!!!!Dwayne *************
How you ever ‘been’....!
Paul ********
@Dwayne ************
Pass you Bed Time Dwayne *************
Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
Wow.... very Cute..... Sorry for ‘My’ lack of trust OR #faith ........Paul ********
@Dwayne ************
I rest my case me Lord ?? FAT N UGLY *****
5 MUGDwayne *************
@Paul *******
If ‘Your are’ any kinda of ‘Gentlemen’ ......... Please apologize!!!!!Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
photo time then.... right..... U. Want evidence......!!!?????Paul ********
@Dwayne ************
1am must have fat Ugly Girlfriend 5555 MugDwayne *************
@Paul *******
sorry ...... Phuket Paul ********
@Dwayne ************
Ho Ray you got something right??? So your not in Thailand or China must be London Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
****************************
Dwayne *************
Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
Hay... Paul ? What’s up ..... Where are u...... Would love to have a beer 🍺.......Dwayne *************
****************************
Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
👌..... What are the rules for.... ‘This”*pissing ‘Challenging’ thing..... is actually FUN..... Dwayne *************
Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
The Office.....!Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
not a ‘Medic’ ...... Was a Chef Thought.......?Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
Jokes””” aside..... I am an English teacher..... (%To China) I Took 1 mg of Xanax...... Tonight....... (#Whatdo you want to talk about).........!!!!!?Paul ********
@Dwayne ************
Medics time n lay down Dwayne *************
Oh by the 555 is not your ‘Bank Account’ it means
I am ‘Laughing’ AT YOU.......
I am ‘Laughing’ AT YOU.......
Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
legal I am am.... *****
5.....!Dwayne *************
You should study ‘Law’ ..... Dad was a lawyer..... and even he can express himself through’#language .... What’s your ‘Pinot’ ......????????
Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
F$&k ‘Star wars’ I’m a Trekkei......Dwayne *************
@Paul *******
??? You have !Never worked in the Hospitality industry.......!!!! ****************************
Paul ********
@Dwayne ************
Every Winter for 1999 till 2020 have you 
Michael ********
There are rumours of new rules to make it easier for retirees coming soon
Ken ******
and better settle in a place/location with better air quality. also lots of locals do not drink tap water but bottled water - don't know why
Steve **********
@Ken *****
tap water is ok for bathing , cooking, not ingestion. Air quality from Feb on in north, now most of Thailand is dangerous to hazardous. Burning period seems ( is ) longer every year. Govt say they fine abusers, but actually participate.Steve **********
@Ken *****
dont know anyone that has. Heavy in sulphur and other crusty minerals.Deep springs are safer, but most pump from the shallow wells.
Michael ********
@Ken *****
it all depends on your location and where supply is from, some is fine.Should do more research for your area. You can also get it tested to check quality
Ken ******
@Steve *********
thanks a lot for your helpful info in details. Any obvious special health hazard for drinking tap water long term?Ken ******
it could be difficult to get insured once over 65 but health insurance is mandatory for retirement visa OA
Dennis ***********
@Michael *******
Please. Keep me posted on any new rules.THX.Steve **********
@Michael *******
every year we hear ' new rules ',only ONE rule here, Tea MoneyMichael ********
@Steve *********
****************************************************************************************************************
*****
15/govt-mulls-visa-rule-overhaul-for-expats-tourists-investors
Dianne *****
@Michael *******
I'll believe it when I see it. The best that retirees can expect is the dropping of the 90 day report and perhaps some relaxation re working whilst on a retirement visa. Can't see the financial requirement changing at all. In fact I predict that it will get tougher to be a retiree in Thailand both financially and in meeting increased criteria eligibilitySteve **********
@Michael *******
With the number of expats here. Cell phone check ins would even work. The TM30 was a brain fart that went south.But your right, this lull in movement is perfect time ( yet an unfortunate one ) for revisiting some overdue issues.
Michael ********
@Steve *********
yes agree and actually thought this covid situation was perfect time to change the rules, and hope this time talk turns into action. 90 day & tm 30 sucks in its present systemSteve **********
@Michael *******
have been hearing this " mulling " for yearsTime for resetting the 90 day. It really doesn't track, and the on line has been down more than up. With 4 changes in reporting location over past decade, the personnel and system have caused more problems than the intended purpose.
Michael ********
@Steve *********
been here 30 years on all sorts of visas, never once had to pay any tea moneyMichael ********
@Dwayne ************
I went to Actual fields in 1992 which were actually on an Island in what is now part of Angthong National parkDwayne *************
@Michael *******
welcome to the modern world..... OR ..... go ‘back’ and watch the movie 🎥..... ****************************
Steve **********
@Michael *******
lucky manDwayne *************
He needs 800 000 baht in a Thailand bank..... no more showing monthly amounts.... must be in the re for 6 months prior to reapplication.... it’s not getting easy to retire here... might wanna look 👀 around before going through the HOOPS trying to retire here....??????
Ruth *******
David Broadfoot he’s just an angry, ranting lunatic.
Otis ******
Dwayne Du Plessis r u sure it now 6 months ???
Joe ***********
Please Leave ASAP
Dwayne *************
Dwayne *************
@Joe **********
done..... BUT..... you are a ‘Tit’.... for kicking out ...... Opinion and freedom of ‘Speech🦠) you havnt even gone through the whole thought process YET ..... ‘Experience’..... Which is the basics of..... ($survival skills) you DONT have any @Idea..... at 7am (#Thaitime) I WILL LEAVE THIS GROUP........Dwayne *************
@Joe **********
hay ‘Joe’..... Got a song for you....... ****************************
Dwayne *************
@Joe **********
****************************
Dwayne *************
On that note.... With Pleasure!!!!!
Dwayne *************
Loas..... PM me.....
Tom ********
Yes, everybody Tod is right, did it exactly as he says here. In like Flynn!
Dwayne *************
@Tom *******
did it... Past Tense....?Tom ********
Dwayne Du Plessis simple leave
Dwayne *************
****************************
Dwayne *************
My Thailand wife and I are trying to ‘Leave@zzzz
Dwayne *************
@Tom *******
would you like an ‘Update😉’ or BS...... “#weherecan help.............I have a great question for ‘ALL’....... u .... people trying SO hard to come here..:)$......
WHY.......?
Tom ********
@Dwayne ************
Yes, arrived in January on a Tourist Visa, and then converted to a Non O based on retirement and just received my long term extension last week for one year. Money in the bank had to be $800,000. It was quite simple and costed 1,900 THB for the Non O and 1,900 for the Extension.Dwayne *************
For me as a married visa it’s is 40 000 per month... Retired
*****
... USED to be show income.... NOW it’s SHOW MONEY 💰.... and also countries like England longer do proof of income or pension.... SO MANY expats( retirees ) are leaving Thailand!!!!
Bobby ********
Dwayne Du Plessis. Easy to transfer 65k per month. Cheap Charlie's probably don't like it, but that's why they have Visa Agents! 🤣
Dwayne *************
In General YES.... BUT.... it depends on location!!!!!! And the best song in Thailand’The Hustle’........
Puma **********
OP@Dwayne ************
It’ll be in Bangsaray, Chonburi. Steve **********
@Dwayne ************
oh so true.Dwayne *************
Bit of a ‘JOKE’ video.....
****************************
Ken ***********
@Dwayne ************
are you sure the *****
THB per month into a Thai bank account is no longer accepted ?Tod *********
@Dwa***
and another inaccuracy in your statement is:the money does NOT have to be in the account for 6 months prior to you applying.
IF you are using banked money method you bank 800K baht in a thai bank account for 2 months before you apply for your extension, the money needs to stay in that account for 3 months after you get the extension granted and then the balance can't go below 400K baht the rest of the year.
Gary **********
@Tod ********
you got it 1000% right ...I did this for 10 years with no problems ..very easy ..and only 1,900 for visa job done Bobby ********
Gary Harrison. It's not really legal if you're not meeting the legal requirements. If you're paying an agent 30k a year, a fair chunk of that is going to an immigration officer in the form of a bribe, which kind of makes it illegal. Chances of getting caught are remote, but it's not pretty if you are!
Gary **********
@Dwayne ************
ow yes no money no honey always been the same ... Mine is not pass tense ..I'm still doing it ...I've never had a problem with visa ...my friend does use a agent it's 30 k a year .. but the visa realy is only 1,900 bht.But agents do a good job I think ...also you don't need any money in s bank so it frees up your money ...but either way is ok it's all legal ...
Dwayne *************
BS..... Try DO IT Now..... all this ‘advice’ is truly outdated......!
Dwayne *************
@Gary *********
past tense again.... I’ve here 12 years ‘Hustling’ Shit is changing..... No Money.... No Honey...... Same same..... ‘Right’....? Dwayne *************
@Tod ********
also tell that to all my retired mates that are now living in Philippines....????Tod *********
easy now
@Dwa***
you totally CAN show monthly income AND if you come from a country that doesn't issue the affidavit here at the embassy anymore you transfer in to a thai bank account in your name only a minimum of 65K baht a month each month every month for the previous 12 months before you apply for your next extension. ALL immigration offices accept the income method (no matter what you've been told). Dwayne *************
@Tod ********
I’m married to a Thai I need 400 k.... I work online and bring in well 100 k a month.... and refused in Phuket..... Had to use a ‘Friendly’ agent..... ‘You know’ ‘Do the hustle’.... get song her IN ASIA....Ruth *******
Dwayne Du Plessis What does your being married to a Thai have to do with a retirement visa? It might help if you “spoke” coherently. You need to stop ranting about things you know nothing about. You even posted a video that didn’t support your point of view but tell me to do *my* research. Lol
Otis ******
@Ruth ******
correctDwayne *************
****************************
Dwayne *************
@Ruth ******
read better!!!!! I Stated I was ON MARRIAGE VISA.....Dwayne *************
Also..... I am South African......
Dwayne *************
@Ruth ******
I married to a Thai..... Please GO do your research 🧐 better.... (#due diligence) .....!!!!Ruth *******
@Dwayne ************
If you’re working online, that’s not retirement. Meanwhile, that video is debunking the claim that expats are leaving Thailand.
David *********
He can come to Thailand and a Visa Agency will get him a retirement visa but will cost him about 30,000 THB.
Steve **********
David *********
@Steve *********
. You have no idea what is reality and what money can buySteve **********
@David ********
sure I do, I had her before.Steve **********
@David ********
ha ha, another one !Steve **********
@David ********
or go to immigration office for 1,900.
Robert **********
@Steve *********
I did that, on third renewal. They started requiring Thai health insurance to renew OA, before Covid. Not on O retirement extension. But I hear they are requiring medical insurance for NonO’d on reentry permits Steve **********
@Robert *********
I hear, so much, so often, just stop listening....90 day online up or down. TM30, fine, no fine, one bank or two. 3 mo's or 6, lump sum or monthly or combo, insur age ? Advise... when they ask, just do with a smile.David *********
@Steve *********
Steve I now that but when you want the simplest way it is with a Visa company. Especially if you don’t meet the requirements on arrival for first time. In two weeks you have your retirement visa for one year and the following year you will have all your ducks in a rowSteve **********
@David ********
so much depends on the province you live in. Some are more independent in interpretation than others. Come, meet some expats, talk...dont be in a hurry with anything. Get real facts, then verify.Tod *********
Puma Sullivan <- who I can't tag for some reason
I think your friend should get a single entry 'regular' tourist visa, come into the country, get their 60 day stamp and do exactly what
That is clearly the most trouble free way to pull it off
I think your friend should get a single entry 'regular' tourist visa, come into the country, get their 60 day stamp and do exactly what
@Da***
recommended. Find a good agency that can get the 90 day Non-O visa and the year extension for them That is clearly the most trouble free way to pull it off
Tod *********
@Da***
best answer so far (y) Tod *********
Sadly he's NOT gonna get a 'retirement visa' issued inside the country as an american without transferring 800K baht into a thai bank account in his name only from abroad.
He can't use proof of income from abroad to get that visa issued in country. His best bet if he can't bank the money here would be to apply for a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa from one of the 4 thai consulates in the US BEFORE he wings his way here. Here's the website of the thai consulate in Los Angeles that has the O-A requirements.
He can't use proof of income from abroad to get that visa issued in country. His best bet if he can't bank the money here would be to apply for a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa from one of the 4 thai consulates in the US BEFORE he wings his way here. Here's the website of the thai consulate in Los Angeles that has the O-A requirements.
***************************************************************************
James *******
You no longer need to transfer money to a Thai bank. Just show your US bank balance/income. They waved that rule a year ago. At least for the 1 year retirement visa. Not sure about the 5 year.
Henrik ****
@James ******
, yes, there are different ways to do this. Ask your local immigration and/or your embassy. 
Rick *****************
@Tod ********
Can’t he show 65,000/month pension income? Or a combination deposit/income any more?Puma **********
OP@Rick ****************
he has pension plus social security check for a total of $7,000/month. Puma **********
OP@Joe **********
thank you so much for the info. I understand now. Joe ***********
@Puma *********
Using the Monthly Income method... he has to prove monthly income of 65, 000 Baht brought into Thailand Bank from a Foreign source for 12 months prior to applying for the Extension of Stay based on a 90 day single entry O Visa. Since this is not practical - not doable by a first time applicant he cannot use the Monthly Income Method the first time out..Ruth *******
@Rick ****************
to clarify what Tod is saying, yes, he can use the income, but not by applying in country. He needs to apply before he leaves. Look at the link he sent for the consulate in Los Angeles for more info.Tod *********
@Rick ****************
, as an american IF he wants to use 'monthly income method' (65k baht a month to meet the requirements) he needs 12 months of incoming overseas transfers. IF your embassy doesn't issue the letter stating you get income from your country you do monthly transfers for 12 months before you apply for the extension
Michael ********
Probably better off applying there either O or OA quite a few posts on group how to do it
Activity
27 joined27
people
Related
25Can you apply for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand even if you haven't applied beforehand from your home country?
4.9k101341mo
What should I know about moving to Thailand on a retirement visa?
10.5k901203mo
What is the difference between the financial requirements of a retirement visa and a marriage visa in Thailand?
96431310mo
How can I change my Retirement Visa to a yearly visa without keeping 800k in an account?
8.2k571191y
Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand based on monthly income instead of an 800K baht deposit?
2.9k23261y
Is it necessary to provide U.S. bank statements for a retirement O visa application in Thailand?
1.3k1161y
Can I get a retirement visa in Thailand without having 800,000 Baht in my bank account?
9.8k84931y
Can I use a foreign bank account for the Thai retirement visa income requirement and apply for it while in Thailand?
2k16101y
What are the requirements for a retirement or marriage visa in Thailand for expats moving to Roi Et Province?
1k5111y
How can I obtain a Non-O visa in Thailand without any connections?
5.8k41731y
Do I need a police check from my home country for a retirement visa in Thailand?
5.9k43392y
Is obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand difficult?
6.3k63342y
How do I obtain a retirement visa for Thailand?
25.3k2023032y
What are the important considerations for obtaining a visa to live in Thailand?
7k52872y
Should I apply for a retirement visa from the US or in Thailand?
1.2k392y
What is the best visa option for retiring in Thailand as a UK citizen?
5.3k34742y
What are my options for extending a Non-Immigrant O Visa in Thailand that expires soon?
1.6k1392y
Can I use the 400k baht in my bank after getting a NON-O visa based on marriage and still qualify for a retirement visa later?
1.8k13133y
What type of visa should my parents apply for to spend most of the year in Thailand with a monthly income but without the lump sum requirement?
10.8k831333y
What visa should I apply for when retiring to Thailand with my wife and baby, and what are the requirements?
868353y
Can I extend my 90-day Non-O retirement visa in Thailand, and what are the necessary documents?
2.1k9343y
What is the correct bank deposit requirement for a retirement visa in Thailand: 800k or 400k baht?
1.1k1183y
Are there minimum balance requirements for a marriage visa in Thailand similar to the retirement visa?
899393y
Can I hold my funds in a sterling account for a Retirement visa in Thailand?
1.7k9184y
What are the requirements for the 10-year retirement visa in Thailand?
1.4k6177y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served