What is the best visa option for a Canadian looking to start in Thailand and transition to a retirement visa?

Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Upgrades Long Stay Visa Multi-Entry Visa Expat Help

Apr 24, 2021

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Canadian seeking visa help/clarity for best visa option (stv tourist etc etc) .   

I am reading too much and very confused and appreciate constructive help.     

-Currently in Canada and single, no connections to Thailand currently. 

- seeking longest visa available as a tourist to start

- visa that allows me to upgrade to a retirement visa

- will make the deposit at a Thai bank for min 60 days for the retirement visa requirement 

- would like multi entry. Expect to return to Canada for holidays or emergency for family. 

- this is my first trip to Thailand, but no concern to sell everything and go.  Trying to early retire less expensive than Canada. 

-want to be able to travel around se asia ( after covid of course ) so multi entry is important for later. 

- concerned a tourist visa won’t give me much time to arrange a retirement visa In country.  (Need 60 days deposit plus 15 days quarantine is 75 days already.   Will need to find a lease condo to get a bank account etc.  ) therefore I need at min. 90 days preferably 120 + for all this.   

So what visa has restrictions of not being upgradable to retirement, can last long enough to arrange this , in country application as we do t know what will happen with lockdowns further etc.  

If you have gone through this or have real advise , open to DM if you have time.

326

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A Canadian expat is seeking guidance on the best visa options for their first trip to Thailand, aiming for the longest possible stay as a tourist while allowing for an eventual transition to a retirement visa. They express concerns about the insufficient duration of a standard tourist visa for handling the necessary arrangements for a retirement visa application. Suggestions from previous comments include aiming for a Non-O visa due to its 90-day validity, and caution against the STV and multi-entry tourist visa as they currently face limitations.

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.

John ********

Try Non o multiple you get 3 months but need to do visa run every 3 months good when borders are open

4 years ago

Michael ********

@John *******

most embassies have stopped issuing the multiple entries since last year

4 years ago

Reply to

Michael ********

เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******

Multi-entry TV not available now.

4 years ago

Phill ******

5 year elite visa ,if you can afford it . hassle free visa .

4 years ago

Stuart *********

STV is a crap option. You can’t change it in Thailand. A normal TR visa will give you 60 days, a visa exempt will give you 45. If you’re wanting to get a retirement visa (extension) here then why not apply for a non O visa in the first place. You get 90 days. Plenty of time to get bank set up etc after quarantine.

4 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the best visa options and strategies for a 60-year-old retired Canadian planning to stay in Thailand longer than 90 days?

59 comments