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.

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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 *********

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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?

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