Answered3 years ago
What is the best visa option for Canadian retirees wishing to stay in Thailand for 24 months?
Hi
We are going to Thailand in Oct for 24 months what's the best visa to get.
We are both retired and over 60 from Canada
Thanks all
We are going to Thailand in Oct for 24 months what's the best visa to get.
We are both retired and over 60 from Canada
Thanks all
Answer summary
A Canadian retiree couple inquired about the best visa to stay in Thailand for 24 months. Community members suggested the Non-O A and Retirement visa, noting the need for financial documentation such as the Embassy income affidavit. Discussions included strategies to manage the visa process, such as obtaining a Non-O visa followed by extensions, and possible implications of Thailand's new tax laws for residents staying over 180 days. Various comments highlighted the importance of understanding visa regulations and considering lifestyle changes when moving to Thailand.
41 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Chris ******
Following...we are also in Canada with both Canadian and UK passports
John ********
Don't bother trying. Go east to Cambodia and have a great time
Henrik *****
Remember everyday life is far from holiday life, som if you havent been in Thailand in a longer period, then burn any bridges, it may not be the dreamlife imagined.
Make a trial run first, for exampel 60 day tourist visa + 30 days extension, since most people can meet the requirements for that visa.
Make a trial run first, for exampel 60 day tourist visa + 30 days extension, since most people can meet the requirements for that visa.
David **********
That really needs to be decided on before one makes plans to live overseas for two years.
Nick ************
@David *********
that is exactly what they are trying to do.
Chris *******
If planned properly you can get almost 2 years out of a non-OA visa.
If you both can qualify on your own.
The easiest path would be Non-O 90 days initial visa based on retirement and the spouse as a non-o 90 day visit non Thai family dependent visa.
Both obtained by evisa from Canada.
Then when entering Thailand deposit 800k in a Thai bank and apply for 1 year extensions.
For the 2nd year you would extend again.
When you're done the 800k is still your money.
This is a relatively simple process you can easily complete on your own.
Only the primary needs proof of funds and the 800k deposited.
If you both can qualify on your own.
The easiest path would be Non-O 90 days initial visa based on retirement and the spouse as a non-o 90 day visit non Thai family dependent visa.
Both obtained by evisa from Canada.
Then when entering Thailand deposit 800k in a Thai bank and apply for 1 year extensions.
For the 2nd year you would extend again.
When you're done the 800k is still your money.
This is a relatively simple process you can easily complete on your own.
Only the primary needs proof of funds and the 800k deposited.
Helen ********
@Chris ******
@Maxine-Roy ***************
also Canadian and would suggest you follow this. Difference is as Canadians you don't need to put the $ in a Thai bank, you can still get income verification from the Canadian embassy or consulate to bring to immigration. We both got 90 day Non O while in Canada, when we did our first extension went to the consulate, got them to verify income and married status. Went to immigration and got a retirement extension for my husband and trailing spouse for me. The other option is the LTR - wealthy pensioners if your income qualifies for it. You can DM me if you want more info.
Shayne **********
@Chris ******
do exactly what Chris says but you actually only need to get the OA visa in Canada and the day before it expires you leave Thailand and come back with another year Visa stamp on entry. Every time you enter throughout that first year you will get a one-year stamp.There's no need to put any money in the bank in this first 2 years. If you want to travel after you get the last year long extension you can just go down and get a single or multiple reentry permit depending on your requirements.
When the two years are up there's plenty of options for staying longer and it's at this time you put the money in the bank if you want to stay. Actually you put the money in 2-3 months before your last stamp expires.
Then to change over to the long-term in country Visa, leave Thailand and come back after the final expiry date, you will get 30 days and as soon as you arrive go to immigration to change over to the non-o retirement Visa.
Chris *******
@Shayne *********
the only problem that way is both will have to be on OA separately. Can be quite expensive on insurance requirements.
I prefer the non-o and dependant with only 800k (which remains mine).
Then buy the more cost effective insurances in country, without the requirements to have it.
Far less complicated than OA.
Christopher *************
A lot depends on your ages and money in the Bank? if you are old enough you and have enough in the Bank you could get Non-Imm o visas. If not then probably better getting tourist visas. Maybe even Multiple entry tourist visa. Will you be applying to Ottawa or Vancouver?
John **********
You will fall under Thailands new income tax law if you stay more than 180 days a yr ... you may be required to file a tax return in Thailand each 12 months
Damien ********
@John *********
bullshit !!!!!!Don’t post crap that is just talk and not law
Maybe Thais will make a new law that any foreigner wearing a baseball cap will have to pay a daily tax ….could happen !
John **********
@Damien *******
🤦 Nothing like showing up and find out after you arrive .. that would be fun wouldn't it ..But then again maybe that's how you like it ...then cut your planned 2 yrs to 6 months and ruin everything
My friend, you need to be aware before you enter just in case they slap you with a penalty ... not being aware isn't an excuse neither is pleading ignorance ..both bring you to the same place
So many of you just trying to lay low and hopefully they won't find you lol 😆
Glyn **********
@John *********
no but I saw it on the Thaiger News. Remember the Thai language doesn't always translate well. Unlikely the tax agreement is only federal government workers... The Thai government was clear that this isn't a tax grab for retirees to be concerned about. There are some grey areas!John **********
@Glyn *********
what was the date or do you have a link ?Glyn **********
@John *********
I guess you missed the Thai government press conference regarding this change...John **********
@Glyn *********
obviously you did NOT read the treaty...it clearly states govt officials ..stop being a typical 'bertanGlyn **********
@John *********
give it a break! If you've paid tax on it at home your not going to be paying again!John **********
And if you can't read here
Now the treaty as it applies to Canadians may be interpreted differently by the Thai govt as the Canadian treaty says it only applies to those who are federal employees of Canada working in Thailand on gov't business
Now the treaty as it applies to Canadians may be interpreted differently by the Thai govt as the Canadian treaty says it only applies to those who are federal employees of Canada working in Thailand on gov't business
John **********
@Damien *******
no doubt most of it in Pattaya .You're like the last person they should be listening to .
You stated it's not law ... you can read correct ?
Your name should be Damien "Moron"
*****************************************************************************************
You DO NOT live in Thailand!
Damien ********
@John *********
you r a paranoid fear monger I’ve been coming to Thailand for 25 years
What’s your time experience in Thailand ?
Anyone who puts the laugh emoji at the end of a comment that wasn’t funny is an inadequate no confidence loser
Ps I ain’t laying low and im not your friend …no fear here at all
Jonny boy
Steve **********
@John *********
not if under retirement visa, and your income is derived from abroad in either savings or pension. Why 2 years.....?
Todd *********
@John *********
lol, get a grip on yourself. No, you won't.John **********
@Todd ********
how so ? Explain please. The law says if you stay in the kingdom more than 180 days in a year you are subject to the new tax legislation if you are bringing money into Thailand...Todd *********
@John *********
there are no changes to the law YET. It is what it is. How many tax returns have you filed as a retiree? Same number as me… zero. There will be more clarity in the future.And for anyone wanting to prevent ever filing a Thai tax returns, simply get an LTR retiree visa if you qualify. No tax
Glyn **********
@John *********
and maybe they won't be required to file a tax return....
Thomas *******
What an odd amount of time, depends
Graham ******
You need a Retirement Visa and to meet the financial requirements you can use the Embassy income affadavit
Ann ************
Non O A
Aake **********
@Ann ***********
inte none Non A O its Non O AAnn ************
@Aake *********
yes i have oneAake **********
@Ann ***********
I have already done an extension once, this will be the second time with a one-year residence permitAnn ************
@Aake *********
my visa is 12 months extendable for future 12 monthsAake **********
@Ann ***********
😃i have NO retired, extension in 30 days.Ann ************
@Aake *********
non imm O-AAake **********
@Ann ***********
AO or OA?
Phil ******
@Maxine-Roy ***************
retirement visa
Cheri *****************
I'd love to know how you do it as this will be me in 6 more yrs ❤️
Todd *********
@Cheri ****************
get a 3 month O or OA visa and then a one year retirement extension. And welcome to thailandCheri *****************
@Todd ********
thank you. I have a few more yrs to get it all in the works...Todd *********
@Cheri ****************
team canada growing by the day here....Activity
21 joined21
people
Related
25What is the best visa option for a 57-year-old British expat wanting to retire in Thailand with a private pension?
3k263617h
What is the current process for retirement visa entry in Thailand given the changes in visa exemption duration?
3.7k18763mo
What steps should my husband and I take to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?
2.2k18234mo
Can I use US bank statements for the retirement visa O-A in Thailand and what do I need to do regarding the 800,000 THB deposit?
4.1k26609mo
What are the different types of Thai visas and their benefits?
8.4k621159mo
What visa options should I consider for retirement in Thailand if I can only apply for a DTV in April?
4.1k36351y
What is the validity period for entering Thailand with a Retirement Visa after approval?
2.5k19251y
What are the requirements for obtaining the OA long stay visa in Thailand, particularly regarding medical and criminal record certificates?
4.1k35332y
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand to marry my girlfriend and potentially work?
7.3k53892y
What should I do if my Non-O retirement visa application is still pending and my exemption visa is about to expire?
2k16122y
What are the steps to transition from a Non-OA Visa to a Non-O Visa for retirement in Thailand?
1.3k1292y
What visa options are available for moving to Thailand for a family with a 50-year-old mother, an 18-year-old brother, and a 30-year-old sibling?
5.7k46552y
What are the best visa options for a UK citizen over 50 planning to retire in Pattaya, Thailand?
6.8k66453y
What are the requirements for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, especially regarding residence contracts and applying from abroad?
1.1k833y
Can I apply for a Non-O or Non-OA visa after entering Thailand on a tourist exempt visa?
2.5k19194y
Am I eligible to apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand having a Non-OA visa?
1.6k1294y
What are the visa options and requirements for a couple planning to live in Thailand for a year, especially regarding the OA and O visas?
4.6k32575y
What are the best visa options for retiring in Thailand with young twins?
1.9k9265y
What is the process for applying for a Non-OA Retirement Visa for Americans from the USA?
1.8k1575y
What is the best visa option for a 75-year-old UK retiree married to a Thai citizen who wants to stay in Thailand for 6-7 months?
2.2k14235y
What are the financial requirements for a Retirement Visa in Thailand, and does property ownership affect these requirements?
3.3k20425y
What are the requirements and tips for obtaining a Non-OA longstay retirement visa in Thailand?
4.1k32436y
Can I apply for a retirement visa for my husband at the Thai embassy in Kuala Lumpur?
2.3k21128y
How can I convert my tourist visa to a retirement visa while based in Chiang Rai?
2.1k18108y
What are the visa options for permanently staying in Thailand if I am over 50 with some criminal records?
3.8k33299y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served