Answered6 years ago
What is the best visa option for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while ensuring the necessary funds are maintained in a Thai bank account?
Hi all,
What will be the best visa to get in order to fulfill the requirements of a retirement visa . I intend to leave the 800k baht in the bank . I can only do this once I get over there. I realise it’s got to stay in 2 months before application and 3 months after.
Any ideas how to go about this without having to leave Thailand. TIA
What will be the best visa to get in order to fulfill the requirements of a retirement visa . I intend to leave the 800k baht in the bank . I can only do this once I get over there. I realise it’s got to stay in 2 months before application and 3 months after.
Any ideas how to go about this without having to leave Thailand. TIA
Answer summary
This conversation discusses the best visa options for expats seeking a retirement visa in Thailand. It highlights the importance of maintaining 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months before applying and 3 months after. The two main visa types are the Non-O and O-A visas, with specific financial and insurance requirements. There are various strategies suggested, such as opening a bank account upon arrival and transitioning from a tourist visa or applying directly for the Non-O or O-A visa from home.
44 repliesnewest first
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Tom *********
I just received my non-immigrant O-A visa and just had to show statements from my US Bank and my social security statement. I didn’t need to have any money in a Thai bank.
Steve **********
Following
Angeline ****
Canada has been closed to foreigners since March yet we have flights coming in from abroad every day.
Paulus *********
OPStuart Cummings
That’s excellent, thanks very much.
That’s excellent, thanks very much.
Stuart *********
You have the option to apply for a Non O Visa which would give you 90 days on arrival or a Non OA visa which would give you 1 year (depending on your insurance coverage). Either option allows you to extend providing you meet the financial requirements of 800k in a local bank in your name only 2 months prior to applying. It needs to stay in the account for 3 months afterwards and the balance can’t go below 400k for the remainder of the year. For a following extension it would need to be back up to 800 two months prior to applying again. For the Non O visa you do not need to have medical insurance (past the initial requirements for the Certificate of entry), for the OA visa you do and for subsequent extensions.
Margot ********
The money have to be in the bank , 2 months before and 3 months after , but you have to stay more than 6 months the year in Thailand, it’s what the tell me at immigration in Thailand, I have non immigrant o visa
Terry ********
@Margot *******
Never heard of a 6 month minimum stay before. Which imm. office please?Steve *******
Non Imm O based on being over 50. Gets you 90 days, enough time to season your 800,000k
Paulus *********
OPThanks again
Paulus *********
OPSteve Grier,
Do I apply for the non o here in uk or do I go for the 60day tr and 30 day extension on that then apply for non o in Thailand. Hope this makes sense.
Do I apply for the non o here in uk or do I go for the 60day tr and 30 day extension on that then apply for non o in Thailand. Hope this makes sense.
John ********
Get multiple entry
Steve *******
@John *******
You cant get the multiple entry Non Imm O in the UKJohn ********
@Paulus ********
you can apply for Non O in Europe Steve *******
@Paulus ********
Get the Non Imm O in the UK.Paulus *********
OPThanks
Kool *******
Just get the type OA visa from the Thai embassy before you even get here. Then you do not have to do anything until it is time to extend it. Put the bt800,000 in a Thai bank account in your name, then just leave it there. You've got to leave bt400,000 in the bank all year anyway, so just leave the bt800,000 there, and you don't have to bother with it. Get your health insurance and your set. Contact the embassy. They will help you.
Will ************
You could get a tourist visa (60 days ) , do your 15days ASQ. On leaving ASQ open a thai bank account, put 800k bt in it. Get a visa extension of 30 days on your tourist visa. Change your tourist visa to O-A as soon as your money has been in your account for 2 months. Follow the rules for how long and how much has to remain in it. Renew O-A annually in country.
Bobby ********
Will Richardson. You cannot get an OA visa in Thailand.
Janin ******
@Bobby *******
OA non immigrant is only given in your home country Bobby ********
Janin Ackx. I know that. It was the OP who was talking about changing to OA in Thailand
Steve *******
@Will ***********
You cant change to an OA in Thailand
Jonas *************
Yes.
Open bankaccount (bangkok bank)
Transfer money (must wire)
Transfer to a non-O visa before 15 days left (otherwise get 30 extension first)
After 60 days you can apply for 1 year retirement extension. You have to be 50 at least.
Open bankaccount (bangkok bank)
Transfer money (must wire)
Transfer to a non-O visa before 15 days left (otherwise get 30 extension first)
After 60 days you can apply for 1 year retirement extension. You have to be 50 at least.
Ray *****
@Will ***********
i thought OA were only issued in your own country. In Thailand O vise only?
Kathy ****************
If you get a O-A retirement Visa for one year you only have to show $2,500 a month in an account for 6 months and that will give you five entries and cost $200.. The 5 year option has more restrictions
Simon **********
I didn’t know you had to stay 2 months before and three after?
Paulus *********
OPI know agents can do it but am trying to avoid using them .
Bobby ********
Paulus Handson. My advice is stay legal!
Simon **********
@Pau***
, I agree, but if it means you don't have to leave your cash in an account for 5 months, I think it might be worth considering.Jane ***********
@Janin *****
There are many other ways that it is done. I think you’re being a bit naive. Janin ******
@Jane **********
, the point is, if you don’t have money in the bank for your Visa, a lot of illegal agents “loan” you money for a certain time, so you are ok for your visa! But that is illegal! One and a half year ago police started to clean them up(and they still doing it)! Of course there are scammers and they are better than most people think they are!Jane ***********
@Janin *****
I don’t really understand the point you’re making. There are scammers in every area of life. Buyer beware. Janin ******
@Jane **********
, that’s why I say see if they are licensed! I know also a lot of people with no money who have all of a sudden, enough for their visa. And I know they are scared if immigration finds out, while immi make controls now and than.....Bobby ********
Jane Beresford. As I said, it's your prerogative. If you believe paying a government official a bribe does not have risks it is entirely up to you. I'm not getting involved in a debate. I felt I should advise Paulus of possible pitfalls. You are free to advise otherwise. Your choice completely. Have a great day!
Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
You ‘know’ of one, circumstances undescribed. I believe things that have facts and proof to back them up. Jane ***********
@Janin *****
But a lot are not illegal. In fact they are regularly visited by immigration inspectors. Janin ******
@Jane **********
, a lot of agents are illegal, best is to ask for their licenses! Bobby ********
Jane Beresford. I know one case personally. You are quite free to believe what you want. It is your prerogative
Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
Point me to one case, just one case, where someone has been deported and banned for a 'very long' time for using an agent to get a retirement visa. Or, indeed, a case where an immigration official has asked to see the bank book of someone with a retirement visa acquired using an agent.Bobby ********
Simon Robinson. Which is fine until immigration ask to see your bank book! As it's an illegal visa, you are then classified as "overstay" which can result in deportation and very long ban!
Paulus *********
OPThe money has to be in bank
Simon **********
@Pau***
, sorry I misread your post, I thought it was the applicant, not the money. I have been told the deposit of cash in your account can be made by a third party and only for a short period, for a fee....Kathy ****************
It depends on which type of retirement Visa you are getting
Paulus *********
OPBelieve it’s a non O . Am not sure of different types
Kathy ****************
@Pau***
I think the retirement's are O-A 1 year (you have to have a 5 multi entry) And A O-X is 5 year... This is from the US...Activity
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