Please be gentle, my head is banging 😵💫
Yes, I am sure we have asked for suggestions in the past and yes I am sure you have offered meaningful guidance
We’ve looked and read as much as we possibly can from numerous sources to the point we have now totally confused ourselves
How the heck does one chose the best visa to retire to Thailand for the long term?
Seriously the more we research the more confused we seem to get, yes, I’m sure we are and have over complicated it but we’ve overcomplicated it to the point we now feel totally bewildered
We’ve read numerous accounts that it’s best to get the relevant visa in our home country (UK) before landing in Thailand
We’ve then read it’s easier to arrive as a tourist and then sort the appropriate visa once in Thailand which totally contradicts the above
Seriously can someone on here please, in clear/ simple/ uncomplicated terms help us by directing us to a suitable visa with the below possibly helping
Me and my wife are thinking it will be best if we both get our own visa so if/ when something should happen to one of us, there should be no issues with the surviving persons visa
Having and leaving 800,000 Thb in a Thai bank account each is ok
Within the next month we will be upgrading our UK driving licences to International Driving Permit so we can then convert to a Thai Driving Licence once we are settled
Thai Elite Visa is an option (but numerous people have said no need as we are over 55 with a private pension as income so there are better alternatives)
As little hassle/ agro/ bureaucracy as possible, happy for an agent to take care of our 90 day reporting
Thank you
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post outlines the confusion surrounding the best visa options for British expats looking to retire in Thailand. The main advice shared in the comments advocates for the Non-O visa as a straightforward option, whether obtained in the UK or upon arrival in Thailand. There is also mention of the LTR (Long Term Resident) visa, which offers a longer stay but requires higher income qualifications. Common themes highlighted include maintaining financial independence through personal vises, the necessity of having a Thai bank account, and the process of 90-day reporting. Several commenters recommend enlisting the help of a visa agent to navigate any complexities.
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.