What is the cheapest and easiest way to obtain a 1-year renewable multiple-entry retirement visa in Thailand?

Mar 14, 2024
9 months ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
What's the easiest & cheapest way get a 1-year renewable multiple entry retirement visa?
7,518
views
20
likes
229
all likes
100
replies
1
images
37
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The easiest and cheapest way to obtain a 1-year renewable multiple-entry retirement visa in Thailand typically involves securing a Non-Immigrant O visa first, costing around 2,000 baht, followed by an extension for 1,900 baht and an additional 3,800 baht for the re-entry permit. Applicants must also have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for at least two to three months before applying. While some recommend using agents for assistance, the costs can vary, and it's suggested to assess whether to do the process yourself or enlist an agent, taking in account their service fees. Discussions indicate that following the proper legal channels, even if not the cheapest, ensures long-term stability and compliance.
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.
Christopher *************
All we need is another Charlie?
THAI ******************************
Our team offers multiple services with regards to retirement visas, and have successfully completed this process thousands of times.

For a quote for a visa agency supported application you can always contact our
****
support team over LINE / EMAIL:

LINE:
**********************


EMAIL:
***********************


Price may vary depending on current visa type, timeline, and location.

Our offices are located in Bangkok, but we can service all of Thailand:

*********************
Les ***********
@THAI *****************************
I highly recommend The Thai Visa Centre.
Bernie *************
800k in a Thai bank (savings account, current account? and for how long b4 applying plz? )
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So what is the cost if I use an agent?
Eric *******
Can you get this 1yr as a 33yr old American w no income/job but plenty of cash?
Graham ******
@Eric ******
No, this is one option for you
****************************************
Steve **********
@Eric ******
No but you'll get a lot of attention on Soi 6 on Pattaya.

Oh ! But later you won't have any cash....but the memories !
Eric *******
@Steve *********
really pissed off about missing the 30k 20yr visa. @ 145k it’s just not worth it. And digital nomad requires 80k/yr which I think something like 5% of DN actually make…
Steve **********
@Eric ******
it is what it is !
Nongnuch ********
@Eric ******
5 year ELITE is 900,000 THB you only need three of them, then just wait for 2 years and us the retirement visa plus the 1-year extension with the 800,000 THB on the Thai bank account
Christopher *************
Do it the right way, cheap may well come back and haunt you. if you are on the cheap stay away.
Robin ********
Have you looked at getting an O-A visa before you go? All online
Steve *******
@Robin *******
needs 3m baht insurance if you follow the rules
Mel ******
I did it myself with the help of a Thai friend. I gave her some money for her time.
Steve **********
Mel ******
@Steve *********
I did not use an agent. Had a Thai friend go to immigration office with me to help answer questions
Steve **********
@Mel *****
always smart move...I misunderstood. As you understand .
David *********
Depends how you calculate absolute cost ..

Because you need 800k in a Thai bank , in this case it's 1900 b .

Easiest by a mile is an agent .
David *********
And a dickhead puts a laughing emoji ..

Obviously not a keen investor , while you try at help people , calculate 11.5 % of 800k you stupid fool ..that's " actual cost " ..
George *********
@David ********
tell me where
David *********
@George ********
Speak to you privately and depends on country of origin mate , all the best ..

I expect much better than 11.5

But each to their own . I don't give advice , but have self managed for 25 years .
George *********
@David ********
***************************************************************************************************************************
*******
/24/opinion/blogs/i-was-hit-by-collapse-of-aussie-fund-m3k5kIPLpN3CHUTmR1G5WK/article.html

I'll give it a miss
David *********
@George ********
okey mate ..

Good for you . I don't trust fund managers either , that's why I have done my own stuff for a very long time .

I don't manage the funds of others , just mine ..

So I take the gain , not am I offering otherwise .

But for me it's an interest and a passion .

But for you , you could just buy a market tracking ETF you don't need to pay anyone .

Never let others manage your money . All the best , back to topic , don't worry about this stuff , it's my interest not yours .

Wishing you well .
Steve **********
@David ********
what..WHAT is earning 11.5% in 2024
David *********
I'm an investor Steve , but each to their own , 11.5 % or far better is easily achievable in this current marketplace .

Thanks .
Steve **********
@David ********
I'm not, but would be interested is said returns if actual, as would anyone here.
Stani ***************
About 15.000baht

Door to doof service.
Gregory ********
@Stani **************
thats on extension—not first application—the post is asking about 1 st
George *********
@Stani **************
not for when you first apply
Stani ***************
Pattaya.

Him make everythink for you including Money in the bank.
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stani **************
you have his email address or website?
Wayne *******
@Mark *******
yes I'd like this information please Send if Possible
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stani **************
which agency?
Chris *********
Can I also ask I have a daughter her mum died I have Thai court custody for her would it be easier to get a visa on the grounds of a Thai child guardian visa
Richard ********
@Chris ********
You should make your own post and not hijack this one
Chris *********
I was sent this what does it mean for the first 800k how long does it need to be in the bank
Steve **********
@Chris ********
Don't know, to be honest have been on the income route for 20 years. Don't ever remember nesting 800k, maybe rules changed, or my memory..
Darren ******
800k , 1900 baht at immigration , 3800b multiy entry and DIY it.
Gregory ********
@Darren *****
yep and i guess you earning max 1% pa on the 800 k
Darren ******
@Gregory *******
U need to have it in Ur bank 2-3 months prior and 2-3 after ur visa date.

I think this is to stop agents giving U the money then 3 mins later taking it back but it shows in Ur ACC , the bank stamp Ur visa and basically U by pass that rule , obv U pay for that service.

My balance is over 800k so no problem , it's been sat there fore years.
Gregory ********
@Darren *****
yep your choice—but in financial terms not the right choice—purchasing power on 800 k is not worth that anymore as its been eroded by inflation—but take it you dont invest in crypto or stock markets—so best choice for you—others think differently👍👍
Darren ******
@Gregory *******
I would love to do investment in crypto or stocks but not a clue how so I guess I'll stick to what has made me stay in Thailand for 17 years .
Gregory ********
@Darren *****
understand—been an FA for 30’years —so obviously my thinking is different—you are correct though—stick to what you know👍👍
Steve **********
Apply !

meet requirements. Pay 1900 baht.

And add'l 3800 for Multiple entry
Nigel **************
There is only One Way. Read the rules and follow them. No easiest or cheapest way.
Nick **********
@Nigel *************
Actually, not difficult when money is banked, and one reads online what documents are needed. Been here 14 years and have no problem with immigration procedure
Gregory ********
@Nick *********
just one problem Nick —how much interest are you earning on the 800 k—i guess its max 1%—your choicce🤪🤪
Nick **********
@Gregory *******
Actually, next year I will be able to use my retirement that is sent to my bank here every month. Maybe I will buy gold, you know, real "money".
Gregory ********
@Nick *********
yes gold is one avenue—but from my 35 years experience as an FA—you need diversify—crypto,shares,gold,property,etc—cant gamble just on one sector—gold on its own is too volatile and you need check timing into the market—but any is better than savings account at 1%👍👍👍
Steve **********
@Nick *********
21 years, the same.

Occassionslly a rule change , but all in all no problems.

Would never consider nesting a large amount At virtually no interest.

Income us the easiest way to go, no

restrictions
Nigel **************
@Nick *********
yeah exactly my point. Do what the IO asks and they are great to deal with.
Steve *******
Cheapest and easiest are not combinable in Thailand.

You should look into the Philippines. You don't need a long term visa to stay there, technically legally, for up to 3 years at each entry.
Marcel *******
@Steve ******
Yes, but terrible infrastructure, no good food and poor medical care. But great beaches and many Pinoy people speak English well
Steve *******
@Marcel ******
I disagree about the food, as I loved basically everything I ate there except the fast food 😅

But the visa difficulties in Thailand make PH a great option for anyone who has a passport that lets them enter on a visa exemption.
Klaus ***********
@Steve ******
many little things come together that Thailand is rapidly losing it’s Mojo.
Steve *******
Kace *******
move to cambodia
Mark *******
Is Cambodia a nice place to live?
Mark *******
@Kace ******
is Cambodia a nice place to live ?
Kace *******
@Mark ******
i like it
Kathy ******
@Kace ******
what's the visa requirements?
Kace *******
@Kathy *****
i’m on retirement visa. requirements: old w money
Peter *******
You'll need the 90 day non imm O visa first, 2,000 baht, then year extension 1900 baht, check financial requirements
Bob *********
See an agent, they will lend you the 800,000 baht for the first year. Then start sending 65,000 baht a month to your bank account so you can renew the visa
Gregory ********
@Bob ********
correct you earn more in your own country on the 800 k—which is more than enough to pay for your agents fee in year 2 should you want use them—the interest is taxed at source —so no new tax here
Hartmut ********
@Bob ********
das würde ich nicht mehr machen. Die Immi in Hua Hin verlangt ein Nachweis vom Vorjahr und ob das Geld auch 3 Monate später auf dem Konto war
Steve *******
@Bob ********
And what happens when Immigration want to see the 400k that remained in your Bank account all year?
Bob *********
@Steve ******
the agent can fix it..
Steve *******
@Bob ********
So you're stuck with using the agent.
Roberto *********
@Bob ********
You mean the agent bribes a government official on your behalf? 🤣
Brian ***********
Do it yourself :-)
Nigel ********
@Stuart ********
and your need 800 000 bht in a Thai bank do it yourself like Stuart said
Roberto *********
@Nigel *******
Or income of 65k per month, which is the sensible way to do it
Nigel ********
@Roberto ********
I didn't think you could do 65k on you first year!
Roberto *********
@Nigel *******
The hack is to first go on OA visa which doesn't require 800k in Thai bank. As soon as you hit Thailand, start the 65k/month regime. Bounce at 12 months to get the second "free" year. At the end of that year, bounce again, coming in on free stamp. Apply for 90-day non-O using the almost two years of 65k transfers to meet criteria. 45 days out from expiry, go the 12-month extension, again using the 65k transfers. Set for life. Two important things to remember, one is that all transfers MUST come from overseas, and you CANNOT miss a single month of transfers.
David *********
@Roberto ********
does the transfer have to be around the same day every month or can it be anytime in month
Roberto *********
@David ********
The actual date in the month doesn't matter
Nigel ********
Stuart *********
Cheapest is at an immigration office 1,900 baht. Plus 3,800 baht for the reentry permit.

Easiest is arguably using an agent, but they charge a fee for their service.
Ross ************
@Stuart ********
Worth every baht. In and out in no time.

She's amazing and great to deal with

************************
Colin ***********
@Stuart ********
an you recommend agent in Phuket?
Greg *********
@Stuart ********
how much would an agent charge?
Robert *********
@Greg ********
could you send it to me too thanks!
Stuart *********
@Greg ********
for the first year (which is the initial non O for 3 months plus a 12 month extension - so 15 months total) probably around 30-40k. For subsequent years probably around 20-25k. That’s a guesstimate. Prices may have changed.

Probably best to contact a few and see.

The admin of this site is one. Contact them
@THAI *****************************
Tim *********
@Stuart ********
just did it yesterday. They took care of every thing. No headaches. Even opened my bank account. $900 U.S. worth every penny.
Don ******
@Tim ********
Plz send me that agents info also, TIA
David ****
@Tim ********
So did they use their 800k in the process? Would you mind sharing the visa agent that helped you. Thanks
Mu ****
@Tim ********
ji, I also woulf like to know tje agency. Can you please pm me ? Thx
Matt ********
@Tim ********
hi, which agent did you use please.
Tim *********
@Matt *******
I'll dm it to you... im kind of busy right now... but this agent was fantastic.
Tiffannie *********
@Tim ********
can you send me the info when you get a chance. Thanks so much
Paul ********
@Tim ********
Please 🙏 dm me as well with the agent

When you get a chance, no rush
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim ********
please can you DM the details of the agency too. 👍
Tim *********
And they are 100% legal.. and good english
Paul *******
@Tim ********
would you mind sending to me as well when you have a minute please?
Nick **********
@Stuart ********
It also depends if you have banked the 800,000 in Thai bank. Prices have been going up if one does not have money banked.
Hans-Georg ******
@Stuart ********
your guesstimate is + 100%
Greg *********
@Stuart ********
Thankyou. More than I thought
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