What is the process for converting from a marriage visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?

Non-O Visa Marriage Visa Retirement Visa Visa Application Process Cash Seasoning Requirements Thailand Immigration Visa Extension

Aug 27, 2024

3 months ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, 

I am in the unfortunate position of having to convert from Non-O married to Thai citizen visa to a retirement visa. My marriage visa expires mid-November. I'm looking for advice as to application process, timeline and increased cash seasoning timing. 

Many thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is transitioning from a Non-O marriage visa to a retirement visa in Thailand due to an impending expiration of their marriage visa. They seek guidance on the application process, timeline, and specific cash seasoning requirements necessary for the retirement visa. Community responses suggest that instead of a direct conversion, the user can change the reason for their extension from marriage to retirement upon expiration, provided they meet the financial requirements of having 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months prior to applying, ideally starting the application 30 days before the current visa expires.

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.
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John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks everyone, I'm heading for the Pattaya IO tomorrow to get the rundown on Retirement visa requirements.

3 months ago

Tod *********

@John *******

get the funds in as soon as you can because they don't bend on that 2 months before you apply seasoning rule.

If you get the 800K in the bank Sept 1st you'd be able to apply for the year extension any time AFTER Nov 1st

3 months ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thank you Tod, you provide a really valuable service.

3 months ago

Reply to

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you, yes, I am on the 90 day reporting program. It seems like I'm running up against a cash seasoning deadline. If I can get the balance above 800k by September 1, then would that meet the timeline for applying for extension for retirement visa? My marriage one year extension expires mid November. Are there any other additional requirements for retirement visa over that of marriage visa?

3 months ago

Dominic ****

@John *******

the main difference is that you're not allowed to work via a work permit. But that doesn't affect the application process.

3 months ago

Brandon ************

@John *******

The requirements for retirement extension are generally much lower, paperwork wise, than a marriage extension. But each immigration office sets their own requirements. To be best informed you should go to your immigration office and ask them for their handout for retirement extension, that way you can be fully prepared when you go to apply.

3 months ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Tod *********

I believe you wouldn't be "converting anything" and (although I could be wrong) that you're most likely NOT on a Non-O visa any longer. 😮

Are you are on a yearly "extension of stay" based on marriage to a thai that you got from the immigration office where you live? The one where you do 90 day reporting?

If so you can "change the reason" for your extension from marriage to a thai to being over 50 (retirement) when it comes due..

You would need 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you APPLY for the extension based on retirement.

At most offices you can apply for a new extension when you have 30 days or less left on your current stamp. SO you could apply for a year extension in mid October if you had the funds in the bank for 2 months before that.

All you would be doing is changing the reason for your extension from the one you have now based on marriage to a thai, to a new reason based on being over 50 (retirement).

I would go to your immigration office and get the hand out listing the requirements for the extension based on retirement to get the documents, bank letter, bank book map etc together so you can do it in one try when you go apply

3 months ago

Wayne *******

@Tod ********

sorry, does ‘origin’ of funds matter ?

3 months ago

Tod *********

@Wayne ******

nope, not if you're getting a year extension it doesn't,

only when you get the initial Non-O visa issued (and that proof of international transfer for funds for retirement Non-O is only at some offices)

3 months ago

Wayne *******

@Tod ********

🙏

3 months ago

Reply to

Wayne *******

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