Answered2 years ago

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

John ********

asked Aug 27, 2024

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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

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.

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John ********

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

2 years 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

2 years ago

John ********

@Tod ********

Thank you Tod, you provide a really valuable service.

2 years ago

John ********

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?

2 years 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.

2 years 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.

2 years ago

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

2 years ago

Wayne *******

@Tod ********

sorry, does ‘origin’ of funds matter ?

2 years 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)

2 years ago

Wayne *******

@Tod ********

🙏

2 years ago