This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What is the process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand for expats and their spouses?
Retirement VisaNon-O VisaBangkok ImmigrationVisa ExtensionRequired DocumentsMarriage CertificateBank RequirementsImmigration Process
Nov 15, 2022
3 years ago
Giovanni ****************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello . We finally GOT my retirement visa along my trailing spouse! Here our saga.
Bangkok Immigration Division 1
* it is me and my Italian wife
* MUST book appointment online 2ppl = 2 appointments
* They will most likely send you to Counter 32
* Then Documentation check next office
* if you have an appointment just walk-in no queue ticket
* I filled TM7 for myself and wife as TRAILING spouse
* We both have non-O obtained OUTSIDE Thailand (Italy)
* Passport, original and copy of visa, entry stamp
* TM7
* STM2
* Overstay penalties form
* 2x photo
* Copy of house rental contract and original
* Photo in front of house
* wedding certificate + translation in english
* Wedding certificate MUST be legalized by your Embassy AND the Thai Department of Consular Affair! This can take some time, like 2-3 weeks, be aware!
* 2x 1800 THB
BANK
* I made a deposit of 800k on my personal savings account two months ago. The account is on MY NAME. Must be 60+ days
* Bank declaration stamped by bank for the 800+ THB in my account not older than 7 days(I did it the same day)
* Bank statement last 3+ months stamped by bank
* Original bank booklet + copy (with a transaction on the day you submit extension request)
I got visa for myself and my spouse and immediately after i got multi entry stamp.
I had to go 3 times to Immigration Div 1, my bad..
1st time; funds only 59 days...
2nd time; wedding certificate not notarized...
It is time consuming the first time but definitely doable!
Thank for all your inputs!
Bangkok Immigration Division 1
* it is me and my Italian wife
* MUST book appointment online 2ppl = 2 appointments
* They will most likely send you to Counter 32
* Then Documentation check next office
* if you have an appointment just walk-in no queue ticket
* I filled TM7 for myself and wife as TRAILING spouse
* We both have non-O obtained OUTSIDE Thailand (Italy)
* Passport, original and copy of visa, entry stamp
* TM7
* STM2
* Overstay penalties form
* 2x photo
* Copy of house rental contract and original
* Photo in front of house
* wedding certificate + translation in english
* Wedding certificate MUST be legalized by your Embassy AND the Thai Department of Consular Affair! This can take some time, like 2-3 weeks, be aware!
* 2x 1800 THB
BANK
* I made a deposit of 800k on my personal savings account two months ago. The account is on MY NAME. Must be 60+ days
* Bank declaration stamped by bank for the 800+ THB in my account not older than 7 days(I did it the same day)
* Bank statement last 3+ months stamped by bank
* Original bank booklet + copy (with a transaction on the day you submit extension request)
I got visa for myself and my spouse and immediately after i got multi entry stamp.
I had to go 3 times to Immigration Div 1, my bad..
1st time; funds only 59 days...
2nd time; wedding certificate not notarized...
It is time consuming the first time but definitely doable!
Thank for all your inputs!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their journey of obtaining a retirement visa for themselves and their spouse at Bangkok Immigration Division 1. Key points include the necessity of booking appointments for each applicant, providing various documents (such as TM7 forms, marriage certificates, bank statements), and having sufficient funds in a personal account. The user highlights specific challenges faced during the process, including issues with document timings and requirements for notarization. They advise patience as the process can be time-consuming but ultimately achievable.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Maria *********
And did it only cost you TBH 1800 each
Alex *******
Is there any requirement on the length of the rental/lease contract you need to show immigration? Is it at least 90 days for the initial 90 day Non-O and at least 1 year for the annual extension thereafter or the length does not really matter?
Jeffrey *********
@Alex ******
Bangkok requires a lease for issuance of a retirement-based Non-O at Chaeng Watthana, but I have never been asked for one when applying to extend my stay. @Giovanni ***************
, did they ask you for that, or did you just bring it on your own? (Same question for the photos in front of the house, which are typically only requested for marriage-based extensions.)Giovanni ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeffrey ********
I just brought on my own it but they definitely looked at it several times and kept in my file. I need a proof of address and that’s what I used. Also kept the photo.
Reply to
Giovanni ****************
Reply
Giovanni ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alex ******
I have one year rental contract. I didn’t ask the question though.Reply to
Giovanni ****************
Reply
Giovanni ****************
ORIGINAL POSTERBangkok Immigration Division 1 office.
Todd *********
Giving this a read is a strong reminder of why agents are thriving in Thailand. Can’t imagine wasting my time like that.
Giovanni ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
I will go for a oyster and champagne dinner with the THB left in my pocket 😉. But main reason is - to know how it works.
Giovanni ****************
ORIGINAL POSTERI am still alive… no worries. Actually I really don’t need money. I am just a curious person who loves paperwork 😬.
Todd *********
@Giovanni ***************
a bit of a mistake. You just spent that time and 1900 baht. (Very reasonable cost) If i needed annual extensions; I would leave the 800k baht invested at 5% (hopefully better) at home. That produces 40k baht annual interest. I would pay TVC 14k baht to take care of everything for me.
And as I now have an extra day or two off, I will the spend 26,000 baht still left in my pocket on the champagne and oysters.
Never stoop to pick up the pennies and lose sight of the dollars.
Alex *******
@Todd ********
Isn't it a problem that once you start with an agent, you basically have to forever use an agent since you will have problems if you do it on your own in the future after having used an agent previously?Todd *********
@Alex ******
not at all. You can leave the agent and go it on your own whenever you wish. The retirement extension stamp you receive in your passport from the agent is entirely legit. But you are still losing money in the big picture by doing so. The choice is yours every year with either way.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Giovanni ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
I must say that I like to know how thing works. Next year I may consider using agent but now I have visa renewal folder ready, it’s really easy.Gordon *******
@Todd ********
Agree ToddTodd *********
@Gordon ******
people have to angry at their time and wallet to pursue that route…Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Jon *****
All this to be renewed every year ?
Chris ****
@Jon ****
not quite all the documents but lease, bank book and bank statement, passport copies of visa stamp, etc. and passport sized photos. Yes. Mai bpen rai...it's the best visa.Robert **********
@Maz *******
If you mean in your 70s because of insurance, you can get the non O retirement, which does not require insurance.Jon *****
@Maz *******
Elite Visa is better... but expensiveChris ****
@Jon ****
to be fair yes...but i worry when it runs out there is no visa option for someone in their 70s whereas non o should roll year after year.Reply to
Chris ****
Reply
Brandon ************
I'm assuming this is for Bangkok since you mentioned division 1, but if you could edit your post to indicate the office, it would be more useful to other people. Every office has their own policies so without knowing the office, this isn't much help to anyone.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
103 comments
2 years ago
99 comments
2 years ago
19 comments
2 years ago
8 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
2 years ago
14 comments
3 years ago
41 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
3 years ago
12 comments
3 years ago
1 comments
3 years ago
2 comments
3 years ago
5 comments
4 years ago
2 comments
4 years ago
6 comments
4 years ago
12 comments
4 years ago
19 comments
4 years ago
42 comments
4 years ago
9 comments
4 years ago
124 comments
6 years ago
34 comments
6 years ago
5 comments
6 years ago
22 comments
8 years ago
49 comments
8 years ago
22 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.