What steps should I take to prepare for retirement in Thailand three years in advance?

I have friends in Hua Hin, they mentioned on several occasions that their local immigration office is very helpful. You can probably get your retirement Visas without an Agent. But much can change in 3 years.

If you want to alter between Bangkok and HH, I would think it's better to get the visa in HH.

3 days ago

Reply to

Patrick *********

Dave ********

Coopers Thai adventure

Terary **********

A lot can change in 3 years. I can decide to move to Thailand and the next day get a plane and be here, living in Thailand. It's really not much more complicated than that, for the Thai side of things... For the Canada side of things.. I would make sure you have a phone set-up, current driver's license, all your banking needs arranged.

In the US, the state where you reside, determines your tax liability, not sure how its done up north but you want to look into best tax situation.

Shane ********

The team at

@Tenzing ********

, the leading expat insurance broker in Thailand has made this guide for all things health insurance in Thailand

***********************************************************************

Neale *********

Just get on a plane and go.

Rodney ********

The laws will change in 3 years

Far too early

Todd *********

Overall, this is a very simply process, but people seem to love making things more difficult than necessary.

First, if you qualify for LTR, this is the no brainer move. Best visa Thailand has ever offered. If you qualify, it’s easy. If you don’t qualify, things are a bit harder. But not much.

You can get your retirement either in Canada before departure (health care insurance required) or after arriving in Thailand (no insurance requirement). If you have a pension exceeding 65k baht monthly, embassy will issue a letter of affidavit and no need to deposit 800k in Thailand bank. Which is foolish anyway.

Check with CRA about your intent to establish non-residency with Thailand.

******************************************************************************************************************

CRA can be very helpful, and no need to waste money on a tax consultant living in Canada with minimal experience.

If federal govt employee, simply switch to comprehensive coverage and you are fully covered in Thailand. If not, you will want to get local medical insurance IN Thailand after arrival.

We have been here since before COVID, and it’s pretty amazing overall. A serious life upgrade over life in Canada. Enjoy the transition

Helen ********

is right about the looking at the LTR first, if you qualify it is the best option. Just two small notes: 1) Currently the Non O 90 day in Canada no longer requires proof of insurance, even though it still shows on the embassy site. We went back and forth on this with the Vancouver Consulate in August and got the Non O without insurance. 2) To get the affidavit of income you can use multiple methods to prove you can support yourself, it doesn't just have to be proof of pension.

If you do plan on traveling a lot or don't qualify for the LTR, the DTV might be an option to consider. It's multi entry, 180 days/entry and valid for 5 years. You can do an in country extension for another 180 days but no one knows what that will actually entail. It's only been around for 5 months so people will only be starting the process in the next few weeks. Embassies are getting stricter and putting in all sorts of extra requirements recently so it's impossible to know what the requirements will look like or if it will even be around in your time frame.

Once you've figured out what visa works for you, it's easy to do yourself just a matter of getting your paperwork together and applying. Even in country extensions are easy but a lot of people use agents since spending 4 hours in a crowded immigration office isn't the most fun use of time. Join the Canadians in Thailand | Canadiens en Thaïlande group for some Canada specific info.

Todd *********

@Helen *******

agreed! Good summary

Reply to

Todd *********

Andy ************

DTV is easier. Anyone can get one. They're virtually giving them away!

George *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andy ***********

DTV won't apply to me at that time.

Reply to

George *************

Jan **************

Hi. I am going through the same process right now. And like you, I am a planner. So, what I have done is 1. Consulted with a Canadian tax accountant to understand the financial implications of a relocation. Depending on your circumstances you will either become a non resident of Canada or retain residency status. You can then understand the tax repercussions and the health benefits which are tied to residency. You may want to consult a tax accountant in Thailand to understand Canadian/Thai tax treaties and any implications for you. 2. Discussed with my financial advisor and bank regarding where my money will reside and if remaining in Canada how money will be transferred from bank to bank 3. Visa - I am using an agent in Thailand to expedite my retirement visa and the paperwork. I agree it’s doable online through the Thai

Embassy in Ottawa. I find this easier 4. Global Health Insurance options and costs - an agent is very helpful since there are many global companies and many options with varied costs within each company. And, it’s very different to what we experience in Canada. 5. Where you want to live and options (rent/ purchase). 6. Shipping of possessions- I’m not taking a lot (no furniture or electronics) but I do want somethings. I’m researching shipping companies and steps, costs and timing required.

I started my research last Spring and while early I’ve been able to research a lot. I’m in Thailand this winter and will meet with Thai contacts I’ve made and begin to fine-tune the details prior to my permanent move in November 2025. Good luck. Hope this helps

George *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *************

Thanks for your breakdown. I'll definitely talk to a tax consultant. That part I haven't spent much time on yet beyond the basics.

Reply to

George *************

Roger ********

Just beware that advice/information about Thailand's regulations and procedures given now for an event that is happening in 3 years may not be particularly relevant when you are ready to start the process. I understand the desire to feel comfortable about something, but if possible just relax and as you come up to that 6 month mark you can check/ask and get feedback that will reflect better the reality you will be dealing with.

Stuart ***********

You do not need an agent.

It is very simple to get a visa for Thailand.

As you stated you are too far in advance now, but 6 months before use the good people here to advise you on the process.

It's very easy, enjoy your retirement.

George *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

No I don't have an agent yet but I will when I get closer. Currently I'm just trying to understand all the details, steps and timelines to minimize surprises and when I deal with an agent I already have most background information.

Stuart ***********

okay, up to you. I can only tell you it is easy. I realise simple things are difficult for others. Good luck.

Todd *********

a trained chimpanzee can get a retirement visa in Thailand. But that chimpanzee needs to like standing in line at immigration and his bank every year. And likely doesn’t grasp the financial cost of uselessly dropping 800k in a Thai bank.

Good agent MORE than pays for themselves. Like anywhere

Stuart ***********

an hour a year surely isn't a problem, even for a chimp.

Breaking the law and risking being deported to save how much?

You can reduce 800k down to 400k for 7 months.

You pay an agent how much 20 to 30,000 and make how much interest above this amount 10k, wow that would change their lives?

Todd *********

it would change their lives as much as driving to and standing in line and bank and immigration. If someone couldn’t afford to retire… stay at work. Get an agent, and go enjoy your life. Not everyone is a dead beat retiree.

Renewals with agent are perfectly legal. Cost is 18k baht. And I make 8% with govt deposits in Mexico which equals out to 64k annually by not bringing that money to a Thai bank. So you would be ahead by 46k baht every single year for using an agent. And wasting zero time and angst

Stuart ***********

using an agent is not illegal, using an agent to bypass the banking requirement is illegal and people are deported for this. I have seen several people complaining about immigration when this happens to them, following an immigration officer being investigated, and all their visas cancelled that were issued without the correct banking information.

Who said anything about people not being able to afford to retire in Thailand?

Surely the deadbeat retirees are the ones that are too lazy to spend an hour a year getting their paperwork in order.

Andy ************

He's Canadian. He can use the income affidavit method to prove income. No requirement to use an agent to bypass 800k criteria

Todd *********

@Andy ***********

yes - absolutely! As long as he has the 65k monthly in pension

Andy ************

There I go making assumptions again! I tend to always think Canadians are as well-off as Aussies! 😆

George *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks, I appreciate that. I guess I always thought that an agent would make things easier. I've never gone through anything like this so feeling a little unsure.

Stuart ***********

there will be plenty of people telling you to use an agent, but it's really unnecessary.

It's not as difficult as applying for a visa to the UK or USA/Canada etc. It's refreshingly simple. You apply for the non O retirement visa before coming to Thailand (simple). Fly to Thailand. Open a bank account. Deposit 800,000 baht. 2 months later apply to extend your stay for 12 months.

I have extended 3 times now and it's a few photocopies of your documents, passport size photo, 1,900 baht, bank print outs and an A4 form with questions like your name, passport number etc. 1 hour later you can stay for another year. Some people find that difficult...I don't.

Robert *********

Hope you don't in same boat. Ready to retire. Is it easy to open bank account Once you have applied for visa. Thanks

5 days ago

Dena ********

Is the 800b per person or family/couple? Hubby & I want to stay at least a year. Thanks