Answered5 years ago
What type of visa should I apply for to retire in Thailand and work on my fiancée's farm?
Been looking at posts for visas now for a while and still unsure which is best for me. I'm thinking Non O as I have the following plan for retiring in January to fiancées farm in Issan -
I'm 54, had heart attack in Dec 2020 so will have insurance up the wazoo. Cannot claim pension until June '22 but even then will leave that to accumulate in UK bank. Already built little house and have plans to marry 2022. Want to help ON farm growing, planting and harvesting crops, but not OFF farm selling etc. Could go Elite visa but a lot of money to pay upfront. Have money to cover Non O-A visa but seems a lot of extra hoops to jump through for similar benefits to Non O.
I have NO plans to return to UK in future. Likely arriving on exempt status then within 10 days doing the following, if still relevant:
-Apply for the Non-O visa (2000 baht)
(wait 20 days)
-Go back, get the Non-O and new 90 day stamp inked in
(wait until you have 45 days or less left on that new stamp)
-Go back apply for the year extension (1900baht)
Then every year after that apply for a new yearly extension
Any constructive or alternative comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and stay safe.
I'm 54, had heart attack in Dec 2020 so will have insurance up the wazoo. Cannot claim pension until June '22 but even then will leave that to accumulate in UK bank. Already built little house and have plans to marry 2022. Want to help ON farm growing, planting and harvesting crops, but not OFF farm selling etc. Could go Elite visa but a lot of money to pay upfront. Have money to cover Non O-A visa but seems a lot of extra hoops to jump through for similar benefits to Non O.
I have NO plans to return to UK in future. Likely arriving on exempt status then within 10 days doing the following, if still relevant:
-Apply for the Non-O visa (2000 baht)
(wait 20 days)
-Go back, get the Non-O and new 90 day stamp inked in
(wait until you have 45 days or less left on that new stamp)
-Go back apply for the year extension (1900baht)
Then every year after that apply for a new yearly extension
Any constructive or alternative comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and stay safe.
Answer summary
The user is considering the Non-O visa for retiring in Thailand, as they plan to live on their fiancée's farm in Issan and help with agricultural activities. They express concerns about the complexities of obtaining a Non-O-A visa, the cost of the Elite visa, and the implications of UK pension claims while residing abroad. Comments from the community highlight the legal restrictions on foreigners working in agriculture, the financial proof required for visa applications, the need to care for pre-existing health conditions during insurance selection, and suggestions to seek professional help for navigating visa requirements.
35 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Todd *********
You sir, need an agent. It is cases like yours that are the reason they exist. You are next to uninsurable for your pre-existing condition. And with an agent, no insurance needed. And no useless waste of money with Elite.
Chris ********
OPThanks, already investigated different companies and short listed 3 to quote for January arrival
Dianne *****
If you have had one heart attack it is unlikely that any insurance company here will cover future heart related incidents as you will be considered to have a pre-existing condition. Unless of course you have a private health insurance policy already, in the UK that will allow you to be covered overseas. Choose your insurance company carefully and read the fine print as unfortunately, although medical costs are lower here than in many other countries, if you have a major event that your insurance company refuses to cover, you could find yourself with some very large medical costs
Tod *********
I couldn't comment on the "live happily ever after in Nakhon Nowhere" 😮 part of the story but as long as you meet the financial requirements it's a totally workable plan as far as the Non-O 90 day visa and year extension.
Steve *******
Get the Non Imm O before you leave.
Wannikea *********
800k must show as coming from abroad at least 2 months before you apply for the visa.
Chris ********
OP@Wannikea ********
thanks, so OA has to be Thai bank. Is this the same for Non O?Wannikea *********
@Chris *******
applying for OA or O visa abroad the money can be in your home country bank, but when applying for O in Thailand the money must come from abroad and be here for two months in a Thai bank in your name only. Applying for yearly extensions of either O or OA the money must be here as above for 2 months before applying or using the monthly or combo method etc etcI'm not sure you can apply for in country Non-OA
Nathan ******
@Wannikea ********
if the money must come from abroad, what is acceptable documentation if you bring cash...the exchange receipt?Peter *********
Pay agent to do your 1st Non O visa and every year after do yourself 1900 baht
Chris ********
OP@Peter ********
any idea of price?Chris ********
OPTbh, I've had previous quote from friends agent of half that!
Peter *********
@Chris *******
yes many prices and services as the saying goes you pay for what you getPeter *********
@Chris *******
*****
baht for 1st one 15 months visaPeter *********
Stephen **********
@Peter ********
is that THIRTY thousand?Chris ********
OP@Peter ********
thanks 
Erik ***********
What is the best visa for two visits within three months. Many hoops? Long wait? Any info welcome
Chris ********
OPUK Thai Embassy visa page shows OA needs proof of 65k monthly or 800k in bank. Non O shows 3-month bank statement of at least £10,000. I can do either of these but are both of these Thai accounts or can I use UK bank? Apologies for being a bit of a cabbage!
Chris ********
OPThankyou for all your assistance and comments. I appreciate the help
Steve *******
@Steven **********
At least £10k in a UK bank account for the previous 3 months before visa application. Check out the RTE London website.Stephen **********
@Steve ******
sorry I was confusing Non-O with O-A, my mistakeChris ********
OPSteven Macentire was not implying YOU were confused, I was stating I still am! RTE in London has visa information as follows "Non-Immigrant Type O (Retirement (pensioner aged 50 or above with a state pension who wants to stay in Thailand for no longer than 90 days) - single entry only). I was not aware I could get this before I arrive as previously I've only seen posts advising to apply for this once people arrive in Thailand
Stephen **********
@Steve ******
if it WAS a lack of basic English, or a disability, do you often mock those with only basic English or those with a disability?Steve *******
@Steven **********
FFS! The OP isnt in Thailand, He's in the UK. Do try and keep up.Steve *******
Steven Macentire Do try and keep up. £10k when applying from RTE London. Are you suffering from some dissability to understand basic English?
Stephen **********
@Chris *******
it’s these visa names, “non-o” and “o”.“O” I understand as being “in Thailand” and “O-A” as being abroad.
“non-o” must be something different to “O” that I’ve not come across.
I’m not confused about where YOU are applying from, just seeking clarification on the two different methods, ie. in Thailand and abroad.
Chris ********
OPSteven Macentire this is why I'm asking questions, still very confused about visas! Not sure if it's better to get Non-O in UK or wait until I'm in Thailand. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I have 10k already seasoned in UK but am able to transfer same to account once opened in Bangkok, just not sure which is less hassle
Steve *******
@Chris *******
Both visas UK bank account.Chris ********
OP@Steve ******
that's great, thankyou 
Kool *******
Also keep in mind, with your plans, and good intentions, rhat even though it will eventually be your wife's farm, as a foreigner any work in agriculture, other than consulting only, is a restricted occupation, and if you are caught, or reported by someone else, you can face deportation, and blacklisted from returning. You can not do any physical work in any commercial agriculture business. You could tend your personal subsistence garden, but that's about it legally.
Julie ***********
I would be checking about living abroad and still claiming pension in UK, I think rules are/have changed about retiring abroad and UK pensions.
Dave *********
@Julie **********
Are you saying you can't claim the UK state pension at the state pension age? Julie ***********
@Dave ********
no!!! What I was saying if you live out of the country they have changed the way state Pensions is paid to people living abroad, from my understanding you couldn't claim state pension if you lived permanently overseas (countries not in eu) so he would need to check.
Peter *********
@Julie **********
he's only 54 so long way off from state pension. Though at 55 years of age can take money from private and works pension no matter were you liveActivity
13 joined13
people
Related
25Why is it now recommended to obtain a Non-O visa before arriving in Thailand instead of applying in-country?
7.1k181786mo
What steps should I take to get my retirement visa in Thailand before my arrival?
3k3291y
What type of retirement visa should I apply for in Thailand and what are the requirements?
10.4k761441y
What should I do after forgetting to obtain a re-entry permit for my retirement visa in Thailand?
3.8k29401y
What steps should I take to obtain an OA visa in Thailand before my tourist visa expires?
5.1k34711y
What steps should I take to open a bank account for my non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
3k24252y
What should I know about applying for an LTR visa in Thailand?
836322y
What are the steps and requirements for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand?
2.9k18362y
Should I apply for my retirement visa in the USA or in Thailand?
678352y
What type of visa should my wife apply for as a dependent on my non OA retirement visa in Thailand?
1.2k4172y
What are the current challenges and requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
3.2k28162y
What are the steps to apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand as a retiree with UK passport?
1.7k12102y
Should I apply for a retirement visa in the US or get an agent after arriving in Thailand?
1.2k862y
What are the steps to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after returning on a tourist visa?
1.2k862y
Should I apply for a retirement visa to Thailand in the UK or during my 60-day visit?
3.8k28372y
What are the steps to apply for a 1-year retirement visa in Thailand for expats?
10.9k99842y
Which visa should I apply for in Thailand: Non-O based on retirement or marriage?
1.8k10203y
What are the steps and costs involved in applying for a retirement visa in Thailand using an agent or on my own?
3.3k20423y
What visa should I apply for if my Non-O retirement visa does not allow my wife to obtain a trailing spouse visa?
1.5k8143y
When should I apply for a one-year extension on my non-immigrant retirement visa in Thailand?
3.6k26393y
What are my options for returning to Thailand after leaving without a valid re-entry permit on my retirement visa?
1.7k2374y
Should I apply for a retirement visa from Thailand or the US?
1.7k9214y
Should I apply for my Non-O visa in Thailand or should my family and I apply outside Thailand for our visas?
1k734y
What are the requirements and best options for obtaining retirement visas in Thailand for US citizens currently in Malaysia?
6.2k53565y
Do I need a Non-O visa to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand and what documentation is required?
3.9k4479y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served