What visa options should I consider for retiring and living in Thailand with my family?

MEV retirement visa dependent visa border runs Thai immigration rules visa application process financial requirements Nigerian passport expat life in Thailand family visas

Feb 8, 2024

10 months ago

Jeff *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m in the States.

If I want to retire to Thailand next year, but plan to stay 6 months when I arrive this year; should I apply for 6 month MEV in the states, online, before my arrival in the Fall? 

Or can I arrange it after I arrive?

I plan to use an agent; can they handle border runs every 60 days, or do I still need to so those with an MEV?

Would the same apply to my wife? (She is US perm resident, Nigerian passport.)

What if we have a baby; does a 6 month baby need a visa? A passport?

If I want to stay all year, can I plan on a retirement visa for my wife and I both, even tho I am of retirement age, but she is not?

Does the amount I have to show in a bank account change if I'm married?

I realize I will want an agent, but want to plan ahead with better info than I have at the moment.

Thanks for suggestions. 

Jeff-

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual is considering retiring in Thailand and has questions regarding visa options and requirements for themselves, their wife (who is a US permanent resident with a Nigerian passport), and possibly their baby. Suggestions indicate obtaining a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (MEV) before arrival and the need for the wife to apply for her own visa, particularly a dependent or trailing spouse visa. There are specific financial requirements tied to these visas, and it's recommended to check the local Thai embassy for precise guidance. Additionally, border runs or visa extensions are necessary for longer stays.

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Tom *********

Here's everything you need to know.

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

10 months ago

Tom *********

I've been using a TR 60 for 6 month stays for the last 5 years. You will have to either extended for 30 days @฿1900 at the end of 60 days, or do a border run. If you extend once after the first 60 days you'll only need to do 1 border run. Otherwise youll need to do 2. Border runs are a good excuse to visit neighboring countries, although my favorite run is flying to Vietnam, Nong Khai Vientiane is the one I use the most.

10 months ago

John **********

What are you calling a retirement visa? There are a number of different visas all commonly called the same. As your wife won't qualify for a retirement visa the simplest for her is to get a dependent visa (commonly a trailing spouse visa). Best is to ask your local thai embassy what options are available to you in your circumstances. There are 4 in the states and you have to use the one that covers your area

10 months ago

Jeff *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

What about money; do I show an account with money in it; can it be an investment house account in US? (schwab maybe) How long do I have to transfer to Thailand?

10 months ago

Jeff *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Great, that's Los Angeles for me, and they do visit PHX sometimes.

10 months ago

John **********

@Jeff ******

the money requirements vary with the visa although I think all require money in your bank. Some your bank on the USA some in a Thai bank and some start in the USA bank but then transfer to a Thai bank. Best go to the embassy Web site and see what options they provide

10 months ago

Reply to

John **********

John ********

Nigerian passport will make things difficult for sure

10 months ago

Jeff *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *******

Any idea how this would slow things down at all? For METV, I'm hoping it could be done in person, days before leaving. But others tell me to use the Evisa system.

10 months ago

Reply to

Jeff *******

Graham ******

METV sounds best for a stay of 6 months (extension, border bounce then extension again). As for the rest you need to give your age.

10 months ago

Jeff *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

right, I'm over 50, she's less than 50...

10 months ago

Reply to

Jeff *******

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

You can only get a multiple entry tourist visa from your home country. You'll have to do it before you travel to Thailand.

It has become very difficult to get a trailing spouse visa for a spouse when you're on a retirement visa. The only possibility is if you can get it in your home country as well. You cannot get it done in Thailand or any other Thai embassy. And most embassies have stopped it altogether. In the case your wife would need to qualify for her own visa.

10 months ago

Jeff *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Very helpful, thankyou!

10 months ago

Reply to

Jeff *******

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