Answered5 years ago

What visa should I apply for when retiring to Thailand, and do I need a return ticket?

Thailand Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Visa Exemption Visa Requirements Thai Bank Account Extension of Stay

Ron **********

asked Feb 15, 2022

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Hi, Planning on retiring to Thailand in a few months and just want to get my ducks in a row so would appreciate advice.

I am looking at just arriving with a visa exemption (British Passport, arriving from the UK) then applying for 90 day extension based on retirement. I will be joining my (Thai) wife in Chiang Rai where I will hopefully open up my own bank account and then deposit the necessary THB800,000 prior to applying for the 1 year extension.

Firstly, I have purchased a one way ticket. Do I need to have a leg out of the country prior to the 30 days expiring?

Secondly, is the above method the best solution or have I missed anything out?

Thanks in advance.

Answer summary

The individual plans to retire in Thailand and is currently holding a British passport. They’re considering entering on a visa exemption for 30 days and applying for a 90-day extension based on retirement, which requires a deposit of THB 800,000 to be made in a Thai bank. The advice received includes obtaining a Non-O visa in advance due to being married to a Thai citizen, confirming whether a departure ticket is needed, and ensuring compliance with specific requirements for extensions. Key suggestions included exploring a Single Entry Tourist Visa for a longer stay while meeting retirement visa qualifications.

14 repliesnewest first

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Benjamin ******

I believe the question has been answered, and I'm closing comments. If anyone wants commenting reopened, please send a message to an admin/ moderator.

5 years ago

Andrew *********

It's not easy opening up a bank account in Thailand on a TR visa. Best to make the Non-O in the UK.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

@Alan ******

you don't need insurance for the Non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai national at Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate still. It's for retirement only.

(don't mix the insurance requirement for entering Thailand)

5 years ago

Alan *******

@Ellie ******

Yes I Know that too Ellie But I Won't ever be applying for another Visa of Any sort from Outside of Thailand....

5 years ago

Ron **********

@Andrew ********

isn't there an additional cost for insurance when getting the Non-O in the UK? Or isn't it significant?

5 years ago

Andrew *********

@Ron *********

Let the Admins guide you on this topic as I don't have the knowledge for that , sorry.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

@Ron *********

Right, you need 100K USD insurance covering your first 90days to apply for Non-O retirement visa from Embassy in UK.

Ellie *******

with new system

Alan *******

Since When ??

Wayne **********

From all I've read the embassy/consulate in the UK is user friendly for getting a visa before you arrive. Depends on when you want to get here.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

1. you likely need the ticket out within 30days more for your airline check-in if you are flying without visa to Thailand

2. You have to apply for in-county Non-O based on being over 50 with your funds in a Thai bank account first if you enter on visa-exempt or SETV. You cannot just apply for a 90days 'extension' (which doesn't exist) without funds in Thailand

Maybe it's another idea for you to buy a Single Entry Tourist Visa which gives you 60days upon entry and is eligible for a 30days tourism extension. During the first 60days, open a bank account and transfer funds. The apply for in-country Non-O being over 50 while you have 15days (21days in some IOs) or MORE your current stamp (of entry 60days stamp or 30days extension stamp), you will get 90days on Non-O. When the first 90days go down 30days (45days in some IOs) or LESS, apply for a 1-year extension being over 50.

5 years ago

James ********

I suggest you get a Non O in UK as married to Thai.

No return flight will be required.

With visa exempt or tourist visa your airline may ask to see departing ticket.

If you enter visa exempt you may be asked for departure ticket by Thai immigration. But can be to anywhere 😊

As you say you are married to Thai...

Only 400,000 Thai baht deposited into Thai bank in your name only can qualify you for the one year marriage extension.

The 800,000 is for one year as retiree.

When you arrive into your Thailand home stop into Thai immigration and ask for their current list of requirements for the extension you seek.

5 years ago