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What visa should I get for moving to Koh Samui and working remotely for UK clients?

Koh Samui Visa Options Non-Immigrant O Visa Retirement Visa Remote Work Freelance Visa Thailand Immigration Expat Life

Mar 15, 2024

9 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi

I’m looking to move to Koh Samui in January for 6 months initially with a view of long term.

I’m planning on working remotely freelance for UK clients.

What visa would you recommend I get?

I was thinking of a retirement visa? I’m 57 years old. Is it better to organise a visa once I’m here and should I hire a visa agent to help?

Any insights would be appreciated 😁

Thank you 🙏🏻

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is planning to move to Koh Samui for 6 months and work remotely for UK clients. They are considering a retirement visa but others highlight that a Non-Immigrant O Visa is a better option. It allows an initial application before moving and prohibits working under a retirement visa. Suggestions include applying for the Non-Immigrant O Visa online from their home country, ensuring they have necessary documentation like proof of funds and accommodation.

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.

Christopher ********

Can’t work on retirement visa.

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John **********

Be aware that a retirement visa is work prohibited. You can't work on it other than illegally

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Sarah *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

ah thank you for the confirmation. I will look at retiring then. It’s about time🙏🏻

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Steve *******

Get the Non Imm O visa(commonly referred to as a retirement visa) in the UK. You dont need to be retired to get the visa but it prohibits working in Thailand

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Steve *******

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Etincelle **********

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

*****

-faq

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Sarah *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Etincelle *********

Thank you🙏🏻

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Sarah *******

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Sarah *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is this the best visa option if I want to live in Thailand for say 8 months then back to Uk for 4 months and repeat?

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Deniz *********

I think so. But it would be better to extend it before leaving Thailand. Then you don't need to do all the stuff again.

Extend it and let them give you a reentry stamp before leaving Thailand .

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Sarah *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Deniz ********

thank you so much. That is really helpful 🙏🏻

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Deniz *********

you are welcome.

I hope so. If someone wants to give further information or correct my information, then I would be thankful. 🌹

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Deniz *********

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Deniz *********

Apply for a non immigrant O Visa in your country( online on Thai E Visa)

- photo of yourself and the passport

-photo of your ID card( evidence of your location of living)

- flight information ( date of flight and the flight number)

- accomodation in Thailand

- evidence of finances : 800 000 Baht, 3 Bank reports of the the last 3 months

It is very easy to do that from your country.

Then you will get a 3 month visa. Once you are in Thailand you will go to immigration office and apply for a 1 year Visa. Non immigrant O Visa.

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Sarah *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Deniz ********

thank you so much for your clear response. It does sound straight forward…so once I’m in Thailand I would transfer the 800 000 Baht from my UK bank account into a bank in Thailand? I read that it’s best to have an account with The Bank of Bangkok when it comes to transferring?

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Deniz *********

you are welcome. Yes when you are in Thailand and apply for a one year non immigrant O Visa then you have to transfer it to a Thai bank.

But now you should only approve that you have that money on your account where you live now , in your country. (800 000 Baht=

X- pounds)

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Chris *******

@Deniz ********

I'm sorry but just to be clear.

The 90 day non-o is the visa based on retirement.

You then do 1 yr extensions off that original visa.

A 1yr visa is an OA and only obtained in your home country.

Two different things and different requirements.

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Deniz *********

It is all about the non immigrant O visa in this discussion.

Nobody talked about OA VISA.

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Deniz *********

🙏

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Deniz *********

yes everything was clear

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Deniz *********

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