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expat visa advice

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This page displays all the results for the expat visa advice tag, sorted by the most recent activity. There are a total of 127 questions that have been tagged with expat visa advice. Explore the questions to find discussions and information relevant to this topic.
Jul 30, 2025
5 days ago
Iven ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, I have a question about the DTV visa. When providing necessary documents (proof of owning a business, proof of funds etc.) - do you need a notary translation? Do you provide originals? My native language is NOT english, obviously. Thanks!
Jul 27, 2025
8 days ago
Question everyone. Can I use my address which is far from the muay thai gym for soft power DTV, where I enroll like 6 hours away? Cause I have paid 3 months advance and I wanna maximize it before I move to the actual place. Do you think it will affect my application? Thank you for your help🙏 just wanna make sure before I lodge my application.
Jul 25, 2025
10 days ago
My DTV Visa Extension Got Approved

I just got my DTV visa extended for another 6 months *inside Thailand* at Chiang Mai Immigration.

Yes, it was successful — but the process was tiring, and mentally draining.

Let me say this upfront:

If you have the option to do a border bounce or a short trip to a nearby country, I strongly recommend that route. It’s far smoother and less stressful.

But if you’re someone who *has* to extend inside Thailand — or is just curious about how it works — here’s my experience.

## Document Checklist (based on my case):

You’ll need a solid stack of documents prepared in advance:

* Passport bio page copy

* Visa sticker page copy (*or eVisa printout*)

* Latest visa stamp copy

* 90-day report copy

* TM30 printout

* TM7 Visa Extension Form

* Bank Certificate

* Bank Statement (500K must be deposited 1 month ahead)

* Updated bank passbook (with transactions up to application date)

* House rental contract

* Rent transfer receipts (Your name and Renter name should be on those)

* Employment contract

* Company registration (of your employer)

* Employment certificate with most recent date

* Acknowledgement of penalties for visa overstay

* Resume / CV (for Workcation category)

* Proof of remote work (past and present projects, screenshots, links, etc.)

## Step-by-Step Process at Chiang Mai Immigration:

1. Start by getting a queue ticket for a document check outside the immigration building.

2. When the officer sees it’s a DTV case, you’ll usually be asked to consult with a specific officer since this category is still relatively new.

You won’t meet them right away — they’ll give you a time to return.

3. When it’s your turn, answer their questions clearly. If they feel your documents aren’t enough, they’ll let you know what’s missing and ask you to return the next day.

4. The next day, you go through the same document check process outside.

5. If your paperwork is complete, they’ll give you a new queue number and send you *inside*.

At this point, you’re moving in the right direction.

6. Present your full set of documents at the counter. When they see the visa type, you might hear:

**“Oh, DTV.”

**Pay the 1,900 baht fee.

Then wait again while the officer verifies your file. Sometimes, they may still request more supporting documents depending on your case.

7. If your name is called for a photo, that’s a good sign your extension is being approved.

8. Lastly, wait to be called again to receive your passport back with the new stamp.

✅ Done. DTV visa extension inside Thailand, approved.

##

The process can be far more complex than I said here and can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially when you’re not 100% sure what to expect.

I had to go back and forth over two days, and prepare a large stack of documents — many of which took time to gather. I had to talk a lot, clarify things over and over . It was a learning experience, but honestly one I don’t plan to repeat.

For anyone who still wants to try extending inside Thailand, I hope this post helps you prepare.

P.S. Luckily, I got the 6-month stamp straight away rather than the usual 'under consideration' stamp.
Jun 17, 2025
2 months ago
Christine *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Good afternoon, helpful people. I need to convert from Non-O (trailing spouse) to Retirement visa. I transferred the 800k into my account on 27 April. I was waiting for 3 months to pass before transferring to new Retirement visa, taking me to 27 July.

A friend said to me that, when she applied for a Retirement visa the first time, that the 800k did not need to be in her account for 3 months before. But she is not sure if that is because she was on a 30-day visa exempt at the time.

There is a reason why it would be more convenient for me to change visas before 27 July.

My question is - if I am transferring from Non-O to retirement, must the 800k be in my account for 3 months before the change, or can I do it earlier?
Jun 5, 2025
2 months ago
Christopher *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all,

Just confirming I’m on right the path here…

Looking at getting a marriage visa in the next few months.

Apply for a non o in Australia

Once in Thailand transfer to a marriage visa.

Now I fly in and out once a month. Is there a waiting time for approval and if so can I leave and re enter before it’s approved. Or is the marriage visa approved straight away
May 27, 2025
2 months ago
Hey guys so Im trying to understand DTV better because I've spoken to 10 different agents/agencies in the last two weeks and have had almost completely different answers everytime

* Different prices

* Different requirements

* Different time frames

* Different counties id need to go

* Different finances

* Some require meetings some don't

* Some require 500k some dont

So what should I actually know and who should I actually talk too?
May 27, 2025
2 months ago
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi - I am on my first year extension of stay after having a type O retirement visa. I maintained the 800k balance for 2 months prior to and 3 months after the extension was granted. And after that it can drop no lower than 400k and I have kept it well above that.

My question:

Prior to applying for the next (second) year extension, I understand the balance needs to be 800K again -

for at least 2 months prior to application for renewal?

Or is it 3 months?

Reading the sheet from the immigration office looks like 2 months, while I see 3 months stated on other web sites. There is one site that says "keep in mind the next extension requires 3 months prior, unlike the first one", while the immigration office printout only describes '2 months prior and 3 months after'
May 15, 2025
3 months ago
Tyson ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. I am planning to go to Hanoi in June to apply for the DTV. I believe I have everything I need. Can anyone tell me how long it should take and how I should apply (in person or online) for the fastest decision? Thank you!
May 14, 2025
3 months ago
Stephen *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can an earned monthly income of $4000 USA currency is acceptable to get a retirement Visa ? Or does it have to be a pension? I'm 52 and married to Thai woman with a 3 year old Thai baby.

Feedback please, Thank you ☺️
Apr 17, 2025
4 months ago
Hi. This is probably a dumb question to you guys but i have concerns.

This is my first time traveling out of Thailand for a few days. When I arrive back do I have to present my DTV confirmation printout page or is it just in the system and I can just show my passport?
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