I'm not 65 until January and I've spoken to International Services on at least two occasions and they've been extremely helpful, I guess it just depends on who you get. But they are right, you can't apply until you have your pension. There will be an application form to complete, they'll require proof that your moving (tickets, address etc), they'll also require which bank you want the pension paid into (you can elect a NZ one or Thai one). You will also be required to have an interview which they told me can be arranged by phone in many cases. Hope this helps and clarifies how it works.

@Andrew *****

First thing go to the MSD website and navigate to the section on pensions and living overseas, most of your questions will be answered there. Basically there are 3 categories; countries NZ has SSAs with, Pacific island countries, other countries (which includes Thailand). For other countries how much you will receive depends on how long you lived in NZ between the age of 20 and 65. If you lived here the entire time you will get the full amount. If not you get th for each month lived in NZ between those ages (45 years = 540 months).

@Andrew *****

💯 incorrect.

@Francis ******************

Correct...you apply 6-8 weeks before leaving NZ and they will arrange an interview to go over everything (they can usually do this over the phone).

@Markie *****

You apply for pension portability before departing NZ. It will only reduce if you have not lived in NZ from age 20 to 65. Otherwise you'll actually get more as it's not taxed!

Hi Francis...fellow Kiwi here moving to Thailand next year when I retire with my Thai wife of 17 years. There are literally 100s, if not 1000s, of videos out there on Youtube that will help answering all your questions. Also plenty of good advice here on FB groups. At the end of the day everyone's needs and wants are different so there is no one answer fits all so the best advice I can give you is to spend some time researching it yourself. You'll find details on visa requirements on the Wellington Thai Embassy website, there is the new DTV as well as several other options including Non Imm O (no health insurance required for this one but sensible to have) and OA visas, all with their own requirements. You really need to spend some time in Thailand looking around as to where you would like to live. You can live comfortably in Thailand on your NZ pension.

@Ralph ******

To get the full pension you would have to have lived in NZ from age 20 to 65. If have lived there less time you would receive th for each month you resided there.

So you want your marriage registered in Thailand?

Francis...best to visit the Thai Embassy Wgtn website, all the info for visas is there and then you can decide what best suits your situation. If you are looking to live permanently in Thailand the Non Imm O is likely the best option. You can apply through the e-visa system here in NZ or do it from within Thailand. Costs more to obtain here ($800) but less route marching back and forth to immigration to do it there. Also easier to open bank accounts if you have the visa when you arrive. Your pension won't be taxed in NZ as you will be come a non-resident for tax. Plenty of info on what's currently happening with taxation in Thailand, do a bit of research and get an understanding of how it will affect you.

Could have been denied entry if they were trying to live in Thailand on tourist visas/extensions. Only infinite until the officer tells you it’s not.