Is it easy to get a retirement visa?

[Big Boy]

I think you need to consider how much you need in a Thai bank account. From what I've read, they don't pay much interest to Farangs. I think you probably need to keep no more than the minimum in your Thai account.

I'm sure one of our resident experts will clarify how to determine what you need in a Thai bank account. I've actually seen some discussion debating whether you actually need the money in a Thai bank at all.

[Big Boy]

The other thing I've read is that once your money is in Thailand, it isn't easy to get it out again.

[Siani]

lomuamart

During my "retirement" there, I reported every 90 days by post (sent off the tear off section of the form with yellow SAE) and renewed in BKK after a year. Is that method still available under the 800k retirement rule?

Well, not sure if that is available, but I will check up on it. Seems an easy option. I would apply under the 800k rule probably. By post seems really good if still available. Thanks for the info Siani

[Siani]

The other thing I've read is that once your money is in Thailand, it isn't easy to get it out again.

Oh..good thinking! It is best to leave just the right amount in Thailand..I will certainly check up on it before transferring money. Thanks for the info Siani

[Big Boy]

Again, the experts will confirm or otherwise, but I think the idea is you live off the 800K, and top it up at least 3 months before your annual renewal. Otherwise they may wonder where you're getting the money that you're living on (illegal employment etc).

[Siani]

lomuamart

During my "retirement" there, I reported every 90 days by post (sent off the tear off section of the form with yellow SAE) and renewed in BKK after a year. Is that method still available under the 800k retirement rule?

Will check up on this, sounds like a good option. Thanks Siani

[lomuamart]

Yes, you can report by post and the procedure is here:
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2493
Section 5.3
Note: Imm in BKK have moved to Chaeng Wattana from Soi Suan Plu and I'm not sure whether the postal reporting has gone there as well. Your best bet is to ask at HH Imm first. They may allow you to do it locally as well as everything is decentralised these days. Explain the age of your mother as the reason for wanting to do things by post.
I've never used this method, but I'm fairly sure that you don't get the "luxury" of being able to report up to 7 days late if reporting is by post. Again, check locally to avoid fines.
BB is correct re the 800K in a Thai bank account. Imm are going to want to see some activity on it for living expenses during the year - you don't have to spend all of it - otherwise they may reckon you've been working illegally here. Remember to top the account a minimum of three months before subsequent extensions to allow the money to "season". Again, you'll need extra to live off as the bank balance can't fall below the 800K during the three months prior to application.
If you can't, or don't want to use the 65K a month income route for the extensions, then an OA visa, either single or multiple entry, will allow you enough time to get your banking in order over here first.
NOTE: if you use a combination of income and savings to apply, I believe that the savings do not have to be a a Thai account for the 3 months first. So, say you showed an income of 30K a month from overseas (as evidenced by a letter from your Embassy), this totals 360k. You'd therefore need 440K in a Thai bank account to make up to 800K. The 440K could theoretically be transferred the day before you apply. Again, check locally that this would be alright. Local offices interpret the rules differently.

[Nereus]

I may be missing something here, but does ones Mother qualify as a "dependent? I thought it only applied to your spouse. You may find that you need the same visa and money requirement as yourself, for your Mother.

[pitsch]

I have one bank account with 800 kBaht, which I never touch and another one for the living expenses. Immigration is normally content with the first account, but once they wanted to have a look at the second book too.
From 2007 to 2010 I got 4.75% interest rate on my account, but now it is only 1.5% if you dont touch it for 3 years.

[Siani]

I may be missing something here, but does ones Mother qualify as a "dependent? I thought it only applied to your spouse. You may find that you need the same visa and money requirement as yourself, for your Mother.

Yes, I think so. I was expecting to leave money in bank for her visa as well. Thanks Siani

[Siani]

I have one bank account with 800 kBaht, which I never touch and another one for the living expenses. Immigration is normally content with the first account, but once they wanted to have a look at the second book too.
From 2007 to 2010 I got 4.75% interest rate on my account, but now it is only 1.5% if you dont touch it for 3 years.

Thanks for that advice ..4.75% was not bad..but the 1.5% is quite a drop. Still it is good to have more than one A/C. Many thanks Siani

[mr lonely]

i dont think mother would count as a dependent and I think she would need a visa based on herself.
Also common law marriages are not recognised for visa purposes (just in case this applies!)

[Siani]

Yes, you can report by post and the procedure is here:
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2493
Section 5.3
Note: Imm in BKK have moved to Chaeng Wattana from Soi Suan Plu and I'm not sure whether the postal reporting has gone there as well. Your best bet is to ask at HH Imm first. They may allow you to do it locally as well as everything is decentralised these days. Explain the age of your mother as the reason for wanting to do things by post.
I've never used this method, but I'm fairly sure that you don't get the "luxury" of being able to report up to 7 days late if reporting is by post. Again, check locally to avoid fines.
BB is correct re the 800K in a Thai bank account. Imm are going to want to see some activity on it for living expenses during the year - you don't have to spend all of it - otherwise they may reckon you've been working illegally here. Remember to top the account a minimum of three months before subsequent extensions to allow the money to "season". Again, you'll need extra to live off as the bank balance can't fall below the 800K during the three months prior to application.
If you can't, or don't want to use the 65K a month income route for the extensions, then an OA visa, either single or multiple entry, will allow you enough time to get your banking in order over here first.
NOTE: if you use a combination of income and savings to apply, I believe that the savings do not have to be a a Thai account for the 3 months first. So, say you showed an income of 30K a month from overseas (as evidenced by a letter from your Embassy), this totals 360k. You'd therefore need 440K in a Thai bank account to make up to 800K. The 440K could theoretically be transferred the day before you apply. Again, check locally that this would be alright. Local offices interpret the rules differently.

I am hoping that I will be able to live on my pension. So I will deposit the required amount and then live on the monthly income. I will enquire with HH Immigration as to the postal renewal. Thanks for all the advice. Siani

[Siani]

i dont think mother would count as a dependent and I think she would need a visa based on herself.
Also common law marriages are not recognised for visa purposes (just in case this applies!)

I think you are right in saying that. I was not expecting for her to be a depentant. I have a full marriage certificate, so that is ok. Many thanks Siani

[Super Joe]

Immigration seem to say that the parents of a foreigner staying here Non-Imm O-A 'retirement' can obtain annual extensions to their own 'O-A' visas on the basis of being 'family members' of said foreign retiree. There is no listed requirement to show any proof of savings or income.

Extract from Immigration's Current Regulations:
Section 2.20: - In the case of a family member of an alien who has been permitted temporary stay under clauses 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6,2.7, 2.10, 2.12, 2.13,2.4, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17,
2.21, 2.22 (Non-Imm O-A 'retirement'), 2.26,6.29 of this Order (applicable only to parents, spouse, child, adopted child or child of his/her spouse): Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 1 year at a time.

Criteria:
(1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IM);
(2) Proof of family relationship;
(3) In the case of a spouse, the marital relationship shall be de
jure (legitimate) and de facto; or
(4) In the case of a child, adopted child or child of his/her spouse, the said person must not be married, must be living with the family, and must be less than 20 years of age; or
(5) In the case of a parent, the said person shall be 50 years of age or over.



If I've read this correctly parents are applying the basis of being a family member, rather than being a dependant of the foreign. This is not limited to parents of retirees but also parents of those of us obtaining our annual extensions of stay via employment, setting up our own businesses and certain teachers.

That means you can retire here, bring your Mum, Dad, wife and kids on just 1 no. proof of income, 4 no. adults contributing to the 800k bank money, that immigration has not increased with inflation for over 10 years .... I thought Thailand's immigration policy was hard on foreigners

SJ