Journey to retirement visa

[ahandpatsy]

Hi there

I am in hua hin on a tourist visa

I have just been quoted 35000 BAHT to get my retirement visa

The journey includes bank accounts extending current visa. Interim visa and finally retirement visa

The person I talked to completely confused me

Anyway surely 35000 seems way too much

Is it that difficult to do it myself I just need to understand the steps

Any comments help would be gratefully received

PS I am 56 and have cash available for retirement visa

[Big Boy]

I would suggest going to Immigration, and seeking their advice. Many of us have done it ourselves, and the cost was 1,900฿.

[ahandpatsy]

1900 for extension yes

But for retirement visa ?

[pitsch]

Yes, also for retirement visa. You must have 800 000 Baht in a bank account at lesat 2 (some say 3) month prior to application. Then it is very easy.

[nil]

You can apply with evidence of a lump sum of 800,000 in the bank or evidence of monthly pension income. Bangkok bank seem to be a bit easier for opening an account with a tourist visa if you explain what it is for.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR VISA OR VISA STATUS ALTERATION (NON-O): FOR RETIREMENT PURPOSES.
    The application must be submitted at least 15 days before visa expiration and, in case of overstaying in Thailand, application could not be submitted.
    1.1 Form TM.86 for the foreigner, who has Tourist and Transit Visa and applies for Visa Status Alteration and applies for non-immigrant visa; or
    1.2 Form TM.87 for the foreigner, who enters into Thailand without visa, but is allowed to stay in Thailand with a permit of stay for a period of 15 day, 30 days, 90 days and applies for non-immigrant visa.
    A copy of passport pages (for example, personal information page, last entries stamp, visa sticker and extension stamp (if any) and departure card (Form TM.6))
    Either one 4x6 cm photograph or one 2 inch size photograph
    Application fee of Baht 2,000
    5.1 A guarantee letter from the bank in Thailand in Thai language (Attention: Immigration Commissioner)*
    5.2 A copy  of all entries of the applicant’s passbook showing that the applicant has a savings or fixed deposit account  of not less than Baht 800,000* (all documents must be in the Applicant’s name).
    5.3 Evidence of foreign currency fund transferred to Thailand*
    *(Documents under 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 must be issued and updated to be the same date of the Application and all documents must be in the Applicant’s name.)or
    A guarantee letter from the local or overseas Embassy or Consulate, proving the monthly pension of the Applicant not less than Baht 65,000 per month (together with reference documents showing the source of said monthly pension); or
    Evidence of deposited money under Clause 5 and evidence of income under Clause 6  (for one year) showing the total amount not less than Baht 800,000

[nil]

Some more info from the notes I made at the time. It was a few years ago but I don't think it has changed.

First Step; You go to Thai Immigrations pay a 2000 baht fee, you're applying for a "change of visa" w/form TM86. Your documentation is accepted and you're told to come back to Immigrations 2 weeks later. Your paperwork is set upstairs for "review" during that time. It's my experience that IF they take you're money and your paperwork you've pretty much gonna get the visa. I've never seen someone denied after they took payment and paperwork and if you don't meet the qualifications they won't take your money or your paperwork.

Step Two; You return to Thai Immigrations two weeks later, give them your passport, they stamp a single entry Non-Immigrant Type O visa into it, stamp used on it, then give you a new "permission to stay until" stamp dated 90 days out.

Step Three: When there are 30 days or less on your permission to stay stamp (usually about two months after "step two"), you go to Immigrations w/form TM7 and your documentation to qualify for a yearly extension of stay based on retirement. Again 800K in the bank for 60 days (because it's your first ever yearly extension), a letter from your Embassy stating you get 65K baht a month (this time they don't ask for proof) or a combination of the two, a medical certificate, and 1900baht. It's a pretty painless process.

You went from a Tourist Visa, to a Non-O, to a yearly extension of stay based on retirement in three visits to Immigrations; totally cost for visa fees 3900 baht. Oh once you get that far don't forget to buy a re-entry permit before you leave Immigrations other wise if you need to leave Thailand during the year and don't have one you're extension would be canceled.

[ahandpatsy]

Perfect advice exactly what I was looking for

Thankyou

[Robinhood]

Is there any major disadvantage to a retirement visa (other than the obvious - you cant work)?

Also, I was told there are two types of retirement visa, and one has advantages? Any one aware of what this could be?

[brianks]

You want an "O" visa NOT an "O - A" visa. OA visa has medical ins. requirement whereas O does not. I'm sure I'm missing something here too but am sure others will fill in the missing items.

[Dannie Boy]

You want an "O" visa NOT an "O - A" visa. OA visa has medical ins. requirement whereas O does not. I'm sure I'm missing something here too but am sure others will fill in the missing items.

I think that basically there are no advantages/disadvantages other than the major requirements to have medical insurance for the O-A visa - other than that, they both have the same financial requirements, are valid for one year, require registration at immigration every 90 days - definitely go for the O visa if you can. You do of course have to be over 50 to apply.

[Nereus]

You can only get an 0-A visa in your country of residence, not here.

[Robinhood]

That's useful thanks, so to re-cap. In Thailand I would be able to apply for the O Visa without needing to have a medical policy, but if I apply, say in the UK, the O-A requires some for of medical insurance?

[limbu]

My 12 month retirement O visa expired a year ago during lockdown. Is there any chance of it being renewed? Or do I have to start the visa application process all over again? I'll be back in Hua Hin in a week or two. Thank you.

[HHTel]

I guess you're talking about the 12 extension of permission to stay. However, either way I'm pretty sure you'll have to start again from scratch.