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  1. #1
    Newbie Dapperdan's Avatar
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    Retirement visa requiements

    I am looking at retiring in 2020, I am married to a Thai, but we have both lived in the UK for the last 15 years, I have already built a house in Isaan, but to be honest the visa requirements look complicated. I have seen a number of posts on this subject but some contradict each other. Can someone please let me know the procedure for getting a visa? Which documents I require? How much do I need to deposit in a Thai bank? I am over 50.

  2. #2
    The Fool on the Hill bowie's Avatar
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    Dapperdan:

    You are asking specifics – the answer to your question will be specific to your actual situation. And specific to the Embassy or Consulate you are using, and, specific to the individual you are dealing with.

    I’m American married to a Thai girl. We moved to USA 25 years ago and retired to Thailand about five years ago. What I did.

    And what I did will most probably not be what you will do - things change.

    What I did: I got a multi-entry non immigrant O visa from the New York City Consulate. I called them first and spoke to an American employee. At that time, all they required was a copy of my marriage license (I believe I provided a copy of the Thai language certificate and a copy of the English translation). Delivered my passport, the copies of my marriage license, paid the fee (USD $200) plus postage for the return. Three days later received my passport back with the multi non-imm O visa in it.

    After I arrived in Thailand I deposited THB 800k into the Bangkok Bank. I then extended the visa for “retirement” purposes.

    Now, for you.

    Call your local Thai Embassy or consulate and ask them what is required at this point in time. They are the ones that issue the visa and it is their requirements you must comply with.

    Now, join the club. Thai immigration has regulations. These regulations are interpreted by the individual Immigration Officer. The visa or extension will be issued “at the discretion” of the individual Immigration Office. And he\she can ask for additional materials – yup, up to them.

    The same will happen when you get to extending the visa. “At the discretion of”

    You have to ask the person you are going to be dealing with. Thai immigration is notorious for changing requirements.

    Good luck.

    In your shoes – you want a non-immigrant O visa. Not a non-immigrant OA visa which now requires Thai medical insurance.

    When you get to extending – I would extend as a spouse (not a retiree) cheaper THB 400k in the bank vice THB 800k. But, the reason I would extend as a spouse is they Thai Immigration may, in the future, require insurance for retiree extensions. Marriage extension is cheaper but more time consuming. Reportedly requires photo proof, map to home and home visit plus a waiting period. These things are reported by others on Expat websites.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat Pragmatic's Avatar
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    Why not get an extension based on marriage to a Thai? You only need 400,000 in your bank and you can access it after your extension has been obtained. Whereas a 'retirement extension' is a little more complicated. Once you come to Thailand permanently you need to make sure your wife registers your marriage at her local Amphur if you married in the US. Best I can offer but may sound complicated to a first timer. Understanding Thai immigration rules takes time.

  4. #4
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    As Prag said, an extension based on marriage isn't onerous, and has the benefit of more financial flexibility. As an American, you're not going to get an Embassy letter anymore, so it will need to be the 400,000 in a Thai bank route.

    Here's the list of requirements published by the Phuket Immigration Volunteers, although it has to be stressed that there can be variations between district Immigration offices. There shouldn't be, but there are.

    Marriage (M) ? Phuket Immigration Volunteers

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat Pragmatic's Avatar
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    From the link above. The
    Marriage certificate Koror 2. (Max 180 days old)
    also known as a 'KR2' has to be dated and signed on the same day as applying for ones extension in the office I use. I asked why and was told that 'you could have got divorced during that period'.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pragmatic View Post
    From the link above. The also known as a 'KR2' has to be dated and signed on the same day as applying for ones extension in the office I use. I asked why and was told that 'you could have got divorced during that period'.
    An example of the 'local' rules Prag. Here in Phuket, no older than 6 months.

  7. #7
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
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    The link PAG posted above pretty much covers it.
    Here at Roi Et office they accept a letter from your local bank showing transfer of at least 40,000 baht per month over the year into the account in leiu of the 400,000 baht in the account.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Norton View Post
    transfer of at least 40,000 baht per month over the year
    I thought it was 65K a month.

  9. #9
    Thailand Expat

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    Quote Originally Posted by cisco999 View Post
    I thought it was 65K a month.
    40,000 = married to Thai Visa or 400,000
    65,0000 = retirement Visa or 800,000

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dapperdan View Post
    I am looking at retiring in 2020, I am married to a Thai, but we have both lived in the UK for the last 15 years, I have already built a house in Isaan, but to be honest the visa requirements look complicated. I have seen a number of posts on this subject but some contradict each other. Can someone please let me know the procedure for getting a visa? Which documents I require? How much do I need to deposit in a Thai bank? I am over 50.

    Dapperdan
    I think the main piece of missing information is where will you be applying for your Visa or extension in Thailand (as bowie said). As other posters have said each office can vary in what exactly they want or will accept. Also you need to say whether you were married in Thailand or not as this requires different forms etc.

    I live in Buriram so deal with that office (same as pragmatic) so we could tell you what you would need there but elsewhere someone else would need to help you out.

    Personally I have a married to a Thai wife Visa and as someone else said I would advise getting that rather than the retirement Visa. I have read where some people think it is more difficult than a retirement visa but I have no issues. I only applied for my annual extension last week and was in and out in less than an hour. I didn't know about the need for the TM22 to be a recent version, I had a 15month old copy but luckily the office to get it is in the same building as the Immigration so the wife went down and got it while they were processing the other paperwork.

    Good luck

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
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    Anyone gone the marriage route, just how intrusive is it in hoop terms against regular retirement-based extension?

    I have been on continuous retirement extensions for almost my entire stay, while the constant tinkering, general attitude toward farangs and money bits are annoying but no ploplem, and a smile through gritted teeth tends to get it done.

    A Brit gov rep recommended the marriage route many years back, while a lawyer scared me off on account of the humiliation of dragging the wife along to be interviewed, inconvenience of additional paperwork and possibly travel, home visits and other potential intrusions that go toward persuading the IO that you don't mind being treated like shit and therefore deserve the right to stay in Thailand another year.

    PS: For anyone interested, PCEC will be hosting Darren McGarry (Key Visa) to address the latest visa challenges next Sunday 5th Jan, 10.30 to 12ish (breakfast from 9), 4th fl Workshop Meeting Rooms, Holiday Inn, Beach Rd.

  12. #12
    The Fool on the Hill bowie's Avatar
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    Dapperdan:

    This is not expert advice – this is just they way I understand this stuff.

    You intend to retire in 2020. Your wife owns a house in Isaan (built by you – no impact on the situation).

    I assume you and your wife are currently living in the UK.


    For your situation (as I see it) your first step is to procure a non-immigrant visa. I would suggest you get a non-immigrant O visa which allows you to enter Thailand for a 90 day period.

    You then will apply to extend the visa for a period of one year. You will apply to extend the visa at the local Immigration Office that covers your physical address in Thailand.

    Map/list of Offices/branches: http://www.immigration.go.th/branch_center

    One-year extensions for you: 1) marriage, 2) retirement

    1) In the case of being a family member of a Thai national (Spouse)
    http://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_18

    2) In the case of retirement
    http://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_22

    Once you have entered Thailand – deposit THB 400k in a Thai Bank for the marriage extension, or THB 800k for the retirement extension.

    Pay strict attention to the two-month aging requirement. The funds must be deposited into you account at least 60 days prior to your extension application. Pay attention to the “Bank” you deposit the funds into (Prag’s run around concerning an IO’s decision that a credit union is Not a bank). Also, pay attention to documenting that the funds did come from “overseas”. A domestic bank transfer of the funds will not be accepted.

    In your shoes:

    I) I (you) should apply for a non immigrant O visa, ref:
    http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/en/
    Non-Immigrant Visa

    From 15 June 2019, visa applicants have to apply online.
    Click to follow easy step-by-step Guideline to Thailand e-visa

    Click to see guideline for photo http://www.icao.int/Security/mrtd/Downloads/Technical%20Reports/Annex_A-Photograph_Guidelines.pdf
    Click to watch VDO
    http://thaievisa.go.th/Images/sliders/e-visa.mp4

    In order to access online visa application, please go to http://thaievisa.go.th/Home
    Applicants are required to set up an account and submit visa applications as an individual, or apply through travel agencies as previously, where travel agencies will submit online applications on their behalf. However, supporting documents have to be attached and payment has to be made online through secured portal. Applicants can either book an appointment to submit their passports and visa applications in person at the Embassy, or submit them by post (for those who are eligible to do so). Failure to attach supporting documents properly could result in rejection of visa application.

    In your shoes:

    II) I (you) should have your wife call the local Immigration Office that handles your house/address location in Isaan and find out exactly what that office requires for your extension

    Then, you and your wife need to decide which is most appropriate for your situation i.e. extending via marriage or retirement. They have different criteria and different financial requirements.


    Only you and your wife can decide what is best for you. You’ve surfed the web and are familiar with the rigmarole and Conflicting Information so you know it’s a pain in the ass. However, its what you have to do to reside here.

    Good Luck with it. Keep us informed as you progress and fill in the details. Specific to your actual location as there’s a good chance one of the members has dealt with your Immigration Office and can provide valid advice on how best to proceed.

    Good Luck.
    Last edited by bowie; 01-01-2020 at 02:28 PM.

  13. #13
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bowie View Post
    I (you) should have your wife call the local Immigration Office that handles your house/address location in Isaan and find out exactly what that office requires for your extension
    I would suggest a request to the actual Immigration Office you are required to apply at, for them to supply a written copy, Thai and English. Once received call the office and confirm, in English, that the list is accurate and no other "requests" for more to be supplied. Some documents are time restricted, they are only valid for a certain period.

    That way any "mistranslations" are on your head, not your wife's.

    The named Immigration Officer, not the clerk/assistant, who supplied the documents then needs to be telephoned prior to visiting the Immigration Office. To confirm that you have all the documents/required copies and the named Immigration Officer will be available to accept your application.

    Place all the application, fee, supporting documents and copies in a file, in the order requested/listed in the document.

    Any mistakes are then yours. Not your wife's and not the Immigration Officer's.

    Good luck and don't get angry if more is requested!
    A tray full of GOLD is not worth a moment in time.

  14. #14
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jabir View Post
    I have been on continuous retirement extensions for almost my entire stay, while the constant tinkering, general attitude toward farangs and money bits are annoying but no ploplem, and a smile through gritted teeth tends to get it done.
    The retirement visa/extention relies 100% on your own actions, application and the current TIO regulations, which change occasionally

    The married to a Thai citizen visa/extention requires their participation. The participation is minimal, but none the less, if they are not co-operative for whatever reason, the application may fail.

  15. #15
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ootai View Post
    40,000 = married to Thai Visa or 400,000
    65,0000 = retirement Visa or 800,000
    Correct. My comment was based on assumption Dapper would be getting a Non Immigrant O (Marriage) visa. I have retirement visa and have always chosen the monthly option of 65k baht.

  16. #16
    Thailand Expat terry57's Avatar
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    I'd be waiting another year to see if Lieland gunna make all punters on O Visas making an extention require their rediculous in House Health Insurance.

    That will rock a few punters Arse if it comes in.

  17. #17
    The Fool on the Hill bowie's Avatar
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    The problem with the whole scenario is the collateral damage. Not the damage to the expats who will be forced to pickup stakes and leave, but, the collateral damage to the families left behind.

    There are many Thai’s who depend on their expat family members for support. If the expat leaves, well, just who is going to support the families left behind? The Thai welfare system?

    There are many businesses who cater to expats. Their business will dry up, and either wither or die without their expat base.


    My personal belief is that the mandatory insurance requirement was throwing a bone to the complainant hospitals and that the mandatory insurance requiring OX and OA visas are “testing-the-waters”.

    Effective solutions will include, among others, medical bonds, banking of designated “self-insurance” monies, allowing buy-ins into the Thai medical programs, foreign reciprocal medical agreements with other countries, inclusive medical repatriation insurance, acceptance of foreign expat insurance plans, and/or one of the many flavored combinations of the above.

    As far as “waiting” well, I won’t hold my breath. This issue could be hanging in the breeze for years if not decades.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by terry57 View Post
    I'd be waiting another year to see if Lieland gunna make all punters on O Visas making an extention require their rediculous in House Health Insurance.

    That will rock a few punters Arse if it comes in.

    Terry
    If that happens I might have to go back to live in Perth again as I am too old to get health insurance.
    So in my case its not about being able to afford it just that I wouldn't pay an exorbinate price for it and then not be able to claim anything as almost everything would be excluded.
    Just means a different retirement plan no big deal.

  19. #19
    Thailand Expat Pragmatic's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bowie View Post
    allowing buy-ins into the Thai medical programs,
    They tried that once by getting farangs to obtain Yellow Books and paying a one off fee of a couple of thousand Baht to be able to use government hospitals. They fcuked it up from, basically, day one and cancelled the thing leaving farangs outta pocket.

  20. #20
    Thailand Expat terry57's Avatar
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    I've already sorted my shit out on this issue and it's not a problem for me. I was a very lucky fuker and slipped in my last O-A Visa on 21 st October 10 days before it all went tits up.

    So I'm all good until October 2021. Brilliant innit.

    After that I'm turfing my tenant out of me Gaffer and gunna do SETV entry which will give me 3 months in this shit house then go back Boganland for 3 months then back the Mad House 3 months rinse and repeat.

    Keep me gaffer in Lieland and just flounce back and forth between me two gaffers.

    Already tuned me Handbag in so she knows what's gunna go down. I've virtually been doing this anyway for the last 6 years so not much change.

    The really good thing is that Thailand has no ties on me and I call my own tune.

    They can go fuk themselves in the arse and I piss in their general direction.

    Good innit fukos.

  21. #21
    Newbie Dapperdan's Avatar
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    Thank you all for the advice, We were married in the USA, first thing I need to do is to get the marrage certificate translated. I thought it would not be easy.

  22. #22
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    Very sensible terry.

    Thats what we are going to do. No more jumping through ever increasing numbers of hoops for the entertainment of the immigration officials purely to extend a retirement visa, none of this address reporting shite every time you leave your gaff either.

    This year will be the last time I renew my retirement visa, and from next year it will be 1 or 2 90 day trips a year on tourist visas. That way I will avoid the insane insurance requirements that will almost certainly be extended to O visa holders, of which I am one. It is much easier and considerably cheaper to purchase infinitely more comprehensive long stay travel insurance in the UK than be forced to buy, and then to live with the insecurities of thai health insurance cover.

  23. #23
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pragmatic View Post
    leaving farangs outta pocket
    That's not unusual allegedly in Thailand.

  24. #24
    Thailand Expat terry57's Avatar
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    The fukos who have married, punched out Brats, have a house,a fortuner, a bike and 12 chickens must be feeling the angst of these stupid regulations.

    Nothing is secure but it never has been in this shit house.

    We all make our choices .

  25. #25
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dapperdan View Post
    We were married in the USA, first thing I need to do is to get the marrage certificate translated. I thought it would not be easy.
    This is a link to the Washington Thai embassy page for the
    Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O”

    https://thaiembdc.org/consular-servi...sa-category-o/

    There are other embassies so choose the one which deals with your area. Note some of the required documents are required to be "certified" again call the local embassy for an approved translator.

    That gets you the initial 3 months, single entry, or 15 months, with an exit/re-entry from Thailand every 90 days.

    For the
    Non-Immigrant Category “O-A”

    https://thaiembdc.org/consular-services/non-immigrant-visas/non-immigrant-category-oa/

    More required documents which may be easier to collect prior to flying to Thailand.

    Again contact the local Thai embassy to ensure their web page list is complete and prior to submitting, that they require no more.

    Both are straight forward and if you have all the documentation there is usually no problem.

    Good luck.

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