Sunbelt Asia

May 23, 2010

The retirement visa (non-immigrant O-A) is designed for those who truly wish to retire. Employment is strictly forbidden and work permits cannot be obtained. Note that while work permits are technically required for those doing volunteer work, participation in community service organizations (such as Rotary, Lions Club, etc.) is acceptable.

The process is not complicated, although here at Sunbelt Legal Advisors we can complete all the required paperwork and accompany you on your trip to Thai Immigration to insure the process is completed properly, and without additional costs or confusion.

You must be age 50 or older and have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for 90 days)OR 65,000 baht pension/other income OR a combination of both.

Other qualifications include:

* Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).

* Having no criminal record in Thailand and the country of the applicant’s nationality or residence.

* Having the nationality of or residence in the country where applicant’s application is submitted.

* Not having prohibitive diseases ( Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14 B.E. 2535.

The retirement visa process can be started with a simple single-entry Non-Immigrant O visa. You need not get the 1-year visa in your home country. You will then apply for an extension of stay based on retirement once in Thailand.

Again, you must be 50 years of age, show pension/income or savings that equate to 800,000 baht (Note: any pension claims MUST be certified by your embassy to be applicable), and a provide a valid health certificate which can be obtained from any Thailand hospital or clinic.

You also will need:

* Passport with validity of not less than 18 months.

* 3 copies of completed visa application forms.

* 3 passport-sized photos (4 x 6 cm) of the applicant taken within the past six months.

* A personal data form.

* A copy of bank statement showing a deposit of the amount equal to and not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income of not less than 65,000 Baht, or a deposit account plus a monthly income totalling not less than 800,000 Baht.

* In the case of submitting a bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is required.

* A letter of verification issued from the country of his or her nationality or residence stating that the applicant has no criminal record (verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).

* A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).

* In the case where the accompanying spouse is not eligible to apply for the Category ‘O-A’ (Long Stay) visa, he or she will be considered for temporary stay under Category ‘O’ visa. A marriage certificate must be provided as evidence and should be notarised by notary organs or by the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission.

Once you have your 1-year retirement visa, if you wish to leave and re-enter the country, you are required to apply at the Immigration office for re-entry permit (single or multiple) before departure. In the case of leaving the country without a re-entry permit, the permit to stay for 1 year shall be considered void.

5.2 At the end of each 90-day period, the foreigner must report to the immigration officer in his or her residence area and report again every 90 days during his or her stay in Thailand. The foreigner may report to the police station if there is no immigration office in his or her residence area.

Hope that gives you most if not all the information you need. Our expert Legal Advisors can provide you a more detailed information about visa requirements, work permit and company legal issues.

Sign In

Profiles

Forums

Downloads

Posts posted by Sunbelt Asia