Sumiyoshicho

Did you provide one statement with a balance of £1K or 3 months of statements showing that amount ?

There is no retirement visa at the moment and if there were I'd imagine the financial requirements would be unrealistic like the recent digital nomad visa. Japan has changed a lot especially with the range of jobs foreigners are now able to do. The drop in birth rate has led to an urgent need for an increase in foreign labour.

I have lived 20+ years in Japan without marrying a Japanese and know many others similar. Increasingly easier to get 5-10 year visas based on your employment. Gaining permanent residency not as difficult to get as some countries. Agreed, it is harder to live than Thailand which is why i can't wait to move there.

"More attainable for a tourist" - totally agree and a much better description than Tokyo is cheap.

Having lived in Tokyo for over 2 decades and a frequent visitor to BKK. Tokyo is not cheaper than Bangkok. There is a growth of working poor in Japan but working poor means not being able to go to Tokyo Disneyland. seldom eat out or travel overseas. The low income Japanese are not on the streets with begging bowls. Tokyo is cheap for overseas visitors due to the weak yen. Tokyo is cheaper than London, my hometown for sure.

Yes, you require flight out of Thailand and back again to show your need for a METV. Many just buy a cheap return ticket to Cambodia/KL etc.

I'd tell them why they are losing you as a customer. You can find a non discriminatory priced barber for sure. I recently found a great, barber shop near Bearing station, Bangkok. 150 baht for a haircut and shave.

I have used the service several times. I would say they are just as friendly as the regular IOs. You are processed much quicker is the distinct benefit

Thai Embassy London emailed me this recently to my enquiry "Providing you meet all the eligibility criteria, and uploaded all the required documents in the visa system, the current online visa processing time is approximately 10 -15 working days, from the date your visa application is submitted " I know people who have got approved within 5 working days. Financial statement no longer a requirement for a tourist visa.

Siam Legal informed me recently they open bank accounts if you are retiring in Thailand. You have to provide: -Passport showing you are over 50 years old -ID from your home country (ie. driving license) -6 Months+ rental agreement or purchase of property in Thailand Not sure if they open for non retirees.

I also recommend Asavant clinic, have used them for around 10 years, for root canal treatment, crowns as well as general check ups and cleaning. Professional and friendly staff.

Thanks for the reply. Good to know it is processed quickly.

The METV process has been simplified recently as your friend outlined. Do you know how many days it took to issue the visa? I'm planning to apply 2024 in London.

The METV application was recently simplified. I know a UK applicant got theirs in 5 working days. Can`t say about US applicants but should not be that different.

Ok..thanks