Non-immigrant O visa in Bali?

[bod]

A few random questions about getting a long-term non- O visa.

 

1) Is it possible to get a non-immigrant O visa in Bali? If so, what are the requirements, for example do I need to show a Thai bank book with a certain amount of money?

2) If I cannot get a non O visa in Bali and enter Thailand with a Tourist Visa, what is the latest possible day that this visa can be converted into a non-immigrant O visa?

3) And do I need to show a letter of the bank where I did open the account? This could be inconvenient if I want to apply for a non-o visa in Bkk and have to go to Chiang Mai where I originally opened my account.

 

[ubonjoe]

On what basis would you be applying for the non-o visa (marriage or retirement or other)?

 

[bod]

On what basis would you be applying for the non-o visa (marriage or retirement or other)?
 

Retirement.

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[ubonjoe]

I don't think they will issue one for retirement. 

If you have the 800k baht in a Thai bank it would be easier to apply for a non immigrant visa (.category O) at immigration.

What type of entry do you have now. It can be done with a tourist or visa exempt entry if you have at least 15 days remaining on your entry.

General requirements are here. https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_80

You can apply for it at any immigration office. Where are living now?

In answer to question 3 the bank letter can be issued from any bank branch. It does not have to be from the one where you opened your bank account.

[bod]

At the moment I'm on Bali.
If I take a Tourist Visa, could the conversion be done on day 75, so after having extended the TV for 30 days?

I don't think they will issue one for retirement. 
If you have the 800k baht in a Thai bank it would be easier to apply for a non immigrant visa (.category O) at immigration.
What type of entry do you have now. It can be done with a tourist or visa exempt entry if you have at least 15 days remaining on your entry.
General requirements are here. https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_80
You can apply for it at any immigration office. Where are living now?
In answer to question 3 the bank letter can be issued from any bank branch. It does not have to be from the one where you opened your bank account.

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[ubonjoe]

9 minutes ago, bod said:

If I take a Tourist Visa, could the conversion be done on day 75, so after having extended the TV for 30 days?

It could be done on the 75th day but I would suggest doing it earlier in case there was a problem with your application. Also the 15 days may depend upon the office where you apply. Chiang Mai for example wants 21 days.

I can think of no reason to wait that long to do the application if you have the money in the bank. There is no 60 days in the bank requirement for the visa application. That is only needed for the extension application during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry from the visa.

[bod]

It could be done on the 75th day but I would suggest doing it earlier in case there was a problem with your application. Also the 15 days may depend upon the office where you apply. Chiang Mai for example wants 21 days.
I can think of no reason to wait that long to do the application if you have the money in the bank. There is no 60 days in the bank requirement for the visa application. That is only needed for the extension application during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry from the visa.

Once I have the non-o visa, let's say in Bkk, is it no problem to move around in Thailand while searching for a more permanent place to stay? How often do I have to go to an immigration office in person during that 1 year and what can be dealt with online?
And 2 more questions: 1) if I have a multiple entry non-o visa, how long am I "allowed" to stay outside Thailand?
2) can a new one year extension be arranged from outside Thailand?

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[ubonjoe]

41 minutes ago, bod said:

Once I have the non-o visa, let's say in Bkk, is it no problem to move around in Thailand while searching for a more permanent place to stay? How often do I have to go to an immigration office in person during that 1 year and what can be dealt with online?
And 2 more questions: 1) if I have a multiple entry non-o visa, how long am I "allowed" to stay outside Thailand?
2) can a new one year extension be arranged from outside Thailand?

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First you would have a 90 day entry. When you apply for the visa you will have to return to immigration in about 2 weeks get the visa and 90 day entry stamp done. Then you would apply for the one year extension of stay.

After you have the extension you only need to do reports of staying longer than 90 consecutive days in the country. If you don't stay in the country for more than 90 days you do not need to do the reports. The reports can be done in person, online or by mail.

1. During the year the extension is valid you can be out of the country for as long as you want to. The only time you have to be in the country to apply for a new extension of stay.

2. No

 

 

 

[JackThompson]

3 hours ago, bod said:

1) Is it possible to get a non-immigrant O visa in Bali? If so, what are the requirements, for example do I need to show a Thai bank book with a certain amount of money?

 

You would need to show money or income (or both, at some consulates), but the money can be in any bank account anywhere, when applying abroad.  I don't recall reports of people doing this at that location, but it would be worth an inquiry, to see if it can be done more easily than a conversion from TR to Non-O stamp within Thailand.
 

1 hour ago, bod said:

Once I have the non-o visa, let's say in Bkk

Chang Wattana Bangkok is definitely the best place to apply for this, if you must do it inside Thailand.  Some other offices can be a real PITA about it. 

 

But, be aware that this particular process in-country requires proving that the funds used (800K) came from outside Thailand.  You would not need to prove the origin of funds if getting a Non-O at a Thai consulate outside of Thailand (but some consulates have other troublesome-requirements).

[bod]

Chang Wattana Bangkok is definitely the best place to apply for this, if you must do it inside Thailand.  Some other offices can be a real PITA about it. 

 

But, be aware that this particular process in-country requires proving that the funds used (800K) came from outside Thailand.  You would not need to prove the origin of funds if getting a Non-O at a Thai consulate outside of Thailand (but some consulates have other troublesome-requirements).

If I apply for a non-o visa at Vientiane, I don't need to proof where the 800K came from? And how long does the 800K already have to be in my account when applying in Vientiane?

Any other special requirements at Vientiane?

And from a financial perspective: what is best to do with the 800K: just leave it in a savings account?

Finally, if one leaves it in a savings account, will Thai banks share this information with one's home country's tax department?

 

 

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[ubonjoe]

2 minutes ago, bod said:

If I apply for a non-o visa at Vientiane, I don't need to proof where the 800K came from? And how long does the 800K already have to be in my account when applying in Vientiane?
Any other special requirements at Vientiane?
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If you transferred the 800k baht into the country by using a bank to bank transfer it easy to prove the funds came from abroad. Just a letter from the bank is needed.

Vientiane wants a police clearance and medical certificate plus proof of the 800k baht in the bank.

Savannakhet Laos and Penang want to see the 800k in the bank and proof you are retired. Many people use a income document from their embassy showing any amount of income to prove they retired. Neither require proof the funds came from abroad,

[bod]

If you transferred the 800k baht into the country by using a bank to bank transfer it easy to prove the funds came from abroad. Just a letter from the bank is needed.
Vientiane wants a police clearance and medical certificate plus proof of the 800k baht in the bank.
Savannakhet Laos and Penang want to see the 800k in the bank and proof you are retired. Many people use a income document from their embassy showing any amount of income to prove they retired. Neither require proof the funds came from abroad,

Police clearance from Thailand or one's home country?

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[ubonjoe]

5 minutes ago, bod said:

Police clearance from Thailand or one's home country?

They will accept one from here. It will take about a month to get one. Info here: http://www.pcscenter.sb.police.go.th/eng/

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, bod said:

And how long does the 800K already have to be in my account when applying in Vientiane?

There is no "seasoning" requirement when applying for a Non-O stamp at Chang Wattana in Bangkok, or a Non-O Visa at a Consulate abroad.

 

Some other immigration offices in Thailand impose a seasoning-requirement, as well as other restrictions which are not documented.

 

1 hour ago, bod said:

And from a financial perspective: what is best to do with the 800K: just leave it in a savings account?

For future extensions of stay based on retirement, you need to have the money in the account for 3-months prior to applying for your extension.  You can do whatever you like with the money in the interim.  You only need it in the bank for 2 months for your first 1-year extension, which gives you a bit of time after your Non-O stamp to get the money transferred.

The type of account used for the extension can be one where you get a higher rate in exchange for a longer-term commitment, but must be one where only the interest will be affected if you withdraw-early.  In other words, it must be "readily accessible" funds of 800K Baht.
 

1 hour ago, bod said:

Finally, if one leaves it in a savings account, will Thai banks share this information with one's home country's tax department?

In the case of US-Citizens - yes they do.  It is the only way to avoid their bank being blacklisted by the US-Fed cartel (cut off from Swift, etc). 

This paperwork-requirement is a primary reason it is becoming more difficult to open accounts in Thailand - though it is still possible, even on a Tourist Visa, if you are persistent.  With a Non-O, it is generally easier, but still may require going branch-to-branch to find one that will assist and/or having a Thai friend (preferably with an account at that bank - but not necessarily) witness for you.

[Bill Miller]

Just renewed my "O" visa in Savannakhet on the basis of retirement. They did ask for my bank book, which I did not have with me, though I was doing the monthly income bit, and had an affidavit from the US embassy averring that I have more than enough income.. I did have a copy of my SS statement, and they asked for a copy of my old (last years) visa.
Good enough. Crisp new visa in my passport next day.
One note of caution, the passport was returned minus the Laotian entry card. Same thing happened with the US embassy and my Thai exit card.when I picked up my new passport a few months ago. The Laotian thing was no biggy, just pay your 100 baht exit fee, "have a nice day".
The exit control on the Thai side was a bit more complicated. I was waved in a general direction, and happily my GF was along to get more specific instructions. A little delay because I speak only nit noi Thai, and had to wait for the Inspector on duty. A little three way back and forth, and hey, presto. A replacement exit card was stapled in. Then normal exit process. Had to wait for the next bus, but again no big deal. Made it to the Consulate in plenty of time to get the photos, copies, etc taken care of, and submit the application. I did use the folks across the street, who were quite accommodating, and charged what I thought was a nominal sum.
Might have helped that the boss man was the same guy from last year, who had lived in Oklahoma, and I remembered him. Also I am a little bunged up and need a cane to walk, and my GF is really cute and attentive to her "old man", beyond, I think, the usual "papa" relationship. Seems to make a difference, amd I do make an effort to be polite and use my limited Thai language skills.
It all seems to help, my friends.