Does one's passport need to be valid for more that 18 months when applying for a retirement visa or is a year enough? I've read conflicting accounts.  

Thank you for any useful advice 

The 18 month requirement is only needed to apply fro a multiple entry visa at a embassy or consulate,

Only 12 months is needed to get the entire one year extension of stay (it is not a visa) when applying. If less than one year remaining it will be issued to the day your passport expires.

Thanks a lot Joe, saved a lot of hassle.