French man Intending to retire in Thailand in 5 years from now

[Franck60]

Hi guys!

 

I’m french, and in 5 years, I’ll be turning 64 years old. My project is to retire in Thailand.

 

I have almost no family left in France, and I don’t enjoy living here. I traveled twice to Thailand, and have stayed there for around 3 months altogether. I’ve traveled a lot during my life, and always feel better outside my country. I believe I could feel alright in Thailand.

 

I’d like to ask you a question about RETIREMENT VISAS, etc.
Have some of you retired in Thailand?

 

How’s it going? I’ve heard that’s pretty easy to get to stay for one year as a retiree but… how hard is it to renew year after year? I believe I’d like to stay there long term so it’d be really nice to get feedback from you, guys.  I’m worried about being able to stay there long-term.

 

Frank

[1FinickyOne]

Been here on a retirement visa for over 20 years. Most of that time I did my own paperwork and every time, I have found Immigration to be friendly and pleasant. Sometimes, I would have to go with some changes and get a different photo or form to fill out - I was living in an outer province - I had to mail in my 90 day report.

 

I am now in a larger province where there are visa agents who fill out all the paperwork and for a nominal fee, they make the entire process very easy and fast. 

 

I do meet the legal requirements and keep the 800,000 baht in the bank - 

 

It probably appears very confusing but if you qualify, it is not so bad and if you use an agent, it is very easy. 

[Mike Teavee]

"Retirement" Visas for Thailand are relatively easy to obtain/maintain but which one you go for depends mainly on your finances... 

1. If you have an income of > $80,000 per year or have > $40,000 and can invest $250,000 you can apply for the Long Term Resident "Wealthy Pensioner" Visa which will give you a 10 year Visa that can be extended for another 10 years assuming you still meet the criteria.
2. If you have 800,000THB that you can leave in the bank or (as you are French, I believe your Embassy still provides Income Letters) can show an income of >65,000THB per month or a combination of the 2 (e.g. 400,000THB in the bank & income > 32,500THB per month) then you can get a Non-IMM O
3. If you have no finances you can go see an Agent (approx 24,000THB for the initial Visa then 12,500THB each year to extend).  

In terms of obtaining your 1st Visa you have the choice of...

1. Obtaining it in your home country (NB Unless you have a good Health Insurance policy or are planning to get one then I would recommend going for a Non-IMM O Visa rather than a Non-IMM OA)
2. Obtaining a Non-IMM O Visa in a neighbouring country to Thailand (I believe Laos & maybe Vietnam are favourite places to do this, you will need to be able to show the equivelant of 800,000THB in a Bank Account somewhere. 
3. Enter Thailand on a Tourist Visa or Visa Exempt & convert in country (As mentioned approx. 24,000THB for an Agent to do this for you no proof of finances required - If you do it yourself you'll need the 800,000THB in a Bank Account & it will cost 2,000THB) 

 

 

[BritTim]

At the current time, staying long term as a retiree is pretty easy. You get an initial visa, and then extend your permission to stay once a year. However, the rules are subject to change, and a lot can happen in the next five years. I can appreciate why you would want to have firm plans for your retirement but, if it involves Thailand, you will need to wait until a lot closer bto your retirement date before this is possible.

[bignok]

Stay away from bad farangs is the main tip.

[HappyExpat57]

Prepare yourself by learning basic Thai phrases. It's a difficult language, but I've found the locals appreciate the attempt.

 

Also, don't burn any bridges. Many of us love living here (almost 18 years now for me) but Thailand is not for everybody.

Edited July 11, 2023 by HappyExpat57

[VinnieK]

I would look at other (nearer) possibilities..Georgia, E Europe,, Turkey, Egypt maybe 

Their culture, food etc is way closer to us than Thailand.

Yeah..even the Muslim ones.

Also, bear in mind that you will have emergencies as you age.

Suddenly, France is on the other side of the world and you are stuck in a Thai hospital with no friends/family ????

[OneMoreFarang]

26 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Prepare yourself by learning basic Thai phrases. It's a difficult language, but I've found the locals appreciate the attempt.

 

Also, don't burn any bridges. Many of us love living here (almost 18 years now for me) but Thailand is not for everybody.

I agree with that.

First of all, where do you want to live? In Bangkok? Or Pattaya or Hua Hin? Or somewhere up country?

Do you have already any woman in mind who loves you so much and wants that you live with her in her village?

 

Many of us, including myself, that that we know Thailand after staying here for a couple of months.

And then, maybe 2 or 3 years later, we realize that we didn't really know it.

And then 10 years later...

You get the idea.

 

If you think you want to live here maybe start by thinking you want to live here for a few months. If you still like it, then maybe for a year or two, and if you still like it, then stay.

 

It seems too many make the mistake of deciding they want to live in Thailand, and if they don't really like it anymore, they feel like a failure for not living here forever. Don't do that.

Keep your mind open that maybe you don't like it - for whatever reason.

And I would suggest at least for the first two years or so make no long-term commitment. Don't buy a condominium, don't buy a house for your darling. Just live! 

 

 

 

[ezzra]

Pattaya/Phuket, here i come.

[OneMoreFarang]

8 minutes ago, VinnieK said:

Suddenly, France is on the other side of the world and you are stuck in a Thai hospital with no friends/family ????

Yes, that reminds me of the father of a friend who might move to a home for old people in Thailand.

Under normal conditions they can take care of him. But if he has a big medial problem, then what?

That is a real problem. 

[sotonowl]

1 hour ago, Franck60 said:

Hi guys!

 

I’m french, and in 5 years, I’ll be turning 64 years old. My project is to retire in Thailand.

 

I have almost no family left in France, and I don’t enjoy living here. I traveled twice to Thailand, and have stayed there for around 3 months altogether. I’ve traveled a lot during my life, and always feel better outside my country. I believe I could feel alright in Thailand.

 

I’d like to ask you a question about RETIREMENT VISAS, etc.
Have some of you retired in Thailand?

 

How’s it going? I’ve heard that’s pretty easy to get to stay for one year as a retiree but… how hard is it to renew year after year? I believe I’d like to stay there long term so it’d be really nice to get feedback from you, guys.  I’m worried about being able to stay there long-term.

 

Frank

I would just check in with Macron before retiring pal, he might be wanting to keep you working.????

[Henryford]

Retired here 17 years, dead easy to renew visa every year, last month took me 15 minutes. Do it yourself don't use an agent. Best to have the 800k in the bank method.

[jaideedave]

1 hour ago, bignok said:

Stay away from bad farangs is the main tip.

And dodgy real estate agents

[KhunLA]

Agree with others, been here 20+, three different type long stay (1 yr) visas/extensions, and all very easy.  Never needed any assist/agent, though see their convenience at some 'busy' provinces.  

 

Meet the financials and it's quite easy.

[LOG54]

Hello

We are french and retired here for nearly 10 years..We had before spent 5 years in Thailand from 2000 and 2005..

We also stayed in other countries ..India..South America and to tell the truth, even if it is not perfect here (which country is ?)  we enjoy it here..

First of all, go for a O visa (not for OA visa as this would require an expensive health thai insurance)

As a health insurance go for CFE (caisse francais de l etranger) and subscribe at least before 3 months after leaving France)..

Then choose where you would like to live... Islands are nice for holiday, but for long term not so much..Phuket, climate seems to us quite humid "tropical"..Chiang Mai, cold in winter + no sea + haze issues

...so we are happy with Pattaya choice..we live a bit outside, right on the beach, climate is good, all types of restaurants to go out, not far from airport or Bangkok, good hospitals and close to Bangkok if you still need better ones..

We understand your wish to leave France, as we wouldn't like to go back at any cost

Have a great day

[dddave]

Perhaps try for 6 months on a multiple entry tourist visa.  Travel from place to place; Southern beach cities, Northern mountain cities and Bangkok-Pattaya.  If one suits you, try that location for another 6 months.  One thing you have is time.  By the end of that year, you will have a pretty good idea if Thailand long term suits you.

[newnative]

28 minutes ago, LOG54 said:

Hello

We are french and retired here for nearly 10 years..We had before spent 5 years in Thailand from 2000 and 2005..

We also stayed in other countries ..India..South America and to tell the truth, even if it is not perfect here (which country is ?)  we enjoy it here..

First of all, go for a O visa (not for OA visa as this would require an expensive health thai insurance)

As a health insurance go for CFE (caisse francais de l etranger) and subscribe at least before 3 months after leaving France)..

Then choose where you would like to live... Islands are nice for holiday, but for long term not so much..Phuket, climate seems to us quite humid "tropical"..Chiang Mai, cold in winter + no sea + haze issues

...so we are happy with Pattaya choice..we live a bit outside, right on the beach, climate is good, all types of restaurants to go out, not far from airport or Bangkok, good hospitals and close to Bangkok if you still need better ones..

We understand your wish to leave France, as we wouldn't like to go back at any cost

Have a great day

I would also recommend giving Pattaya a look.  It checks all the boxes for me.

[khunPer]

8 hours ago, Franck60 said:

I’d like to ask you a question about RETIREMENT VISAS, etc.
Have some of you retired in Thailand?

 

How’s it going? I’ve heard that’s pretty easy to get to stay for one year as a retiree but… how hard is it to renew year after year? I believe I’d like to stay there long term so it’d be really nice to get feedback from you, guys.  I’m worried about being able to stay there long-term.

I've been living here on retirement extension since 2006 – I made an early retirement when 57 year old – it's easy, if you just follow the rules and has enough fund to be self supported.

You need 800k baht deposited in a That bank – preferably in a 12-month fixed account – as financial support for your permission to stay in Thailand as a retiree. Using the deposit method and just leave the money in a separate account makes it easy for both you and the immigration officer, and you can sleep nice in nights not having nightmare about funds for next annual extension of stay. Furthermore the fixed-account gives you a better interest, which you can withdraw once a year.

You need a non immigrant type O-visa that gives you permission to stay in the country 90 days from arrival. About two weeks or one month before your stay expires, you can apply for a one year extension of stay based on retirement. There is a bit of paperwork – varies from province to province – but nothing you cannot do yourself. I live in the probably most demanding province for extension as retiree – Surat Thani, Koh Samui – and it's not that big a deal.

To have a good life a retiree in Thailand the requested amount of income of 65k baht per month, or 800k baht per year, actually fit quite well. You can live for less money per month and you can easily also spend a lot more. Of course it depending of one's life-style and eventual family relation with a native; i.e. a Thai girlfriend or wife is not free, you are the provider, which can include part of an extended Thai family.

I'm still happy here after 18 years – my first year here was with a 12-month multiple entry visa, as I still traveled a lot between my European home country and Land of Smiles – I have not regretted my decision of settle here...????

[Yme]

You might also look at Cambodia. The only requirement is be agd 55+ and not working. 
No minimum bank balance required
No 90-day reporting
No reentry visa requirement
Get 8% pa interest paid monthly on your savings in USD or KHR on 12 mth TDs. 
 

[rwill]

I've never had a problem getting annual extensions.  The original visa was much more work than the extensions in Thailand.

 

I would say to avoid getting an O-A visa so you don't have to worry about the extra insurance requirement.  There are thread on the forum here about how to apply for an O visa after you arrive in Thailand.  The hardest part with that seems to be opening a Thai bank account which you will need to get extensions.  If you already have a Thai bank account great.

 

I also find it easier to just leave 800,000 baht in a separate account to use just for immigration.

 

Also you do need to think about medical insurance here.  If you don't have any pre existing conditions right now it would be best to have insurance already.  All the insurance companies here will try to exclude everything they can.  It also gets quite more expensive the older you get.

[bignok]

6 minutes ago, Yme said:

You might also look at Cambodia. The only requirement is be agd 55+ and not working. 
No minimum bank balance required
No 90-day reporting
No reentry visa requirement
Get 8% pa interest paid monthly on your savings in USD or KHR on 12 mth TDs. 
 

Sounds way better

Except its Cambodia

[spidermike007]

The retirement visa is easy to get. If you have enough money in the bank it is inexpensive. If you do not, you pay an agent a fee of 15,000 to 30,000 baht per year, and all is handled for you.

 

My question is why wait? I presume you must still be working and earning money needed to retire? Who knows what the world will be like in 5 years, but for now many of us enjoy very good lives here. Lives we could only dream about back in our native countries.

[donmuang37]

Been here 21 years. Had retirement and thai wife visas and extensions Never used a agent. No problem.  Dress respectfully and be polite.

 

That said, having a GOOD Thai wife makes life easier. 

 

Health insurance or sufficient funds is essential.  Can't get health insurance in Thai at reasonable cost 65 and up.  Good luck! 

 

[Pink Mist]

Troll post removed 

[LukKrueng]

11 hours ago, Franck60 said:

 

I’d like to ask you a question about RETIREMENT VISAS, etc.

5 years is a long time in the future. Any information you get more might not be relevant in 5 years.

[scorecard]

12 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Prepare yourself by learning basic Thai phrases. It's a difficult language, but I've found the locals appreciate the attempt.

 

Also, don't burn any bridges. Many of us love living here (almost 18 years now for me) but Thailand is not for everybody.

35 years for me, worked here over 25 years, now retired and living with my Thai son, his wife and 4 Thai grand children. My work sitution set me up for Thai Permanent Residency (PR) but without longer-term legal work PR is not available. 

 

As other have mentioned the so called Retirement Visa not all that difficult.

 

For me best decision I ever made, but as others have said, Thailand is not for everybody and same for every country.

 

As eluded to, good idea to use the gap years to learn Thai, some preety good web sites nowadays.

 

Good luck. 

[Scott]

Baiting, bickering posts and replies removed.

 

Also removed is a link to an unapproved site.  

 

 

[Pib]

As mentioned earlier avoid a Non "OA" visa due to the medical insurance requirement.  Don't get me wrong it's not a bad thing to have medical insurance....it's just Thai immigration basically requires a person with a Non OA visa to have very specific medical insurance from a select group of "Thai" insurance companies....the insurance is expensive and the coverage is weak....full of exclusions.  Thailand makes it pretty much impossible to use a foreign insurance policy to initially get or extend a Non OA visa.   Even though you may have outstanding home country medical insurance that provides worldwide coverage it would not be accepted for annual extensions of your Non OA visa.  Up until 2019 the Non OA visa was VERY popular...had been for many years....but the medical insurance requirement that began in 2019 turned it into a visa to avoid.

 

If going with a 1 year type visa go with the Non O visa...no medical insurance required to get the visa or annual extensions.  Annual extensions will cost Bt1,900.  See the Thai Embassy in Paris webpage at the bottom of this post for details. 

 

And if you meet the requirements and want to avoid 1 year extensions consider a 10 year Long Term Resident (LTR) visa....probably the LTR Pensioner visa if you meet the requirements.   This LTR visa is really a 5 year plus 5 year visa totaling 10 years...although issued for 10 years you only initially get a 5 year permitted to stay and just before that 5 years is up you apply for an LTR extension to get the remaining 5 years of the 10 year visa.  Cost of a 10 year LTR is Bt50K (averages out to Bt5K/year)....no fee for the 2nd 5 year extension. Full details at the BoI LTR website and also the Thai Embassy Paris website.

 

Thai Embassy Paris....Non O over 50 visa

http://www.thaiembassy.fr/fr/visa-rdv/les-types-de-visa-et-les-documents-necessaires/visa-non-immigrant-o/

 

Non-immigrant visa O

Non-immigrant visa O

 

[watthong]

16 hours ago, VinnieK said:

.Georgia, E Europe,, Turkey, Egypt maybe 

Their culture, food etc is way closer to us than Thailand.

Not to mention the cheese and the wines, etc.  BUT (drum rolls please) it is not as easy finding "life" partners in your grandchildren age range...in abundance and you don't have to be a millionaire. That's the elephant in the room, mon cher.

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Pib said:

it's just Thai immigration basically requires a person with a Non OA visa to have very specific medical insurance from a select group of "Thai" insurance companies....

That previously was the case.

Thinking that has changed and allows non Thai insurance companies.

Thinking that change occured Sept last year? 

When there was change in required coverage