Retirement Visa Requirements / Criteria

[djeetyet]

I just got a 1-year retirement visa, changing over from last year's "Support Thai child" visa. Some questions and comments:

 

1. They DEMANDED a 3-month Bank Statement (generated by the bank) - along with the usual verification of account and balance document from the bank and copy of relevant bankbook pages. Have others had to do this? 

 

2. For next year, the immigration officer said I'd need a full 1-Year (!) Bank Statement. Anybody else encounter this?

 

3. The immigration officer said it would be "easier" for next year's visa if I kept the 800,000B in my account ALL YEAR, and never let the balance fall below. This page does not seem to mention this requirement - https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/retirement-visa  What do you think? Can any immigration office require 800,000 in the bank at all times?

 

4. I was required to provide a map and was informed that an Immigration officer would visit my house in about 3 months!

 

5. I had to leave my passport there for the "Big Boss" to sign, and return in a week to pick up my visa stamped passport

 

I will visit my local Imm office and double check these months before next year's renewal. Have others encountered any of the above requirements? It seems the Requirements / Criteria are totally different from one office to another!

[Upnotover]

The financial requirement is normal as is the requirement for a 12 month statement.  It's 800k 2 months before and 3 months after application, and 400k minimum is the remaining 7 months of the year.  Entirely up to you if you keep it at 800 or choose to use some of it, just remember to get it back to 800 in good time. 

[DrJack54]

34 minutes ago, djeetyet said:

2. For next year, the immigration officer said I'd need a full 1-Year (!) Bank Statement. Anybody else encounter this?

Yes and normal. More immigration offices are requiring 12 month bank statement over bank book alone.

200b (simple process) 

36 minutes ago, djeetyet said:

3. The immigration officer said it would be "easier" for next year's visa if I kept the 800,000B in my account ALL YEAR, and never let the balance fall below.

Easier for him.

However many folk do this. Use a "dedicated bank account" for immigration purposes.

The actual rule is 800k for 2 months prior to application and for 3 months after application and not below 400k in other months. 

 

#4. Is normal. In future years doubt you would receive home visit for extension retirement. 

 

#5 which immigration office? Some like Jomtien you return next day.

43 minutes ago, djeetyet said:

It seems the Requirements / Criteria are totally different from one office to another!

That's normal in Thailand and goes without saying.

[Toolong]

5 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

The financial requirement is normal as is the requirement for a 12 month statement.  It's 800k 2 months before and 3 months after application, and 400k minimum is the remaining 7 months of the year.  Entirely up to you if you keep it at 800 or choose to use some of it, just remember to get it back to 800 in good time. 

Upnotover, may I ask you a quick question about the full year bank statement requirement?

 

Am I right in thinking that it takes a number of days to get the statement (at my BB at least), and that, when issued, it is then valid for 7 days, meaning that immigration will accept it at any time within the 7 day period?

 

PS, I will use the 800k method, not monthly payments.

 

Cheers. 

 

 

[Upnotover]

1 minute ago, Toolong said:

Upnotover, may I ask you a quick question about the full year bank statement requirement?

 

Am I right in thinking that it takes a number of days to get the statement (at my BB at least), and that, when issued, it is then valid for 7 days, meaning that immigration will accept it at any time within the 7 day period?

 

PS, I will use the 800k method, not monthly payments.

 

Cheers. 

 

 

The statement and letter will/should be accepted up to 7 days old.  But you'll still need to update the bank book and show a transaction on the day of application.

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, Toolong said:

it is then valid for 7 days, meaning that immigration will accept it at any time within the 7 day period?

Yes up to 7 days prior to application is fine. 

Cost 200b 

[Toolong]

Just now, Upnotover said:

The statement and letter will/should be accepted up to 7 days old.  But you'll still need to update the bank book and show a transaction on the day of application.

Great!

 

Good to have that confirmed, thanks! 👍

[Toolong]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

Yes up to 7 days prior to application is fine. 

Cost 200b 

Thanks for that confirmation. 🙏

 

Allowing that to be the case is very helpful on the part of immigration. I'm glad they realize that it's sensible policy. 👍

[Andrew Dwyer]

2) Yes, the one year statement requirement is not uncommon and some banks need a few days to provide this statement, Bangkok Bank do.

 

4) Yes, home visits are common for the first 1 year extension, even on retirement.

 

5) Another requirement which is location dependent, I have had  OA visa and O visa and many extensions but have never left my passport overnight with immigration.

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, Toolong said:

Allowing that to be the case is very helpful on the part of immigration. I'm glad they realize that it's sensible policy.

The thing is the other banks can do the 12 month bank statement "on the spot".

I obtain my 12 month statement day or two prior to application. Easy peasy.

I also do the "bank letter" on same visit.

All that leaves on day of application is small deposit into account to update and show activity. 

It's only BBL that requires days in advance to produce the statement.

 

For folk starting the process of living in Thailand (imo) I would opt for bank such as Kasikorn who are also partner bank to WISE same as BBL and produce statement when requested. 

[Toolong]

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

The thing is the other banks can do the 12 month bank statement "on the spot".

I obtain my 12 month statement day or two prior to application. Easy peasy.

I also do the "bank letter" on same visit.

All that leaves on day of application is small deposit into account to update and show activity. 

It's only BBL that requires days in advance to produce the statement.

 

For folk starting the process of living in Thailand (imo) I would opt for bank such as Kasikorn who are also partner bank to WISE same as BBL and produce statement when requested. 

Thanks for that info', DrJack.

 

Frustrating for me to hear that only Bangkok Bank can't provide a 1 year statement on the spot. Both of my two accounts are with BB!

 

That is a drag. 

 

Apparently.....as far as I know..... the first time application for a retirement visa/extension (I want to change from marriage to retirement) can be a 2 month statement, with the 1 year statement being required for subsequent extensions.

So maybe I can open an account with Kasikorn, but change to retirement using my BB account, leave it in for 3 months, then move the money into the Kasikorn account, allowing me to get a 1 year statement the same day, without having to wait. 

 

DrJack, may I humbly ask you for your opinion on that possible plan? 

 

PS: Before going to the local branch, are Kasikorn foreigner friendly? Can a falang like me ( retired, no work permit) open an account without too much hassle?

 

Any help appreciated. 👍

[flexomike]

9 minutes ago, Toolong said:

Thanks for that info', DrJack.

 

Frustrating for me to hear that only Bangkok Bank can't provide a 1 year statement on the spot. Both of my two accounts are with BB!

 

That is a drag. 

 

Apparently.....as far as I know..... the first time application for a retirement visa/extension (I want to change from marriage to retirement) can be a 2 month statement, with the 1 year statement being required for subsequent extensions.

So maybe I can open an account with Kasikorn, but change to retirement using my BB account, leave it in for 3 months, then move the money into the Kasikorn account, allowing me to get a 1 year statement the same day, without having to wait. 

 

DrJack, may I humbly ask you for your opinion on that possible plan? 

 

PS: Before going to the local branch, are Kasikorn foreigner friendly? Can a falang like me ( retired, no work permit) open an account without too much hassle?

 

Any help appreciated. 👍

Bangkok Bank can do a six month statement on the spot, so get one at six months and one at twelve months, that is what I do

[Presnock]

4 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Yes and normal. More immigration offices are requiring 12 month bank statement over bank book alone.

200b (simple process) 

Easier for him.

However many folk do this. Use a "dedicated bank account" for immigration purposes.

The actual rule is 800k for 2 months prior to application and for 3 months after application and not below 400k in other months. 

 

#4. Is normal. In future years doubt you would receive home visit for extension retirement. 

 

#5 which immigration office? Some like Jomtien you return next day.

That's normal in Thailand and goes without saying.

At CM immigration, one year extension get signed Passport back same day, sometimes if near lunch time have to come back after lunch to pick up.  That was up to last year anyway.

[Toolong]

4 minutes ago, flexomike said:

Bangkok Bank can do a six month statement on the spot, so get one at six months and one at twelve months, that is what I do

But isn't the 6-month statement no longer considered valid by immgration, 6 months after being issued?

 

I really don't know, flexomike. It would definitely be an option for me if immigration allow it!

[DrJack54]

23 minutes ago, Toolong said:

Before going to the local branch, are Kasikorn foreigner friendly? Can a falang like me ( retired, no work permit) open an account without too much hassle?

No problem what so ever. 

I changed to Kasikorn and my extension from Non O (retirement). 

I also approached BBL however for some reason they wanted a certificate of residence. 

As pointed out above obtaining 6 month statements from BBL is an option. 

I prefer not. 

When changing banks I suggest it's done after the 3 month 800k requirement. 

Then you can open new a/c with 400k from existing bank.. 

 

Edit: general  note for others. 

If cancelling (closing) bank account always ask the teller to give the bank book back to you. 

[Colabamumbai]

Copies of bank book save paying the bank and waiting. Just bank letter balance the day you visit. 

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, Colabamumbai said:

Copies of bank book save paying the bank and waiting. Just bank letter balance the day you visit. 

Some offices are requesting 12 month bank statement. 

[KannikaP]

37 minutes ago, Toolong said:

Frustrating for me to hear that only Bangkok Bank can't provide a 1 year statement on the spot. Both of my two accounts are with BB!

 

That is a drag. 

Get one after the first 6 months, the another 6 months on the spot the day of applying.

A bit silly because the first will probably say Bht 800k to start and finish, the second the same with Bht 100 added or taken out. 

[flexomike]

30 minutes ago, Toolong said:

But isn't the 6-month statement no longer considered valid by immgration, 6 months after being issued?

 

I really don't know, flexomike. It would definitely be an option for me if immigration allow it!

been doing it for a long time never an issue, if concerned just ask your office for clarification

9 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Get one after the first 6 months, the another 6 months on the spot the day of applying.

A bit silly because the first will probably say Bht 800k to start and finish, the second the same with Bht 100 added or taken out. 

 

[flexomike]

31 minutes ago, Toolong said:

But isn't the 6-month statement no longer considered valid by immgration, 6 months after being issued?

 

I really don't know, flexomike. It would definitely be an option for me if immigration allow it!

sorry my bad, I am doing the montly income not the 800,000 in the bank

[Toolong]

20 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No problem what so ever. 

I changed to Kasikorn and my extension from Non O (retirement). 

I also approached BBL however for some reason they wanted a certificate of residence. 

As pointed out above obtaining 6 month statements from BBL is an option. 

I prefer not. 

When changing banks I suggest it's done after the 3 month 800k requirement. 

Then you can open new a/c with 400k from existing bank.. 

 

Edit: general  note for others. 

If cancelling (closing) bank account always ask the teller to give the bank book back to you. 

Thanks, DrJack. 👍

 

I will head down to local Kasikorn Bank after this long weekend, with Thai wife, giving them my best smile! 

 

Interesting that you confirm flexomike's option of doing a 6-month statement x2 from Bangkok Bank. 

Probably will go with the Kasikorn option, though. Sounds like less hassle overall, down the line. 

 

Thanks for advice to move money only after the 3 month period. It plays by their rules. And also pointing out that it could be limited to 400k at first. Followed by other 400k at least 2 months before applying to renew the extension. 

 

Much obliged to you DrJack, for your help. 🙏

[Toolong]

16 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Get one after the first 6 months, the another 6 months on the spot the day of applying.

A bit silly because the first will probably say Bht 800k to start and finish, the second the same with Bht 100 added or taken out. 

Thanks, KannikaP. 👍

 

It IS an option, and one I only learned about today. 

 

I'm thankful for you and others for pointing it out. Very useful to know!

 

🙏

[Toolong]

8 minutes ago, flexomike said:

sorry my bad, I am doing the montly income not the 800,000 in the bank

Thanks, flexomike, for pointing that out.

 

But does it matter which system you use?

 

If I'm using the 800k in bank option, can I not do the 6-month statement x2 option? 🤔

[Toolong]

14 minutes ago, flexomike said:

been doing it for a long time never an issue, if concerned just ask your office for clarification

 

Ahh....thanks Mike. Assuming KannikaP is right (I'm sure he or she is!), then that answers the query I posted to you a moment ago! 😉

[rough diamond]

42 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Some offices are requesting 12 month bank statement. 

 CM insist on either 2x6 months or 1x1year plus one month on date of bank letter/bank book update.   Even in my case with a fixed deposit account!  

 

They say one week for the 1 year statement but best to give it a few more days in case of holidays etc.  Since you still need the one month statement in addition you can order the 1year statement 3 weeks in advance.  asking 4 weeks is not advised as the dates may not overlap!

This is from my "hand holding" agent and personal experience last month.

[WDSmart]

6 hours ago, djeetyet said:

I just got a 1-year retirement visa, changing over from last year's "Support Thai child" visa. Some questions and comments:

 

1. They DEMANDED a 3-month Bank Statement (generated by the bank) - along with the usual verification of account and balance document from the bank and copy of relevant bankbook pages. Have others had to do this? 

 

2. For next year, the immigration officer said I'd need a full 1-Year (!) Bank Statement. Anybody else encounter this?

 

3. The immigration officer said it would be "easier" for next year's visa if I kept the 800,000B in my account ALL YEAR, and never let the balance fall below. This page does not seem to mention this requirement - https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/retirement-visa  What do you think? Can any immigration office require 800,000 in the bank at all times?

 

4. I was required to provide a map and was informed that an Immigration officer would visit my house in about 3 months!

 

5. I had to leave my passport there for the "Big Boss" to sign, and return in a week to pick up my visa stamped passport

 

I will visit my local Imm office and double check these months before next year's renewal. Have others encountered any of the above requirements? It seems the Requirements / Criteria are totally different from one office to another!

I've lived in Thailand for over 20 years, and have a Non-Imm Visa Type O. I extend my one-year stay using Retirment qualifications.
I've answered your questions below:
1. Yes, for initial stay extension.
2. Yes, every year.
3. No, you only have to have the THB 800 K in your account for 2 months before and 3 months after you apply for the one-year extension. Your account cannot dip below THB 400 K.
4. Yes, and you have to turn in that map every year, but they only visit you the first time unless you move.
5. I've never been asked to leave my passport at Immigration and would not want to, but if that's what they've told you to do, I'd go ahead and do it. First, take photos of your passport and all the important pages. 

[flexomike]

3 hours ago, Toolong said:

Thanks, flexomike, for pointing that out.

 

But does it matter which system you use?

 

If I'm using the 800k in bank option, can I not do the 6-month statement x2 option? 🤔

possible but I would check with immigration first,

[Toolong]

3 hours ago, rough diamond said:

 CM insist on either 2x6 months or 1x1year plus one month on date of bank letter/bank book update.   Even in my case with a fixed deposit account!  

 

They say one week for the 1 year statement but best to give it a few more days in case of holidays etc.  Since you still need the one month statement in addition you can order the 1year statement 3 weeks in advance.  asking 4 weeks is not advised as the dates may not overlap!

This is from my "hand holding" agent and personal experience last month.

Rough Diamond, what you're saying is very, very interesting and includes points I wasn't aware of, so I do appreciate your post and thank you for sending it.

 

My thoughts at this stage, from the valuable info I've learned today so far, are basically that it would either be best to open an account with Kasikorn Bank (1 year statement available the same day), or stick with Bangkok Bank but use the 2x 6-monthly statements.

 

👍🙏

 

[Toolong]

2 minutes ago, flexomike said:

possible but I would check with immigration first,

Will do. Thanks again. 👍

[rough diamond]

1 hour ago, Toolong said:

Rough Diamond, what you're saying is very, very interesting and includes points I wasn't aware of, so I do appreciate your post and thank you for sending it.

 

My thoughts at this stage, from the valuable info I've learned today so far, are basically that it would either be best to open an account with Kasikorn Bank (1 year statement available the same day), or stick with Bangkok Bank but use the 2x 6-monthly statements.

 

👍🙏

 

It depends on which offfice and bank you use.

I suggest you repost and ask @DrJack54 wrt what office you use.

In my experience every bank and every IO in Thailand has their own rules on whichever day suits them.

As I live out of town/City i use an agent/lawyer to "hand hold" i,e, legally do all my Goverment etc transactions. She has Power of Attorney to get the bank statement etc so I only attend Goverment buildings for a few minutes with my hand holder to get photos taken or signatures done in person in front of the official.

10 minuets max in their dreadfull pig pens per visit,  worth every Baht as there is NEVER a return, or worse still numeruous return, visits to banks etc for the never changing whim of the IO's.