Requirements to change from non O married to non O retirement

[RubbaJohnny]

1 Financials I have had 500k in local bank untouched many years for marriage extensions last 16 years , but friend said may need show proof of transfer if I want to switch to retirement which Immigration seem keen for me to do , they know I can afford it as one is a neighbour.

 

I proved 800k wa imported 20 years ago  for retirement visa then but both bank branch and account long closed is this an absolute rule or  necessity.I bring in about $1500 a month c 48k at present rates so in 16 months will have imported another 800k if I wait that long.

 

I am reluctant to transfer another 800k at current rates but ailing wife and diminishing health willingness to drive and no local agents to help with the ever changing local demands that seem to vary annualy , having to be availble in country for hoime visits , different phot and map requirments each time,

 

2 If import proof not necessary I can add 300k from 6 baht gold  tomorrow to have in Account 2 month sbefore renewal.

 

3 Are there any health or other requirements please

 

4 It did occur ot me if not going married route would it be easier in Chiang Mai and is a hotel or appartment address aceptable for an extension do in Bangkok Savannakhet /Ho Chi Minh etc

 

5 I understand money needs stay 3 months after and in reality if it is easier I will leave 800k untouched for my family to inherit I have made power of attorney.

 

Any advice appreciated especially for anyone who has done this recently without an agent in Immigration Area 5 

 

[BrandonJT]

You're not changing from a non-O.  A non-O is a visa and you do not have a visa. You are currently on an extension.  So you are changing from an extension based on marriage to an extension based on retirement.

This can only be done when your marriage extension is ending and you are up for the new extension.  Instead of applying for the extension based on marriage, you simply apply based on being over 50.  Immigration officers prefer this (as you said).

 

1) An extension based on being over 50 does not have a requirement that the money came from overseas.  It's only when converting from tourist to 90-day non-O visa that this requirement exists.

 

2) Yes, increase your balance to 800,000 for a full 2 moths before will APPLY for the extension, not 2 months before the extension expires.

 

3) No health requirements

 

4) I have no idea what you are asking. First you say Chiang Mai. Then you said Bangkok. Then you said Savannakhet Laos and HCM Vietnam.  What?

 

5) It's much easier if you leave the account at 800,000 indefinitely.  But the official rule is that the account must remain at 800,000 for 3 months after the extension, and then can never drop below 400,000.  But it's much easier if left at 800,000. Actually keep a few extra thousand in there as that will prevent any fees from dropping you below the requirement amount.

[RubbaJohnny]

Many thanks

[Sophon]

Note that Immigration normally require your wife to be there, when you change from extension based on marriage to based on retirement (to make sure that she is aware of the change). This is only for the initial change, she will no longer need to attend for future extensions.

 

Since you say that one of the immigration officers is your neighbor, this may or may not be required in your particular case. 

[DrJack54]

OP, two spot on posts above. 

@Sophon is correct in that your wife will need to attend for change for extension based on marriage to retirement. 

For subsequent extensions she is not required to attend. 

 

@BrandonJT has covered all your points. 

I also have no idea what point 4 is about. 

Just attend same immigration office as previously. 

The requirements for extensions (retirement) are very straight forward. 

If you can maintain the 800k all year round then that's a good plan. 

A 12 month bank statement for each subsequent extension is a good idea.