Documents Required To Import Personal Effects With A Retirement Visa O-a

[shi6zerr]

II have a 1 year retirement visa Non Immigrant O-A, I am importing a small shipment of personal & household effects. My import agent has indicated that, because I don't have a work permit, that I will have to pay duties on all. I have checked the Thai Customs web site & their press release notes, to me it is confusing as there seems to be a conflict there. Part of the conditions for issuing a retirement visa is that you are not permitted to work in Thailand. Can somebody please inform me which is correct Thank you

[bkkjames]

II have a 1 year retirement visa Non Immigrant O-A, I am importing a small shipment of personal & household effects. My import agent has indicated that, because I don't have a work permit, that I will have to pay duties on all. I have checked the Thai Customs web site & their press release notes, to me it is confusing as there seems to be a conflict there. Part of the conditions for issuing a retirement visa is that you are not permitted to work in Thailand. Can somebody please inform me which is correct Thank you

As with everything in Thailand, if you don't like the answer, get a second / third / fourth opinion. Sound to me like your import agent is trying to make a little extra for himself or friends.

[ignis]

5years ago I sent 12 packing boxes. household effects and personal + electrical appliances, they took 6 weeks to arrive by ship.. Shipping Agent wanted 6,000 baht for Customs, I said no send it back. ended up paying 3,000 baht... All boxes were unopened when they were delivered to me. You MUST tape a list to each box as to what is inside, as well as the full shipping list to the Agent.. I had the Retirement Visa [issued in Hull 2003]

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Personal effects accompanied with the owner traveling into or out of Thailand, including any goods used or will be used commercially are not eligible as household effects cannot brought in tax and duty free as the household effects

NOTE: Motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages and tobacco are excluded from this rebate.

Requirements for Duty Free Allowance

Both Thai and non-Thai residents changing residence into Thailand are eligible to bring used/secondhand household effects into Thailand, in reasonable quantities, free of taxes and duties. It is also required that the imported used/ secondhand household effects have been owned, possessed, and used in the country where the importers resided before returning to Thailand to resume residence.

In case where the household effects are electrical appliances e.g. radios, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, air conditioners, etc., only ONE unit each of such items is eligible for tax and duty free allowance. However, if it is the family change of residence, TWO units each of the items will be allowed to bring in tax and duty free. Any excess unit shall be subject to regular taxes and duties, and Customs will place the items that have the lowest rate of duty under tax and duty exemption.

It is important that the used/secondhand household effects must be imported not earlier than one month before or not later than six months after the arrival of the importers. Under exceptional circumstances, Customs may extend the time limits for the importers.

Requirements for Changing of Residence

* Nonresidents: Nonresidents may import the used/secondhand household effects acquired abroad tax and duty free if such household effects accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the requirements listed below:

1. Nonresidents resuming residents in Thailand must be granted a non-immigrant quota as shown in a passport or a Nonresident Identification Card; or

2. Nonresidents granted to work in Thailand will be regarded as resuming residents in Thailand provided they have a one-year non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department. In case where the non-immigrant visa has not yet been granted, either of the following documents may be accepted:

(2.1) The letter from the Immigration Department certifying that the nonresidents shall be granted an annual temporary stay in Thailand; or

(2.2) The work permit from the Department of Labor to work in Thailand for at least one year.

3. Nonresidents entering Thailand as an expert, specialist, or under a contract of government agencies are required to present the letter from relevant agencies certifying that such nonresidents are granted a non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department and shall work in Thailand not less than one year.

Accompanying spouses of the nonresidents in (2) and (3) will be regarded as resuming residence in Thailand provided the spouses have non-immigrant visas issued by the Immigration Department to stay in Thailand for the first 90 days.

* Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1) Thai Residents: Thai residents may import the secondhand/used household effects acquired abroad duty-free if such household effects are accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the criteria listed below:

1. Thai residents or government officials work or carry out a working visit abroad for at least one year. In case where the Thai residents/government officials must return to Thailand before one year, evidence showing that the return is caused by the termination of contracts, reshuffle of positions, or early termination of working visits, is required.

2. Thai residents working abroad under other reasons than those indicated in (1) are required to undertake a commitment that they shall return to Thailand to resume residence.

3. Thai students, government officials study abroad for at least one year.

Edited November 11, 2008 by ignis

[shi6zerr]

5years ago I sent 12 packing boxes. household effects and personal + electrical appliances, they took 6 weeks to arrive by ship.. Shipping Agent wanted 6,000 baht for Customs, I said no send it back. ended up paying 3,000 baht... All boxes were unopened when they were delivered to me. You MUST tape a list to each box as to what is inside, as well as the full shipping list to the Agent.. I had the Retirement Visa [issued in Hull 2003]

****************************************************************

Personal effects accompanied with the owner traveling into or out of Thailand, including any goods used or will be used commercially are not eligible as household effects cannot brought in tax and duty free as the household effects

NOTE: Motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages and tobacco are excluded from this rebate.

Requirements for Duty Free Allowance

Both Thai and non-Thai residents changing residence into Thailand are eligible to bring used/secondhand household effects into Thailand, in reasonable quantities, free of taxes and duties. It is also required that the imported used/ secondhand household effects have been owned, possessed, and used in the country where the importers resided before returning to Thailand to resume residence.

In case where the household effects are electrical appliances e.g. radios, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, air conditioners, etc., only ONE unit each of such items is eligible for tax and duty free allowance. However, if it is the family change of residence, TWO units each of the items will be allowed to bring in tax and duty free. Any excess unit shall be subject to regular taxes and duties, and Customs will place the items that have the lowest rate of duty under tax and duty exemption.

It is important that the used/secondhand household effects must be imported not earlier than one month before or not later than six months after the arrival of the importers. Under exceptional circumstances, Customs may extend the time limits for the importers.

Requirements for Changing of Residence

* Nonresidents: Nonresidents may import the used/secondhand household effects acquired abroad tax and duty free if such household effects accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the requirements listed below:

1. Nonresidents resuming residents in Thailand must be granted a non-immigrant quota as shown in a passport or a Nonresident Identification Card; or

2. Nonresidents granted to work in Thailand will be regarded as resuming residents in Thailand provided they have a one-year non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department. In case where the non-immigrant visa has not yet been granted, either of the following documents may be accepted:

(2.1) The letter from the Immigration Department certifying that the nonresidents shall be granted an annual temporary stay in Thailand; or

(2.2) The work permit from the Department of Labor to work in Thailand for at least one year.

3. Nonresidents entering Thailand as an expert, specialist, or under a contract of government agencies are required to present the letter from relevant agencies certifying that such nonresidents are granted a non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department and shall work in Thailand not less than one year.

Accompanying spouses of the nonresidents in (2) and (3) will be regarded as resuming residence in Thailand provided the spouses have non-immigrant visas issued by the Immigration Department to stay in Thailand for the first 90 days.

* Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1) Thai Residents: Thai residents may import the secondhand/used household effects acquired abroad duty-free if such household effects are accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the criteria listed below:

1. Thai residents or government officials work or carry out a working visit abroad for at least one year. In case where the Thai residents/government officials must return to Thailand before one year, evidence showing that the return is caused by the termination of contracts, reshuffle of positions, or early termination of working visits, is required.

2. Thai residents working abroad under other reasons than those indicated in (1) are required to undertake a commitment that they shall return to Thailand to resume residence.

3. Thai students, government officials study abroad for at least one year.

Thanks Ignis/James

Sorry, my server has been down

I have previously had 2 large' personal effect shipments into Thailand when I was working here from 89 tp 93 & 95 to 99 & only 1 time did I have any problem which was. I purchased a 32" TV here in 92, shipped it to HK in 93. Was transfered back here in 95, & the customs wanted me to pay duty on it, even though I showed the receipt that it was bought here TIT 1,500 baht ended up costing. Previouse times I had a work permit. Also, on both shipments, there was not 1 box opened

The agent called yesterday, & still insisted that I will have to pay but he can negotiate a good rate. I mentioned the regulations above, which I already had, pls the Press Release, his words were " Let me assure you, we clear over 200 Retirement shipements per year & they all had to pay"

Ignis, I guess you were lucky 6 Weeks, I was informed by my agent in Australia that, that would be the approximate time for mine also. Alas, it took 2 weeks to get it from my home town to Sydney 500Km & then another 6 weeks to get it on a ship, so by the time I get the stuff, hopefully by the end of next week, it will be 3 months, great effort from the Australian Part.

Anyway, I guess it's going to be a matter of wait & see

Again, Thanks very much for your time

Cheers

Ron

[thaihome]

II have a 1 year retirement visa Non Immigrant O-A, I am importing a small shipment of personal & household effects. My import agent has indicated that, because I don't have a work permit, that I will have to pay duties on all. I have checked the Thai Customs web site & their press release notes, to me it is confusing as there seems to be a conflict there. Part of the conditions for issuing a retirement visa is that you are not permitted to work in Thailand. Can somebody please inform me which is correct Thank you

You must have a work permit to import personal effects duty free. You will have to pay duty, your agent will make you an offer to have it expedited. Suggest you pay it.

Welcome to Thailand

TH

Edited November 13, 2008 by thaihome

[phetaroi]

II have a 1 year retirement visa Non Immigrant O-A, I am importing a small shipment of personal & household effects. My import agent has indicated that, because I don't have a work permit, that I will have to pay duties on all. I have checked the Thai Customs web site & their press release notes, to me it is confusing as there seems to be a conflict there. Part of the conditions for issuing a retirement visa is that you are not permitted to work in Thailand. Can somebody please inform me which is correct Thank you

You must have a work permit to import personal effects duty free. You will have to pay duty, your agent will make you an offer to have it expedited. Suggest you pay it.

Welcome to Thailand

TH

Not according to Siam Legal, which advertises extensively on thaivisa.com. They say on a retirement visa you are entitled to bring in all personal household items free of duty fee.

[Murgatroyd]

You do not have to have a work permit. Providing you have a full O/A visa for twelve months stay, you are entitled to bring in one consignment of household goods free of duty. This consignment must arrive within 6 months of your arrival in Thailand. Amoungst the exceptions to this are electrical items. To qualify for duty free status these must be owned by you for 12 months prior to export from your home country, and only one or each type of electrical goods qualifies for the duty free status... Ie 1 computer, 1 sound system, 1 home cinema system etc... if you wanted to bring in 2 computers, you'd have to pay duty on one of them. Obviously, no items like weapons, drugs, or firearms should be included in such a consignment.

I had my stuff shipped by Simpsons Relocations ltd, and all they required was an itemised list of the contents of each box, and a copy of my passport and Visa. I would also include copies of recipts for any electrical items in the consignment that are over 12 months old, to demonstrate that they qualify for duty free status.

Murg

Edited November 13, 2008 by Murgatroyd

[Langsuan Man]

You do not have to have a work permit. Providing you have a full O/A visa for twelve months stay, you are entitled to bring in one consignment of household goods free of duty. This consignment must arrive within 6 months of your arrival in Thailand. Amoungst the exceptions to this are electrical items. To qualify for duty free status these must be owned by you for 12 months prior to export from your home country, and only one or each type of electrical goods qualifies for the duty free status... Ie 1 computer, 1 sound system, 1 home cinema system etc... if you wanted to bring in 2 computers, you'd have to pay duty on one of them. Obviously, no items like weapons, drugs, or firearms should be included in such a consignment.

I had my stuff shipped by Simpsons Relocations ltd, and all they required was an itemised list of the contents of each box, and a copy of my passport and Visa. I would also include copies of recipts for any electrical items in the consignment that are over 12 months old, to demonstrate that they qualify for duty free status.

Murg

* Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1) Thai Residents: Thai residents may import the secondhand/used household effects acquired abroad duty-free if such household effects are accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the criteria listed below:

Sorry to argue with you Murgatroyd but it is pretty obvious that the issuance of an "O" Visa does not authorize the duty free import of personal effects.

At one time the issuance of a "O-A" Visa would allow you the importation of House Hold Goods but that rule was changed years ago. I personally imported my HHG last year and had the option of paying 80,000THB for a receipt or 40,000 for a non receipt. For obvious reasons I took the cheaper route. It made absolutely no difference to Thai Customs that almost half of what was in my shipment was purchased here in Thailand when I DID HAVE DUTY FREE PRIVILEGES. The amount charged by Thai Customs is determined by the Customs Officer that is assigned to your shipment and is not subject to any appeal.

[henryalleman]

II have a 1 year retirement visa Non Immigrant O-A, I am importing a small shipment of personal & household effects. My import agent has indicated that, because I don't have a work permit, that I will have to pay duties on all. I have checked the Thai Customs web site & their press release notes, to me it is confusing as there seems to be a conflict there. Part of the conditions for issuing a retirement visa is that you are not permitted to work in Thailand. Can somebody please inform me which is correct Thank you

Check out this website from Thai customs

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/House...nuNme=HouseHold

[Mario2008]

As retiree you cannot import duty free.

Form Thai costums website:

Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1)

But don't worry, many agents can arange a very acceptable fee for import. Impoting vehicles is not recommended because of high duties.

[thaihome]

As retiree you cannot import duty free.

Form Thai costums website:

Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1)

But don't worry, many agents can arange a very acceptable fee for import. Impoting vehicles is not recommended because of high duties.

I entered in 2004 on one year type "O" visa with my Thai wife after living abroad for 2 years. I did not have a work permit or extension at that time. We had two containers. One was allowed in duty free for my wife, the other the agent arranged a 30k baht non-receiptable fee to bring in.

TH

[Murgatroyd]

You do not have to have a work permit. Providing you have a full O/A visa for twelve months stay, you are entitled to bring in one consignment of household goods free of duty. This consignment must arrive within 6 months of your arrival in Thailand. Amoungst the exceptions to this are electrical items. To qualify for duty free status these must be owned by you for 12 months prior to export from your home country, and only one or each type of electrical goods qualifies for the duty free status... Ie 1 computer, 1 sound system, 1 home cinema system etc... if you wanted to bring in 2 computers, you'd have to pay duty on one of them. Obviously, no items like weapons, drugs, or firearms should be included in such a consignment.

I had my stuff shipped by Simpsons Relocations ltd, and all they required was an itemised list of the contents of each box, and a copy of my passport and Visa. I would also include copies of recipts for any electrical items in the consignment that are over 12 months old, to demonstrate that they qualify for duty free status.

Murg

* Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1) Thai Residents: Thai residents may import the secondhand/used household effects acquired abroad duty-free if such household effects are accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the criteria listed below:

Sorry to argue with you Murgatroyd but it is pretty obvious that the issuance of an "O" Visa does not authorize the duty free import of personal effects.

At one time the issuance of a "O-A" Visa would allow you the importation of House Hold Goods but that rule was changed years ago. I personally imported my HHG last year and had the option of paying 80,000THB for a receipt or 40,000 for a non receipt. For obvious reasons I took the cheaper route. It made absolutely no difference to Thai Customs that almost half of what was in my shipment was purchased here in Thailand when I DID HAVE DUTY FREE PRIVILEGES. The amount charged by Thai Customs is determined by the Customs Officer that is assigned to your shipment and is not subject to any appeal.

Well... I guess I must have been lucky then... I imported 17 large boxes full of stuff, including a computer system along with many add ons and peripherals... My gross customs charge was 917 bhat... which I assumed was due to the fact that some perhipherals were duplicates. Lucky old me !