Questions on retirement visa

[Robby nz]

Working on retirement planning and there are a couple of things someone out there may be able to help me with

I can apply for O visa in country of origin but I will have to set up a bank account in LOS, will I have to visit to do this or can it be done by remote control?

Anyone had any experience of this?

Is there any time you have to spend LOS in any year to retain an O retirement visa?

What I have in mind is a couple of years in LOS then after that 6 mths and 6 in other countries

Robby

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Working on retirement planning and there are a couple of things someone out there may be able to help me with

I can apply for O visa in country of origin but I will have to set up a bank account in LOS, will I have to visit to do this or can it be done by remote control?

Anyone had any experience of this?

Is there any time you have to spend LOS in any year to retain an O retirement visa?

What I have in mind is a couple of years in LOS then after that 6 mths and 6 in other countries

Robby

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Apply for a Non-Immigrant O-A visa in NZ. You only have to show sufficient funds and or income in NZ for the first year. You will have to have your arrangements in hand ( and IN Thailand ) to renew that first 12 month stay. You are free to come and go at will, but you must get a re-entry permit from Thai Immigration.

[Robby nz]

Thanks Doc

Does that mean that the 800K or equivelant can be in a NZ bank at the time of application and deposited in a Thai bank later

Robby

Working on retirement planning and there are a couple of things someone out there may be able to help me with

I can apply for O visa in country of origin but I will have to set up a bank account in LOS, will I have to visit to do this or can it be done by remote control?

Anyone had any experience of this?

Is there any time you have to spend LOS in any year to retain an O retirement visa?

What I have in mind is a couple of years in LOS then after that 6 mths and 6 in other countries

Robby

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[thaiflyer1]

Does that mean that the 800K or equivelant can be in a NZ bank at the time of application and deposited in a Thai bank later

Yes if you obtain your O-A in NZ you will recieve 1 years stay upon arrival, when it comes to renewal then you/ll either have to have the funds in a Thai Bank or Proof of Income to qualify for a further years stay. Regarding opening an account i/m pretty sure you/ll have to be in Thailand........ive never heard of anyone opening an account while overseas and internet banking requires you to visit the local branch of the relevant bank here in Thailand first as well. As Dr.P.P points out re-entry permits (either single or multiple ) are available for any travelling you wish to do out of Thailand.

Edited December 21, 2004 by thaiflyer1

[astral]

It may be simpler to apply for a Non Imm O visa based on the reason that you are "thinking of retiring" in Thailand.

Then you can extend that visa once you get here.

At the time of extension you will need the 800K in the bank here.

Doing it this way the paper work is easier.

See this post.

You can come and go as you wish during the year, with a re-entry permit to make sure your visa does not lapse.

You just have to make sure you are here on the anniversary of your visa, to extend it for another year

[dr_Pat_Pong]

It may be simpler to apply for a Non Imm O visa based on the reason that you are "thinking of retiring" in Thailand.

Then you can extend that visa once you get here.

At the time of extension you will need the 800K in the bank here.

Doing it this way the paper work is easier.

See this post.

You can come and go as you wish during the year, with a re-entry permit to make sure your visa does not lapse. 

You just have to make sure you are here on the anniversary of your visa, to extend it for another year

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He can come and go as he wishes with a MULTIPLE entry re-entry permit

[taxexile]

can anyone tell me what documentation is needed for the renewal of a retirement visa ??

will i need another letter from the embassy confirming my address here , and will i need another health cert.?

thanks.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

can anyone tell me what documentation is needed for the renewal of a retirement visa ??

will i need another letter from the embassy confirming my address here , and will i need another health cert.?

thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The health certificate is asked for each year, and income and or savings need to be proven. The address is only asked for sometimes.

[taxexile]

that was quick !!!

many thanks.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

that was quick !!!

many thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Always try to help a mate Tax. Happy happies

[taxexile]

Always try to help a mate Tax. Happy happies

cheered up immensely to see your seasonal good wishes extends even to those of us unfortunately soapless.

all the best to you too for the new year, i would include chrixxmas greetings too but i believe it is now a capital offence and would infringe your human rights and offend others who may read this if i wished you happy chrixxmas.

Edited December 22, 2004 by taxexile

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Always try to help a mate Tax. Happy happies

cheered up immensely to see your seasonal good wishes extends even to those of us unfortunately soapless.

all the best to you too for the new year

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A parcel of soap is the mail together with and including full instructions in the practical uses of the stuff ( eg. tastes like sh*t )

[Ken]

can anyone tell me what documentation is needed for the renewal of a retirement visa ??

will i need another letter from the embassy confirming my address here , and will i need another health cert.?

thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The health certificate is asked for each year, and income and or savings need to be proven. The address is only asked for sometimes.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Does the "savings" for "retirement" work the same as for "Marriage" extensions? Meaning, for "Marriage" one must bring into the country 400,000 each year. For "Retirement" do you have to bring in 800,000 each year or just show 800,000 in a Thai Bank account?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

can anyone tell me what documentation is needed for the renewal of a retirement visa ??

will i need another letter from the embassy confirming my address here , and will i need another health cert.?

thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The health certificate is asked for each year, and income and or savings need to be proven. The address is only asked for sometimes.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Does the "savings" for "retirement" work the same as for "Marriage" extensions? Meaning, for "Marriage" one must bring into the country 400,000 each year. For "Retirement" do you have to bring in 800,000 each year or just show 800,000 in a Thai Bank account?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You need to show that you are living off the income/funds and top up at each extension.

[Ken]

can anyone tell me what documentation is needed for the renewal of a retirement visa ??

will i need another letter from the embassy confirming my address here , and will i need another health cert.?

thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The health certificate is asked for each year, and income and or savings need to be proven. The address is only asked for sometimes.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Does the "savings" for "retirement" work the same as for "Marriage" extensions? Meaning, for "Marriage" one must bring into the country 400,000 each year. For "Retirement" do you have to bring in 800,000 each year or just show 800,000 in a Thai Bank account?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You need to show that you are living off the income/funds and top up at each extension.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you Dr. So if I understand the "retirement" thing correctly, we are saying that I could use, say, 400,000 of the 800,000 and then top it up when I go in for the next extension. Is this correct? Wondering also what might be the advantages of the "retirement" visa versus the "marriage" (if any).

[lopburi3]

Up to you on the type. Marriage is less money, still able to work and perhaps better chance of PR in at least some years. Retirement is less paperwork overall and is not subject to continued relationship or require other persons to obtain.

Pat was being very diplomatic in his last post and almost got on diplomatic guest lists and then you have to go and ask specifics.

There is no written requirement to use any set amount of money each year - as he said some activity should occur but as long as it does not suggest you are in illegal employment the amount is not likely to be questioned.

[Ken]

Up to you on the type.  Marriage is less money, still able to work and perhaps better chance of PR in at least some years.  Retirement is less paperwork overall and is not subject to continued relationship or require other persons to obtain.

Pat was being very diplomatic in his last post and almost got on diplomatic guest lists and then you have to go and ask specifics. 

There is no written requirement to use any set amount of money each year - as he said some activity should occur but as long as it does not suggest you are in illegal employment the amount is not likely to be questioned.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And I thank the Dr. for his diplomatic response and if we're voting for him to be on the "diplomatic guest list", he's got my vote. And I just realized there is another on-going thread that is answering my same questions, so sorry I didn't read that first. Guess I'll stay with the "marriage" extensions, as at the moment anyway, I don't see any huge advantage with the "retirement". Thanks again.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

can anyone tell me what documentation is needed for the renewal of a retirement visa ??

will i need another letter from the embassy confirming my address here , and will i need another health cert.?

thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The health certificate is asked for each year, and income and or savings need to be proven. The address is only asked for sometimes.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Does the "savings" for "retirement" work the same as for "Marriage" extensions? Meaning, for "Marriage" one must bring into the country 400,000 each year. For "Retirement" do you have to bring in 800,000 each year or just show 800,000 in a Thai Bank account?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You need to show that you are living off the income/funds and top up at each extension.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you Dr. So if I understand the "retirement" thing correctly, we are saying that I could use, say, 400,000 of the 800,000 and then top it up when I go in for the next extension. Is this correct? Wondering also what might be the advantages of the "retirement" visa versus the "marriage" (if any).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The marriage model only needs 400,000 baht. You are more independent with a retirement extension ( not reliant of the spouses goodwill at each renewal )

[Robby nz]

Seems i will have to be there to open an account, that being the case I have to work out how to do this without making two trips and for the least amount of Bhat

Try this

I can visit without a visa for up to 30 days so do not need to go to the trouble of getting a non imm o

Is there any reason why I cant open an account on arrival, deposit (transfer) B800k then turn up at Suan Phlu with all the apropriate paper work to apply for a retirement O?

Robby

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Up to you on the type.  Marriage is less money, still able to work and perhaps better chance of PR in at least some years.  Retirement is less paperwork overall and is not subject to continued relationship or require other persons to obtain.

Pat was being very diplomatic in his last post and almost got on diplomatic guest lists and then you have to go and ask specifics.  

There is no written requirement to use any set amount of money each year - as he said some activity should occur but as long as it does not suggest you are in illegal employment the amount is not likely to be questioned.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And I thank the Dr. for his diplomatic response and if we're voting for him to be on the "diplomatic guest list", he's got my vote. And I just realized there is another on-going thread that is answering my same questions, so sorry I didn't read that first. Guess I'll stay with the "marriage" extensions, as at the moment anyway, I don't see any huge advantage with the "retirement". Thanks again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I wish you were managing the dippo freebie pissup lists Ken

[lopburi3]

Seems i will have to be there to open an account, that being the case I have to work out how to do this without making two trips and for the least amount of Bhat

Try this

I can visit without a visa for up to 30 days so do not need to go to the trouble of getting a non imm o

Is there any reason why I cant open an account on arrival, deposit (transfer) B800k then turn up at Suan Phlu  with all the apropriate paper work to apply for a retirement O?

Robby

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You are not likely to be able to open any type of savings account without a visa and your almost surly not going to be able to get an extension of stay on a visa you do not have. Immigration extends stay for retirement - they do not issue a retirement O-A visa.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Seems i will have to be there to open an account, that being the case I have to work out how to do this without making two trips and for the least amount of Bhat

Try this

I can visit without a visa for up to 30 days so do not need to go to the trouble of getting a non imm o

Is there any reason why I cant open an account on arrival, deposit (transfer) B800k then turn up at Suan Phlu  with all the apropriate paper work to apply for a retirement O?

Robby

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You cannot convert a 30 permit to anything. To avoid one trip I still think the O-A is the way for you to go ( contrary to well intentioned but not necessarily the best advice in your circumstances ) The O-A enables a full year stay to be granted on arrival BKK, and the funds stay in NZ until renewal in 12 months(ish) time. Once you arrive you can open a bank account ( I like SCB ) having made pre-arrangements with your NZ bank to remit the funds by transfer to your new found friendly Thai banker. Talk to the Thai Embassy in Wellington or the Thai Consulate General in Auckland. A multi entry enables you to enter anytime within one year of the date of issue of the visa.

[Robby nz]

Thanks again Doc and thanks for the great site, very helpful.

Have intentions of visiting Thai embassy here but the more I know the better before I get to that stage

Robby

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Thanks again Doc and thanks for the great site, very helpful.

Have intentions of visiting Thai embassy here but the more I know the better before I get to that stage

Robby

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Go for it Robby. At least this way you avoid one trip about nothing, and you can send the brass to Muang Thai at your leisure. Merry Christmas.