Retirement Visa Application Process

[via]

Can one enter Thailand on a 30 Day Tourist Visa & then afterwards apply at a Royal Thai Immigration Bureau (Pattaya in this case) for a new 'Retirement Visa' - before the Tourist Visa expires ?????

**

I have formerly held a 'Retirement Visa' which expired in early 2007 !!

I am aware of the general requirements in order to comply with all the relevant (and financial) 'Retirement Visa' conditions !

I am presently not living in Thailand !

I am a British passport holder !

It would be appreciated if anyone reading this can kindly offer advise, & any first hand experience in respect of my question & query above !!!!

[Jingthing]

Yes, you can do this.

You enter on the 30 day stamp (it is not a tourist visa, a tourist visa allows a 60 day stay).

Then get thee to immigration soon because you only have 9 days to apply for a change of status to an O visa. That is the first step in the two step process. Then you apply for the extension of stay. You should be ready to prove you are eligible for the extension of stay when you do the change of status. Sometimes you can do both at once, and sometimes they will make you wait until the last month of your new O visa. If you are using the bank account method (800K) the money must be in a Thai bank account for 60 days before you are qualified for the extension.

To repeat an important point another way, you must have at least 21 days left in your current permission to stay (the 30 day stamp) to be allowed a change of status to an O visa, so you will be under time pressure. It would be much better to arrive with a 60 day tourist visa, then less time pressure.

Another point, you won't be getting a retirement visa. You will getting an O visa and then an extension of stay based on retirement. The retirement visa is the O-A visa only available from your home country, you can never get an O-A visa in Thailand.

[via]

Yes, you can do this.

You enter on the 30 day stamp (it is not a tourist visa, a tourist visa allows a 60 day stay).

Then get thee to immigration soon because you only have 9 days to apply for a change of status to an O visa. That is the first step in the two step process. Then you apply for the extension of stay. You should be ready to prove you are eligible for the extension of stay when you do the change of status. Sometimes you can do both at once, and sometimes they will make you wait until the last month of your new O visa. If you are using the bank account method (800K) the money must be in a Thai bank account for 60 days before you are qualified for the extension.

To repeat an important point another way, you must have at least 21 days left in your current permission to stay (the 30 day stamp) to be allowed a change of status to an O visa, so you will be under time pressure. It would be much better to arrive with a 60 day tourist visa, then less time pressure.

[via]

Yes, you can do this.

You enter on the 30 day stamp (it is not a tourist visa, a tourist visa allows a 60 day stay).

Then get thee to immigration soon because you only have 9 days to apply for a change of status to an O visa. That is the first step in the two step process. Then you apply for the extension of stay. You should be ready to prove you are eligible for the extension of stay when you do the change of status. Sometimes you can do both at once, and sometimes they will make you wait until the last month of your new O visa. If you are using the bank account method (800K) the money must be in a Thai bank account for 60 days before you are qualified for the extension.

To repeat an important point another way, you must have at least 21 days left in your current permission to stay (the 30 day stamp) to be allowed a change of status to an O visa, so you will be under time pressure. It would be much better to arrive with a 60 day tourist visa, then less time pressure.

Another point, you won't be getting a retirement visa. You will getting an O visa and then an extension of stay based on retirement. The retirement visa is the O-A visa only available from your home country, you can never get an O-A visa in Thailand.

SIR

I'm obliged to you for the prompt & most informative reply to my query, & also for explaining the difference between a 30 day stamp & a tourist visa !

And thank you also for the explanation between the O Visa & O-A Visa !!

Am I correct in my understanding & as you've recommended, that a 60 day tourist visa should be obtained beforehand @ a Royal Thai Embassy abroad - before arriving in Thailand ??

Regards !

[Jingthing]

No, you can do this with the 30 day stamp only. However, the rule for changing your status to an O visa in Thailand requires there be 21 days left on your permission to stay to apply for that. If you enter with a 30 day stamp it means you will be in a big rush. So a 60 day tourist visa gives you more time to do this. Another option is to get a single entry O visa outside Thailand. Then you directly apply for the extension of stay.

[via]

No, you can do this with the 30 day stamp only. However, the rule for changing your status to an O visa in Thailand requires there be 21 days left on your permission to stay to apply for that. If you enter with a 30 day stamp it means you will be in a big rush. So a 60 day tourist visa gives you more time to do this. Another option is to get a single entry O visa outside Thailand. Then you directly apply for the extension of stay.

Again Thank You

I have just recently checked with the Thai Embassy in the country where I am presently resident - and was informed that they will issue me with a 90 day tourist visa - provided I can prove to them that I have sufficient funds available (in my bank account) - to sustain (maintain) myself for the 90 day period stay in Thailand !

This should then give me more than enough time to apply for the O visa - extention of stay based on the retirement visa after my arrival in Thailand !!

[Jingthing]

That sounds like your best, most relaxed option. In that case you will apply for the extension of stay during the last 30 days of your 90 day permission to stay. You can apply for the extension up until the last day but 30 days out is best.

[snooky]

No, you can do this with the 30 day stamp only. However, the rule for changing your status to an O visa in Thailand requires there be 21 days left on your permission to stay to apply for that. If you enter with a 30 day stamp it means you will be in a big rush. So a 60 day tourist visa gives you more time to do this. Another option is to get a single entry O visa outside Thailand. Then you directly apply for the extension of stay.

Is it possible for someone having a retirement visa for more than 3 years to apply for permanent residency, and if so, what would be the monetary requirements. If not directly able to apply, how would one go about it and would the time spent here during your retiremnt visa or extension from year to year count?

[Jingthing]

No, you can do this with the 30 day stamp only. However, the rule for changing your status to an O visa in Thailand requires there be 21 days left on your permission to stay to apply for that. If you enter with a 30 day stamp it means you will be in a big rush. So a 60 day tourist visa gives you more time to do this. Another option is to get a single entry O visa outside Thailand. Then you directly apply for the extension of stay.

Is it possible for someone having a retirement visa for more than 3 years to apply for permanent residency, and if so, what would be the monetary requirements. If not directly able to apply, how would one go about it and would the time spent here during your retiremnt visa or extension from year to year count?

No, there is no path towards permanent residency with retirement extensions. Those here on their first year extension have the same temporary status as those here 20 years. Is this lousy? Yes.

[ubonjoe]

I have just recently checked with the Thai Embassy in the country where I am presently resident - and was informed that they will issue me with a 90 day tourist visa - provided I can prove to them that I have sufficient funds available (in my bank account) - to sustain (maintain) myself for the 90 day period stay in Thailand !

This should then give me more than enough time to apply for the O visa - extention of stay based on the retirement visa after my arrival in Thailand !!

A tourist visa is only issued that will give you a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days at immigration.

If the embassy is telling you 90 days they may talking about a non immigrant visa that would give you a 90 entry. Since you are over 50 most embassies or consulates will give a non-o based upon this.

[lopburi3]

1. You should have some type of visa or airline may not allow you to fly without an onward ticket.

2. You should ask for a non immigrant O single entry visa as you are over age 50. That will save an extra 2,000 baht step. Only if not available would the tourist visa be first choice.

[Lite Beer]

Yes. Sounds like a Non Imm O Visa. That would be an easier option. Apply for the Retirement Extension within the last 30 days providing you qualify financially.

[via]

I have just recently checked with the Thai Embassy in the country where I am presently resident - and was informed that they will issue me with a 90 day tourist visa - provided I can prove to them that I have sufficient funds available (in my bank account) - to sustain (maintain) myself for the 90 day period stay in Thailand !

This should then give me more than enough time to apply for the O visa - extention of stay based on the retirement visa after my arrival in Thailand !!

A tourist visa is only issued that will give you a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days at immigration.

If the embassy is telling you 90 days they may talking about a non immigrant visa that would give you a 90 entry. Since you are over 50 most embassies or consulates will give a non-o based upon this.

YOu are correct it is initially a 60 day tourist visa - which can be extended another 30 days at immigration - having verified it today with a consular official @ the Embassy in question !

As was also explained by the official in the 'visa section' @ said Embassy - to obtain an 'O' visa via the Embassy in the country where I now reside, a Thai residential address is necessary, & the proof of sufficient funds to maintain oneself for 90 days while in Thailand (the latter is not an issue for me) - both these must be submitted (provided) to the Embassy in order to obtain an 'O' visa !!

I presently dont have a Thai residential address !

Much easier for me, & to give me the additional time factor after i've arrived in Thailand - would be for me to obtain the '60 day tourist visa' from the Embassy beforehand - once i've shown (proven) to Embassy that I have a return flight ticket, & the sufficient funds on hand, in order to maintain myself in Thailand !!

[Jingthing]

If you are entering on a 60 day tourist visa, remember you will need to do a CHANGE OF STATUS in Thailand to an O before applying for your retirement extension. In that case, you MUST have at least 21 days left on your permission to stay with the tourist visa when applying for that change of status.

[lopburi3]

You are not saying where you are but there are many Consulates that would issue the non immigrant O visa without an address being required if you want to explore that path.

[via]

If you are entering on a 60 day tourist visa, remember you will need to do a CHANGE OF STATUS in Thailand to an O before applying for your retirement extension. In that case, you MUST have at least 21 days left on your permission to stay with the tourist visa when applying for that change of status.

Thanks again for the reminder & info - I will try & obtain an 'O' from my local Embassy when I visit them in person - before I am due to depart for Thailand !

So far i've mainly garnered information telephonically from the Embassy's staff !!

I do understand this will alleviate me going from 'tourist visa' to 'O', & then onto the 'retirement extention' - this will save me time, & some money @ the Thai Immigration Bureau for the 'O' visa application process !

Would the 'O' visa cost some B2000 or thereabouts - for the application fee ??

Thank you again pointing out the time restraints (minimum 21 days left permission to stay on tourist visa) allowed between moving from one type of visa to another - as you've explained above !!

[Lite Beer]

A single Non O Visa costs 2,000 Baht. A Tourist Visa is free until 4th March.

The fee to upgrade from a Tourist Visa to a Non Imm Visa at Immigration is 2,000 Baht.

Up to you.

[via]

You are not saying where you are but there are many Consulates that would issue the non immigrant O visa without an address being required if you want to explore that path.

Thanks for that tip - I will personally visit the Thai Embassy in due course, to try & clear the Thai residentially address issue - this particular 'condition' for the 'O' visa application, was given to me over the telephone by it's visa section earlier today !!

[mahtin]

10 years ago I did a round trip to the Thai Embassy in Berlin, from Frankfurt, between 2 night shifts.

There is a Thai Consulate General in Frankfurt where I could have obtained the requisite document, had I known.

Forewarned is forearmed!

At least I got a shower in the station in Berlin

[Jingthing]

You are not saying where you are but there are many Consulates that would issue the non immigrant O visa without an address being required if you want to explore that path.

Thanks for that tip - I will personally visit the Thai Embassy in due course, to try & clear the Thai residentially address issue - this particular 'condition' for the 'O' visa application, was given to me over the telephone by it's visa section earlier today !!

The suggestion is you should seek out CONSULATES and not the embassy. As a generalization, consulates are quite often more liberal, sometimes MUCH more liberal in their specific requirements.

[via]

You are not saying where you are but there are many Consulates that would issue the non immigrant O visa without an address being required if you want to explore that path.

Thanks for that tip - I will personally visit the Thai Embassy in due course, to try & clear the Thai residentially address issue - this particular 'condition' for the 'O' visa application, was given to me over the telephone by it's visa section earlier today !!

The suggestion is you should seek out CONSULATES and not the embassy. As a generalization, consulates are quite often more liberal, sometimes MUCH more liberal in their specific requirements.

Yes i've gathered that dealing with CONSULATES is an easier avenue to explore based on comments & advise given me here - thanks to all -- there is only a Thai Embassy in the country where I now live -- if I cant get an 'O' visa through them - then a 60 day tourist visa will have to do !!

If all else fails - I can still arrive in Thailand & obtain a 30 day stamp @ airport, & then proceed promptly from there -- as you've kindly explained in detail yesterday -- is this not so Mr Jingthing ??

[ubonjoe]

The suggestion is you should seek out CONSULATES and not the embassy. As a generalization, consulates are quite often more liberal, sometimes MUCH more liberal in their specific requirements.

That is only true if it is an honorary consulate. Many consulates are official consulates and will be exactly the same as an embassy (or worse).

[Lite Beer]

I think the OP only has one choice http://www.thaiembassy.co.za/Content.aspx?...1&MenuID=22

He is unlikely to get a Non Imm O Visa there. This from their list of requirements.

Non-immigrant “O” Visa : 1) For persons accompanying a spouse/parent who will be stationed in Thailand

2) For persons married to a Thai spouse or the child of a Thai person

[Jingthing]

You are not saying where you are but there are many Consulates that would issue the non immigrant O visa without an address being required if you want to explore that path.

Thanks for that tip - I will personally visit the Thai Embassy in due course, to try & clear the Thai residentially address issue - this particular 'condition' for the 'O' visa application, was given to me over the telephone by it's visa section earlier today !!

The suggestion is you should seek out CONSULATES and not the embassy. As a generalization, consulates are quite often more liberal, sometimes MUCH more liberal in their specific requirements.

Yes i've gathered that dealing with CONSULATES is an easier avenue to explore based on comments & advise given me here - thanks to all -- there is only a Thai Embassy in the country where I now live -- if I cant get an 'O' visa through them - then a 60 day tourist visa will have to do !!

If all else fails - I can still arrive in Thailand & obtain a 30 day stamp @ airport, & then proceed promptly from there -- as you've kindly explained in detail yesterday -- is this not so Mr Jingthing ??

In that case, I suggest the tourist visa route rather than the 30 day stamp. Yes you can do a change of status with the 30 day stamp but I think that is too much time pressure. You should probably mention how exactly you plan to qualify for the extension based on retirement as well, embassy letter of pension, bank account 800K in Thailand, or the combo method. Remember the change of status if you need that (with the 30 day stamp and also the tourist visa) is based on the assumption that you will be qualified for the retirement extension.

Also keep in mind that when you try for the two step process (change of status to an O in Thailand PLUS the retirement extension) there is some uncertainty about how it will be treated at Thai immigration. We have heard some reports of both applications being processed the same day, and other reports that applicants are told to come back later during the last 30 days of their new O visa to do the second step extension of stay. This implies that you had best be ready to apply for the extension at the same time as the change of status (also to prove that you are indeed eligible for the change of status). Of course if you are using the 800K in the bank method that money must be seasoned in a Thai bank account for 60 days before application for extension of stay for the initial retirement extension.

[thaiphoon]

I think the OP only has one choice http://www.thaiembassy.co.za/Content.aspx?...1&MenuID=22

He is unlikely to get a Non Imm O Visa there. This from their list of requirements.

Non-immigrant “O” Visa : 1) For persons accompanying a spouse/parent who will be stationed in Thailand

2) For persons married to a Thai spouse or the child of a Thai person

or fly in throught the likes of KL and pick up Non-O on the way is another option.

[via]

I think the OP only has one choice http://www.thaiembassy.co.za/Content.aspx?...1&MenuID=22

He is unlikely to get a Non Imm O Visa there. This from their list of requirements.

Non-immigrant "O" Visa : 1) For persons accompanying a spouse/parent who will be stationed in Thailand

2) For persons married to a Thai spouse or the child of a Thai person

Thanks for this - its as you say for the Non-immigrant 'O' Visa @ this particular Embassy !!

[ubonjoe]

I would still try for a single entry non-o since they told you on the phone they would do it. Sometimes they don't always put everything on the website that they can or will do.

If they won't do it then get a free tourist visa.

[via]

I think the OP only has one choice http://www.thaiembassy.co.za/Content.aspx?...1&MenuID=22

He is unlikely to get a Non Imm O Visa there. This from their list of requirements.

Non-immigrant "O" Visa : 1) For persons accompanying a spouse/parent who will be stationed in Thailand

2) For persons married to a Thai spouse or the child of a Thai person

or fly in throught the likes of KL and pick up Non-O on the way is another option.

Thank you gents for your generous & helpful comments !

If im unable to obtain the '60 day tourist visa' from the Embassy on my end - then the '30 day stamp' upon arrival will have to do !

I will most likely deal with Pattaya Immigration Bureau where i've had dealings with in the past.

Having lived previously in Pattaya on a retirement visa up till early 2007 - im certainly listed on Thai Immigrations Data base - is this an advantage in any way ???

I've the pre-requisite (800K) funds in place in a Thai bank - thus i'm able to obtain the necessary 'official bank letter' within a couple of days after my arrival to satisfy Immigration of my financial bona fides in order to obtain the eventual retirement visa !

As Mr Jingthing has kindly pointed out in his most recent reply & posting - whether Pattaya Immigration will process both applications on the same day is uncertain, in proceeding from the 'O' visa &, & then onto the extention of stay in respect of the 'retirement visa' - remains to be seen !!

[Lite Beer]

They may do it in one hit. Some will some will not.

[via]

I would still try for a single entry non-o since they told you on the phone they would do it. Sometimes they don't always put everything on the website that they can or will do.

If they won't do it then get a free tourist visa.

Thanks !! I intend to personally visit the relevant Thai Embassy in due course to discuss the single entry 'O' visa option with them !!

Failing that - it would have to be the free 60 tourist visa as my other alternative from them !!