Retirement Visa Timescale Info

[eleven47]

Hi,

I understand that at 50 (and with all the other necessities taken into account) I can get a retirement visa and my family can stay too.

Here is my problem: We have applied for the visa but have been told to apply nearer the time of our visit. However, we wish to apply for a school place next school year for our 7 year old son which means that I would need to have the visa way earlier.

Can anyone give me any more advice.

Thanks, Sarah

[InterestedObserver]

1. Yes you can get a so-called retirement non-immigrant visa from age 50 and then annual retirement extensions of stay after the visa expires.

2. After his/her initial non-immigrant 'O' visa, your spouse can get annual dependent extensions of stay piggybacked to your annual retirement extension of stay.

3. Your son can get an education non-immigrant visa and annual education extensions of stay thereafter, when enrolled in a reputable school. Since your son is only seven (7) the visa requirements and/or enforcement are less stringent.

4. A single-entry non-immigrant visa is only valid for 90 days once issued.

5. A multiple-entry non-immigrant visa is usually valid for 1 year once issued.

6. Is a visa required for application to the school?

[thaiphoon]

If you are planning to 'piggy back' your spouse on the back of your retirement (as opposed to him applying in his own right) then you need to be on extension of stay, and not a visa. Not sure where you are now, but as first step you should apply for single entry Non-O visa from Thai embassy/consulate if you do not already have. If needed, and you are in the region, KL would be a good place to go. You will get 90 day permission to stay on entering the Kingdom. During the last 30 days of your permission of stay you should apply at immigration in the area where you are staying for your extension of stay based on retirement, if you meet the requirements.

Financial requirements being 800k in Thai bank for 2 months prior to application (3 months for subsequent extensions) OR 65k/month income or a combination of the two. In the case of income from abroad you will need to obtain an income letter from your embassy. In the case of income within Thailand, you will need to show tax receipts. If using the bank balance option you will need a letter from bank confirming the account balance and copies of bank book. Note that if using the combination method there is no seasoning period.

You will need completed application form TM7, recent passport sized photo and copy of passport. A map to you residence might be asked for together with some proof such as rent receipt/lease but that should be all. Fee 1,900 baht. If you plan to travel you should also obtain a re-entry permit from immigration as soon as extension made to keep your permission to stay alive. Fee 1000 baht single entry; 3800 baht multi entry.

Once you have your extension of stay your spouse can apply for his own extension of stay as your dependant. It is easier process wise if your spouse is on Non-O visa too, but is possible to go through a conversion process if on tourist visa or visa exempt entry as long as there are at least 21 days remaining on his permission to stay at the time of application.

As said your son can apply for Non-Ed visa and annual extensions thereafter.

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm7.doc

[phetaroi]

Another way you can do this, if you're willing to shell out a bit for it, is to go through a law firm. I did, and frankly I'm glad I did. They took care of virtually everything for me. Message me for the name of the law firm...although I do believe they advertise here on the forum.