Retirement Question

[centrico]

Looking at some recent topics regarding retirement visas has left me a little confused and some clarity from yourselves would be appreciated.

I am a UK citizen. Over 50 years of age. Been using multi Non O visas issued in Hull based on visiting friends and family, to stay here 15 months (or so) a time for quite a few years now. The current visa valid for 1 year from February 2010.

Under current regulations I understand I am able to apply for retirement visa because of my age.

Funds for retirement visa. I would use income - preferably.

That leads to the questions.

1) I would need to go to the British Embassy for proof of income?

2) Do I need to prove to the Embassy I have this income?

3) What checks - if any - are made by the Embassy.

4) Do the Thai authorities ask to see bank books / statements, UK or otherwise?

5) If I can get a retirement / extension on the back of my current Non O, can I do that here in Thailand?

Thanks for any advice.

[thaiphoon]

Believe you are here in Thailand, so easiest option is to apply for extension of stay based on retirement at Thai immigration. Generally this is done within the last 30 days of your 90 day permission to stay, financial requirements being 800k in Thai bank for 2 months prior to first application (3 months for subsequent extensions) OR 65k/month income OR a combination of the two arriving at 800k. In the case of income from abroad you will need to obtain an income letter from your embassy. The British embassy will require documentation to support the stated figure in income letter. Exact document requirements are down to the embassy, but do not believe they undertake any extensive checks. There have been some reports of immigration asking for sight of documentation supporting income figure, but suspect more likely to be for nationals of countries who simply swear the figure under oath, and does not happen often. If using the bank balance option you will need a letter from bank confirming the account balance. Note that if using the combination method there is no seasoning period.

You will also need completed application form TM7, recent passport sized photo, copy of bank passbook (if using bank balance option) 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 abroad during the period of the extension you will need to obtain a re-entry permit from immigration to keep your permission to stay alive. Fee 1000 baht single entry; 3800 baht multi entry. You will need to report your address to immigration every 90 days if stay in country exceeds that time period at any one time.

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm7.doc (print the two-sided form on a single sheet of A4 paper, or obtain/complete at immigration)

[centrico]

Thanks for clearing that up

[tijnebijn]

Note that if using the combination method there is no seasoning period.

I'm interested in this part , cause I might need to help my mother out on this one , regarding the

tumbling euro , she might need to go for the combination method next time around .

My question is , does all the money to top the 800k has to come from abroad ?

I mean can she just make a cash deposit on her Thaibank , keep it as savings and show that

together with her monthly pensions ?

Would be nice to know that in advance , thank you very much .

[thaiphoon]

There is no requirement to show bank funds have come from abroad. Used to be, but not now.

[Jingthing]

There is no requirement to show bank funds have come from abroad. Used to be, but not now.

This is a key point. They can CHANGE their enforcement rules at any time. Therefore, I suggest that people who do import the money for retirement extensions (most people I reckon) obtain a document from their Thai bank for each incoming transfer just in case they start asking for this again. They have before, they can again.