Retirement Or Residency?

[grtaylor]

I'm working in Thailand, legally, with a work permit. I've been here almost 14 years, and intend to stay here for good.

As I am now over 50, and could get a retirement visa (if I had enough money to retire!), which is better. . . . ?

1 wait until I retire and get a retirement visa?

2 apply for Residency now?

Any thoughts/advice/experience welcome

G

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Have you been staying here on one year extensions for the whole time that you have been here ?

[grtaylor]

I have had a work permit, therefore on one year extensions, for the last 9 years.

G

[dr_Pat_Pong]

You are eligible to apply for PR now, but only as a retiree and work will be prohibited. When will you cease work ? ( unless you are married to a Thai )

[grtaylor]

Hmm . . unless I've misunderstood you, I'm now very confused.

I have two friends at work who are applying for Permanent Residency (with the school's help) and intend to continue working with a Work Permit. Are you saying they can't do this? The school hasn't told them they will have to retire!

All I am asking is which of the two ways is the best way forward *for the future*, in terms of ease and long-term cost.

G

[opalhort]

if you are here on a NON-IMM-O or B visa (married to a Thai or other reasons) you are eligible to apply for a PR AND continue working with WP based on your past visa record.

if you go for a retirement visa you would not be allowed to work!

retirement means just that - not working

opalhort

[grtaylor]

Thank you, I understand that retirement means no work.

I was questioning the second part of what dr_Pat_Pong said here, i.e. "You are eligible to apply for PR now, but only as a retiree and work will be prohibited".

dr_Pat_Pong says I can only get PR as a retiree (am I misunderstanding the quote above?) - and opalhort says that as a NON-IMM "B" visa holder (legally teaching with a work permit and teachers licence), I can apply for PR and continue working.

Two different answers. Well, maybe my initial question was not phrased clearly enough.

Anyway, I am not planning to retire for at least another 5 years. So, the second part of my question again - which will be cheaper and less hassle in the long term?

1 PR now and then retire when I have enough money OR

2 Continue on NON-IMM "B" and get Retirement Visa when I retire?

I'm just after a gut reaction here.

Thanks,

G

[lopburi3]

1 PR now and then retire when I have enough money OR

2 Continue on NON-IMM "B" and get Retirement Visa when I retire?

PR will give you much higher social standing now and should be a safer bet for the long term.

[grtaylor]

Thanks lopburi3 - thats the sort of feedback I was looking for

G

[alanw]

I have PR, already for quite a few years.

There were no questions asked about continuing or stopping work. I continue to work with work permit. I'm not married.

I agree having the PR book does open some doors, and does make it easier to transact some items.

I aree with lopburi3. One of my reasons to apply for PR was to have a more secure 'able to stay for the rest of my life, no hassles' feeling.

At the time I applied, and even now, it seems to me (just one opinion) that one year 'retirement' visas are a little tenuous, but maybe I'm too cautious.

Go for it, best wishes

Alanw