Which Visa

[whitespider]

Firstly to pre-empt the howls of "search the forum" - can I politely point out that I have now read everything and I am still confused about A, O Visa run etc.

If I explain what I am doing then perhops someone can tell me what I need to do?

I currently live in the UK (I am UK citizen) with a Thai wife and 2 kids (one thai one UK passport shortly to be dual passport holder). I am 45 years old they are 31, 9 and 2 respectively.

We are hoping to move permanently to Thailand a.s.a.p.

I make my living entirely from the internet. All payments are currently paid to a UK account which is transferrable to an existing Thai bank account. My Thai bank account currently has just over 1m baht in it. The monthly income is approx 216,000 baht and this is more likely to increase than decrease. I will also have further capital of around 11m baht from a house sale by the time I move.

I want to run my existing busness from Thailand but the site hosting etc will remain in the UK. Income will be derived mainly from UK sales. Income will be transfered from UK account to Thai account monthly. I will (I assume) be Thai resident for tax. I also want to buy two small businesses in Thailand, one internet cafe and one hair salon (yeah yeah just to keep her happy before you all scoff). However I will NOT own these businesses before we move to thailand so have no "existing" business in thailand at the time of the move.

My initial questions are

1. What visa do I need to get before I come as non immigrant A seems innapropriate due to the businesses not being in existence yet.

2. Where do I get the visa from

3. How long does this allow me to stay in Thailand

4. What exactly IS a Visa run and how often do I need to do it. Can you just do visa runs forever or do I have to come back to the UK at some point to renew it?

Soooo sorry guys as I know the answers are in here somewhere but for us forum newbies it is a victim of its own succes by simply being so vast.

Thanks

Andy

[dr_Pat_Pong]

You need a Non-Immigrant O class visa based on support of your Thai wife. That visa enables you to stay in Thailand for 90 days, but with 400,000 baht in a bank in Thailand coming from abroad, you can extend that visa for a year at a time while ever that sum is topped up at each annual renewal. You will be eligible to apply for a work permit if the need arises, and there's no visa runs whatsoever.

[whitespider]

Blimey Pat - thankx

The sheer volume of info' on this (fantastic I add) website had made me assume it was a ###### of a lot more complicated than that.

Just to keep it going

1. Where do I do the yearly extensions? In Thailand or do I have to come back to the the UK

2. How many yearly extensions can I do?

3. If its this easy who DOES have to do these Visa "runs"?

Cheers

Andy

[p1p]

Back to the original question.

You can get the Non Imm O visa from the Thai Embassy or one of their consulates in the UK. normally takes about 48 hours if you go in person. (You will need to take all relevant documentation with you. Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificates etc. etc.

You can extend in Thailand. (I have done this for eight years now & not returned to the UK at all during this time.)

I believe the number of extensions is indefinite as long as you follow the rules!

Visa runs need to be made by those who do not qualify for this visa class.

Where will you be living in Thailand? There are Immigration offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket, (not sure about elsewhere!) You will need to go to one of these for your yearly renewal. You will also need to report every 90 days to keep them happy!

Good luck. Things are not complicated as long as you follow the rules and be polite with the Thai authorities. I am sure you will have an easy and happy relocation.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

No problems WS. Happy to oblige. People on O visa's who cannot rack up the required funds get multiple entries and border hop every 90 days.

[whitespider]

Thanks to the Dr and p1p - all seems clear.

P1P - I will probably be living in BKK although already have an apartment in Jomtien - I just like Bankok thoguh we are also considering Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai.

Do I make my first renewal as the initial 90 days draws to a close?

Andy

[whitespider]

Pat

If they dont have 40,000 a month - how the heck do they survive 90 days anyway???

[penelope]

Firstly to pre-empt the howls of "search the forum" - can I politely point out that I have now read everything and I am still confused about A, O Visa run etc.

If I explain what I am doing then perhops someone can tell me what I need to do?

I currently live in the UK (I am UK citizen) with a Thai wife and 2 kids (one thai one UK passport shortly to be dual passport holder). I am 45 years old they are 31, 9 and 2 respectively.

We are hoping to move permanently to Thailand a.s.a.p.

I make my living entirely from the internet. All payments are currently paid to a UK account which is transferrable to an existing Thai bank account. My Thai bank account currently has just over 1m baht in it. The monthly income is approx 216,000 baht and this is more likely to increase than decrease. I will also have further capital of around 11m baht from a house sale by the time I move.

I want to run my existing busness from Thailand but the site hosting etc will remain in the UK. Income will be derived mainly from UK sales. Income will be transfered from UK account to Thai account monthly. I will (I assume) be Thai resident for tax. I also want to buy two small businesses in Thailand, one internet cafe and one hair salon (yeah yeah just to keep her happy before you all scoff). However I will NOT own these businesses before we move to thailand so have no "existing" business in thailand at the time of the move.

My initial questions are

1. What visa do I need to get before I come as non immigrant A seems innapropriate due to the businesses not being in existence yet.

2. Where do I get the visa from

3. How long does this allow me to stay in Thailand

4. What exactly IS a Visa run and how often do I need to do it. Can you just do visa runs forever or do I have to come back to the UK at some point to renew it?

Soooo sorry guys as I know the answers are in here somewhere but for us forum newbies it is a victim of its own succes by simply being so vast. 

Thanks

Andy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1 - non-immigrant category O

2- your local thai consulate

3 -A "visa" allows you to travel to and enter.A "permit" allows you to stay.1 yearly permit extensions are available, suffice to $ requirements.

4 - Visa runs are for people who fail to meet, or cant be bothered meeting the standard immigration categorys that provide for permit extensions and permanent residence. A visa runner periodically ducks in and out of the country to renew their temporary permit at a border entry post.

[whitespider]

P1P - one more thing has come to mind

You say you have not returned to the UK in 8 years. You may be aware that passports are now only issued for 5 years in the UK so even if I get a brand new one before I come will I have to return to UK after 5 years to get a new passport and then get the O Visa again while I am there?

Is it possible to renew a UK passport in Thailand and will the new passport have the Visa in it?

Thanks

Andy

[Indo-Siam]

If you arrive with a Class O visa, you will initially receive a 90 day non-immigrant entry permit. You are eligible to apply for a one-year extension of that entry as soon as you are within 30 days of that entry pernit expiring. When you do apply, you will (typically) receive a 40-day "under consideration" stamp - that si effectively an entry permit extension. About 30 days into that 40-day period, an Immigration field inspector will most likely visit your home, to verify that your marriage is legitimate. You may not even be aware that this visit took place - inspector may simply speak to security guard or leasing office.

If a child above six years of age does not have Thai nationality, that child's passport should accompany yours on its rounds.

Each year, when you reach the point where you are within 30 days of expiration of your entry permit, you apply for a one-year extension renewal. They do the "40 day "under consideration" drill again, but normally do not come out to inspect again.

For each extension, you and wife must physically appear at Immigration office to submit application - but just your passport needs to return to receive the extension stamp.

If you have standard Thai marriage registration certificate, and wife has access to her original house registration and Thai ID card, allis good. If any of these documents are missing, you hvae some more work to do.

The bank account into which you deposit the 400,000 baht (which must be documented as coming from outside Thailand, unless you have legal employment here) must reflect your name as shown in your passport.

If - down the road - your passsport is due to expire, you simply apply for a new passport at the Britsh Embassy here, and - once you have new passport, it si s sample trip to get entry permit switched over to new passport. Generally, you will not be able to apply for an extension if less than one year validity remains on your passsport - so you need to address this point 13-14 months out from passsport expiration.

You can do everything yourself - but if you would like assistance, companies such as mine can prepare the application form for you, advise concerning all the minor points (photos, authentication of documents, etc), and escort you through the process - and also arrange to handle your passport for collecting the extension stamp - for a reasonable fee.

In my estimation, someone running through the application process the first time, on their own, has about a 20% likelihood of being able to meet the requirements on first visit. They won't like the date on the bank document, or some translation will be missing, or the spelling of names will not be consistent on several documents, or similar. Not a show-stopper, but annoying.

Good luck!

Steve Sykes

Managing Director

Indo-Siam Group

Bangkok

[email protected]

www.thaistartup.com

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Pat

If they dont have 40,000 a month - how the heck do they survive 90 days anyway???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Now that is a good question. IMHO they can't do it at all let alone comfortably

[lopburi3]

Everything seems to have been said but will add two minor points. Bank account can have both your name and name of wife (joint account) and the 90 day reporting is just an address report that can be done by mail.

One other item that will be required if you do any travel is a re entry permit which you obtain at immigration (to keep your extension of stay alive). Very important to have that before leaving country.

[seeker108]

Pat

If they dont have 40,000 a month - how the heck do they survive 90 days anyway???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually quite well and easily outside of BKK. While living just outside of Chiang Mai proper until 2 years ago I constantly ate out at nice restaurants, had a full time maid/cook, personal assistant, nice 2 bedroom house (albeit not large, though nice and comfy), car, motorcycle, etc., etc. All for well under B 10,000 monthly. Others could do it on less than half of that. Different strokes for different folks.

Here are some refinements to all the great succinct posts already made in this thread (Let's see if I have read and understood the other threads in this forum. I am otherwise certainly no expert about this. (It is all in here Andy)).

Because you are supporting a Thai wife and/or child, if you can doument an income of B40,000 monthly then you do not need the B400.000 in a Thai bank (and I am not sure if that current 1 M you already have in Thailand qualifies as it needs to come into Thailand from outside of the country. I assume this has, but even then someone more knowlegeable will need to comment on the timing of this)

You apply for extension in last 30 days of your original 90 days

Not sure if you have them in UK like in USA, but in USA you are better applying through an honorary consul. Much easier. Maybe other Brits can comment on this.

Aha, I see there have been other posts since I started typing. You must live in BKK Doc.

Probably Steve's fees are so reasonable that it is worth saving your time by enlisting his help (I don't see that lack of cash is a problem for you ), but for those who want the entertainment, if you don't get through the first time you will still get through at some point, unless you are really a hopeless case . Things are much easier in CNX than BKK however. Doing anything in BKK always costs more and is more difficult IMHO (I have lived in both places)

I would say that if someone can't afford professional help and does their homework and reads these posts carefully that first time success would be more like 80 or 90 per cent.

Good luck and do read through the other threads on this topic carefully. There are a lot of valuable gems of knowledge to be found!

And yes, as already pointed out, getting a new passport at your embassy or consulate in Thailand is SOP and quite simple. They even have them in CM.

[lopburi3]

Because you are supporting a Thai wife and/or child, if you can doument an income of B40,000 monthly then you do not need the B400.000 in a Thai bank (and I am not sure if that current 1 M you already have in Thailand qualifies as it needs to come into Thailand from outside of the country. I assume this has, but even then someone more knowlegeable will need to comment on the timing of this)

You apply for extension in last 30 days of your original 90 days

Not sure if you have them in UK like in USA, but in USA you are better applying through an honorary consul. Much easier. Maybe other Brits can comment on this.

Time of arrival of money is not a factor - only that it was from outside Thailand if the applicant does not have a work permit.

You apply during the last 30 days - not before - and the last week would be fine.

A single entry O visa to allow the extension should be available from any Consulate - not need to use an honorary Consulate for this.

I suspect success is more like 100% for those who meet requirements and provide the required documents. A few will forget or be asked for more paperwork and not return so you may be right that not all applications are completed.

[thaiflyer1]

You say you have not returned to the UK in 8 years. You may be aware that passports are now only issued for 5 years in the UK so even if I get a brand new one before I come will I have to return to UK after 5 years  to get a new passport and then get the O Visa again while I am there?

10 year passports are still available ive just been back to the UK and renewed mine 48 page 54 pound 50p valid until 03/03/2016 (i know its longer than 10 years thats because my previous passport was full rather than expired......they give you an extra 9 months free)

I could of renewed in Bangkok but was home anyway for a new visa.

[seeker108]

Because you are supporting a Thai wife and/or child, if you can doument an income of B40,000 monthly then you do not need the B400.000 in a Thai bank (and I am not sure if that current 1 M you already have in Thailand qualifies as it needs to come into Thailand from outside of the country. I assume this has, but even then someone more knowlegeable will need to comment on the timing of this)

You apply for extension in last 30 days of your original 90 days

Not sure if you have them in UK like in USA, but in USA you are better applying through an honorary consul. Much easier. Maybe other Brits can comment on this.

Time of arrival of money is not a factor - only that it was from outside Thailand if the applicant does not have a work permit.

You apply during the last 30 days - not before - and the last week would be fine.

A single entry O visa to allow the extension should be available from any Consulate - not need to use an honorary Consulate for this.

I suspect success is more like 100% for those who meet requirements and provide the required documents. A few will forget or be asked for more paperwork and not return so you may be right that not all applications are completed.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Lop,

With the real Thai consulates you have to deal with your typical unhelpful bureaucratic mind set. The honorary consulates are really just a private business, set up to help with the processing load on the simpler visas. they are "customer oriented", fast, helpful and friendly. Money talks. They want the repeat and referral business. More business is the last thing a bureaucrat wants.

So, though you don't need to use them, in USA it seems the preferred method.

Personally I would not wait till the last week my first time through. I'd allow as much time as possible for any possible complications and go in as soon as permitted. And be sure all my ducks were in a row and not only have my Thai wife come if I had one, but also a respetable resident Thai friend if available.

OK, so I'm a belt and suspender kind of guy. I can't help my nature and in this case especially so as I don't want to be one of the few who doesn't get through the first time and needs to deal the bureucratic process again.

[lopburi3]

Because you are supporting a Thai wife and/or child, if you can doument an income of B40,000 monthly then you do not need the B400.000 in a Thai bank (and I am not sure if that current 1 M you already have in Thailand qualifies as it needs to come into Thailand from outside of the country. I assume this has, but even then someone more knowlegeable will need to comment on the timing of this)

You apply for extension in last 30 days of your original 90 days

Not sure if you have them in UK like in USA, but in USA you are better applying through an honorary consul. Much easier. Maybe other Brits can comment on this.

Time of arrival of money is not a factor - only that it was from outside Thailand if the applicant does not have a work permit.

You apply during the last 30 days - not before - and the last week would be fine.

A single entry O visa to allow the extension should be available from any Consulate - not need to use an honorary Consulate for this.

I suspect success is more like 100% for those who meet requirements and provide the required documents. A few will forget or be asked for more paperwork and not return so you may be right that not all applications are completed.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Lop,

With the real Thai consulates you have to deal with your typical unhelpful bureaucratic mind set. The honorary consulates are really just a private business, set up to help with the processing load on the simpler visas. they are "customer oriented", fast, helpful and friendly. Money talks. They want the repeat and referral business. More business is the last thing a bureaucrat wants.

So, though you don't need to use them, in USA it seems the preferred method.

Personally I would not wait till the last week my first time through. I'd allow as much time as possible for any possible complications and go in as soon as permitted. And be sure all my ducks were in a row and not only have my Thai wife come if I had one, but also a respetable resident Thai friend if available.

OK, so I'm a belt and suspender kind of guy. I can't help my nature and in this case especially so as I don't want to be one of the few who doesn't get through the first time and needs to deal the bureucratic process again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The thing is that all this person needs is a single entry O visa and any Consulate will issue that. He may have to show the marriage certificate/id of wife at an official consulate. I have used small consulates in both Denver and Miami in the past.

The application is going to be subject to a six week review period in any case so you can apply late and not have to worry about only have a couple of days to get that missing paperwork. But like you I also tend to do things early when I can. You must have your wife with you but see no reason for a Thai friend.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Pat

If they dont have 40,000 a month - how the heck do they survive 90 days anyway???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually quite well and easily outside of BKK. While living just outside of Chiang Mai proper until 2 years ago I constantly ate out at nice restaurants, had a full time maid/cook, personal assistant, nice 2 bedroom house (albeit not large, though nice and comfy), car, motorcycle, etc., etc. All for well under B 10,000 monthly. Others could do it on less than half of that. Different strokes for different folks.

Here are some refinements to all the great succinct posts already made in this thread (Let's see if I have read and understood the other threads in this forum. I am otherwise certainly no expert about this. (It is all in here Andy)).

Because you are supporting a Thai wife and/or child, if you can doument an income of B40,000 monthly then you do not need the B400.000 in a Thai bank (and I am not sure if that current 1 M you already have in Thailand qualifies as it needs to come into Thailand from outside of the country. I assume this has, but even then someone more knowlegeable will need to comment on the timing of this)

You apply for extension in last 30 days of your original 90 days

Not sure if you have them in UK like in USA, but in USA you are better applying through an honorary consul. Much easier. Maybe other Brits can comment on this.

Aha, I see there have been other posts since I started typing. You must live in BKK Doc.

Probably Steve's fees are so reasonable that it is worth saving your time by enlisting his help (I don't see that lack of cash is a problem for you ), but for those who want the entertainment, if you don't get through the first time you will still get through at some point, unless you are really a hopeless case . Things are much easier in CNX than BKK however. Doing anything in BKK always costs more and is more difficult IMHO (I have lived in both places)

I would say that if someone can't afford professional help and does their homework and reads these posts carefully that first time success would be more like 80 or 90 per cent.

Good luck and do read through the other threads on this topic carefully. There are a lot of valuable gems of knowledge to be found!

And yes, as already pointed out, getting a new passport at your embassy or consulate in Thailand is SOP and quite simple. They even have them in CM.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I live in Bangkok and I drink

[easy_jim]

"I want to run my existing busness from Thailand but the site hosting etc will remain in the UK. Income will be derived mainly from UK sales. Income will be transfered from UK account to Thai account monthly. I will (I assume) be Thai resident for tax. I also want to buy two small businesses in Thailand, one internet cafe and one hair salon (yeah yeah just to keep her happy before you all scoff). However I will NOT own these businesses before we move to thailand so have no "existing" business in thailand at the time of the move."

whitespider - have you actually checked what your tax status will be? I think you will find that you are still liable for taxation in the UK. Even though you are no longer resident in the UK the Inland Revenue will view the income as taxable in the UK because that is where your computer is located. In which case you would have double taxation issues although realistically if you are working from home over the internet then Thailand wouldn't know and probably wouldn't care.

[whitespider]

"I want to run my existing busness from Thailand but the site hosting etc will remain in the UK. Income will be derived mainly from UK sales. Income will be transfered from UK account to Thai account monthly. I will (I assume) be Thai resident for tax. I also want to buy two small businesses in Thailand, one internet cafe and one hair salon (yeah yeah just to keep her happy before you all scoff). However I will NOT own these businesses before we move to thailand so have no "existing" business in thailand at the time of the move."

whitespider - have you actually checked what your tax status will be? I think you will find that you are still liable for taxation in the UK. Even though you are no longer resident in the UK the Inland Revenue will view the income as taxable in the UK because that is where your computer is located. In which case you would have double taxation issues although realistically if you are working from home over the internet then Thailand wouldn't know and probably wouldn't care.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good point Jin - I will check. I had just assumed that as I would not be in the UK for 90 days in any tax year that I would be exempt but will check it anyway.

[ianpants69]

You say you have not returned to the UK in 8 years. You may be aware that passports are now only issued for 5 years in the UK so even if I get a brand new one before I come will I have to return to UK after 5 years  to get a new passport and then get the O Visa again while I am there?

10 year passports are still available ive just been back to the UK and renewed mine 48 page 54 pound 50p valid until 03/03/2016 (i know its longer than 10 years thats because my previous passport was full rather than expired......they give you an extra 9 months free)

I could of renewed in Bangkok but was home anyway for a new visa.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have a ten year 36 page UK passport issued in Bangkok last october

[seeker108]

You apply for extension in last 30 days of your original 90 days

Not sure if you have them in UK like in USA, but in USA you are better applying through an honorary consul. Much easier. Maybe other Brits can comment on this.

You apply during the last 30 days - not before - and the last week would be fine.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Lop,

Personally I would not wait till the last week my first time through. I'd allow as much time as possible for any possible complications and go in as soon as permitted. And be sure all my ducks were in a row and not only have my Thai wife come if I had one, but also a respetable resident Thai friend if available.

OK, so I'm a belt and suspender kind of guy. I can't help my nature and in this case especially so as I don't want to be one of the few who doesn't get through the first time and needs to deal the bureucratic process again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The application is going to be subject to a six week review period in any case so you can apply late and not have to worry about only have a couple of days to get that missing paperwork. But like you I also tend to do things early when I can. You must have your wife with you but see no reason for a Thai friend.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey Lop thanks for the reminder about the 40 day processing period and stamp. In that case it makes more sense to come in during that last week. I guess they let you know when you first come in if anything is missing and tell you to bring the missing item(s) in ASAP?

[lopburi3]

You apply for extension in last 30 days of your original 90 days

Not sure if you have them in UK like in USA, but in USA you are better applying through an honorary consul. Much easier. Maybe other Brits can comment on this.

You apply during the last 30 days - not before - and the last week would be fine.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Lop,

Personally I would not wait till the last week my first time through. I'd allow as much time as possible for any possible complications and go in as soon as permitted. And be sure all my ducks were in a row and not only have my Thai wife come if I had one, but also a respetable resident Thai friend if available.

OK, so I'm a belt and suspender kind of guy. I can't help my nature and in this case especially so as I don't want to be one of the few who doesn't get through the first time and needs to deal the bureucratic process again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The application is going to be subject to a six week review period in any case so you can apply late and not have to worry about only have a couple of days to get that missing paperwork. But like you I also tend to do things early when I can. You must have your wife with you but see no reason for a Thai friend.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey Lop thanks for the reminder about the 40 day processing period and stamp. In that case it makes more sense to come in during that last week. I guess they let you know when you first come in if anything is missing and tell you to bring the missing item(s) in ASAP?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

At Suan Plau the new system has them check that required paperwork is available even before you pay to file TM.7 - they don't check details so you might be required to provide more at interview desk (we were asked for photos together) and advised to bring them in ASAP.

[peterzxr]

I recently renewed my passport in the UK before moving to Thailand and I'll think you'll find (unless the rules have changed in the past two months) that they only issue 10 year passports now and the 5 year ones have been phased out.

P1P - one more thing has come to mind

You say you have not returned to the UK in 8 years. You may be aware that passports are now only issued for 5 years in the UK so even if I get a brand new one before I come will I have to return to UK after 5 years  to get a new passport and then get the O Visa again while I am there?

Is it possible to renew a UK passport in Thailand and will the new passport have the Visa in it?

Thanks

Andy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[gharknes]

Well just when I thought I understood all this stuff someone posts something that leaves me confused.

I am entering Thailand on a 12 month Multiple entry type O Visa visiting friends, if after 12 months I can provide evidence of 400,000baht in a Thai bank can I get a further 12 month stay without leaving ?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Well just when I thought I understood all this stuff someone posts something that leaves me confused.

I am entering Thailand on a 12 month Multiple entry type O Visa visiting friends, if after 12 months I can provide evidence of 400,000baht in a Thai bank can I get a further 12 month stay without leaving ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is 400,000 Th. Baht if you are married to a Thai national. If you are 50 years of age or more, you'd need 800,000 Th. Baht in a bank in Thailand for a retirement visa.