Retirement Visa Queries

[oatia]

Hi,

I've tried locating relevant information on my situation from existing threads, but it's not clear if what I found represents the current situation, so it's probably easier to ask some specific questions on the topic.

I've seen references on another site about obtaining a retirement visa, and that a re-entry permit may be necessary when I wish to travel abroad. However, I'm confused as to how long the visa would last if I obtained it, and whether I'd need a single or multiple re-entry permit. I seem to meet all the criteria regarding age, savings, etc. Of course, I've not yet taken any steps to open a Thai bank account so may have to wait before I can apply.

It is quite possible that I'd wish to live in Bangkok or Pattaya between the New Year and mid-April each year, so I'm probably looking at an approximate 15-week annual stay. However, I'm unlikely to ever be in a situation where I could submit an application in the UK - even if I return there I'd hope to have left by the start of August each year.

Currently, I'm a tourist in Japan, but note that forms available from the Thai Embassy here may not be appropriate for my case, and I suspect this may well be the case in other counties in SE Asia, Hong Kong, etc.

Any advice would be gratefully received, thanks.

[lopburi3]

To obtain a long stay visa application must be made in country of residence (normally your home country). So that seems to be a non starter if you are never there and have no other legal abode.

To remain in Thailand would require the money in bank 2 months and proof of lease type accommodations here under present policy. So that may also be a problem for limited visits.

You might find normal visa entry more effective. A two entry tourist visa could easily cover your stays with one border run to activate the second entry.

[oatia]

To obtain a long stay visa application must be made in country of residence (normally your home country). So that seems to be a non starter if you are never there and have no other legal abode.

To remain in Thailand would require the money in bank 2 months and proof of lease type accommodations here under present policy. So that may also be a problem for limited visits.

You might find normal visa entry more effective. A two entry tourist visa could easily cover your stays with one border run to activate the second entry.

Thanks, lopburi3.

I would probably be staying in hotel accommodation to start with, although I may aquire a property I can let out in my absence. Perhaps I should consider the retirement visa for the following year, using normal visa entry the first time to make all the arrangements.

Do I need to apply for a two-entry visa before I leave Japan, or can I get one on arrival, please?

[lopburi3]

Visa must be obtained prior to entry. Without a visa you would only be allowed a 30 day visa exempt stay on arrival but could easily travel to a nearby country to obtain a visa. The issue could be airline not allowing travel with no onward ticket within those 30 days.

[oatia]

Visa must be obtained prior to entry. Without a visa you would only be allowed a 30 day visa exempt stay on arrival but could easily travel to a nearby country to obtain a visa. The issue could be airline not allowing travel with no onward ticket within those 30 days.

Thanks. I have the impression I can't apply for a visa outside the UK - the forms available in Japan seem to only cover Japanese applicants, and the one I saw asked for the name of a Thai guarantor.

Maybe I should try to download one from the UK and see if it will be accepted in Japan.

[beechguy]

Visa must be obtained prior to entry. Without a visa you would only be allowed a 30 day visa exempt stay on arrival but could easily travel to a nearby country to obtain a visa. The issue could be airline not allowing travel with no onward ticket within those 30 days.

Thanks. I have the impression I can't apply for a visa outside the UK - the forms available in Japan seem to only cover Japanese applicants, and the one I saw asked for the name of a Thai guarantor.

Maybe I should try to download one from the UK and see if it will be accepted in Japan.

You can apply many places for a Tourist Visa, you don't need to return to your home country. Generally, consulates seem to prefer that you use their version of the application forms.