What Kind Of Visa Do I Need

[oldgent]

first of all im British citizen. i am wanting to retire in Thailand. i have read many posts on TV and the more i read the more i get confused. i know about having 800,000 in a thai bank. and i am also of the required age. but this is my question ? can someone tell me how to start. what kind of visa do i need to get first ? i would like if i can do from UK.

[ozzieovaseas]

Hi there, from what you have said it seems like you will be using "retirement" status as grounds for a visa.

You are aged 50 or over then?

There is much imformation on these boards and i would think many posters will pitch in with help on all the requirements needed. There are a few.

Although it is great to get advice here, it is also quite handy to have a browse on the Royal Thai Immigration Department Website. There is all sorts of info on there and its all coming from the horses mouth (so to speak).

Once you are read up, you can arrange it all from the embassy in Hull ( i would think) by visiting in person or even (possibly) sending of your passport with the documents, pics ect and have everything ready for when you embark. If and when you are granted the retirement visa and stay in Thailand you will then have to renew it periodically.

Anyway, you will be sure to get lots of good advice here , so good luck with it all.

[Lite Beer]

2 choices.

1. A Non Imm O-A Visa from the Thai Embassy in London. Police report, Medical certificate and proof of financial status needed.

A Multi entry will give you 2 years with a border run in the middle.

http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/51

2. Obtain a Non Imm O Visa from a Thai Consulate and apply for a 12 month extension at Immigration in Thailand. No medical or police report needed. Financial requirements to be met.

(1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IM);

(2) The applicant is 50 years of age or over;

(3) Proof of income of not less than Baht 65,000 per month; or

(4) Account deposit with a bank in Thailand of not less than

800,000 Baht as shown in the bank account for the past 3 months at the filing date of the application. For the first year, the applicant should have that amount in his bank account for not less than 60 days or

(5) Annual income plus bank account deposit totaling not less

than Baht 800,000 as of the filing date of application

Info on getting a Non Imm O Visa from the Thai Consulate Hull.

http://www.thaiconsul.co.uk/

[ozzieovaseas]

The website address below redirects to a company that will basically do all the work for you, if you are that way inclined.

It comes at a cost, and I have never used these guys as if it were me i would do it myself.

However there are always those folks who will not mind paying the fee for the assistance and convenience of it..up to you i guess

http://www.thai-cons...ulate-hull.html

[lopburi3]

If you plan to use a bank account in Thailand what you need is a single entry non immigrant O visa and 60-70 days after arrival you visit immigration with proof of account being above 800k for two months to obtain the one year extension of stay for retirement. You then visit immigration each year but current requirements are 800k for three months then each time. You should be able to obtain the visa in the UK at an honorary Consulate.

If you wish to arrive with a pre-approved one year stay you must obtain a non immigrant O-A visa from the Thai Embassy in London and supply police clearance and medical as well as financial proof somewhere (does not have to be Thailand).

[Lite Beer]

As an aside, it might be best to check the Hull website, so you can see first hand all the requirements needed for that embassy.

You will easily locate the "Retirement visa" tab as well as info on all the other possibilities on offer:

The Hull consulate does not issue so called "Retirement Visas" Only the Embassy in London does.

[Tafia]

I'm from the Uk and retired here in Thailand almost 3 yrs ago.

I used the Non O-A visa, a few more hoops to jump through but the advantage being you dont need to show funds in Thailand for almost 2 years unlike the Non O.

The O-A can only be applied for at the Royal Thai Embassy in London and must be done in person.

1.Application forms can be downloaded

2.Medical Cert (form can be downloaded)

3.Police Certificate. Ask at your local station they will give you a form which when complete return to them and they will pass onto Scotland Yard who will reply direct to you.

4.Bank statements or Pension papers showing sufficient funds

All to be notarised by a Notary Solicitor prior to your application.

A multi entry OA will also give you 2 yrs out of the visa before requiring to apply for extensions, by doing a border run just before the visa expires, on your return you will be stamped in for another 12 mths.

Its not as complicated as it seems in fact its pretty straight foward once you get your head around it.

[oldgent]

thanks to you all for your great information. the picture is much clearer now.thanks also for thai visa

[oldgent]

just one thing about police clearence from scotland yard. i have looked there website and the phone number no longer exsists, i did source a number and spoke to a person who new nothing about it, he had to go and ask a college and the result was that the government had done away with that service. does anyone know about this

[Tafia]

just one thing about police clearence from scotland yard. i have looked there website and the phone number no longer exsists, i did source a number and spoke to a person who new nothing about it, he had to go and ask a college and the result was that the government had done away with that service. does anyone know about this

Police clearance reports are required for a number of activities, I do not think this service no longer exists.

Go to your local station explain what you need they should give you a form to complete and either return to them or post to Scotland Yard. Takes about 3 weeks and they will reply direct to you.