Question On Retirement Visa

[factseeker]

All you need is to be over 50, have a valid passport and 800k in a Thai bank.

If you fulfill those 3 requirements you can move to Thailand and live here as long as you like.

You might need a return ticket if you come without a Visa, but that is about it.

Stop thinking about it, and just do it, it really is easy.

You need an agent to handle customs if you want to bring household effects, else they will gouge you on import duty. There are no special rules or allowances for bringing in your stuff, unless one of you is a Thai national.Time to let go of all the rubbish you have accumulated, you don't really need it!

What do I wish I had brought with me? (I came with only a laptop and a camera)

Nice towels and bed sheets, the ones here are rubbish and expensive IMHO.

Hi,

Just a point.

I notice from reading other threads that in order to get a Bank Account and thus start along the path to a Thai retirement as has been discussed in this thread.

Also as a requirement at immigration office - it is necessary to have a 'fixed' address with some form of proof such as a rental contract or utility bill.

That is generally required the world over but I had been hoping to use a small hotel my wife and I know and like in Chiang Mai up to the point where it was pretty much sure

that all would go well immigration wise before getting into serious property rentals etc.

In any event we would want maybe a couple of weeks at least in any property search.

We meet all the criteria for sure and can in fact supply good conduct certs if necessary etc etc.

I was figuring to use the lump sum approach as it is the simplest for us right now.

Can I in fact get the 90 Visa first step underway and done based from a local Hotel before I start to get involved in property rentals etc?

Hope to hear.

Rgds.

FS.

[ludditeman]

Your hotel rental agreement will be fine.

[NancyL]

Your hotel rental agreement will be fine.

Most hotels can come up with some sort of fancy-looking letter that you're living there even if you don't actually have a signed agreement with them. That's what we did when we first came here and lived in a hotel/serviced apartment without a contract.

[factseeker]

Your hotel rental agreement will be fine.

Most hotels can come up with some sort of fancy-looking letter that you're living there even if you don't actually have a signed agreement with them. That's what we did when we first came here and lived in a hotel/serviced apartment without a contract.

Hi NancyL & Ludditeman,

Thought might be possible - we do know one or two people already so I reckon will be fine.

While writing - as matter of interest - how easy is to get funds back out - ( it will be two depo's ) - should we ever decide to head out.

I appreciate that we have not got there yet - but just info to file away.

Hope to be underway with all mid December.

Rgds & Thnxs.

FS.

[Langsuan Man]

I appreciate a bit premature - but we happen to be in a situation where we are trying to set ourselves a plan to follow.

At what VISA stage can one import household effects?

Rgds.

FS.

You can import household effects at any time, but unless you are married to a Thai, who is returning from an overseas job, you are subject to Customs Duties, which can sometimes be more than what the items are worth. Think long and hard before you get involved with Thai Customs because your are going to be subject to the whims of whichever Customs Agent is assigned to your shipment

[NancyL]

factfinder, you may want to check out a thread currently active on the Chiang Mai forum about bringing household articles into Chiang Mai.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/511678-seeking-advice-in-bringing-household-goods-to-thailand/

RE: taking funds out of Thailand -- I've never done it! I've only brought funds into Thailand. Good question, though. You might want to do a search or post on the banking forum:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/13-jobs-economy-banking-business-investments/

[factseeker]

factfinder, you may want to check out a thread currently active on the Chiang Mai forum about bringing household articles into Chiang Mai.

http://www.thaivisa....ds-to-thailand/

RE: taking funds out of Thailand -- I've never done it! I've only brought funds into Thailand. Good question, though. You might want to do a search or post on the banking forum:

http://www.thaivisa....ss-investments/

Hi NancyL,

I am aware of Customs 'shakedowns' as also can occur elswhere in the world.

But I read and understood one had 6 months after receiving retirement status to bring in all household effects - no charges or duties - as a one hit only.

Over on the Link you kindly gave me - they seem to be having to resort to bringing it in 'one piece at a time ' a la Johnny Cash'.

Rgds.

FS

[NancyL]

factfinder, you may want to check out a thread currently active on the Chiang Mai forum about bringing household articles into Chiang Mai.

http://www.thaivisa....ds-to-thailand/

RE: taking funds out of Thailand -- I've never done it! I've only brought funds into Thailand. Good question, though. You might want to do a search or post on the banking forum:

http://www.thaivisa....ss-investments/

Hi NancyL,

I am aware of Customs 'shakedowns' as also can occur elswhere in the world.

But I read and understood one had 6 months after receiving retirement status to bring in all household effects - no charges or duties - as a one hit only.

Over on the Link you kindly gave me - they seem to be having to resort to bringing it in 'one piece at a time ' a la Johnny Cash'.

Rgds.

FS

Yes, some people interpret the "no duties on household items" to mean that there's no dutry during the first six months if you have a 12-month visa due to either retirement or employment. Some think it's just for a 12 month visa related to employment.

In our case the big "problem" thrown up to us was that Hubby had a 12-month O-A visa but I came in on just a 90 day O visa. We had submitted identical paperwork to the Chicago consulate and after much delay, our passports were returned with these visas and no explanation as to why I didn't get an O-A visa. Our joint accounts were much larger than 1,600,000 baht, so we each had access to 800,000 baht.

The customs people said that since our household goods delivery was addressed to both "Hubby AND NancyL" then BOTH had to have 12 month permission to stay in the country. They claimed that if we'd just sent the household goods to Hubby alone, then there wouldn't have been a problem. (Yeah, sure! They would have come up with some other excuse!)

Fortunately, we'd transferred 800,000 baht into the country into Bangkok Bank account solely in my name our first week in the country. Also, fortunately we'd waited about 45 days after arrival to have our household goods sent here. By the time we'd made several trips to customs at CM airport, my 800,000 baht had seasoned for 60 days and I was able to get a 12 month retirement extension from Immigration.

But, CM airport customs was still saying NO GO because the goods had arrived when I was on the 90 day visa. So we threw in the towel, hired an "agent", who we paid $600 to get our stuff out of the airport. Since they made a just a few phone calls and one trip to the airport, I doubt they did $600 worth of work and one can only imagine where part of that fee went. At least the "agent" delivered the stuff and brought it into our home, saving us having to wrestle it into a song thaew.

[Mario2008]

As far as I'm aware a retirement extension doesn't qualify for duty free import of household goods. Better get a good agent to import your goods, they can negotiate a very favourable price.

Duty free import is availeble for people who are on their first extension of stay, with a work permit. They have 1 year from date of entry to import, but cannot do so before they have received a 1 year extension of stay.

[factseeker]

factfinder, you may want to check out a thread currently active on the Chiang Mai forum about bringing household articles into Chiang Mai.

http://www.thaivisa....ds-to-thailand/

RE: taking funds out of Thailand -- I've never done it! I've only brought funds into Thailand. Good question, though. You might want to do a search or post on the banking forum:

http://www.thaivisa....ss-investments/

Hi NancyL,

I am aware of Customs 'shakedowns' as also can occur elswhere in the world.

But I read and understood one had 6 months after receiving retirement status to bring in all household effects - no charges or duties - as a one hit only.

Over on the Link you kindly gave me - they seem to be having to resort to bringing it in 'one piece at a time ' a la Johnny Cash'.

Rgds.

FS

Yes, some people interpret the "no duties on household items" to mean that there's no dutry during the first six months if you have a 12-month visa due to either retirement or employment. Some think it's just for a 12 month visa related to employment.

In our case the big "problem" thrown up to us was that Hubby had a 12-month O-A visa but I came in on just a 90 day O visa. We had submitted identical paperwork to the Chicago consulate and after much delay, our passports were returned with these visas and no explanation as to why I didn't get an O-A visa. Our joint accounts were much larger than 1,600,000 baht, so we each had access to 800,000 baht.

The customs people said that since our household goods delivery was addressed to both "Hubby AND NancyL" then BOTH had to have 12 month permission to stay in the country. They claimed that if we'd just sent the household goods to Hubby alone, then there wouldn't have been a problem. (Yeah, sure! They would have come up with some other excuse!)

Fortunately, we'd transferred 800,000 baht into the country into Bangkok Bank account solely in my name our first week in the country. Also, fortunately we'd waited about 45 days after arrival to have our household goods sent here. By the time we'd made several trips to customs at CM airport, my 800,000 baht had seasoned for 60 days and I was able to get a 12 month retirement extension from Immigration.

But, CM airport customs was still saying NO GO because the goods had arrived when I was on the 90 day visa. So we threw in the towel, hired an "agent", who we paid $600 to get our stuff out of the airport. Since they made a just a few phone calls and one trip to the airport, I doubt they did $600 worth of work and one can only imagine where part of that fee went. At least the "agent" delivered the stuff and brought it into our home, saving us having to wrestle it into a song thaew.

Thnxs for info/advice.

Rgds

FS

[Sophon]

But I read and understood one had 6 months after receiving retirement status to bring in all household effects - no charges or duties - as a one hit only.

I am afraid that there are no such provision for importing household effects duty free for someone moving here for retirement (but I vaguely remember it being possible a number of years ago).

From www2.customs.go.th:

Importing Used/Secondhand Household Effects

Returning Thai residents who have been abroad for one year or longer, for the purposes other than touring are eligible to bring in household effects acquired abroad free of taxes and duties. In addition, nonresidents changing their residence to Thailand may import the household effects subject to the conditions stated below without payment of import taxes duties.

The term “household effects” includes all goods which are normally necessary to equip a self-contained home e.g. furniture, carpets, books, musical instruments, paintings, tableware, stereos, linens, and similar household furnishings, etc. To be eligible for tax and duty free allowance, the importers are required to have owned, possessed, and used the household effects before they return to Thailand to resume residence. It is important that the importers meet the three requirements of ownership, possession, and use. For example, if they owned and possessed the goods without using them, the goods would be subject to regular taxes and duties.

Personal effects accompanied with the owner traveling into or out of Thailand, including any goods used or will be used commercially are not eligible as household effects cannot brought in tax and duty free as the household effects

NOTE: Motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages and tobacco are excluded from this rebate.

Requirements for Duty Free Allowance

Both Thai and non-Thai residents changing residence into Thailand are eligible to bring used/secondhand household effects into Thailand, in reasonable quantities, free of taxes and duties. It is also required that the imported used/ secondhand household effects have been owned, possessed, and used in the country where the importers resided before returning to Thailand to resume residence.

In case where the household effects are electrical appliances e.g. radios, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, air conditioners, etc., only ONE unit each of such items is eligible for tax and duty free allowance. However, if it is the family change of residence, TWO units each of the items will be allowed to bring in tax and duty free. Any excess unit shall be subject to regular taxes and duties, and Customs will place the items that have the lowest rate of duty under tax and duty exemption.

It is important that the used/secondhand household effects must be imported not earlier than one month before or not later than six months after the arrival of the importers. Under exceptional circumstances, Customs may extend the time limits for the importers.

Requirements for Changing of Residence

Nonresidents: Nonresidents may import the used/secondhand household effects acquired abroad tax and duty free if such household effects accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the requirements listed below:

1. Nonresidents resuming residents in Thailand must be granted a non-immigrant quota as shown in a passport or a Nonresident Identification Card; or

2. Nonresidents granted to work in Thailand will be regarded as resuming residents in Thailand provided they have a one-year non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department. In case where the non-immigrant visa has not yet been granted, either of the following documents may be accepted:

(2.1) The letter from the Immigration Department certifying that the nonresidents shall be granted an annual temporary stay in Thailand; or

(2.2) The work permit from the Department of Labor to work in Thailand for at least one year.

3. Nonresidents entering Thailand as an expert, specialist, or under a contract of government agencies are required to present the letter from relevant agencies certifying that such nonresidents are granted a non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department and shall work in Thailand not less than one year.

Accompanying spouses of the nonresidents in (2) and (3) will be regarded as resuming residence in Thailand provided the spouses have non-immigrant visas issued by the Immigration Department to stay in Thailand for the first 90 days.

Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1)

Thai Residents: Thai residents may import the secondhand/used household effects acquired abroad duty-free if such household effects are accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the criteria listed below:

1. Thai residents or government officials work or carry out a working visit abroad for at least one year. In case where the Thai residents/government officials must return to Thailand before one year, evidence showing that the return is caused by the termination of contracts, reshuffle of positions, or early termination of working visits, is required.

2. Thai residents working abroad under other reasons than those indicated in (1) are required to undertake a commitment that they shall return to Thailand to resume residence.

3. Thai students, government officials study abroad for at least one year.

Notice the section in bold.

Sophon

[factseeker]

But I read and understood one had 6 months after receiving retirement status to bring in all household effects - no charges or duties - as a one hit only.

I am afraid that there are no such provision for importing household effects duty free for someone moving here for retirement (but I vaguely remember it being possible a number of years ago).

From www2.customs.go.th:

Importing Used/Secondhand Household Effects

Returning Thai residents who have been abroad for one year or longer, for the purposes other than touring are eligible to bring in household effects acquired abroad free of taxes and duties. In addition, nonresidents changing their residence to Thailand may import the household effects subject to the conditions stated below without payment of import taxes duties.

The term "household effects" includes all goods which are normally necessary to equip a self-contained home e.g. furniture, carpets, books, musical instruments, paintings, tableware, stereos, linens, and similar household furnishings, etc. To be eligible for tax and duty free allowance, the importers are required to have owned, possessed, and used the household effects before they return to Thailand to resume residence. It is important that the importers meet the three requirements of ownership, possession, and use. For example, if they owned and possessed the goods without using them, the goods would be subject to regular taxes and duties.

Personal effects accompanied with the owner traveling into or out of Thailand, including any goods used or will be used commercially are not eligible as household effects cannot brought in tax and duty free as the household effects

NOTE: Motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages and tobacco are excluded from this rebate.

Requirements for Duty Free Allowance

Both Thai and non-Thai residents changing residence into Thailand are eligible to bring used/secondhand household effects into Thailand, in reasonable quantities, free of taxes and duties. It is also required that the imported used/ secondhand household effects have been owned, possessed, and used in the country where the importers resided before returning to Thailand to resume residence.

In case where the household effects are electrical appliances e.g. radios, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, air conditioners, etc., only ONE unit each of such items is eligible for tax and duty free allowance. However, if it is the family change of residence, TWO units each of the items will be allowed to bring in tax and duty free. Any excess unit shall be subject to regular taxes and duties, and Customs will place the items that have the lowest rate of duty under tax and duty exemption.

It is important that the used/secondhand household effects must be imported not earlier than one month before or not later than six months after the arrival of the importers. Under exceptional circumstances, Customs may extend the time limits for the importers.

Requirements for Changing of Residence

Nonresidents: Nonresidents may import the used/secondhand household effects acquired abroad tax and duty free if such household effects accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the requirements listed below:

1. Nonresidents resuming residents in Thailand must be granted a non-immigrant quota as shown in a passport or a Nonresident Identification Card; or

2. Nonresidents granted to work in Thailand will be regarded as resuming residents in Thailand provided they have a one-year non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department. In case where the non-immigrant visa has not yet been granted, either of the following documents may be accepted:

(2.1) The letter from the Immigration Department certifying that the nonresidents shall be granted an annual temporary stay in Thailand; or

(2.2) The work permit from the Department of Labor to work in Thailand for at least one year.

3. Nonresidents entering Thailand as an expert, specialist, or under a contract of government agencies are required to present the letter from relevant agencies certifying that such nonresidents are granted a non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department and shall work in Thailand not less than one year.

Accompanying spouses of the nonresidents in (2) and (3) will be regarded as resuming residence in Thailand provided the spouses have non-immigrant visas issued by the Immigration Department to stay in Thailand for the first 90 days.

Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1)

Thai Residents: Thai residents may import the secondhand/used household effects acquired abroad duty-free if such household effects are accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the criteria listed below:

1. Thai residents or government officials work or carry out a working visit abroad for at least one year. In case where the Thai residents/government officials must return to Thailand before one year, evidence showing that the return is caused by the termination of contracts, reshuffle of positions, or early termination of working visits, is required.

2. Thai residents working abroad under other reasons than those indicated in (1) are required to undertake a commitment that they shall return to Thailand to resume residence.

3. Thai students, government officials study abroad for at least one year.

Notice the section in bold.

Sophon

Hi Sophon,

Thnxs for that.

Following much further WEB research I was just going to write on this again - as I have now found the same.

I read further that some form of 'deal' is possible where it might be costed out at 30$ per M3. 50 M3 is involved.

Not keen on that - I can just see the container on a quayside somewhere - costing per day - while haggling continues.

Some would say - well don't bring it - but 'no furniture' = 'no wife' ;o).

If so then maybe it's Malaysia - definitely a 'freebee' for removals and much better deal overall.

Still very central as a hub for travel.

Pity - will think on things - not very helpful are they?

Rgds.

FS.

[dsfbrit]

There are basically three options to start a legit retirement here. People choose based on their personal needs and preferences.

1. Get an O-A retirement visa in your home country. More hassle to get but it comes with some extra perks of interest to some.

2. Get a single entry O in any country that will give it, typically your home country or Malayia/Laos, then continue with retirement extensions in Thailand

3. Get a single entry O in Thailand as part of the "two step process" paired with the second step, the retirement extension. Not all Thai immigration offices do the change of status though, so some need to do that in Bangkok.

Could you please tell me if Chonburi (Jomtien) do the conversion from a Tourist Visa issued in the UK to a Non o locally as part of the retirement process, or does the applicant have to go to Bangkok. I have a friend who is 50+ and wanting to retire here in the new year and is planning to apply for a tourist visa, get here and deposit the 800k in the bank account as soon as he arrives.

Thanks for your help.

[Mario2008]

Jomtiem does the conversion itself.

Appplying for the non-O right away would be easier.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Hi Sophon,

Thnxs for that.

Following much further WEB research I was just going to write on this again - as I have now found the same.

I read further that some form of 'deal' is possible where it might be costed out at 30$ per M3. 50 M3 is involved.

Not keen on that - I can just see the container on a quayside somewhere - costing per day - while haggling continues.

Some would say - well don't bring it - but 'no furniture' = 'no wife' ;o).

If so then maybe it's Malaysia - definitely a 'freebee' for removals and much better deal overall.

Still very central as a hub for travel.

Pity - will think on things - not very helpful are they?

Rgds.

FS.

I'd suggest you might check with the Thai community where you reside, and see if there's any local Thai-expat company that specializes in shipments to Thailand. If you find such, you might well find that they have some alternatives available that would resolve your issue. PM me if you need further info on that.

[dsfbrit]

Jomtiem does the conversion itself.

Appplying for the non-O right away would be easier.

Thanks Mario for the reply,

My concern is that last year he was issued with a non-O from Hull to visit me and my Thai wife here in Pattaya.

Due to personal reasons he stayed here in LOS for just 2 months out of the 1 year and returned to the UK.

He is now ready to return to Thailand to retire, no more personal problems to sort out, however I was not sure if Hull would issue back to back non-O visas and so I thought perhaps it would be easier/safer to apply for a single entry Tourist Visa and then do the conversion here. What do you think -am I being over cautious???

Thanks again for the feedback

[Mario2008]

No problem in getting a new non-O from Hull back to back. But now must be based on retirement or visiting family (with proof of family relationship). Having firends in Thailand is no longer an option.

He can just check the Hull webiste and download the forms and list of requirements.

[dsfbrit]

No problem in getting a new non-O from Hull back to back. But now must be based on retirement or visiting family (with proof of family relationship). Having firends in Thailand is no longer an option.

He can just check the Hull webiste and download the forms and list of requirements.

Nice one- I will pass this info onto him - thanks very much again