Renew Longstay (Retirement) Visa

[junglechef]

What documentation is needed to present to the Immigration office to renew a long stay visa?

[Lite Beer]

For a 12 month extension based on retirement.

2.22 In the case of a retiree: Permission will be granted for a period of not more

than 1 year at a time.

(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

If using income you need a letter from your Embassy verifying income amount.

If using savings you need a letter from your bank plus up to date bank book.

[junglechef]

Thank you for the information that I need a letter from my bank and an updated bank book. When I got an education visa I needed quite a few things such as a proof of residency and a photo. Does anyone know everything that will be needed to be provided by me to immigration?

[merlen10002]

If you go to the Thai immigration site and find the email address, send them a email asking for imformation for extension of stay for retirement, they will send you an email with in a few days, it will tell you everything you need to know. it is very complete and up-to- date. so no mistakes.

[lopburi3]

Your passport and departure card and copies (all pages from entry visa with stamps), the TM.7 form filled out with 4x6cm photo attached and 1,900 baht fee. If not Bangkok several copies will often be required.

Some officers will want a sketch map to home and some proof of living there.

[Jingthing]

If you go to the Thai immigration site and find the email address, send them a email asking for imformation for extension of stay for retirement, they will send you an email with in a few days, it will tell you everything you need to know. it is very complete and up-to- date. so no mistakes.

Not a bad start but be advised that SPECIFIC requirements can and do vary based on specific immigration office and the cycles of the moon.

[Guest]

I'd suggest taking more documentation with you than you might need "just in case" as you never know what questions might be asked - better too much paperwork than not enough. Proof of address is sometimes asked for in some offices - I used a photo copy (both sides) of my Thai driving license today and it was accepted without comment.

[junglechef]

If you go to the Thai immigration site and find the email address, send them a email asking for imformation for extension of stay for retirement, they will send you an email with in a few days, it will tell you everything you need to know. it is very complete and up-to- date. so no mistakes.

Thanks for the advice but not surprised that I did not get a return email, which is why I asked here after I went to immigration and they said I had to stand in a line of 25 ppl. to get a number to ask a question.

[NancyL]

OK, so give us a few more specifics. Like what type of visa do you have now and how have you extented it in the past and what office do you plan to visit. Sorry we're such a PTA, but the term "long stay visa" doesn't mean anything. Some of us are here on education visas, some on visas based on marriage to a Thai national, some on having a Thai child and some on having retired in Thailand. The words "long-stay" visa really have no meaning without the details.

[Jingthing]

Long stay visa is an O-A visa.

[wayned]

If you have an O/A visa (retirement, long stay or whatever) issued in your home country you can not "renew" that visa in Thailand, you can only extend the visa for periods of one year at a time. The basic requirements are outlined in post 2, but can differ depending what office you are using to apply for the extension (number of copies, type of bank account, proof of funds and residence, etc,) The cost of the extension is 1900 baht. If you want to leave and re-enter Thailand at will during the period of extension you must purchase a re-entry permit - single entry is 1000 baht, multiple is 3800 baht.

If you want to actually renew your O/A viosa so that you can keep your funds in a bank in your home country, you must return home and apply for a new visa. Basically everything that was required for your original visa including a new criminal record check and medical certification will be required for the new visa. It will be a one year, multiple entry visa and can be extended for a second year by leaving and re-entering Thailand just before it expires.

If you could provide more detail on your current visa and situation it would be easier for people to give you logical answers.

[Charlie]

I understand that a "fix deposit" account of more than Baht 800.000 is also accepted.

My question is this. I have put into a "fix deposit" on a seven months period.

And it will mature in time to apply for my second extension. Is this OK ?

Or it should only be on a three months period ?

Please kindly advice.

Thank you all in advance.

[Mario2008]

It depend a bit on the office, but normally it is allowed provided you can withdraw the money if need be. If you cannot access the money under any circumstances they will not allow it.

[cigar7]

I too am interested in extending my retirement visa for another year, or renewing it for another year. I obtained my retirement visa in Pattaya, and it expires April 27, 2012. I plan on renewing/extending it in Pattaya.

What is the earliest date that I can get a renewal? What is latest date that I can apply for a renewal?

I understand from the previous posts the following are required for the renewal:

1. Current passport

2. TM7 completed with original 4x6cm photo ( 1 or 2 copies?)

3. 2 sets of photocopies of passport picture page, and all entry and exit stamps. (note that I have never stayed in Thailand, in the past year, for a continguous period of 90 days or more. and that I do have multiple re-entry permit)

4. An original letter from the Thai bank stating current balance greater than or equal to 800,000 baht. How close does the date on the letter need to be to the renewal date? Can the letter be 1 week old?

5. 2 sets of photo copies of bank book pages up to 3 months prior to renewal application.

6. Photocopy of condo fee invoice/receipt with my name on it, as proof of residence.

7. 1,900 baht for procesing fee

Is this list correct and complete?

[Jingthing]

Jomtien office in recent years has been known to welcome applications as early as two months before expiration of permission to stay with no excuse needed, but definitely one month out is OK. There was a recent report that someone ASKING about applying between one and two months early was told too early (when he made the mistake of asking in front) but based on my direct experience, I don't really believe it. I still think two months early will be OK. However, only with additional reports will we know.

Bank letter? Personally I wouldn't show up with a week old letter. It may be OK but more likely to be questioned about whether you spent anything. Better, same day of course, but previous day will be good, or a Friday before a Monday application.

I also suggest making a withdrawal (any amount) right before you go in for the bank letter. Then it will be an updated figure matching the letter date and the bank book.

The balance in the 800K baht account must not go below that level for three months prior to extension application.

Cheers.