Retirement Visa: Difinitive Answer

[mr.buffalo]

The answer is probaly floating about in this thread but what I would like is is what the title of the topic says.

My situation is that I am in the UK now and will be coming to Thailand in September. I will get the 60 day triple ( unless the advice here says otherwise plus it may be cheaper as the 60 day triple entry is 98 quid.) entry visa then go for a retirement visa. The route I will take is monthly income ( 500 quid a month )

then the rest made up of money in a Thai bank account which I already ( bank account ) have as I own a house in Ban Chang ( well in theory of course ). So what paper work etc etc should I bring with me? If there is a concise answer pinned some where I would be gratefull for the link, if not please reply with some knowledge.

Thanks and be lucky.

[Jingthing]

You need to find out what paperwork the UK embassy requires to provide you with an income letter for immigration (to "prove" your income). These rules vary from embassy to embassy so your answer needs to be UK specific. As you're using the "combo method" the part used to qualify in your Thai bank account does not need to be seasoned. Just my comments. Not your "definitive" answer.

[lopburi3]

Are you currently under age 50 and require about 9 months here to meet that requirement? If not you should get a single entry non immigrant O visa for arrival and 60 days later extend for retirement at Immigration. You do not have to bring anything but yourself and passport with that visa. For Embassy letter of income you will need some form of income proof and you will have to obtain letter of bank balance to present with passbook/copies and TM.7 form with 4x6cm photo and fee of 1,900 baht.

[Lite Beer]

mr.buffalow is over 50 so he needs to arrive with a Non Imm O Visa.

Lopburi3 gave the correct information above.

[CharlieH]

Get a single entry Non O, extend that for 1 yr on the basis of retirement in Thailand. The British Embassy will require a minimum of 3 months statements showing income to produce the "proof of income" letter for you for immigration.

You do that in Bangkok before applying for the extension at your appropriate area office to where you live. You will also need proof of funds from your Thai bank.

[JimGant]

A little more to it than just asking for a Non Imm O visa. The following financial requirements are from the Hull website -- don't know if these are indicative of all Thai consulates in GB----

1) Visiting Thailand as Pensioner

Evidence required:

a)

Copy of Bank Statement showing receipt of State and/or Private Pension.

Please note that either a single or multiple entry visa can be granted in these circumstances.

or

2) Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged 50 years and over

Evidence required:

a)

Copy of Bank Statement showing income of minimum £900 per month.

Please note that either a single or multiple entry visa can be granted in these circumstances.

Failing these then, yes, entering on a tourist visa, then converting in Thailand, is a valid option (albeit getting the Non Imm O in GB is preferential).

(Of course, if married to a Thai, a Non Imm O should be easy to obtain.)

[ubonjoe]

You should give them a call for a clarification of the rules. I think you will find out that proof of income is not truly required.

[lopburi3]

Agree. Suspect for multi entry proof is required but unlikely for single (although from web site download it is not obvious).