Marriage or retirement which is best

[SpokaneAl]

Here's what I do:

I apply for a multiple entry "Retirement visa" (non O) in Australia. I have to get medical check, police check, bank statement, etc,

but it is all straight forward.

The one problem is that I have to take my papers to a local lawyer and get them certified (this costs about $250).

The big advantage is that I don't have to put money in a Thai bank.

This gives me two years in Thailand, if I exit just once (each time I enter I get another 12 months).

It is non-oa visa not a normal O visa.

You will get a one year permit to stay for each entry up to the enter before date of your visa which is 1 year from the date of issue after that date you have to get a re-entry permit to keep your last one year permit to stay valid.

In reality you do not have to put money into a Thai bank if you can prove income of 65k baht per month by way of a income letter (for you a statutory deceleration you can do at the Australian embassy) from your embassy. Many embassies will allow you to get the letter based upon income derived from savings, pension, investment and etc.

As stated, why not just obtain a multiple entry retirement visa at the Thai Consulate or Embassy in your home country before coming to Thailand and not worry about things for almost two years?

You would provide your income/bank info there and not need to worry about that stuff here in Thailand for almost two years if you time things right. There are a few steps like the police check, but it is pretty easy to do, and you are speaking your own language. I spend winters here and obtain a new retirement visa before I come and as long as I follow the process, it is pretty painless.

Then, by following the process that UbonJoe provided, in that you will be leaving and periodically returning, you can get a one year extension.

[SpokaneAl]

Here's what I do:

I apply for a multiple entry "Retirement visa" (non O) in Australia. I have to get medical check, police check, bank statement, etc,

but it is all straight forward.

The one problem is that I have to take my papers to a local lawyer and get them certified (this costs about $250).

The big advantage is that I don't have to put money in a Thai bank.

This gives me two years in Thailand, if I exit just once (each time I enter I get another 12 months).

It is non-oa visa not a normal O visa.

You will get a one year permit to stay for each entry up to the enter before date of your visa which is 1 year from the date of issue after that date you have to get a re-entry permit to keep your last one year permit to stay valid.

In reality you do not have to put money into a Thai bank if you can prove income of 65k baht per month by way of a income letter (for you a statutory deceleration you can do at the Australian embassy) from your embassy. Many embassies will allow you to get the letter based upon income derived from savings, pension, investment and etc.

As stated, why not just obtain a multiple entry retirement visa at the Thai Consulate or Embassy in your home country before coming to Thailand and not worry about things for almost two years?

You would provide your income/bank info there and not need to worry about that stuff here in Thailand for almost two years if you time things right. There are a few steps like the police check, but it is pretty easy to do, and you are speaking your own language. I spend winters here and obtain a new retirement visa before I come and as long as I follow the process, it is pretty painless.

Then, by following the process that UbonJoe provided, in that you will be leaving and periodically returning, you can get a one year extension.

In that I find myself a bit confused about whether this is addressing the OP or the second poster, perhaps I have muddied the waters. For that I apologize.

[khunPer]

To OP,

In my opinion very simple:

Retirement extension plus a multiple re-entry Visa may be least hassle.

Require 800,000 baht in Thai bank account (as you say finance no problem and much easier than confirmation letters of income, you can deposit on fixed account with high interest);

A non-immigrant type-O Visa to start with, and easy paperwork at Immigration (photo, copy of passport and bankbook(s), passport and bankbook(s) to show, short interview if any);

Costs 1,900 baht for retirement extension and if I remember right, 3,500 for multiple re-entry;

You need to do 90-day report of address, however counted from an entry into Thailand, so only needed when you stay longer than 90 days;

You will need to be in Thailand close to time for renewing

I’ve been staying here for several years hassle free on those terms.

Edited January 16, 2014 by khunPer

[nithisa78]

You sound solid. Hire first rate immigration attorney. Become friendly with one of the Supervisor Thai workers at immigration. They are glad to interact and it makes any future visits more smooth. I like the lawyer strategy. The firm sends someone with you. They get through the process quicker then most of us would alone. Bon Voyage

[gprit]

Thanks all

re Post 30 ...before my non-imm O visa runs out I will go across the Friendship bridge to Laos and back in ($35) - upon re-entry that will give me a further 90 days, taking me beyond mid March.

[nithisa78]

Here's what I do:

I apply for a multiple entry "Retirement visa" (non O) in Australia. I have to get medical check, police check, bank statement, etc,

but it is all straight forward.

The one problem is that I have to take my papers to a local lawyer and get them certified (this costs about $250).

The big advantage is that I don't have to put money in a Thai bank.

This gives me two years in Thailand, if I exit just once (each time I enter I get another 12 months).

This method is perfect. However, the police check, won't fly for all.

[iancnx]

The OP asked which is best. Who knows. But in my opinion it might (might) become more difficult to remain here on retirement unless you have significant funds to stay should (if) the criteria for retirement changes. If you are married with Thai wife and own children from that marriage you might (might) be treated more favourably. Can't help thinking that those retirees just scraping by financially are gonna be show the door at some point.... An ASEAN failure for the Kingdom will not help matters short term IMHO

Edited January 16, 2014 by iancnx

[boatguy]

Forgive me if this is a silly question but this visa business seems crazy complex

I'll second that motion....somewhat convoluted.

Then on top of that consider that some of the immigration people have their own special interpretations of those 'laws',...not all the same,...and can depend on under the table pmts.

[boatguy]

Lets look at these two sites for a Marriage Visa

http://www.thai-consulate.net/thai-marriage-visa.html
Do you see ANY requiremenst listed here for a police report (criminal history),...or a medical report ?? I don't

http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Marriage-Visa.php?gclid=CIqZ1cTlgrwCFYUl4godACIAow
Very clearly here there is a requirement for both a criminal backgrd report and a medical report

Both sites are somewhat legal representatives of the process. Why so different requirements?

Oops, please excuse me, I did not see this notation on the Siam-Legal site,

These (medical and criminal history reports) are not required if the visa application is submitted within Thailand. These documents are required by some Thai embassies and consulates for the issuance of a Non-immigrant O visa.

But I believe I was told that these reports ARE necessary for a US citizen that is applying for a Marriage or Retirement Visa, and that it is much more difficult to submit these reports if you are doing the process in Thailand, as now everything needs to be translated into Thai language.

Edited January 16, 2014 by boatguy

[boatguy]

Retirement visa vs Marriage visa

I was looking at this the other day,...the comparison. I reference the Thai-legal site

Retirement Visa

http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Retirement-Visa.php?gclid=CLGq_YbugrwCFYJU4godYAgA9g

1) look at 'Requirements'

2) look at 'Reminders to do'

Marriage Visa
http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Marriage-Visa.php?gclid=CIqZ1cTlgrwCFYUl4godACIAow

1) look at the 'Requirements'
2) look at the 'Reminders to do'

In both cases you are reminded:

1. No Work Permit

It is important to note that retirees are not allowed to work and generate income in Thailand.

1. 90-day Reporting

Retirement visa holders are required to notify the Immigration Office every 90 days about their addresses in Thailand. This can be done by mail or by personal visit to the Immigration Office. You may enlist the services of an agent to do this on your behalf through a Power of Attorney. You are not required to report if you are not in the country when the 90-day report is due.

1. Re-entry Permit

If you plan to travel in and out of Thailand within a year, it is advised that you obtain a multiple re-entry permit. However, if you plan to stay in Thailand the whole time a single entry will do. But, in case you would need to leave the country for any reasons then you would need to apply a re-entry permit at the nearest Immigration Office or at the international airport before leaving the country. This way your visa won’t get cancelled.

1. Bank Account

The retirement visa is valid for a year but you can renew it by presenting the same requirements the first time you applied. However, the funds in your bank account must be at least 3 months old before you can renew your visa.

I believe it says that both of these type visas need to be renewed each year, and you must do reporting every 90 days with both types. The big difference is the retirement visa requires 800,000 baht, while the marriage one requires 400,000 baht.

Why would I go for a retirement visa????

Edited January 16, 2014 by boatguy

[SpokaneAl]

If you are over 65 as stated and are in receipt of a pension then very easy, a 12 month multiple entry visa is easy, you just have to do border run every 90 days and if timed right can get 15 months, many of my friends choose this option.

If you have a 12 month, multiple entry visa (retirement I am assuming) why do you need to do a border run every 90 days? 90 day reporting to the nearest immigration office, but no need for a border run.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[SpokaneAl]

Retirement visa vs Marriage visa

I was looking at this the other day,...the comparison. I reference the Thai-legal site

Retirement Visa

http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Retirement-Visa.php?gclid=CLGq_YbugrwCFYJU4godYAgA9g

1) look at 'Requirements'

2) look at 'Reminders to do'

Marriage Visa

http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Marriage-Visa.php?gclid=CIqZ1cTlgrwCFYUl4godACIAow

1) look at the 'Requirements'

2) look at the 'Reminders to do'

In both cases you are reminded:

1. No Work Permit
   

It is important to note that retirees are not allowed to work and generate income in Thailand.

1. 90-day Reporting
   

Retirement visa holders are required to notify the Immigration Office every 90 days about their addresses in Thailand. This can be done by mail or by personal visit to the Immigration Office. You may enlist the services of an agent to do this on your behalf through a Power of Attorney. You are not required to report if you are not in the country when the 90-day report is due.

1. Re-entry Permit
   

If you plan to travel in and out of Thailand within a year, it is advised that you obtain a multiple re-entry permit. However, if you plan to stay in Thailand the whole time a single entry will do. But, in case you would need to leave the country for any reasons then you would need to apply a re-entry permit at the nearest Immigration Office or at the international airport before leaving the country. This way your visa won’t get cancelled.

1. Bank Account
   

The retirement visa is valid for a year but you can renew it by presenting the same requirements the first time you applied. However, the funds in your bank account must be at least 3 months old before you can renew your visa.

I believe it says that both of these type visas need to be renewed each year, and you must do reporting every 90 days with both types. The big difference is the retirement visa requires 800,000 baht, while the marriage one requires 400,000 baht.

Why would I go for a retirement visa????

If you are in Thailand, you do not renew a visa. You obtain a one year extension of stay, no matter which of the two visas you choose. If you have the requisite amount of income, you can use that route rather than keeping money in the bank. And some seem to find the extension of stay based on retirement easier to obtain than one based on marriage. If you perform a search of TV I believe this subject has been covered in great detail previously.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited January 16, 2014 by SpokaneAl

[beechguy]

If you are over 65 as stated and are in receipt of a pension then very easy, a 12 month multiple entry visa is easy, you just have to do border run every 90 days and if timed right can get 15 months, many of my friends choose this option.

If you have a 12 month, multiple entry visa (retirement I am assuming) why do you need to do a border run every 90 days? 90 day reporting to the nearest immigration office, but no need for a border run.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Because he is writing about an actual Multi-entry, Non-Immigrant "O" visa, not a multi re-entry permit that one would have with a one year extension.

Edited January 16, 2014 by beechguy

[SpokaneAl]

If you are over 65 as stated and are in receipt of a pension then very easy, a 12 month multiple entry visa is easy, you just have to do border run every 90 days and if timed right can get 15 months, many of my friends choose this option.

If you have a 12 month, multiple entry visa (retirement I am assuming) why do you need to do a border run every 90 days? 90 day reporting to the nearest immigration office, but no need for a border run.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Because he is writing about an actual Multi-entry, Non-Immigrant "O" visa, not a multi re-entry permit that one would have with a one year extension.

Wow, it just seems like such a logistical pain to be required to leave the country every 90 days, although, I suppose if one was close to the border, it would not be a big deal.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[boatguy]

If you are in Thailand, you do not renew a visa. You obtain a one year extension of stay, no matter which of the two visas you choose. If you have the requisite amount of income, you can use that route rather than keeping money in the bank. And some seem to find the extension of stay based on retirement easier to obtain than one based on marriage. If you perform a search of TV I believe this subject has been covered in great detail previously.

Perhaps its the wording on that website (and many of the forum discussions) that has me confused?

"This type of visa is valid for one year and can be renewed every year at the Thai embassy in your home country, in the country of your residence or in Thailand".

http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/Thailand-Retirement-Visa.php?gclid=CLGq_YbugrwCFYJU4godYAgA9g

Everytime I try reading all of these exceptions and alternatives I just seem to get very confused by the whole process,...and even more so when I hear folks talk about the various 'interpretations' of the laws that they experience with their local officialdom in the Kingdom of Thailand. At one point I just decided that I was not going to retire full time to Thailand if it was going to be so difficult to come and go (visit other countries, etc) without a whole lot of hassle factor.

I once ran into another strange mixture of rules/regulations with customs in Cuba,...I called it the Spanish proposition for paperwork combined with the decrepit socialist system of the USSR.

Edited January 16, 2014 by boatguy

[Sceptict11]

boatguy

Travelling and dealing with visas can indeed be confusing !

The way to avoid all the "hassle" is to stay at home or take the very good, well informed advise available here on TV

By the way ......... commercial websites are not usually a good source of advice ---------they are seeking money from gullible people.

[boatguy]

Wow, it just seems like such a logistical pain to be required to leave the country every 90 days, although, I suppose if one was close to the border, it would not be a big deal.

There are different rules for that as well, as I understand it. If you leave and come back by land you only get a new 14 day visa rather than another 30 day visitor visa.

If you do it by air (plane) you get a new 30 day visitor visa.

If you do it to Laos you need to get photos made and pay for a visa to go to Laos, even if for just a day.

If there is a Thai consulate in the other country at the border crossing, then you cab spend an extra day and apply for an extended visa (beyond 30-day tourist) to reenter Thailand.

Sounds like a lot of fun doesn't it

Edited January 16, 2014 by boatguy

[Sceptict11]

Wow, it just seems like such a logistical pain to be required to leave the country every 90 days, although, I suppose if one was close to the border, it would not be a big deal.

There are different rules for that as well, as I understand it. If you leave and come back by land you only get a new 14 day visa rather than another 30 day visitor visa.

If you do it by air (plane) you get a 30 day visa.

If you do it to Laos you need to get photos made and pay for a visa to go to Laos, even if for just a day.

No "visas" are available at borders or airports except for citizens of a few countries which qualify for a "visa on arrival"

For citizens of all other counties a 30 day "visa exempt" entry is available if arriving by air. For those entering Thailand via a land border, if a citizen of a G7 country , a 30 day "visa exempt" entry is given. For all others a 15 day "visa" exempt entry is available.

If planning an extended stay in Thailand it is advisable to obtain the required visa prior to leaving home.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Sceptict11

[beechguy]

Wow, it just seems like such a logistical pain to be required to leave the country every 90 days, although, I suppose if one was close to the border, it would not be a big deal.

There are different rules for that as well, as I understand it. If you leave and come back by land you only get a new 14 day visa rather than another 30 day visitor visa.

If you do it by air (plane) you get a 30 day visa.

If you do it to Laos you need to get photos made and pay for a visa to go to Laos, even if for just a day.

Actually, there was a recent change, people from the G7 countries get 30 days now if entering at a land crossing. not 15 days.

Actually, it isn't that difficult, but the terminology used here on the forum can be confusing, and that consulates choose to use their own version of requirements.

One step is to learn the difference from requirements for a visa, and a one year extension of stay.

[Jay Sata]

I'd go for a multi-entry Non-O visa based on Thai wife. That's what I've used for the last 14 years. I never spend more that 90 day's in Thailand but we often go to Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam etc on holiday.

£125 per annum and gives you 15 months if needed.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Jay Sata

[Psychic]

I have just gotten a multiple entry O visa based on marriage. I had assumed it was the same a s the O-A in that a re-entry just before it expires would give me another year. Now I'm reading it is only 3 months as oppoosed to 12 months for the O-A. It is what it is, but why the difference? And is it possible to change the visa type in Thailand?

[Sceptict11]

A Non "O" multi entry visa only allows 90 day entries even if valid for one year. You must leave the country every 90 days. Re-entry will give another 90 days whilst the visa remains valid.

Exiting/re-entering just prior to the visas expiry date will again give another 90 days.

Used wisely such a visa will give up to 15 months stay in Thailand.

A "change of visa" is not possible but, if you can meet the requirements, a 12 month extension of stay could be applied for .

Edited January 16, 2014 by Sceptict11

[beechguy]

I have just gotten a multiple entry O visa based on marriage. I had assumed it was the same a s the O-A in that a re-entry just before it expires would give me another year. Now I'm reading it is only 3 months as oppoosed to 12 months for the O-A. It is what it is, but why the difference? And is it possible to change the visa type in Thailand?

More conditions to qualify for the "O-A" Visa, and often can only be obtained in your home country. If you have the Multi-entry "O", just use as advised, but at some point, you could go to Immigration and ask for a one year extension of permission to stay, if you meet the qualifications.

[mrfaroukh]

If you don't have to extend your marriage visa once you get it then that would be the best, but if you have to also extend that then I think retirement visa is good as you just apply for it once and pay 1900 baht, then get multiple reentry visa for 3800 baht. You are done for one year and again extend it after a year before it is expire.

[Jay Sata]

I have just gotten a multiple entry O visa based on marriage. I had assumed it was the same a s the O-A in that a re-entry just before it expires would give me another year. Now I'm reading it is only 3 months as oppoosed to 12 months for the O-A. It is what it is, but why the difference? And is it possible to change the visa type in Thailand?

More conditions to qualify for the "O-A" Visa, and often can only be obtained in your home country. If you have the Multi-entry "O", just use as advised, but at some point, you could go to Immigration and ask for a one year extension of permission to stay, if you meet the qualifications.

Good advice there Beechguy but don't fly the Bonanza.(The doctors widowmaker)

Do you fly in Thailand?

[beechguy]

I have just gotten a multiple entry O visa based on marriage. I had assumed it was the same a s the O-A in that a re-entry just before it expires would give me another year. Now I'm reading it is only 3 months as oppoosed to 12 months for the O-A. It is what it is, but why the difference? And is it possible to change the visa type in Thailand?

More conditions to qualify for the "O-A" Visa, and often can only be obtained in your home country. If you have the Multi-entry "O", just use as advised, but at some point, you could go to Immigration and ask for a one year extension of permission to stay, if you meet the qualifications.

Good advice there Beechguy but don't fly the Bonanza.(The doctors widowmaker)

Do you fly in Thailand?

Thanks, but no I don't fly. I do maintenance on military related contracts when I actually work, mostly the King Air 200's and sometimes the 90's. There have been quite a few jobs where I can work on a rotational schedule, and then just hang around. So I try to keep up with all the visa issues, and learn what I can.

[taqila]

Thanks! Good topic. For me the best has been Retire visa with multi entry.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[jacko45k]

I say, if you can afford to put 800k baht on deposit (in Thailand), get a retirement extension based on that.

Very straight forward........

No hassle getting Embassy verifications, nobody nosily wanting you to prove you have a valid marriage.

[SpokaneAl]

To OP,

In my opinion very simple:

Retirement extension plus a multiple re-entry Visa may be least hassle.

Require 800,000 baht in Thai bank account (as you say finance no problem and much easier than confirmation letters of income, you can deposit on fixed account with high interest);

A non-immigrant type-O Visa to start with, and easy paperwork at Immigration (photo, copy of passport and bankbook(s), passport and bankbook(s) to show, short interview if any);

Costs 1,900 baht for retirement extension and if I remember right, 3,500 for multiple re-entry;

You need to do 90-day report of address, however counted from an entry into Thailand, so only needed when you stay longer than 90 days;

You will need to be in Thailand close to time for renewing

I’ve been staying here for several years hassle free on those terms.

Or, if the OP is out of the country when it is time to renew, he can simply follow the original process once again and obtain a new retirement visa. To me at least, the advantage of that would be that with some carefully timed entries and exits he could limit himself to only needing to obtain a new retirement visa (in his home country) approx. every two years.

Edited January 17, 2014 by SpokaneAl

[slipperylobster]

Why not consider obtaining an "extension of stay" based on marriage or retirement, which would last a year , is renewable and together with a re-entry permit allow as many exits entries required.

Such an extension is best made from a NON "O" visa but can also be undertaken from a tourist visa.

You would need to meet certain financial requirements .

I would advise against the O/A visa which requires police and medical reports. Obtaining this visa is complex, time consuming and expensive !

How much more does a one year extension with multiple entries cost above and beyond the original multi-entry tourist visa? I understand I also need a letter from the us consulate for proof of income.. that cost about 1700. The tourist visa cost 1000 per entry...(double or triple that). I leave 3 times a year..and am not married, nor wish to buy a condo.