retirement visa

[shonka]

Hi I am wanting a retirement visa for me and my wife i understand you have to deposit 800,000 bart (per person) in a thai bank i was wondering if this has to stay in your bank account while you are living in thailand, (can you withdraw it after visa is obtained)   Basically i have no problem with deposit its the 65,000 bart per person monthly income that is stretching us also does it have to be a thai bank as im not keen on making a deposit of £30,000 in a foreign bank

from uk

thanks for any advise   shonka

[paz]

You need to clarify if you intend to apply in a foreign country (visa), or in Thailand (extension of stay).

[shonka]

as far as i understand i have to obtain a non immigrant visa in uk and then apply in thailand for a retirement visa

 

i am not up to date on current laws as its been 2 years since we were in thailand and i am now doing homework to find out

[paz]

If applying for a visa in the UK you need to be over 65, money in any bank and/or on a state pension. You can search the forum for more information.

 

Otherwise you can apply in Thailand for visa conversion from any visa or visa exempt, and subsequent extension of stay, need to be 50 or over, with money in Thai bank and/or income.

 

There is countless threads on the subject daily, all questions are answered there.

[shonka]

Thanks i will do more research 

[Amavel]

I am able to just show the document showing I have a pension with min. Monthly amount and the affidavit of income from Embassy. I do not even have a Thai account. ATM's

[shonka]

thanks  

 the new tightening of laws will be affecting thousands of ex pats over there  will be interesting to see out it pans out

[paz]

thanks  

 the new tightening of laws will be affecting thousands of ex pats over there  will be interesting to see out it pans out

 

There is no tightening of laws for retirement visa and extensions.

[TerryLH]

For an extension the 800k has to be in a Thai bank.
It can be withdrawn when you get the extension.

The 65k a month is verified by a letter from your embassy, and does not have to be deposited in a Thai bank.

You can also use a combination of money in the bank and income as long as the total is at least 800k per year.

You could put 800k in the bank. As soon as you get your extension, your wife could apply for an extension as your dependent and would not be required to have her own money deposited. she'd need to be on a Non O Visa to do that.

[Lite Beer]

Yes. Only you have to have the money in the bank and /or income.

Your Wife could then apply as your dependant.

Unless she prefers to be independent and apply on her own merits.

[sappersrest]

If you are applying for an O-A visa and are under 65  and in the Uk. The money can be in a UK bank ,and must be certified by the bank and notarised. Both my wife and I retired here in Jan we are both English and took early retirement we are under 65. if you have any more questions please pm me.

[khunerik]

You don't need both the 65000k income. And the 800k in the bank. One out of those two options is enough

[aarn]

"For an extension the 800k has to be in a Thai bank" for a minimum of 60 days, 

prior to your first application, for extension on the basis of retirement. AA

[shonka]

thankyou everybody its been very helpful    thailand here i come