Medical For Retirement Visa (and Notarization)

[gdhm]

Hi,

I am trying to process my Retirement Visa to live in Thailand.

I have a few big problems with the exact requirements of where and how.

I am a UK citizen, resident in Spain for the last 4 years but having married my Thai National wife in May have been here ever since and plan to remain here for months more (doing Visa runs currently).

My problems are:

1) I should get the Visa processed initially via the Thai Consulate in my Country of Residence (SPAIN). Not possible as they do not speak hardly any English (and my Spanish is poor). The very helpful Thai Consulate in Hull, UK said they are happy to try to process my application for me.

2) All documents should be notarized. I cnnot see how I can do this. My criminal and bank documents are from England. I do not live there to get them notarized. Spanish notaries will only notarize spanish documents in the spanish language, AND the UK have similar rules.

The Thai Consulate, Hull said they are willing to process my documents without Notarization, but I must understand that THAI Immigration may not accpet the documents at the end of the day (and they are the ultimate deciders of what is acceptable.

3) I need to get the medical document completed. The rules say in "Country of Residence" BUT I am currently in Thailand. The Thai Consulate, Hull say they will process a Thai doctor's medical document IF it is in English (no problem to get) BUT suggest I check with Thai Immigration Bangkok to make sure they will at the end of the day accept it too.

This I will do but past emails to MFA have been immediately acknowledged and a reply promised, BUT nothing has appeared during the last 2 months. I am NOT hopeful they will advise.

Does anybody have any knowledge on these various issues and especially whether me getting my medical requirements in Thailand would be acceptable. I canot beleive a Thailand doctor's declaration is not of high enough standard to meet the requirements BUT I do not know how concerned the Thai Offical will be it is not from my Country of Residence.

Finally, I would be MOST grateful if anybody knows how I CAN make meaningful contact with the MFA for guidance by email or letter as I live in Khon Kaen, (I could phone but then I have no record of advice given that I could present if needed at a future date).

Regards

Dave

[lopburi3]

From your post I gather you are here in Thailand so why bother with either the UK or Spain? Do it here. You have the option of using "support Thai wife" or "retirement" type extensions of stay. First step is take your marriage certificate and copy of wife ID card to a Royal Thai Consulate in Malaysia or Laos (or elsewhere) to obtain a non immigrant O visa to visit wife. Once you have that and return for your 90 day stay you can do the retirement process here with a local medical certificate, bank account passbook/letter from bank within a week confirming account balance as indicated in passbook, letter from your Embassy of pension amount if using that, and copies of passport, 4x6cm photo within six months and 1,900 baht for TM.7 application. 65,000 baht per month pension or 800k in Thai bank account in your name or a combination. This can all be done in the last week of your 90 day stay.

[vinny]

lopburi3's advice may be the easiest and best option for you to follow.

See also Required documents, Visa Extension

to spend the remainder of life; or

to support a wife who is Thai citizen or who is a permanent resident (non-Thai husband)

If you still want to contact the MFA, the Visa and Travel Documents Division's email is [email protected]

Department of Consular Affairs

123 Chaengwattana Rd.,

Tungsonghong Laksi

Bangkok 10212

[Thaiquila]

When I look at the required documents area of this link, there is pretty much NO information. Strange, non functional website!

See also Required documents, Visa Extension

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/ba...hp?page=service

Edited July 25, 2006 by Thaiquila

[Maestro]

When I look at the required documents area of this link, there is pretty much NO information. Strange, non functional website!

See also Required documents, Visa Extension

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/ba...hp?page=service

You don’t say what browser you use.

The “Visa Extension” links on that page do not work in Firefox, because the page is very badly coded. The links work OK in Internet Explorer and, from what I have heard, also in Opera and some other browsers.

---------------

Maestro

[eugengeri]

When I look at the required documents area of this link, there is pretty much NO information. Strange, non functional website!

See also Required documents, Visa Extension

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/ba...hp?page=service

You don’t say what browser you use.

The “Visa Extension” links on that page do not work in Firefox, because the page is very badly coded. The links work OK in Internet Explorer and, from what I have heard, also in Opera and some other browsers.

---------------

Maestro

...and the "Safari" browser on Mac OSX also not work with links - yes, badly coded.

[naka]

gdhm.

By far the easiest route to getting a retirement or marriage visa is to do it in Thailand.

By far the hardest way is to try to get it overseas.

First get a Non Immigrant 3 month single entry visa in spain or UK. No special paperwork required.

On arrival in Thailand open a local savings account.

Get enough money sent in to your Thai bank savings account, tell your EU bank to send the

funds electronically in Euros or Pounds and it will be converted to Baht here

( better exchange rates ).

You will need to have a minimum of K400 for the marriage visa or K800 for

the retirement visa in your account. Note that the retirement visa is preferred by Thai Immigration.

If you have the money go for the retirement visa, you will be glad you did.

By the way, your money can be used as you wish, you just need to make sure you top it

up to the minimum amount each time you go to renew the visa extension (each year).

About three weeks before your 3 month Non O visa is about to expire got to Thai Immigration

with the following :-

Passport.

Letter from Thai bank showing balance - > K400 or > K800 depending on visa'

the bank will charge about Bt 200 for this letter.

Medical certificate done at a local doctor's clinic, simple, quick and inexpensive.

1,900 Bt fee.

That's it ... nothing more.

Time at immigration would probably be no more than an hour first time around

and 15 minutes the next year. (assuming retirement visa).

All very straightforward when you do it in Thailand, and no police check required.

Naka.

Hi, I just noticed you are here at the moment, in that case, next visa run, go to Penang or K.L. and get the 3 month Non O there. If they ask ... tell them you need this visa as you intend getting

a retirement extension later on.

Then follow the above process.

I assume you are currently here on a tourist visa.

Edited July 26, 2006 by naka

[gdhm]

Hello All,

This is all wonderfully helpful information. Thank you all SO MUCH. I am sure the members of this Forum have much more expertise and knowledge than myself or my attempt to understand what is "Written in Stone" and what is not

Certainly if I can get my Retirement Visa arranged whilst in Thailand I wish to AND as soon as possible.

1) The reason I though this NOT possible was the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website page for requirement which states:

NON-IMMIGRANT VISA "O-A" (LONG STAY) - visa for retired persons

This type of visa will be issued to applicants aged 50 years or above. Holders of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for one year and may not work while staying in Thailand.

I. QUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT

A foreign national whose age is 50 years or above (on the date of submitting the application).

Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (A.D.1979).

Having no criminal record against the security of Thailand and the country of his/her nationality, or the country of his/her residence.

Having the nationality of or the residence in the country where his/her application is submitted.

Not having prohibitive diseases (Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Drug Addiction, Elephantiasis and Third step of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535).

Not allowed to work in Thailand.

II. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATION

A passport with validity not less than 18 months

Three copies of visa application form duty filled out.

Three passport-sized photos of the applicant taken within the past six months.

A personal data form

A copy of bank statement showing a deposit at the amount equal to not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income of not less than 65,000 Baht, or a deposit account plus a monthly income totalling not less than 800,000 Baht.

In case of the bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is to be shown as well.

Verification stating that the applicant has no criminal record issued from the country of his/her nationality or residence (the verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarized by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic/consular mission).

A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (the certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarized by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic/consular mission).

In case that the applicant wishes to have his/her spouse stay together in the Kingdom but the spouse is not qualified for the “O-A” visa, their marriage certificate shall also be produced as evidence and should be notarized by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic/consular mission. (The spouse will be considered for temporary stay under category “O”).

2) I am aware that Thailand prefers us getting a Retirement Visa over a Visa based on Marriage to a Thai National. Consequently, a Retirement Visa is my intended option. I also understand it is easier to renew, AND should the unthinkable happen and my marriage was to fail in the future I would not be dependent upon being married in order for me to stay in Thailand.

3) I VERY am interested in the comments about getting a 3 month Visa because my next door neighbour and I went to Laos ONLY a month ago (I am UK, he USA, BOTH married to Thai National's - he works 3 month periods in USA but has a 1 year old child and been married 2 and a half years to his Thai wife). We went up to Nhon Kai and told the agency we wanted to go across the border go to Thai Consulate and apply for 3 month Visa (he had done this last November). We were advised it was NOT possible, that they had not arranged that for my neighbour before (maybe change of ownership as they did not remember). We had to settle for a 30 day Visa.

I subsequently read on the Forum that the Thai Consulates in Asia (especially bordering Thailand) are NOT being helpful anymore with the 90 day Visas. Maybe I am getting confused and misunderstanding things and what is being said. We were told if we wanted 90 days we had to go produce all sorts of documents form firms, banks etc. etc. The one thing I personally find very difficult in Thailand is the constantly changing rules and PARTICULARLY the lack of consistency of official interpretation of known rules. In the UK you may not like the rules but you know what is, and what is not acceptable and consistency is high.

4) It seems most who have kindly answered my message are saying that Thailand's official requirements are NOT "written in stone" because BOTH the UK and MFA sites say applicants must provide proof of no criminal record form country of residence. Hence the reason I have not tried getting it arranged in Thailand.

5) I have already written to my Pension company requesting a letter confirming my pension of £901 UK pounds GROSS a month (Nett of Tax £741 UK, 622,440 Baht approx.) which is paid into my UK Nationwide account where my Current Account is held and my savings of about £11,600 UK pound 812,000 baht. I am assuming Thailand want proof of NETT of TAX income of 800,000 a year IF they only are looking at GROSS of Tax then I am almost there with GROSS pension alone 756,840 baht approx.) . Maybe somebody knows if it is Nett or Gross pension Thailand need me to prove, please

I was planning to write to my bank for confirmation of receipt of this pension AND the amount in my accounts. The UK Hull Thai Consulate specifically says AND REITERATES that the monies in a THAI Bank are NOT necessary. Please can I ask if this is different if I apply in Thailand.

I personally would prefer not to have my Pension transferred to payment into a Thai Bank because I am not allowed a current account in Thailand yet (OR Internet banking access). The Interest rate on my Bangkok Bank Savings Account I have is 0.75% (for unrestricted access) compared to my UK Nationwide Interent Banking E-savings account giving me 4.25% and unrestricted access.

Also, as Nationwide do not charge ATM commission or a service charge, my pension is best paid into Nationwide (not Thailand). I also can make payments on the Internet and use my UK cheque book if I have monies in my UK bank. I would be severely restricted in Thailand without a current account

6) Is it really true that IF I apply in Thailand I do not need to bother with a Police Criminal Report from the UK (which does not worry me but obviously not having to deal with an extra document is always desirable especially as the UK Police will want 40 days for processing).

7) Thanks very much Vinny for the address and especially the email address

Thank again everybody for the terrific advice.

The situation looks more and more promising and easier to advance

Kindest Regards

Dave

[vinny]

The requirements for Non-Immigrant Visa "O-A" (Long stay) - visa for retired persons are for out of Thailand applicants, whereas the required documents for visa extensions are for applicants in Thailand. The requirements may differ.

As per lopburi3's advice, non-Immigrant O visas may be easier to obtain than O-A visas. Afterwards, you can extend your visa in Thailand. You can also contact the Royal Thai Embassies in South East Asia beforehand while you are in Thailand.

Let us know how you get on.

[lopburi3]

First of all the MFA have nothing to do with extensions of stay in Thailand. That is the job of Immigration. The MFA acts as there agent for the O-A visa/pre approved extension of stay but has nothing to do with extensions later or that are obtained in Thailand.

1. N/A

2. True - but first time you must tell them of your marriage and wife will be advised and have to sign off that she understands this.

3. Agency/visa/Nong Khai? You go to the Consulate in Vientiane to obtain any type of visa that is legal. As there is no 30 day visa expect you entered Laos and returned. If not your stamp is not legal. Although requirements can change most Consulates will issue a single entry non immigrant O visa with a copy of marriage certificate and ID card of wife. It is the multi entry one year type that is often hard to obtain.

4. N/A Those sites give information for O-A - that is not what you get when you extend an O visa for retirement in Thailand.

5. The pension is verified by your Embassy. Nothing else matters. You provide them what they want. And I suspect it will be a gross amount. Bank money must be in Thailand.

6. For the umpteenth time - no - you do not require a police report.

[gdhm]

Hello Vinny and Lopburi3,

I now understand the difference extension change to retirement Visa option you are suggesting versus the straight off approach I was assuming I had to do. I apologize for my confusion ( I try to read so much information on the subject that I have at times found it difficult to "see the wood, from the trees". The Thai Consulate, Hull UK have been very helpful to me but they did not suggest the possibility of the route Lopburi3 recommends, but to be fair they probably thought I was applying whilst still (or mainly) based in based in Spain.

I had done all the necessary paperwork to apply for my UK Police record BUT now I will abort that AND I will follow your process Lopburi3 exactly as you suggest. It seems the best, and as straight forward route as I can get and I thank you for explaining it step-by-step so clearly for me.

I will start transferring my funds into my Thai Bank immediately (I do not need to get my pension paid into Thailand at this stage as I have JUST ENOUGH to be able to get 800,00 baht into my Thai Savings account.

I have no problem of principle in placing all my savings into a Thai Bank, except I worry slightly about what a lovely position Thailand is in if having put 800,000 baht (98% of all savings until my Spanish house sells) into my Thai Savings Account they then say I cannot have a Retirement Visa OR say the monies need to be in the account longer than "just arrived".

My UK Nationwide Building Society Bank do not like Thailand for security reasons (they wont even accept a Thai address for my correspondence from them - JUST TRIED and was "gobsmacked" when they refused. Now I will have to give them a UK address of my friend and get ALL letters, cards etc. sent out in one package -DO THEY THINK THIS OPTION SAFER?? Hmmm BANKS and their "less safe" rules ). With Nationwide's attitude about Thailand, I do not know if they will allow me to instruct them in writing to transfer 800,000 baht to my account in Thailand -BUT I WILL TRY. Luckily I have another "fail safe" option, I am allowed to draw out 20,000 baht a day through my ATM (NO charges whatsoever) so I can do it the hard way (over 40 days or so - not a big problem, just a nuisance).

Thank you for your help ONCE again Lopburi3 and also Vinny.

Yes Vinny I will let you know how I get on because its the one thing I can do at the moment to repay members for their help and advice over the last few months to me AND, for me to also help other Retirement applicants and new members, by confirming the ease of Lopburi3's route and/or mention any problems on the way IF ANY.

Kindest regards to all

Dave

[naka]

gdhm.

Just a couple of points.

You cannot go the 20,000 a day from the ATM route, as the money has to have

been proved to have come in from outside Thailand. For instance by a wire transfer.

I have JUST ENOUGH to be able to get 800,00 baht into my Thai Savings account.

Yes, all good and well, But you must still have more than 800,000 on the day you go

to immigration to extend your 3 month single entry N.I. 'O' to a 1 year.

Naka.

[gdhm]

gdhm.

Just a couple of points.

You cannot go the 20,000 a day from the ATM route, as the money has to have

been proved to have come in from outside Thailand. For instance by a wire transfer.

I have JUST ENOUGH to be able to get 800,00 baht into my Thai Savings account.

Yes, all good and well, But you must still have more than 800,000 on the day you go

to immigration to extend your 3 month single entry N.I. 'O' to a 1 year.

Naka.

Thanks Naka,

1) I will try the SWIFT transfer route, BUT I do not like the banking disclaimers and conditions for SWIFT namely Condition 2. i).

The SWIFT Conditions of Transfer wording says:

2. "Provided there is no negligence on the part of Nationwide and/or its agents, then

Nationwide and its agents shall not be liable for any claims or losses arising as a result of

money:-

i) not received by the receiving bank or the beneficiary; or

ii) rejected by the receiving bank or the beneficiary; or

iii) for any reason delayed whilst in transmission to the receiving bank or the beneficiary; or

recalled by you"

2) Thanks for your concern about the 800,000 baht. When I said I have 800,000 baht I meant I have 800,000 baht that I can keep in the account. I use my pension for day to day living (about 50,000 baht a month. Not a fortune but plenty). I appreciate that I must always have this amount of money in my account at the time of Retirement Visa application or Retirement Visa renewal

Regards

Dave

[Maestro]

2) Thanks for your concern about the 800,000 baht. When I said I have 800,000 baht I meant I have 800,000 baht that I can keep in the account. I use my pension for day to day living (about 50,000 baht a month. Not a fortune but plenty). I appreciate that I must always have this amount of money in my account at the time of Retirement Visa application or Retirement Visa renewal

The 800k can be a combination of pension and money in the bank. With an embassy certificate of 50k/month pension (= 600k/year) you need to show only min. 200k in the bank.

---------------

Maestro

[JohnC]

Lots of good advice here, I thought I would detail my experience as I have just been granted my retiremnt visa 2 weeks ago. I applied through the Thai Embassy at Hull and had all the papers duly notarised and sent of with a cheque for £90, returned within 24 hours as promised. Arrived at Bangkok Airport and immigration approved my three month stay on a single entry to apply for retirement. Went to immigration in Pattaya that week just to check and was told no problem come back in your last week of current visa and make sure you have at least 44,000 baht in your Thai Bank and a doctors letter from Thai doctor! english letter no good! This I did, unfortunatley it coincided with a four day holiday so when I arrived the place was packed so had a bit of a wait.

Saw the man who checked everything , then said my pension letters had to be signed by the consulate in Pattaya despite being signed and stamped by the Thai Embassy, he gave me the consulates card and told me when he would be in the Immigration office and once I had that then come back and he would process it. I called the guy and he came down that day and seen me, he returned next day with an official letter supporting my pension and my police clearance he also advised me to copy it and keep the original. Saw the man again and no problems, Thai Doctors Letter (110 baht) acceptable, letter from embassy acceptable (he took the copy and told me to keep the same letter for next year!) Bank Letter Ok, Bank Book OK although there was a 5000 baht difference between the letter and my passbook as I had spent some money but still had the 44000 required. He then passed me to boss lady who finished everything and said be ready 9am tommorrow no problem or maybe 4pm tonight. She gave me a laminated number and I went back next morning at 9am straight to her desk where my passport was returned complete with retirement visa dated one year from date of entry (29th April) I have a pension that exceeds the 65000 baht minimum so they told me just make sure you have 44000 baht in your bank, no idea why! I am also with the Nationwide and they told me I can only do a swift transfer in person at one of their branches so that ruled out transfering regular sums. I just use the atm with no charges and my pension letter clears me with immigration I think that covers everything but am open to questions if I can help anyone.

[naka]

gdhm.

Yes it's a standard "cover any eventualities" disclaimer, and you would see something similar regardless of which bank you used.

Never had any problems with SWIFT.

Anyway, if you did have a problem your bank would be on to it like

a shot since they were the ones who carried out the transaction.

Naka.

Edited July 27, 2006 by naka