Retirement Visa - funds in Bank

[aussieinphuket]

Hi,

one further question.

will the Australian Embassy certify a proof of income statement from financial institute overseas (Singapore Bank) confirming income

earned ....

i have just realised i am one month short of the 3 month period for having the minimum amount in bank account , i now have the correct

amount for my wife and i in account namely thb1.6 million but its only going to be in account for 2 months not the required 3 month period..

i can have my bank in Singapore send a letter confirming funds held with them and interest earned which is substantial for the 12 month period..

look forward your comments.. thanks

[ubonjoe]

You do a statutory declaration at the Australian embassy. They do no ask for proof of your income.

Are both of you getting extensions stay (it is not a visa) based upon retirement? Or is one of you getting a dependent extension?

The rules have changed in the past year and many immigration offices are no longer accepting joint accounts.

[aussieinphuket]

Hi Joe thanks your assistance appreciate..

we have been living here now over 7 years and never been an issue yes when we do the renewal ourselves but with all the changes and all

the people at immigration these days i think we will try and make it as easy as possible this time and use our lawyer as the agents,

we have a joint account banking here in thailand and in our joint investment portfolio in Singapore..

my wife has a dependent visa for retirement on the back of my retirement visa as she only 45 and i 56... both Australian..

so in short we both are doing our visa for retirement stay yearly extension...

does the Australian Embassy then certify your stat dec and stamp it....

when you say not accepting joint accounts.... you mean i would then need to have my wife open a separate bank account and i deposit the

thb800,000 there for her and i do the same... we haven't had any issues in the past having joint account so presume you mean it could be a

hit and miss situation ??

[ubonjoe]

The embassy certifies you statement on the statutory declaration. You only need it to show an income of 65k baht for your extension.

Since your wife is getting a dependent extension based upon your extension for retirement she does not have to have any money in the bank or proof of income.

You should have an account in your name only showing the 800k baht required for your extension. But you will not need it if you can prove the 65k baht income.

The joint account will be a big maybe this year as far as them accepting it.

[KhunBENQ]

As you stated:

your wife is 45. So from the rules she would get a dependent extension based upon your extension ("after you").

Easiest case (what ubonjoe wrote in other words ):

if you have a monthly income (or on avarage per year) equivalent of at least 65'000 Baht per month then do the statuary declaration.

With that you get your extension (no account to show, no 3 months etc.).

After that your wife applies for the dependent extension (no financials needed).

(so are the rules at least, no idea whether Phuket is "special")

Anyway: you are here for seven years?

Get your own account each!

[aussieinphuket]

Joe / K.Beng

again many thanks. seems the stat dec showing income per month or year will sort my problem out.. the easiest way and won't have an issue

showing amount over thb65,000 p.m.

thank you