Retirement visa options

[TDCNINJA]

I am an American who has resided as a tourist in the Philippines since October, 2010. I have travelled to Thailand twice in that time in order to stay legal on maximum allowable stays in the Philippines. I turn 50 in August. I have a permanent monthly retirement income of about 125,000 baht.

Is there any way that I can arrange a retirement visa to Thailand without going back to the US to obtain a non-immigrant OA visa? If not, can I arrange some other type of visa and extend my stay on the basis of meeting the requirements for retirement?

Thank you in advance for your time and effort in answering my question.

[lopburi3]

If you are turning age 50 while in Philippines once of that age you can obtain a single entry non immigrant O visa for entry into Thailand, or convert a visa exempt or tourist visa entry, and then extend during the last 30 days by providing proof of income (notarized letter from US Embassy here). You will not have to have an OA visa or return to USA. These are yearly extensions of stay for retirement.

[nzexpat]

There is no "retirement" visa.

However it is possible to obtain an "extension of stay"(NOT a "visa"). based on retirement..

To start the process a single entry NON "O" visa , (obtained from a Thai embassy/ consulate ) is needed.

After 60 days of the 90 allowed by the "O" visa application should be made for the 1 year extension of stay. Financial requirements will need to be met.

[ubonjoe]

You can apply for a one year extension of stay here at immigration by showing proof of an income of 65k baht. In your case that would be done by doing an income affidavit at the US embassy in Bangkok.

In order to apply for the extension you would need a non-o visa entry. Not sure but you may be able to get a single entry non-o visa at the Thai embassy in Manila by showing some proof of your income.

You could also enter on a visa exempt entry and convert to a non immigrant visa entry based upon qualifying for an extension based upon retirement at Bangkok immigration. It will require 2 trips to immigration 15 days apart to get it You will need to get the affidavit to prove your income to apply. You also must have 15 days remaining on your entry but can extend the 30 day entry for 30 days at immigration.

[NeverSure]

Guys, I'm no expert but I (American) did it by entering visa exempt and going to immigration in Bangkok to convert to non-O. Then I did the timing as Lopburi said, but at that time it was "not more than 30 days but not less than 15 days" left of my non-O I applied for and got the retirement extension. This gave me almost 15 months IIRC.

While waiting for the time to run on the first non-O I got all of the documentation together and just before time was up I got the income letter from the US Embassy.

If that's no longer valid please correct me, but I did it.

Cheers

[ubonjoe]

Guys, I'm no expert but I (American) did it by entering visa exempt and going to immigration in Bangkok to convert to non-O. Then I did the timing as Lopburi said, but at that time it was "not more than 30 days but not less than 15 days" left of my non-O I applied for and got the retirement extension. This gave me almost 15 months IIRC.

While waiting for the time to run on the first non-O I got all of the documentation together and just before time was up I got the income letter from the US Embassy.

If that's no longer valid please correct me, but I did it.

Cheers

I am certain you missed the part of needing financial proof to do the conversion. As far as I know that has always been required.

The not less than 15 days would of been to apply for the conversion.

It has been the last 30 days of the 90 day entry to apply for an extension for a long time. There is no minimum number of days. It can be done on the last day.

[NeverSure]

Guys, I'm no expert but I (American) did it by entering visa exempt and going to immigration in Bangkok to convert to non-O. Then I did the timing as Lopburi said, but at that time it was "not more than 30 days but not less than 15 days" left of my non-O I applied for and got the retirement extension. This gave me almost 15 months IIRC.

While waiting for the time to run on the first non-O I got all of the documentation together and just before time was up I got the income letter from the US Embassy.

If that's no longer valid please correct me, but I did it.

Cheers

I am certain you missed the part of needing financial proof to do the conversion. As far as I know that has always been required.

The not less than 15 days would of been to apply for the conversion.

It has been the last 30 days of the 90 day entry to apply for an extension for a long time. There is no minimum number of days. It can be done on the last day.

You're right, I had forgotten. Still, I managed to do it all in Thailand from visa exempt. I used the income method and no seasoning was needed. The OP will use the income method via the US Embassy in Bangkok also.

Thanks for the reminder.

[TDCNINJA]

I would like to thank Lopburi, NZexpat, neversure and UbonJoe for their answers.

I will gather financial documentation now, while I have time, and submit an application for a non-O the last week of August the week I turn 50, to the Royal Thai Embassy. If they reject me, I'll enter visa-exempt on my passport and do as advised.

Thanks much.

Now I just need to decide where to live. [emoji2]

[Suradit69]

I am certain you missed the part of needing financial proof to do the conversion. As far as I know that has always been required.

The not less than 15 days would of been to apply for the conversion.

It has been the last 30 days of the 90 day entry to apply for an extension for a long time. There is no minimum number of days. It can be done on the last day.

You're right, I had forgotten. Still, I managed to do it all in Thailand from visa exempt. I used the income method and no seasoning was needed. The OP will use the income method via the US Embassy in Bangkok also.

Thanks for the reminder.

"The OP will use the income method via the US Embassy in Bangkok also."

Or if you're in one of the cities where the Embassy does their consular outreach, you can get the affidavit when they visit without going to Bangkok. The affidavit needs to be issued less than six months before you apply for an extension,

The form to be used http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/income_affidavit_retirees.pdf

Income Affidavit

The Thai government requires all U.S. citizens with Thai retirement visas to verify their income when they renew their retirement visa annually. Please print out this income affidavit (PDF 23KB) form to complete by hand or complete this income affidavit online then print it out. Please remember not to sign the form before you come to the American Citizen Services Unit. You will need to sign it in front of a designated officer.

Fee: $50

Not totally accurate since you could also have Baht 800,000 in a Thai bank account for at least two months before the first application or 3 months before subsequent applications. And you would be renewing your extension of stay, not a retirement visa.

Outreach service schedule

• Friday, July 10, 2015, Pattaya
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• Friday, July 24, 2015, Phuket
• Friday, October 9, 2015, Pattaya
• Friday, October 16, 2015, Udorn
• Friday, October 30, 2015, Phuket

[attrayant]

I will gather financial documentation now, while I have time, and submit an application for a non-O the last week of August the week I turn 50, to the Royal Thai Embassy.

Based on the replies above, it's my understanding that no financials need to be shown when applying for the non-immigrant O in a nearby country. The financials need to be shown only when you are here in Thailand and want to add-on the full year extension.

Did I read correctly?

[nzexpat]

I will gather financial documentation now, while I have time, and submit an application for a non-O the last week of August the week I turn 50, to the Royal Thai Embassy.

Based on the replies above, it's my understanding that no financials need to be shown when applying for the non-immigrant O in a nearby country. The financials need to be shown only when you are here in Thailand and want to add-on the full year extension.

Did I read correctly?

Financial proof is required before single entry NON "O" visa based on retirement will be issued.

This "proof" can be in the form of a Thai bank book or an Embassy letter certifying income.

[ubonjoe]

I will gather financial documentation now, while I have time, and submit an application for a non-O the last week of August the week I turn 50, to the Royal Thai Embassy.

Based on the replies above, it's my understanding that no financials need to be shown when applying for the non-immigrant O in a nearby country. The financials need to be shown only when you are here in Thailand and want to add-on the full year extension.

Did I read correctly?

No

Not sure about Manila. But at all the nearby embassies and consulates they will want to see financial proof to get a single entry non-o visa for being 50 or over.

[attrayant]

So what do people who have never been here (and thus haven't had the opportunity to open a bank account and deposit/season the 800K) do?

(I'm assuming they can't meet the income requirement and must use the 800K money-in-thai-bank method)

[lopburi3]

You would use a local account if making application from your home country - just as you would do for a non immigrant OA visa - which might be a better path if a medical statement and police clearance are not a problem.

[nzexpat]

So what do people who have never been here (and thus haven't had the opportunity to open a bank account and deposit/season the 800K) do?

(I'm assuming they can't meet the income requirement and must use the 800K money-in-thai-bank method)

Many Embassies outside the region will not issue single entry NoN "O" visas for being over 50 .

Hon Thai consulates may be more helpful but most (if not all) will require evidence of adequate finance being avaiale.

[phaholyothin]

Based on the replies above, it's my understanding that no financials need to be shown when applying for the non-immigrant O in a nearby country. The financials need to be shown only when you are here in Thailand and want to add-on the full year extension.

I'll be going through this process soon, so I want to make sure I understand. What's the point of applying for the non-O in a border country when you can easily fly into Thailand on a visa exempt (as NeverSure did) and then convert it once inside the country? Seems like a waste of time and money to bother with non-O.

[Lite Beer]

The opposite actually.

To convert from visa exempt requires two trips to Bangkok and 2000 baht to convert.

[ubonjoe]

Based on the replies above, it's my understanding that no financials need to be shown when applying for the non-immigrant O in a nearby country. The financials need to be shown only when you are here in Thailand and want to add-on the full year extension.

I'll be going through this process soon, so I want to make sure I understand. What's the point of applying for the non-O in a border country when you can easily fly into Thailand on a visa exempt (as NeverSure did) and then convert it once inside the country? Seems like a waste of time and money to bother with non-O.

It is not as easy to do the conversion as it was before. It can now only be done in Bangkok and it takes 2 trips 15 days apart to get the visa/entry stamps done.

You also need to do it within 15 days of arrival or you would need to apply for a 30 day extension.

Many people are making trips to nearby embassies and consulates now instead of doing the conversion because it is easier than doing the conversion for them.

[OMGImInPattaya]

I would like to thank Lopburi, NZexpat, neversure and UbonJoe for their answers.

I will gather financial documentation now, while I have time, and submit an application for a non-O the last week of August the week I turn 50, to the Royal Thai Embassy. If they reject me, I'll enter visa-exempt on my passport and do as advised.

Thanks much.

Now I just need to decide where to live. [emoji2]

If you have the funds, you can just dump the equivalent of 800k baht in a Thai bank savings account...that will save you the time, trouble, and expense of getting annual "income" letters from the embassy. As to where to live...Bangkok for the ladies...Phuket for the beaches...or Pattaya for the cheap booze!

I second what Joe says above...if you can't get the Non-Imm "O" visa out of Manila, then get a tourist visa or just enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exempt entry stamp. That conversion of a Tourist visa into a non-imm is a hassle...I would recommend just taking a trip to either Vientiane, Loas or Phnom Penh, Cambodia and pick-up a non-imm O visa there and then when you return to Thailand just apply for your "retirement" extension as described above.

If you don't get the non-imm "O" visa from Manila, the other thing you could do would be to go directly to Phnom Penh from the Philippines and hang-out there for a few days (or as long as you want) and get your non-imm "O" visa and then enter Thailand and do the extension. This would save you a trip.

[phaholyothin]

I see. Does proof of residency also need to be provided if getting the non-O at a consulate? I'm guessing no because a lot of folks who are coming in with intentions of retiring won't yet have a fixed address.

[ubonjoe]

I see. Does proof of residency also need to be provided if getting the non-O at a consulate? I'm guessing no because a lot of folks who are coming in with intentions of retiring won't yet have a fixed address.

Proof of residence will not be needed.

[Strangebrew]

Well Since I live in the Philippines I called the royal Thai embassy here they were a bit stand offish about giving me one so I'm taking advise Ubonjoe gave Which is simple Fly in then convert VOA to Non" O" for 90 days then apply for retirement extension during the last 30 days on the 90 day non "O" simple step by step If I'm correct proof of income can be 6 months of bank statements showing the monthly deposit of funds or letter from pension plan pay the fees and I suggest once you have retirement extension in passport book get a multi entry stamp so if you choose to travel around you can do so. Oh the stamp for multi entry is so your retirement extension dose'nt get cancelled if you decide to travel outside Thailand. Oh to get letter from US embassy factor in 50.00 USD to get plus make appointment online first no walk in allowed I know this cause I made mine already.

[Strangebrew]

Oh many Thanks ubonjoe for your guidance and help.

[lopburi3]

Proof of income is always a letter from your embassy - what they require will vary - for USA and OZ it is a signed legal document that your have an income you state on that document. If immigration wants supporting documents those income statements could be shown but normally that is not required. The multi re-entry is not required unless you plan more than a trip or two during the year as will cost 3,800 baht rather than 1k a single re-entry costs.

[phaholyothin]

I'm taking advise Ubonjoe gave Which is simple Fly in then convert VOA to Non" O" for 90 days then apply for retirement extension during the last 30 days on the 90 day non "O" simple step by step If I'm correct[.]

This seems more attractive option to me, too. I'm too confused of what's required at the various consulates and afraid of getting stuck outside without the right document. Requirements seem to be all over the place. For example, HCMC wants criminal and health check documents according to their web site, while I see no such requirement on the Savannakhet consulate web site. (although their site has no English language option so I'm relying on Google translate for this info)

Also I'm not sure how long a wait to expect (and therefore when to book return flight) as some places say next day service while in other threads people report waiting 3-5 days for the non O-A.

[ubonjoe]

I'm taking advise Ubonjoe gave Which is simple Fly in then convert VOA to Non" O" for 90 days then apply for retirement extension during the last 30 days on the 90 day non "O" simple step by step If I'm correct[.]

This seems more attractive option to me, too. I'm too confused of what's required at the various consulates and afraid of getting stuck outside without the right document. Requirements seem to be all over the place. For example, HCMC wants criminal and health check documents according to their web site, while I see no such requirement on the Savannakhet consulate web site. (although their site has no English language option so I'm relying on Google translate for this info)

Also I'm not sure how long a wait to expect (and therefore when to book return flight) as some places say next day service while in other threads people report waiting 3-5 days for the non O-A.

You cannot get a OA visa anywhere but in your home country or country of legal residence.

Ignore what is on the Savannakhet or Vientiane websites. That is for a Laotian to get a OA visa.

Savannakhet will not normally do the single entry non-o for being 50 or over. Vientiane is the best choice. Just show a bank book with 800k baht or proof of 65k baht income by way of an income letter or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht.

Penang Malaysia will also do them.

It is next afternoon after applying the morning of the first the day.

[phaholyothin]

You cannot get a OA visa anywhere but in your home country or country of legal residence.

Ignore what is on the Savannakhet or Vientiane websites. That is for a Laotian to get a OA visa.

Savannakhet will not normally do the single entry non-o for being 50 or over. Vientiane is the best choice. Just show a bank book with 800k baht or proof of 65k baht income by way of an income letter or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht.

Penang Malaysia will also do them.

It is next afternoon after applying the morning of the first the day.

I was trying to use the right technical designation as I know people here dislike the loose terms "retirement visa" and "marriage visa" and so on. What is the correct designation for retirement visa then? Is it just non-O which covers all of the various situations (retirement/marriage/visiting family)?

Fine, I'll try Vientiane and tell them ubonjoe sent me.

[nzexpat]

I'm taking advise Ubonjoe gave Which is simple Fly in then convert VOA to Non" O" for 90 days then apply for retirement extension during the last 30 days on the 90 day non "O" simple step by step If I'm correct[.]

This seems more attractive option to me, too. I'm too confused of what's required at the various consulates and afraid of getting stuck outside without the right document. Requirements seem to be all over the place. For example, HCMC wants criminal and health check documents according to their web site, while I see no such requirement on the Savannakhet consulate web site. (although their site has no English language option so I'm relying on Google translate for this info)

Also I'm not sure how long a wait to expect (and therefore when to book return flight) as some places say next day service while in other threads people report waiting 3-5 days for the non O-A.

O/A Visas are not available outside ones country of residence ,

Medical/criminal record checks are not required for the likes of tourist visas Ed visas or single entry "O" visas !

But you are correct !

Make it simple !

But there is no VOA available to the majority only " visa exempt entries"

If intending to " convert " with the aim of securing an "extension of stay" make sure that you can demonstrate the financial resource which will be required for the extension.

[ubonjoe]

You cannot get a OA visa anywhere but in your home country or country of legal residence.

Ignore what is on the Savannakhet or Vientiane websites. That is for a Laotian to get a OA visa.

Savannakhet will not normally do the single entry non-o for being 50 or over. Vientiane is the best choice. Just show a bank book with 800k baht or proof of 65k baht income by way of an income letter or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht.

Penang Malaysia will also do them.

It is next afternoon after applying the morning of the first the day.

I was trying to use the right technical designation as I know people here dislike the loose terms "retirement visa" and "marriage visa" and so on. What is the correct designation for retirement visa then? Is it just non-O which covers all of the various situations (retirement/marriage/visiting family)?

Fine, I'll try Vientiane and tell them ubonjoe sent me.

The nearest thing to a retirement visa is a OA long stay visa.

The non-o visa can be issued for many reasons. The O means other. That is is what you will apply for in Vientiane.

Just be sure you have the financial proof and you will not have a problem. There have been many people get their non-o's in Vientiane.

If using an income letter attach a copy to the application and show them the original so that you can use the letter for the extension.

[phaholyothin]

The nearest thing to a retirement visa is a OA long stay visa.

The non-o visa can be issued for many reasons. The O means other. That is is what you will apply for in Vientiane.

Just be sure you have the financial proof and you will not have a problem. There have been many people get their non-o's in Vientiane.

If using an income letter attach a copy to the application and show them the original so that you can use the letter for the extension.

I'm glad you said that! I probably would have just surrendered the original income affidavit and then felt like a fool when realizing I need to get another for the extension.

But on 2nd though I'll probably go to Penang since I prefer to fly and I don't see any carrier flying from DMK to Laos. What I've learned from the other thread is that going to Laos would require me to cancel my work permit & extension, which seems like a waste of a day since both will be expiring in few weeks anyway.

Is the non-O in process Penang is as easy as it is in Vientiane? (i.e. only 2 documents needed and next day turn around)