what visa for extension on retirement basis

[piminphimai]

Hi everyone.

I have been coming to Thailand every 2 months for the last two years and have entered on Visa exempt stamps and then applying for an extra 30 days at the local immigration office. Last two visits at the airport have been asked why i have not got a visa and why do i come to Thailand many times. Hav'nt been turned away yet but i think i'm pushing my luck.

I am a British citizen but resident in Italy

My Question is. What type of Visa do i require that will allow me to extent on retirement basis.

Thanks in advance for any help

[ubonjoe]

If you can get one a single entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over would be what you need to apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement.

If you you cannot get the non-o you could convert a visa exempt entry to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry at Bangkok immigration and some nearby offices. Then during the last 30 days of that 90 day entry you could apply for the extension.

You will need 800k baht in a Thai bank for 2 months or proof of an income of 65k baht or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht to apply for the extension.

[piminphimai]

Thanks Joe.good advice

[elviajero]

You could also consider a non 'O-A' multiple entry visa.

• That allows you to come and go as often as you want for 1 year.
• Each time you enter you get a 1 year permit to stay.
• At the end of the first year (before the visa expiry date) you can exit/re-enter for a final 1 year stay.
• During the second year you can come and go, but need a re-entry permit to keep the stay alive.
• Once that final permit to stay has finished you can apply for a 1 year extension of stay at an immigration office or get a new visa.

[ubonjoe]

The OA would have to be applied for in the UK unless you have legal residency in Italy.

[piminphimai]

If you can get one a single entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over would be what you need to apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement.

If you you cannot get the non-o you could convert a visa exempt entry to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry at Bangkok immigration and some nearby offices. Then during the last 30 days of that 90 day entry you could apply for the extension.

You will need 800k baht in a Thai bank for 2 months or proof of an income of 65k baht or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht to apply for the extension.

The OA would have to be applied for in the UK unless you have legal residency in Italy.

I do have legal residency in Italy but embassy is some 6 hours away by road and the mailing system does not function where i live.I meet the retirement requirements so will go down your suggested route

One other question. Can this be done within a 2 month time frame while i am in

Thailand

Thanks

[ubonjoe]

If you can get one a single entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over would be what you need to apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement.

If you you cannot get the non-o you could convert a visa exempt entry to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry at Bangkok immigration and some nearby offices. Then during the last 30 days of that 90 day entry you could apply for the extension.

You will need 800k baht in a Thai bank for 2 months or proof of an income of 65k baht or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht to apply for the extension.

The OA would have to be applied for in the UK unless you have legal residency in Italy.

I do have legal residency in Italy but embassy is some 6 hours away by road and the mailing system does not function where i live.I meet the retirement requirements so will go down your suggested route

One other question. Can this be done within a 2 month time frame while i am in

Thailand

Thanks

You might be able to get a single entry non-o visa from one of the 4 honorary Thai consulates in Italy, Info is here: http://www.guidetothailand.com/thailand-travel-information/honcon-europe.php

You could do it within 2 months. If you came in on a visa exempt entry your would have to do the conversion shortly after you enter the country. You can apply for the extension during the last 45 days of the 90 day entry you would get from the conversion or from a non-o visa entry.

You will need to get a re-entry permit when you apply for the extension to keep your extension valid when you enter the country. A multiple re-entry permit costs 3800 baht.

[piminphimai]

Thanks again Joe.

[Haso]

Correct. If you apply for an O A retirement/long stay visa in your own country before coming to Thailand then you only need to show your savings in your own countries bank account, not in Thailand, then you have more flexibility in your investments. Thai bank interest rates not so good. Then another 12 months extension of stay before you have to return. 2 years all up.

[sunnyjim5]

Correct. If you apply for an O A retirement/long stay visa in your own country before coming to Thailand then you only need to show your savings in your own countries bank account, not in Thailand, then you have more flexibility in your investments. Thai bank interest rates not so good. Then another 12 months extension of stay before you have to return. 2 years all up.

Seems you have "misunderstood". The 2nd year of stay derived from an O/A visa is not an "extension" but a one year "permission to stay" obtained with a valid visa.

[Haso]

Sorry about that.. Wrong terminology

[jacksam]

OP you casually mentioned "while in Thailand" an option would be to obtain a non o imm based on retirement at nearby country that's best suites you. Vientiane is one popular choice. Then before 90 days expire obtain 12 month permission of stay.

[Haso]

Can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand whilst on a one year extension of stay or does it have be on my original 1 year O - A visa as long as I meet all the other necessary requirements.

[ubonjoe]

Can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand whilst on a one year extension of stay or does it have be on my original 1 year O - A visa as long as I meet all the other necessary requirements.

Not sure what you are asking about.

It is not possible to apply for a retirement visa here. You can only apply for a one year extension of stay based upon retirement.

Do you already have an extension of stay based upon something other than retirement?

If you have a OA visa you can apply for a extension of stay during the last 30 days of any of the 1 years entries you get from it.

[johnatong]

Can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand whilst on a one year extension of stay or does it have be on my original 1 year O - A visa as long as I meet all the other necessary requirements.

If you are now here on the basis of an entry made with a valid O/A visa you do not have an extension of stay.

If you wish to remain in Thailand on the basis of being retired you must apply for an extension of stay based on retirement (it is not a visa). Application can be made during the last 30 days of your current permission to stay.

You must also meet the financial requirements of the extension ie. 800K Bht in a Thai Bank for two moths prior to application or a certified 65K Bht/month income.

[Bazle]

Last two visits at the airport have been asked why i have not got a visa and why do i come to Thailand many times. Hav'nt been turned away yet but i think i'm pushing my luck.

I have been visiting about 5 times a year for 3 years and lately been getting the same reaction at Immigration.

Like you, I thought it prudent to follow the route you are.

[piminphimai]

If you can get one a single entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over would be what you need to apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement.

If you you cannot get the non-o you could convert a visa exempt entry to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry at Bangkok immigration and some nearby offices. Then during the last 30 days of that 90 day entry you could apply for the extension.

You will need 800k baht in a Thai bank for 2 months or proof of an income of 65k baht or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht to apply for the extension.

Hi Joe. I'm back in Thailand. One question. I have 20 days left of my Visa exempt stamp. I now have all the paperwork.Can i convert the Visa exempt to a Non O in this time frame. I have been told by immigration at Korat that i need 21 days left to apply but threads on here mention only 15 days. Thanks in advance

[ubonjoe]

If you can get one a single entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over would be what you need to apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement.

If you you cannot get the non-o you could convert a visa exempt entry to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry at Bangkok immigration and some nearby offices. Then during the last 30 days of that 90 day entry you could apply for the extension.

You will need 800k baht in a Thai bank for 2 months or proof of an income of 65k baht or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht to apply for the extension.

Hi Joe. I'm back in Thailand. One question. I have 20 days left of my Visa exempt stamp. I now have all the paperwork.Can i convert the Visa exempt to a Non O in this time frame. I have been told by immigration at Korat that i need 21 days left to apply but threads on here mention only 15 days. Thanks in advance

The requirement is normally 15 days but some offices may want 21 days since they have to send it to another office for approval.

As far as I know Korat does not accept applications for the visa.

Your best option may be to make a trip to Vientiane for a single entry non-o visa.