Retirement Visa

[bkk2323]

Hello All

My retirement visa is about to expire and I need to apply for a new 1 year extension, this will be my 3rd extension. (If that's the correct terminology?)

When I applied for the first extension I went to Chaeng Wattana, it was difficult but we got through it. The next year they made it almost impossible so I sought the assistance of a Lawyer. I would rather not use the lawyer again as it's very expensive.

I was wondering if anyone knew of an immigration office that is processing retirement visa with relative ease and what documents they require. Some time ago I read the immigration office at Savannakhet was co-operative.

Thanks in advance to any replies!

[sunnyjim5]

Securing an extension of stay based on retirement is a very easy process. If you find it challenging then maybe you are one of the few who does need the assistance of an agent/lawyer.

There is no immigration office in Savannakhet which is in Laos.

If you live in Bangkok you must use Chaengwattana immigration office to apply for your extension.

What is it that you find difficult about the process?

[elviajero]

• Sounds like you have a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement. Not a visa.
• Savannakhet is a Thai consulate and not an immigration office. You may possibly get a new visa from there, although Vientiane would be a better choice, but I don't think a visa is what you want.
• If you want to renew your extension of stay for another year, and you live in Bangkok, you will need to do it a CW again.

Retirement extensions of stay are usually easy to arrange and you shouldn't ever need a lawyer or agent. What is/was your problem.

[jacksam]

You need to apply for the extension where you live. Many will probably wonder what made it difficult. Your original non o was based on retirement? This is one of the most straight forward to apply for permission of stay. Which aspect was difficult. I think that will help the experts assist you

[bkk2323]

Hi All

Initially, along with the usual form I was told to present stat dec from the embassy stating my retirement income of x amount would suffice,

I presented the stat dec and was then told they also required 3 months bank statement displaying a min balance of 400,000 baht. (I did not maintain a balance of 400,000 baht in my Thai bank account)

I don't have 400,000 baht balance in my Thai bank account again, so is it fair to assume the same problem will arise? Has anyone experienced anything different to this?

And yes, it's a 1 year extension I require, apologies for the incorrect terminology.

[sunnyjim5]

Hi All

Initially, along with the usual form I was told to present stat dec from the embassy stating my retirement income of x amount would suffice,

I presented the stat dec and was then told they also required 3 months bank statement displaying a min balance of 400,000 baht. (I did not maintain a balance of 400,000 baht in my Thai bank account)

I don't have 400,000 baht balance in my Thai bank account again, so is it fair to assume the same problem will arise? Has anyone experienced anything different to this?

And yes, it's a 1 year extension I require, apologies for the incorrect terminology.

Sounds like some "misunderstanding" occurred,

If your "stat dec" indicated an income of at least 65,000/month you qualify for an extension of stay but be aware that the immigration officers can and sometimes do want to see the basis on which the stat,dec. was made. You need to be prepared to evidence the source of your funds.

If you encounter a problem and you can evidence the source of your income that just ask (politely) to speak with a supervisor.

[glegolo]

So what you are saying is that you are looking for an exten stion of stay based on retirement or marriage??? Need to know in order to help you with correct information...

glegolo

[elviajero]

Hi All

Initially, along with the usual form I was told to present stat dec from the embassy stating my retirement income of x amount would suffice,

I presented the stat dec and was then told they also required 3 months bank statement displaying a min balance of 400,000 baht. (I did not maintain a balance of 400,000 baht in my Thai bank account)

I don't have 400,000 baht balance in my Thai bank account again, so is it fair to assume the same problem will arise? Has anyone experienced anything different to this?

And yes, it's a 1 year extension I require, apologies for the incorrect terminology.

• If you want to use a combination of pension income and cash in the bank, the cash in the bank will need to be there for 3 months.
• The amount of cash you need in the bank will depend on how much your pension is.
• It would help to know how much pension income you get every month.

[bkk2323]

Glegolo, I require a retirement extension, not marriage. (Although I am married to a Thai)

[elviajero]

Glegolo, I require a retirement extension, not marriage. (Although I am married to a Thai)

• If you are married you can choose which reason to use for the extension of stay.
• An extension based on marriage only needs the equivalent income of 40k per month.

[sunnyjim5]

• Sounds like you have a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement. Not a visa.
• Savannakhet is a Thai consulate and not an immigration office. You may possibly get a new visa from there, although Vientiane would be a better choice, but I don't think a visa is what you want.
• If you want to renew your extension of stay for another year, and you live in Bangkok, you will need to do it a CW again.

Retirement extensions of stay are usually easy to arrange and you shouldn't ever need a lawyer or agent. What is/was your problem.

Yes the OP does need to clarify his situation because despite the "difficulties" described he appears to have had an extension issued in spite of the alleged demand for 400,000 to be held in a Thai bank. Such an amount either represents what is required for an extension of stay based on marriage or it represents a shortfall between income and the 800,000 needed for an extension based on retirement.

[bkk2323]

The retirement income I declare is 75,00 baht per month

I am married to a Thai with a young daughter

I currently have 220,000 baht in my Thai account

And $500 US in a Krungsri foreign currency account( And funds back in my native country)

[glegolo]

If you have your confirmed affadavid from you embassy concerning that 75.000 baht you should be OK with that, Together with the rest of the demanded documents, you can do this with ease yourself....

You are good toi go..

Me I need to show besides the 65.000 baht in confirmed income per month...:

copies of passport; ID-page, and VISA page, and last extension-page and copy of TM6

i need also to show my yellow housebook

and have a passport-photo in hand for the TM7 application form..

Good luck..

Glegolo

[elviajero]

The retirement income I declare is 75,00 baht per month

I am married to a Thai with a young daughter

I currently have 220,000 baht in my Thai account

And $500 US in a Krungsri foreign currency account( And funds back in my native country)

You should have no problem applying based on retirement with that income.

• 75k per month is more than enough for a retirement extension and would not not need to show any money in the bank.
• I believe the letter you get from your embassy should quote your pension income in your countries currency and immigration will apply their own exchange rate.
• If for any reason exchange rates take your income below 65k you could use the 220,000 baht if it's been in your account 3 months, or you could apply for an extension based on marriage which only requires 40k.

[sunnyjim5]

The retirement income I declare is 75,00 baht per month

I am married to a Thai with a young daughter

I currently have 220,000 baht in my Thai account

And $500 US in a Krungsri foreign currency account( And funds back in my native country)

Is that a typo or do you really mean your income is 7,500/month ?

If you meant 75,000/month then that is sufficient to meet the needs of an extension

[Suradit69]

Hi All

Initially, along with the usual form I was told to present stat dec from the embassy stating my retirement income of x amount would suffice,

I presented the stat dec and was then told they also required 3 months bank statement displaying a min balance of 400,000 baht. (I did not maintain a balance of 400,000 baht in my Thai bank account)

I don't have 400,000 baht balance in my Thai bank account again, so is it fair to assume the same problem will arise? Has anyone experienced anything different to this?

And yes, it's a 1 year extension I require, apologies for the incorrect terminology.

• If you want to use a combination of pension income and cash in the bank, the cash in the bank will need to be there for 3 months.
• The amount of cash you need in the bank will depend on how much your pension is.
• It would help to know how much pension income you get every month.

• "If you want to use a combination of pension income and cash in the bank, the cash in the bank will need to be there for 3 months."

Not strictly true, although it may be a requirement at some offices. In theory at least if you use the combination method for a retirement extension, the money in the bank does not need to be seasoned. Of course, the combination method is not available for an extension based on marriage.

[thaihome]

Along with the income letter from embassy the OP should include a printout from bank showing the 75k being deposited from overseas each month for the past 3 months. Also the bank book should be updated that day (there are bank branches in the Chaeng Wattana building).

TH

[sunnyjim5]

Along with the income letter from embassy the OP should include a printout from bank showing the 75k being deposited from overseas each month for the past 3 months. Also the bank book should be updated that day (there are bank branches in the Chaeng Wattana building).

TH

Incorrect and misleading !

There is no requirement to import income. Some may choose to do so , others my choose to access their by ATM card.

[ubonjoe]

Along with the income letter from embassy the OP should include a printout from bank showing the 75k being deposited from overseas each month for the past 3 months. Also the bank book should be updated that day (there are bank branches in the Chaeng Wattana building).

TH

There is no requirement for that. I don't recall any report of Chaeng Wattana asking for it.

[thaihome]

Along with the income letter from embassy the OP should include a printout from bank showing the 75k being deposited from overseas each month for the past 3 months. Also the bank book should be updated that day (there are bank branches in the Chaeng Wattana building).

TH

Incorrect and misleading !

There is no requirement to import income. Some may choose to do so , others my choose to access their by ATM card.

You may be correct there is no requirement to import the income, but in my case showing bank print out is only way to prove income as it comes out of a 401k account and not a pension.

If the OP had provided such a printout showing the 75k deposited into his account each month it likely would have headed off the issue her had.

TH

[Bazle]

Is the 65,000 income requirement net (after tax) or gross (before tax)?

Is there an (admittedly outside) possibility that the OP's gross income is 75,000 but Immigration is interested in net income which happens to be below 65,000?

[sunnyjim5]

Along with the income letter from embassy the OP should include a printout from bank showing the 75k being deposited from overseas each month for the past 3 months. Also the bank book should be updated that day (there are bank branches in the Chaeng Wattana building).

TH

Incorrect and misleading !

There is no requirement to import income. Some may choose to do so , others my choose to access their by ATM card.

You may be correct there is no requirement to import the income, but in my case showing bank print out is only way to prove income as it comes out of a 401k account and not a pension.

If the OP had provided such a printout showing the 75k deposited into his account each month it likely would have headed off the issue her had.

TH

Americans are able to swear an affidavit regarding their income. Usually such a document is accepted at face value by immigration although they have the right to ask for proof of the source of the funds. I you choose to import income and use bank statements as "proof" of income that is your choice but not a requirement.

[elviajero]

Is the 65,000 income requirement net (after tax) or gross (before tax)?

Is there an (admittedly outside) possibility that the OP's gross income is 75,000 but Immigration is interested in net income which happens to be below 65,000?

You can use the gross income. The income letter does not need to specify gross or net so immigration will use whatever number is given in the affidavit.

[elviajero]

Hi All

Initially, along with the usual form I was told to present stat dec from the embassy stating my retirement income of x amount would suffice,

I presented the stat dec and was then told they also required 3 months bank statement displaying a min balance of 400,000 baht. (I did not maintain a balance of 400,000 baht in my Thai bank account)

I don't have 400,000 baht balance in my Thai bank account again, so is it fair to assume the same problem will arise? Has anyone experienced anything different to this?

And yes, it's a 1 year extension I require, apologies for the incorrect terminology.

• If you want to use a combination of pension income and cash in the bank, the cash in the bank will need to be there for 3 months.
• The amount of cash you need in the bank will depend on how much your pension is.
• It would help to know how much pension income you get every month.

• "If you want to use a combination of pension income and cash in the bank, the cash in the bank will need to be there for 3 months."

Not strictly true, although it may be a requirement at some offices. In theory at least if you use the combination method for a retirement extension, the money in the bank does not need to be seasoned. Of course, the combination method is not available for an extension based on marriage.

The majority of offices now insist on seasoning and CW is one which is why I wrote 3 months. The "some offices" that don't are now the exception to the rule. I believe CW have required seasoned funds since 2014.

[thaihome]

Along with the income letter from embassy the OP should include a printout from bank showing the 75k being deposited from overseas each month for the past 3 months. Also the bank book should be updated that day (there are bank branches in the Chaeng Wattana building).

TH

There is no requirement for that. I don't recall any report of Chaeng Wattana asking for it.

Is there some reason my experience of Chaeng Wattana requiring (past Aug) it is not a recent report?

Not sure why people are up in arms about this. It makes complete sense to show immigration the print out that easily proves your income claim. Why would you not?

TH

[ubonjoe]

Along with the income letter from embassy the OP should include a printout from bank showing the 75k being deposited from overseas each month for the past 3 months. Also the bank book should be updated that day (there are bank branches in the Chaeng Wattana building).

TH

There is no requirement for that. I don't recall any report of Chaeng Wattana asking for it.

Is there some reason my experience of Chaeng Wattana requiring (past Aug) it is not a recent report?

Not sure why people are up in arms about this. It makes complete sense to show immigration the print out that easily proves your income claim. Why would you not?

TH

If I recall correctly from a post you did you were told it was needed by your agent or lawyer.

And yes their have been more recent report of people stating that all the they needed was the proof of income from their embassy.

[elviajero]

Along with the income letter from embassy the OP should include a printout from bank showing the 75k being deposited from overseas each month for the past 3 months. Also the bank book should be updated that day (there are bank branches in the Chaeng Wattana building).

TH

There is no requirement for that. I don't recall any report of Chaeng Wattana asking for it.

Is there some reason my experience of Chaeng Wattana requiring (past Aug) it is not a recent report?

Not sure why people are up in arms about this. It makes complete sense to show immigration the print out that easily proves your income claim. Why would you not?

TH

I think the point is that there is no requirement that you have to show the income coming in to the country, unless, it's specifically asked for by the IO. Not everyone transfers money monthly.

I assume they ask for proof when they are not happy about an aspect of the income declaration, the application in general, or the boss of the office makes it policy. Asking for additional supporting documents is their right. As far as I am aware CW do not, as standard policy, ask for proof that the income is being transferred to Thailand.