1st Retirement Visa? Any Recent Experience with 'Non O' to 'Non O-A' Procedure

[NolaK]

Okay, this topic must be covered, but I promise I looked. If anyone has recently done achieved their first retirement visa I would love to hear your proposes.

I recently changed from a tourist visa to Non-Immigrant O, a move as I understand it, is a needed step to getting the Non Immigrant type O-A (Retirement Visa).

I have run into several people and countless websites that do not seem to realize that the 'Non O' can now be applied for directly at the immigration offices within Thailand, that is why I am asking to hear from people who may have done this recently.

Anyway, Immigration was very helpful and took all my paperwork for both the 'Non O' and the Retirement Visa at the same time, as I have read now be done.

In exchange for the 2 giant piles of completed paperwork I got a blue receipt for 2,000 baht. I was told to bring it back when I was called to pick up my visa, or if I wanted to check and see if it was ready sooner by just stopping in.

So here are my questions: What type of visa am I waiting for? When I return do I get both visas and walk out with a retirement visa? If I recieve just the 'Type O', how long do I need to wait before I can apply for the retirement visa? How long might that than take when they already have all the documents?

Yes, I did ask at immigration. In 10 minutes I asked the same lady 3 times and got 3 different answers. Again, they were very helpful, it was this final point where my brain may have just melted down.

At this point I am afraid my household goods crate might arrive before I have a 1 year visa to get it in. My bad.

Thanks for your on topic, productive input.

Nola

[Jingthing]

What you are doing is this:

Step 1 -- Conversion from a tourist visa to a 90 day non immigrant O visa at your local Thai immigration office,

This is not a retirement visa. Also not an O-A visa.

Step 2 -- Application for your first annual extension based on retirement.

This is also not a retirement visa. Also not an O-A visa.

O-A visas are never available in Thailand. Only from home countries.

There is no such thing as a Non O to Non O-A process.

When applying for an O-A visa in home countries, you're applying for a new visa, no need for an existing one.

Anyway, you're on the right track for what you want, which is legalization of your retirement stay in Thailand.

In your case, which is very common, your goal is an annual extension based on retirement.

[sunnyjim5]

If you are looking for an O/A visa it can only be obtained from a Thai embassy in your own country.

Converting a tourist or visa exempt entry to a Non "O" visa entry is the first step toward obtaining an "extension of stay" based on retirement (It is not a visa)

You apply for the extension during the last 30 days of the 90 days the O visa entry provided You will need 800,000 Bht in a Thai bank for 2 months or a certified income of 65,000 Bht /month to qualify for the extension of stay.

[NolaK]

Okay, thanks for the info. Obviously my Terminology was wrong. I am not surprised there. It's a specialty of mine.

Unfortunately TVisa says "I don't have permission to edit this topic" so I can't repair my confusion above. Nonetheless, I do think I was clear enough that if anyone out there has done the retirement process recently, from within Thailand, they may understand what I mean.

Note: I am far past the tourist visa stage. I already have all my income forms, residence info, applications, photos, copies, Non O (or...) application AND my retirement visa application in the hands of immigration. So if anyone could still advice me on the 4 questions I had, that would be appreciated.

Cheers!

Nola

[sunnyjim5]

Okay, thanks for the info. Obviously my Terminology was wrong. I am not surprised there. It's a specialty of mine.

Unfortunately I don"t see an edit option, but I do think it was clear enough that if anyone out there has done this recently they might understand what I mean. past the t already have all my income forms, residence info, applications, photos, copies etc at immigration. So if anyone could still advice me on the 4 questions I had, that would be appreciated.

Cheers!

Nola

1. The only "Visa" you will receive is a single entry "O" visa which provides a 90 day stay.
2. You apply for an "extension of stay" (It is NOT a visa) during the last 30 days of the 90 day stay.
3. You will need to provide all documentation, including financial evidence again, to secure the extension of stay
4. Extensions based on retirement are usually issued on the day of application
5. Extensions of stay are valid for one year and are renewable if conditions can be met
6. Travelling outside Thailand whilst staying on an extension requires a re-entry permit.

Just to reassure you I have an extension of stay which I now have renewed on many, occasions !

[lopburi3]

Also there will be a charge of 1,900 baht for the TM.7 extension of stay for one year and if you want to travel you will require re-entry permits which is 1k single or 3.8k multi (and can be obtained prior to travel or during extension of stay visit).

As for HHE there is no exemption for being here on retirement that I am aware of. But you do not need any visa status to get it in with normal payment of duty.

[NolaK]

Also there will be a charge of 1,900 baht for the TM.7 extension of stay for one year and if you want to travel you will require re-entry permits which is 1k single or 3.8k multi (and can be obtained prior to travel or during extension of stay visit).

As for HHE there is no exemption for being here on retirement that I am aware of. But you do not need any visa status to get it in with normal payment of duty.

Thanks that may help. I knew there was no longer an exemption on House Hold good. One major concern is I have read in several places that I do need a current 1 year visa to bring my items in at all (my retirement visa). If that is not the case I can ride out the visa procedure and learn as I go. If that is the case.... I can ride out the visa procedure and cry and panic a lot.

Whee!

[sunnyjim5]

Also there will be a charge of 1,900 baht for the TM.7 extension of stay for one year and if you want to travel you will require re-entry permits which is 1k single or 3.8k multi (and can be obtained prior to travel or during extension of stay visit).

As for HHE there is no exemption for being here on retirement that I am aware of. But you do not need any visa status to get it in with normal payment of duty.

Thanks that may help. I knew there was no longer an exemption on House Hold good. One major concern is I have read in several places that I do need a current 1 year visa to bring my items in at all (my retirement visa). If that is not the case I can ride out the visa procedure and learn as I go. If that is the case.... I can ride out the visa procedure and cry and panic a lot.

Whee!

If a one year "retirement visa" is required for the import of the HHG you will be waiting a very long time

As has been explained such a "visa" does not exist.

[ubonjoe]

Also there will be a charge of 1,900 baht for the TM.7 extension of stay for one year and if you want to travel you will require re-entry permits which is 1k single or 3.8k multi (and can be obtained prior to travel or during extension of stay visit).

As for HHE there is no exemption for being here on retirement that I am aware of. But you do not need any visa status to get it in with normal payment of duty.

Thanks that may help. I knew there was no longer an exemption on House Hold good. One major concern is I have read in several places that I do need a current 1 year visa to bring my items in at all (my retirement visa). If that is not the case I can ride out the visa procedure and learn as I go. If that is the case.... I can ride out the visa procedure and cry and panic a lot.

Whee!

The one year permit to stay is only needed if you qualify for duty free import. See: http://www.customs.go.th/wps/wcm/connect/custen/individuals/importing+used+or+secondhand+household+effects/importingusedsecondhandhouseholdeffects+

[NolaK]

Also there will be a charge of 1,900 baht for the TM.7 extension of stay for one year and if you want to travel you will require re-entry permits which is 1k single or 3.8k multi (and can be obtained prior to travel or during extension of stay visit).

As for HHE there is no exemption for being here on retirement that I am aware of. But you do not need any visa status to get it in with normal payment of duty.

Thanks that may help. I knew there was no longer an exemption on House Hold good. One major concern is I have read in several places that I do need a current 1 year visa to bring my items in at all (my retirement visa). If that is not the case I can ride out the visa procedure and learn as I go. If that is the case.... I can ride out the visa procedure and cry and panic a lot.

Whee!

The one year permit to stay is only needed if you qualify for duty free import. See: http://www.customs.go.th/wps/wcm/connect/custen/individuals/importing+used+or+secondhand+household+effects/importingusedsecondhandhouseholdeffects+

I wonder if that is out of date. My understanding is there is no more Duty Free option when bringing in your used household goods.

[NolaK]

Also there will be a charge of 1,900 baht for the TM.7 extension of stay for one year and if you want to travel you will require re-entry permits which is 1k single or 3.8k multi (and can be obtained prior to travel or during extension of stay visit).

As for HHE there is no exemption for being here on retirement that I am aware of. But you do not need any visa status to get it in with normal payment of duty.

Thanks that may help. I knew there was no longer an exemption on House Hold good. One major concern is I have read in several places that I do need a current 1 year visa to bring my items in at all (my retirement visa). If that is not the case I can ride out the visa procedure and learn as I go. If that is the case.... I can ride out the visa procedure and cry and panic a lot.

Whee!

If a one year "retirement visa" is required for the import of the HHG you will be waiting a very long time

As has been explained such a "visa" does not exist.

Yes, we all got it. As mentioned and apologized for my terminology was wrong in the original post and I could not edit it.

I would still love to hear the experience of a person or people who have themselves, recently obtained their initial retirement visa in country. - done the turning in both sets of paperwork together and what happened from there.

[sunnyjim5]

Also there will be a charge of 1,900 baht for the TM.7 extension of stay for one year and if you want to travel you will require re-entry permits which is 1k single or 3.8k multi (and can be obtained prior to travel or during extension of stay visit).

As for HHE there is no exemption for being here on retirement that I am aware of. But you do not need any visa status to get it in with normal payment of duty.

Thanks that may help. I knew there was no longer an exemption on House Hold good. One major concern is I have read in several places that I do need a current 1 year visa to bring my items in at all (my retirement visa). If that is not the case I can ride out the visa procedure and learn as I go. If that is the case.... I can ride out the visa procedure and cry and panic a lot.

Whee!

The one year permit to stay is only needed if you qualify for duty free import. See: http://www.customs.go.th/wps/wcm/connect/custen/individuals/importing+used+or+secondhand+household+effects/importingusedsecondhandhouseholdeffects+

I wonder if that is out of date. My understanding is there is no more Duty Free option when bringing in your used household goods.

There is a Duty Free option for some.

I doubt you will qualify .

[ubonjoe]

I wrote it you qualify. The requirements are on the website.

"REQUIREMENTS FOR CHANGING OF RESIDENCE

• Nonresidents: Nonresidents may import the used/secondhand household effects acquired abroad tax and duty free if such household effects accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the criteria listed below:
• Nonresidents resuming residents in Thailand must be granted a non-immigrant quota as shown in a passport or a Nonresident Identification Card; or
• Nonresidents granted to work in Thailand are regarded as resuming residents in Thailand provided they have a one-year non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department. In case where the non-immigrant visa has not yet been granted, either of the following documents may be accepted:
  • The letter from the Immigration Department certifying that the nonresidents shall be granted an annual temporary stay in Thailand; or
  • The work permit from the Department of Labor to work in Thailand for at least one year.
• Nonresidents entering Thailand as an expert, specialist, or under a contract of government agencies are required to present the letter from relevant agencies certifying that such nonresidents are granted a non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department and shall work in Thailand not less than one year."

[snawa]

My NON-IMM really entry permit expires April 20. It was based on a work permit which I've since returned when I finished working. I'm wanting to apply for a new NON IMM in the final 30 days based on retirement (I have the bank account, etc materials) Can I go straight from this NON IMM to a new one or will I have to revert to a tourist visa in between?

[ubonjoe]

My NON-IMM really entry permit expires April 20. It was based on a work permit which I've since returned when I finished working. I'm wanting to apply for a new NON IMM in the final 30 days based on retirement (I have the bank account, etc materials) Can I go straight from this NON IMM to a new one or will I have to revert to a tourist visa in between?

You re-entry permit means nothing as far as the subject goes. If you were working here and on an extension of stay your extension ended on the date you stopped working.

If you could get a termination letter from your former employer you could possibley apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement on the date shown on the termination letter.

Your best option now is to get a single entry non-o visa in Vientiane or Penang based upon being 50 or over and then apply for the extension during the last 30 days of the 90 entry from the visa.

You will need to show the same financial proof to get the visa that is needed to apply for the extension. If using the money in the bank option it only has to be in the bank on the date of application.

[snawa]

Thanks

[soisanuk]

You don't mention which Immigration Office you used to make your application (TM.86 change of visa if you entered on a Tourist Visa or TM.87 for a visa if you entered on Visa Exempt). Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration will take both applications and two sets of documents at the same time - they send passport and one set to Bangkok for issuance of the Non-Immigrant O Visa - Bangkok takes at least 2 weeks to do the process before they send passport back to Pattaya Immigration with a 90 day "permission to stay" from issue date. When it is returned, Pattaya Immigration then processes the TM.7 (application for extension of stay) and adds one year to the 90 days, they normally do not require a wait of 60 days as does Bangkok before processing the extension. Pattaya usually tells the applicant to come back in about 3 weeks from when they take the paperwork and collect the fees - 2,000 baht for the Non-Immigrant O Visa and another 1,900 baht for the extension of stay.

When the extension (permission to stay) period is almost completed, you apply for another one year extension (TM.7 form and 1,900 baht fee) - Pattaya will process the renewal up to 30 days before the due date. As mentioned, if you plan to leave Thailand anytime during the period of your extension, a Re-Entry permit will be needed to keep your extension "alive" - otherwise, it is cancelled when you depart Thailand.

[snawa]

Thanks. I have to travel out to Fiji in early April. They don't have a Thai consulate. Can I try to change over to a single entry non-o at the airport or Chaeng Wattana IMM office?

[ubonjoe]

You don't mention which Immigration Office you used to make your application (TM.86 change of visa if you entered on a Tourist Visa or TM.87 for a visa if you entered on Visa Exempt). Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration will take both applications and two sets of documents at the same time - they send passport and one set to Bangkok for issuance of the Non-Immigrant O Visa - Bangkok takes at least 2 weeks to do the process before they send passport back to Pattaya Immigration with a 90 day "permission to stay" from issue date. When it is returned, Pattaya Immigration then processes the TM.7 (application for extension of stay) and adds one year to the 90 days, they normally do not require a wait of 60 days as does Bangkok before processing the extension. Pattaya usually tells the applicant to come back in about 3 weeks from when they take the paperwork and collect the fees - 2,000 baht for the Non-Immigrant O Visa and another 1,900 baht for the extension of stay.

When the extension (permission to stay) period is almost completed, you apply for another one year extension (TM.7 form and 1,900 baht fee) - Pattaya will process the renewal up to 30 days before the due date. As mentioned, if you plan to leave Thailand anytime during the period of your extension, a Re-Entry permit will be needed to keep your extension "alive" - otherwise, it is cancelled when you depart Thailand.

They do not send your passport to Bangkok to get the visa. They send the application to Bangkok and then when the approval is done you go back to immigration with your passport and they stamp the visa and entry stamp.

The will only do the extension when the visa and entry stamps are done if you have the money in the bank for 60 days already or have proof of 65k baht income.

[sunnyjim5]

Thanks. I have to travel out to Fiji in early April. They don't have a Thai consulate. Can I try to change over to a single entry non-o at the airport or Chaeng Wattana IMM office?

Cannot be achieved at the airport .

To secure the conversion at Chaengwattana requires you have at least 15 days of permission to stay remaining and evidence that the financial requirements of an extension of stay can be met.

[snawa]

Many thanks

[laislica]

OK, not exactle recent but....

I arrived end Jan 2012 on a 30 day visa waiver, not a visa.

before it expired, in Chiang Mai I presented a letter from my embassy proving I had sufficient funds.

A friend said I was living at their house and gave me coppies of a Thai ID and copy of the blue book.

I paid Imm 1,900b, gave 2 recent pp pics and they gave me a non imm O visa good for 90 days.

45 days before it expired (CM allow up to 45 days, other places 30) I needed a new, original letter from the embassy proving funds

plus the pics, copies to prove my address and Imm gave me a 1 year permission to stay stamp (Extension of stay)

I paid an additional 1,000b and got a re-entry permit.

After some months I left Thailand for Europe.

I returned and they stamped my re-entry permit as Used and stamped the PP with a permission to stay till xx/xx/xxxx

I went to live with a Thai friend and she needed to advise Imm that a Farang was living at her address.

After 90 days I made the 90 day report to Imm.

Before the "extension of stay" expired I applied to Imm for a new extension but this time I had the 800,000b in the bank for at least 60 days.

I got a letter from the bank (only 100b) as proof of funds.

Showed the bank book which had been made up with a deposit on the day before I went to Imm.

The following year, before the "extension of stay" expired I applied to Imm for a new extension but this time I had the 800,000b in the bank for at least 90 days.

I got a letter from the bank (only 100b) as proof of funds.

Showed the bank book which had been made up with a deposit on the day before I went to Imm.

Every year now I need to show the funds in the bank for at least 90 days, otherwise, submit the same paperwork.

So in short.

Unless you stay in a hotel/resort/Guest House, where they advise Imm of your arrival.

You need to ensure that whoever you stay with notifies Imm that you are staying at their address.

It should be the address you put on your TM6 arrival card.

Every continuous 90 days in Thailand you myst notify Imm (get fined if you don't)

If you leave, ensure you have a re-entry permit or your extension will be cancelled and you have to start again.

45 - 30 days prior to expiry of your "Extension" apply for a new one.

Note Extension: Permitted to stay: it is not a visa, you only needed that at the beginning and it expired and forgotten about.

The number on your current extension is what you will use as a Visa No.

Hope this helps

[lopburi3]

Sorry but above fees do not equate to official rules - change or obtaining non immigrant entry fee is 2,000 baht (not 1,900 and we do not get any handsome man discount). All extensions of stay cost 1,900 baht - so total spent prior to re-entry permit should have been 3,900 baht in official fees.

[NolaK]

You don't mention which Immigration Office you used to make your application (TM.86 change of visa if you entered on a Tourist Visa or TM.87 for a visa if you entered on Visa Exempt). Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration will take both applications and two sets of documents at the same time - they send passport and one set to Bangkok for issuance of the Non-Immigrant O Visa - Bangkok takes at least 2 weeks to do the process before they send passport back to Pattaya Immigration with a 90 day "permission to stay" from issue date. When it is returned, Pattaya Immigration then processes the TM.7 (application for extension of stay) and adds one year to the 90 days, they normally do not require a wait of 60 days as does Bangkok before processing the extension. Pattaya usually tells the applicant to come back in about 3 weeks from when they take the paperwork and collect the fees - 2,000 baht for the Non-Immigrant O Visa and another 1,900 baht for the extension of stay.

When the extension (permission to stay) period is almost completed, you apply for another one year extension (TM.7 form and 1,900 baht fee) - Pattaya will process the renewal up to 30 days before the due date. As mentioned, if you plan to leave Thailand anytime during the period of your extension, a Re-Entry permit will be needed to keep your extension "alive" - otherwise, it is cancelled when you depart Thailand.

Thank you. I appreciate the detailed, focused response. I use Immigration in Hua Hin.

[elviajero]

A Thai visa is only used for entry to the country, and it's job is done at the door. The visa tells the IO how long he can permit you to stay. You arrived using a tourist visa which allowed a maximum stay of 60 days. You want permission to extend your 60 day stay by 1 year, however, the maximum extension of a tourist visa entry is 30 days.

For someone to qualify for a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement they must enter the country using a non immigrant visa. Therefore, you are going through, what is essentially, an admin process to get the necessary non immigrant visa and the 90 day permit to stay that would normally be granted when arriving with a non 'O' visa. Immigration will stamp a non immigrant visa in your passport that will immediately be used so that they can also stamp your passport with a 90 day permit to stay. You are required to pay 2,000 baht because that's how much a single entry non immigrant visa costs from embassies/consulates.

At this point you have no valid visa (you don't need one), but you can stay in the country for 90 days.

In the last 30 days of that 90 day stay you can apply to extend your stay by 1 year based on the retirement criteria. You will need to provide the paperwork again, but this time, if using money in the bank, the money must have been on deposit in a Thai bank for at least 2 months. The extension of stay should be granted at the time you apply. When you leave you'll have a stamp (permit) in your passport granting you an extension of stay for 1 year. It will probably also confirm the reason for the extension as being retirement.

[laislica]

Sorry but above fees do not equate to official rules - change or obtaining non immigrant entry fee is 2,000 baht (not 1,900 and we do not get any handsome man discount). All extensions of stay cost 1,900 baht - so total spent prior to re-entry permit should have been 3,900 baht in official fees.

Thanks for the correction - well it was 4 years ago he he!

I remember how confusing I found it all when I first arrived so I thought it might help to run through the whole paper trail over a few years.

I could add that at one point I decided to let the extension lapse since I only spend about 5 months per year in Thailand.

What a mistake to make!

The cost of a new Non Imm O visa from the Thai Embassy in Madrid plus courier fees far exceeded the annual cost of renewing the annual extension of stay.

Not to mention being without my PP whilst it was being done and other stressors, more PP pages used.....

Also, since 90 day reports can be done online (read the recent thread that clears up how to get a correct browser setup)

things may just be getting easier.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/897232-any-problems-with-online-90-day-reporting/

[peterb17]

Before retiring to the Kingdom, I spent a great deal of time planning, reading through all the Thai Government immigration web sites and becoming very familiar with the terminology and then meticulously ensured I followed the numerous requirements, paper work, seasoning of funds etc

I find it strange that people are making a huge desicion to move across the world - without even a basic understanding of the systems- it's not that difficult. Convert an 'O' to 'OA' - of course, pop down to 7/11

[laislica]

Before retiring to the Kingdom, I spent a great deal of time planning, reading through all the Thai Government immigration web sites and becoming very familiar with the terminology and then meticulously ensured I followed the numerous requirements, paper work, seasoning of funds etc

I find it strange that people are making a huge desicion to move across the world - without even a basic understanding of the systems- it's not that difficult. Convert an 'O' to 'OA' - of course, pop down to 7/11

He he.

A bit bored are we then?

Some of us just ended up here on a whim and play it by ear LOL

[sunnyjim5]

Before retiring to the Kingdom, I spent a great deal of time planning, reading through all the Thai Government immigration web sites and becoming very familiar with the terminology and then meticulously ensured I followed the numerous requirements, paper work, seasoning of funds etc

I find it strange that people are making a huge desicion to move across the world - without even a basic understanding of the systems- it's not that difficult. Convert an 'O' to 'OA' - of course, pop down to 7/11

You seem to have missed a point somewhere !

"O" visas cannot be converted to O/A visas which are only available from a Thai Embassy in your own country .............. !

Were you just trying to have a laugh ?

[Foozool]

1 - Is non-o visa by Thai immigration 90 day only ? or it is possible to get a non-o longer than 90 days in Thailand ?

2 - What happens if the 800,000 is not in bank account by the end of non-o visa time ?