Retirement

[tk47]

So much differing advice so if you can help I would be grateful.

If I wish to retire to Thailand I understand I need to be over 50 years age (which I am) and need

A) 800,000 Baht in an account for 3 mths before applying

or

Proof of income of 65,000 Baht a month

My questions are -

1) Can I apply from the U.K. for a retirement visa?

2) Do I have to have visited Thailand for X amount of times before applying?

3) What exactly is an O visa (or what visa can I apply for a retirement visa from) ?

4) Does the Consul / Embassy have to certify I have an income of 65k Baht a month or can I prove this another way? i.e. Bank statements / letter from where I get my income.

I can prove income of 65k Baht a month + (but would rather not have the embassy have to certify this - for personal reasons)

Alternatively I could put the 800k Baht into a Thai Bank account or put in a set amount each month after opening an account.

Could SKS put me on the right track through so many confusing posts please?

THX

[Sunbelt Asia]

1) Can I apply from the U.K. for a retirement visa?

yes

2) Do I have to have visited Thailand for X amount of times before applying?

no

3) What exactly is an O visa (or what visa can I apply for a retirement visa from) ?

An "O" stands for “other.” You can use any non immigrant visa to apply for a extension of stay based on retirement. It does not have to be a "O" You can change a 30 day tourist visa exemption stamp to a "O" Visa.

4) Does the Consul / Embassy have to certify I have an income of 65k Baht a month or can I prove this another way? i.e. Bank statements / letter from where I get my income.

The Embassy( the one you have your passport with) located in Thailand must verify and you then provide this proof to Immigration.

I can prove income of 65k Baht a month + (but would rather not have the embassy have to certify this - for personal reasons)

It is required

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

[lopburi3]

1. Yes

2. No

3. You apply for an O-A non immigrant visa in the UK - if you want to do the process in Thailand you need a normal O non immigrant visa or can change from a tourist visa.

4. If you do the process in the UK the requirement is the money in a UK bank account.

You should find full rules/information on the web sites of Embassy or Consulates located in the UK.

[tk47]

Thx for that info. Very Helpful.

I'll try again to get in touch with the consulate in Hull or mail them if they keep on not accepting calls.

[naka]

Note.

It's easier to get the retirement visa in Thailand than outside.

Just get a Non Immigrant 90 day "O" visa from your nearest Consulate (Don't go to the Embassy)

Come on over and apply for the 1 year extension a couple of

weeks prior to the 90 day visa's expiry.

Keep in mind the three month rule for your 800K bank balance.

Naka.

[lopburi3]

Note.

It's easier to get the retirement visa in Thailand than outside.

Just get a Non Immigrant 90 day "O" visa from your nearest Consulate (Don't go to the Embassy)

Come on over and apply for the 1 year extension a couple of

weeks prior to the 90 day visa's expiry.

Keep in mind the three month rule for your 800K bank balance.

Naka.

In most cases the money in the bank would not be acceptable as they open account after arrival and 3 months would not have passed.

[hunglikea]

Note.

It's easier to get the retirement visa in Thailand than outside.

Just get a Non Immigrant 90 day "O" visa from your nearest Consulate (Don't go to the Embassy)

Come on over and apply for the 1 year extension a couple of

weeks prior to the 90 day visa's expiry.

Keep in mind the three month rule for your 800K bank balance.

Naka.

In most cases the money in the bank would not be acceptable as they open account after arrival and 3 months would not have passed.

After the money has been proven to come from abroad, that it has been in the bank for 3 months, received the bank letter stating this - can one then convert the 800k into gold bullion and keep it deposited in the bank as this would appreciate more than the bank interest rate?

[naka]

Note.

It's easier to get the retirement visa in Thailand than outside.

Just get a Non Immigrant 90 day "O" visa from your nearest Consulate (Don't go to the Embassy)

Come on over and apply for the 1 year extension a couple of

weeks prior to the 90 day visa's expiry.

Keep in mind the three month rule for your 800K bank balance.

Naka.

In most cases the money in the bank would not be acceptable as they open account after arrival and 3 months would not have passed.

I would normally defer to your greater knowledge Lopburi. But I understand from other posts

that as this rule is very recent, folks were being given an initial 3 months stay and asked

to return after 3 months with their bankbooks/letter. If all then appeared to be above board

then they were given the 9 months balance.

Naka.

[lopburi3]

And you were the person who pointed it out. He should not count on the policy used in the last few months to be available so if he wants to use the visa entry/application a multi entry visa might be worthwhile.

But while it may be easier to obtain the extension from Immigration the fact remains that if you take the time to do it in your home country with a multi entry O-A visa you are set for up to two years, without the need for re entry permits at extra cost or moving money into Thailand. The extra paperwork may well make sense to many people; and for that reason be easier in the long run.

[hunglikea]

And you were the person who pointed it out. He should not count on the policy used in the last few months to be available so if he wants to use the visa entry/application a multi entry visa might be worthwhile.

But while it may be easier to obtain the extension from Immigration the fact remains that if you take the time to do it in your home country with a multi entry O-A visa you are set for up to two years, without the need for re entry permits at extra cost or moving money into Thailand. The extra paperwork may well make sense to many people; and for that reason be easier in the long run.

So what is best in my case. I have a non-imm-O multi entry valid from 21st Sept 06, so I need to report on 20th Dec 06. I have 800k+ in a Thai bank transferred from UK 27th October so It won't have been in the bank for 3 months on 20th Dec. Do I wait until the next 90 day period, 20th March to apply for retirement extension? Also I am returning to UK on April 3rd until the end of June so would it be better to wait until just before my visa runs out in September 07?

Confused of Nakhon Sawan.

[Sunbelt Asia]

So what is best in my case. I have a non-imm-O multi entry valid from 21st Sept 06, so I need to report on 20th Dec 06.

You mean cross the border and get a fresh 90 day visa.

I have 800k+ in a Thai bank transferred from UK 27th October so It won't have been in the bank for 3 months on 20th Dec. Do I wait until the next 90 day period, 20th March to apply for retirement extension?

yes

Also I am returning to UK on April 3rd until the end of June so would it be better to wait until just before my visa runs out in September 07?

In your case, yes.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

[tk47]

Does anyone have any idea what checks the Embassy will make to get the information about your monthly income?

Do they simply get in touch with the bank for the information or do they need a detailed breakdown of said income?

[lopburi3]

Every Embassy would have there own requirements. You need to ask about a specific Embassy or ask them.

[Krub]

Does anyone have any idea what checks the Embassy will make to get the information about your monthly income?

Do they simply get in touch with the bank for the information or do they need a detailed breakdown of said income?

UK EMbassy asks for original receipts/printouts and issue the letter for less than 2.000 baht. provide them with copy of your passport and copy of evidence. originals will be returned with the letter

I understand US Embassy will provide you the letter without evidence, you only have to fill in a form and pay the fee.

[hunglikea]

So what is best in my case. I have a non-imm-O multi entry valid from 21st Sept 06, so I need to report on 20th Dec 06.

You mean cross the border and get a fresh 90 day visa.

I have 800k+ in a Thai bank transferred from UK 27th October so It won't have been in the bank for 3 months on 20th Dec. Do I wait until the next 90 day period, 20th March to apply for retirement extension?

yes

Also I am returning to UK on April 3rd until the end of June so would it be better to wait until just before my visa runs out in September 07?

In your case, yes.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

So how long before my 1 year visa runs out in Sept should I apply for my extension (retirement) visa?

[lopburi3]

A week or so should be plenty of time as the process is immediate.

[Sunbelt Asia]

You wrote before this

I have a non-imm-O multi entry valid from 21st Sept 06, so I need to report on 20th Dec 06.

So do you have a extension of stay based on retirement (which you are calling a non imm-O entry visa) where you need to report every 90 days to Immigration

or do you have a one year multi entry visa where you cross the border every 90 days?

So how long before my 1 year visa runs out in Sept should I apply for my extension (retirement) visa?

You apply with a month to go up to 15 days left. (Less than 15 days, some officers are requiring the applicant to get a 7 day extension before doing the year extension)

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

[VBF]

But while it may be easier to obtain the extension from Immigration the fact remains that if you take the time to do it in your home country with a multi entry O-A visa you are set for up to two years, without the need for re entry permits at extra cost or moving money into Thailand. The extra paperwork may well make sense to many people; and for that reason be easier in the long run.

Lopburi,

What you said makes sense and in fact I thought I'd try it, EXCEPT that when I phoned the Thai Embassy in London a couple of weeks ago, the lady there said that you need to be 65 to get an OA! I did politely question it and suggest she was mistaken, but the lady was adamant!

NOTE:

Sunbelt and various others have assured me that this is NOT the case and "Retirement" is indeed 50, but if that's the way the London Embassy have decided to interpret the rules, it would make a big difference to many people, myself included. Note that you cannot get an OA from a Consulate in the UK - you can get an O, however.

[lopburi3]

Believe the person you were speaking with was probably thinking of the income having to be 65k rather than the age being 65 as this is a direct copy from the London Embassy Web Site which clearly provides the age as 50 or above and this was copied less than five minutes ago:

VISA > RETIREMENT VISA

(UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION)

Procedure on the Issuance of Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O-A” (Long Stay)

On 11th September 2001 the Cabinet has approved the revision of the regulation on granting the authorities concerned to facilitate the issuance of visa to foreigners aged 50 or above wishing to take retreat in the Kingdom at least for the period of one (1) year.

1. Qualification of an applicant

* 1.1 A foreign national whose age is over 50 years or above

* 1.2 Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (A.D.1979)

* 1.3 No criminal record of the Kingdom of Thailand, the country of national and country of permanent residence as well.

* 1.4 Holding the nationality or permanent residence of the country of application

* 1.5 No medical record of contagious disease.

* 1.6 No permission of working in Thailand.

2. Required documents for visa application.

* 2.1 Validity of passport at least 1 year

* 2.2 Three (3) visa application forms and 3 passport size recent photographs

* 2.3 Additional application form for Non-Immigrant “O-A” (Long Stay)

* 2.4 Copy of bank statement having in possession of annually income equivalent to Thai currency at least 800,000 Baht or monthly income 65,000 Baht. (approximately GBP

14,000.00/annum)

* 2.5 In case attached copy of bank statement as stated in 2.4, the original reference letter from the banking concerned is necessary.

* 2.6 Criminal Record from own country or country of permanent residence of validity at least 3 months.

* 2.7 Medical Record proving applicant has never been infected with contagious disease with validity at least 3 months (in accordance with Immigration Act B.E.2522)

* 2.8 In case wishing to be accompanied by spouse, the marriage certificate will be attached. But spouse will be granted Non-Immigrant “O” in stead of “O-A”

(Long Stay)

Note: Documents as stated in 2.4 - 2.8 must be certified by Notary Public or from the competent authority concerned of the country of application.

3. Channels to submit visa application and visa fee

* 3.1 Applicants can submit their applications at the Thai consular missions aboard.

* 3.2 The Office of the Immigration Bureau (Address: Section 1, Sub-Division 1, Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Sathon District, Bangkok 10120. Tel. 0066-22873101-10 ext.2236

* 3.3 The following applicants may also apply for this type of visa in the country if:

- applicants undergoing health rehabilitation program in hospitals or health centers. These organizations will apply on behalf of the individual applicant.

- Applicants who are spouse / parents / children of applicants above.

- Applicants to whom the agencies or organizations approved by the Immigration Bureau have applied for visa on behalf. The above mentioned applicants must have qualifications sated in 1-2

* 3.4 Once the documents are matched with requirements, the consular missions shall issue the Non-Immigrant visa “O-A” (Long Stay) single (1) entry, the visa fee is GPP 15.00-(as of since September 1992, the new cost has not yet been effective)

4. Once arrived in the Kingdom

* 4.1 Upon arrival in Thailand, the actual length of stay (1 year) will be determined and granted at Immigration check - point.

* 4.2 Once having been in the Kingdom up to 90 days, applicant must report himself/

herself to the authorities concerned and every 90 days, also report can be made

by post by fill up the form TM.47 which can be obtained from immigration office.

* 4.3 Once staying in the Kingdom completed 1 year and wishing to extend of stay, this

can also be made by submitting the application at the Immigration Bureau, by showing documents of current income the amount equivalent as stated in 2

* 4.4 In case of spouse wishing to extend of stay, marriage certificate is required.

Royal Thai Embassy

LONDON

20 January 2006

For more information, please contact the Royal Thai Embassy, Consular Section, 29-30 Queen’s Gate, LONDON SW7 5JB. Tel. 0207-5892944.

[VBF]

Believe the person you were speaking with was probably thinking of the income having to be 65k rather than the age being 65 as this is a direct copy from the London Embassy Web Site which clearly provides the age as 50 or above and this was copied less than five minutes ago:

Lopburi,

You may be correct - I just called again and, due to the Office being closed, got a recorded announcement in which it was clearly stated that the age is indeed 50 - as we all thought!!!

So maybe I'll try again! Or maybe I'll revert to "Plan A" and do it in Thailand!!

Ho Hum!!

Edited November 20, 2006 by VBF

[hunglikea]

You wrote before this

I have a non-imm-O multi entry valid from 21st Sept 06, so I need to report on 20th Dec 06.

So do you have a extension of stay based on retirement (which you are calling a non imm-O entry visa) where you need to report every 90 days to Immigration

or do you have a one year multi entry visa where you cross the border every 90 days?

So how long before my 1 year visa runs out in Sept should I apply for my extension (retirement) visa?

You apply with a month to go up to 15 days left. (Less than 15 days, some officers are requiring the applicant to get a 7 day extension before doing the year extension)

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

I have a non imm 'O' (based on marriage) one year multi-entry visa where I cross the border every 90 days.

So should I apply with a month to go (ie on Aug 07) or 15 days before the visa expires?

[stickyb]

This thread http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=84738 makes excellent reading on the subject of getting a retirement visa. Worked for me.

[Maestro]

I have a non imm 'O' (based on marriage) one year multi-entry visa where I cross the border every 90 days.

So should I apply with a month to go (ie on Aug 07) or 15 days before the visa expires?

Apply any time during the last 30 days of any 90-day stay, i.e. if you get tired of the border run every 90 days you don’t have to wait until August 2007.

---------------

Maestro

[lopburi3]

Sunbelt has said to apply between 30 days and 15 days remaining on your permitted to stay stamp. They have experience with hundreds of applicants so that will be the safe area.

If a new application for retirement believe most will accept at any time from reports on board but there is always the chance they could say come back later.

I have always done during last week myself but will allow 15 days or more next time.

[hunglikea]

Sunbelt has said to apply between 30 days and 15 days remaining on your permitted to stay stamp. They have experience with hundreds of applicants so that will be the safe area.

If a new application for retirement believe most will accept at any time from reports on board but there is always the chance they could say come back later.

I have always done during last week myself but will allow 15 days or more next time.

Can the 800k be left on deposit in one's Thai bank year after year and still be used as proof?

[lopburi3]

Nobody is reporting it to be a problem for retirement visas as the fact you have the money in the bank is proof you can support yourself during the year even if you have no outside income.