Just wondering if anyone has any experience getting a METV from Dublin?

 

Irish passport, substantial history of SETVs from consulates around Thailand including a run of 4-5 consecutive ones.

Thinking of going home for a visit and wondering if it is likely that I could get a METV.

Money in the bank is not a problem (if they want six months, could be a problem though), regarding employment I can get a letter from the family business, regarding utility bills to prove residence that might be tricky if they require that, I can give an Irish visa statement, that's about it, as I haven't been there in seven years. Do they really want this proof of residence from Irish passport holders, or is it only for non-Irish passports?

Any tips/reports would be appreciated.

I don't recall any reports of getting a multiple entry tourist visa in Dublin.

Their requirements are here. http://www.thaiconsulateireland.com/#types-of-visa

What's an Irish visa statement? You are Irish so why would you need an Irish visa statement? For proof of address I would use a bank statement with your address on it from an Irish bank if you don't have a utility bill from Ireland. You are living in Thailand on tourist visas so be ready for questions about employment and funds in Thailand and Ireland. 

 

You haven't been to Ireland in seven years so it might prove difficult to prove your residency. Technically you don't seem to be resident anywhere as you are, possibly living in Thailand on Tourist visas. That's not a good long term option so why not get a job in Thailand and a work permit? Just saying...

18 minutes ago, claffey said:

What's an Irish visa statement? You are Irish so why would you need an Irish visa statement? For proof of address I would use a bank statement with your address on it from an Irish bank if you don't have a utility bill from Ireland. You are living in Thailand on tourist visas so be ready for questions about employment and funds in Thailand and Ireland. 

 

You haven't been to Ireland in seven years so it might prove difficult to prove your residency. Technically you don't seem to be resident anywhere as you are, possibly living in Thailand on Tourist visas. That's not a good long term option so why not get a job in Thailand and a work permit? Just saying...

That is for those that are not Irish to apply for the visa. If Irish your passport would prove you are Irish.

1 hour ago, claffey said:

What's an Irish visa statement? You are Irish so why would you need an Irish visa statement? For proof of address I would use a bank statement with your address on it from an Irish bank if you don't have a utility bill from Ireland. 

@claffey- a credit card statement, Visa like as in the credit card, sorry, I can see how that might be misconstrued. I have Irish bank accounts and credit card but no other utility bills as no, I don't live there. But I am a citizen. The Visa card statement and the bank statements do have an Irish address on them (my parents).

 

1 hour ago, claffey said:

You are living in Thailand on tourist visas so be ready for questions about employment and funds in Thailand and Ireland. 

Is this from your actual personal experience, or is it just unhelpful grandstanding? As from reports this is NOT necessarily a given from consulates. It's a possibility, for sure, depending on the consulate, but it appears some don't care, plenty of reports of people getting visas from consulates in their home European country and them not caring about a long visa history. And as I said it is not a problem showing €7,000 or that I can support myself.

 

1 hour ago, claffey said:

You haven't been to Ireland in seven years so it might prove difficult to prove your residency. Technically you don't seem to be resident anywhere as you are, possibly living in Thailand on Tourist visas. That's not a good long term option so why not get a job in Thailand and a work permit? Just saying...

No, I have not been resident anywhere, you are correct. I have been "living" in Thailand the last 12 months as I like it here but before that I have been cycling my bike all over Europe and Asia, around 35 different countries. Including plenty of time in Thailand but also plenty of time in other places- this is the first time I have continuous stay in Thailand for one year.

As to "why not get a job in Thailand and a work permit?" I am fortunate that I don't need to work. And I don't know if you are aware but (1) jobs in Thailand tend to pay poorly by global standards and (2) the list of occupations that a foreigner is allowed to do is quite limited. So if you don't need the money why on earth would you? Do you have a job in Thailand and a work permit yourself? If not, why not?

 

I am considering the Education visa but for an unmarried person under 50 you may not be aware but it's actually quite difficult to stay here long term on an "official" basis. And no, I don't plan on getting married and no, I don't want to waste 500,000B+ on the Elite visa. I'm not that rich that $15k down the toilet is "whatever", one of the reasons I am here is that it is inexpensive and I can stretch my money.

 

I don't HAVE to be here, if they say "no more" I will pack up and go somewhere else sunny, that's fine. Possibly Vietnam, which I liked last time I was there and is about the only country in the region I haven't spent an extended period in and I have never been longer than a few days in the south. But I like it here and would LIKE to stay insofar as that is possible.

 

So I am asking, is METV possible as I will be home anyway.

 

43 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

That is for those that are not Irish to apply for the visa. If Irish your passport would prove you are Irish.

Thanks Joe, I ask because I did read the requirements on the website and they say "Proof of Residency in Ireland. (Residency card or Utility Bill as proof of Living in Ireland)" without a qualification "if not Irish citizen". I figure if they say "no" I can always come back on a visa exemption and look into other alternatives like the Ed visa immediately when back here. Or up and move to Vietnam if I have to.

Yes I have a good job and a work permit. I prefer to have a some security in my life so I can take care of my family. The tourist visa route is not really a good long term option and you will eventually be refused a visa. But it's your life. You'd obviously prefer not to work and contribute to society. That's fine but, if you have any kids, is that the type of role model that a child needs?  You also say that you are not rich but you don't want to work either? Some jobs in Thailand do pay well by global standards and as an expat you would receive many benefits too. It could also be argued that you are living here illegally as you are abusing the tourist visa system. I hope it all turns out okay for you.

 

By the way if you don't work and you would have a problem showing sufficient funds for six months what is it that you do to earn income? 

This happened today to a French guy in a similar situation as you.

Its possible that you would have to stay out of Thailand for three months? Not sure but good luck anyway.

10 minutes ago, claffey said:

This happened today to a French guy in a similar situation as you.

Its possible that you would have to stay out of Thailand for three months? Not sure but good luck anyway.

That topic was posted over a month ago not today.

That only happens at the embassy in Paris and it is their rule not anything official.

Claffey surely these jobs that "do pay well by global standards" are very limited in numbers and nature. They would be specialised and require specific qualifications and specific experience, not jobs that anybody could walk into and start tomorrow. You give the impression that anybody can find a well paid job here anytime. Sadly much of what you say is stating the obvious or just tosh.

 

By the way he said he would NOT have a problem showing funds and one would presume that his income comes from the family business. Have a nice day.

 

Any chance you could list some of these jobs that are easily available for foreigners? I am a bit past my "best before" date but you never know your luck.

If you are suitable qualified then there are some good jobs to be had here. Example, engineers, IT consultants, qualified teachers, architects etc. I never said it was easy! But if you are willing to live here surely you could spend a few years getting qualified and get yourself a job? That's what I did and I have a good job... He said he could show funds but if they wanted funds for six months there could be a problem. Read the OP carefully before commenting. 

 

'Living off the family business'. So he has an income? If he does he should be paying tax??? People like him make it more difficult for others to live here peacefully without being made jump through hoops by immigration.