Hi everyone

 

Simple question, I intend to retire to Thailand this year, my wife is a Thia/British citizen.   I know that there are a few options available to me to gain that initial visa to enter LOS and then do the necessary for a prolonged stay once I get to Thailand, but what advice do forum members have on that initial visa application?  Do I go for a  SETV, a METV, or a Non- Immigrant O visa; what has the least hassle attached? 

 

Many thanks in anticipation.  

If you plan on applying for an extension of stay here getting a single entry non-o visa based upon marriage to a Thai would be your best option. You could also apply for a multiple entry non-o visa that would allow unlimited 90 day entries for a year from the date of its issue at the embassy in London. No financial proof would be needed.

2 hours ago, Pilotman said:

Do I go for a  SETV, a METV, or a Non- Immigrant O visa; what has the least hassle attached? 

A single entry non-immigrant visa based on marriage would be the best option. Once in Thailand you can apply for a 1 year extension based on marriage or retirement.

 

Avoid entering Thailand as a tourist because you would need to apply for a non-immigrant visa when in Thailand, which can be a pain, before applying for the extension of stay.

 

If you have at least the equivalent of 800K or an income of 65K you could apply for a non-immigrant 'O-A' (long stay) visa. It requires more paperwork hassle to get, but gives you 1-2 years in Thailand before needing to apply for an extension of stay.

many thanks

Need to allow sufficient time for your baht in the Thai bank to "season" the necessary 60 or 90 days prior to application for a marriage or retirement extension.