Retirement Visa for Thailand

[chicowoodduck]

Thanks to all for the informative advice. It sounds like obtaining the non-immigrant visa in your home country is a good first step followed by some good ol' research in Thailand with some retired expats who have gone through the process of obtaining the retirement visa.

With that said, I've found the following information to be a good start:

STEP 1: OBTAINING A NON-IMMIGRANT " O" VISA
If you want to retire in Thailand, you need a non-immigrant visa. Ideally, it should be acquired prior to your arrival in Thailand.

Requirements for getting a non-immigrant visa outside Thailand:
1. 50 years old of age or older
2. Passport (at least 1 year remaining until expiration)
3. Holding the nationality or permanent residence of country of application
4. Police Records Check
5. Certificate of Health
6. Proof of meeting financial requirement *
7. Bank letter showing funds or pension statement


STEP 2: OBTAINING ONE-YEAR RETIREMENT VISA IN THAILAND
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
1. Passport - copies of every page. Each copy must be signed by applicant.
2. Non-Immigrant Visa
3. Departure Card TM.6
4. Proof of meeting financial requirement *
5. Thailand Bank book (original)
6. Letter from your Thai Bank
7. Medical Certificate (health exam administered by doctor at first class hospital)
8. Photos, three (3) in quantity which are 4 x 5 centimeters in size (not passport photos) with full face and taken wearing business attire (no hat and some jurisdictions require suit and tie). Must have been taken within six (6) months.


* FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT:
1. BANK ACCOUNT SHOWING THB 800,000
2. MONTHLY INCOME OF AT LEAST THB 65,000
3. COMBINATION (BANK ACCOUNT + INCOME x 12 = THB 800,000)

Signing for your new Retirement Visa
Your first and only appearance for the retirement visa will be at the Immigration office upon its approval. You must appear in person with your passport and sign the visa paperwork in the presence of the Immigration staff. The Immigrant staff puts a stamp in the passport at the time of approval.

Restrictions on Your Retirement Visa
The retirement once approved allows you to stay in Thailand for one year. You are not allowed to have employment while on this type of visa. Also you must report to Immigration every 90 days to verify your current address

[synthia]

The police check must be done in the country of your citizenship, not residence. So if you have been living in France for ten years, but are a citizen of Mexico, you must turn in a Mexican police report.

[Bren]

Thanks for all the info you have found ! Very comprehensive ! Just one question.....what is a TM 6 departure card?

[synthia]

I think it's that card they leave in your passport when you come in. You know, you fill out a card and they take half and give half to you, then you fill in the date and sign it when you are leaving.

By the way, Thailand actually gives you the date your visa expires, unlike most companies, which only give you the number of days you are allowed in the country, but they only write it on that card.

[Tafia]

Contact me for details

[Tafia]

Its True providing you have 'Proof of Income' of 65000baht per month.

[chicowoodduck]

I'm just finishing up with the paperwork for the Retirement "O-A" visa and well, proof of income, is just the tip of the iceberg. A cost breakdown goes something like this....Bank of America statement verification letter ($10), FBI criminal clearance letter / fingerprints ($52), Thai visa ($65), US Priority Mail ($22), visa photos ($20), Four copies of all the paperwork ($6), Thai Retirement Visa (IF approved).....Priceless!

[synthia]

Is there any guarantee that the rules won't change? In most countries a retirement visa is good for life, but I've met people who claim they have to reapply every year, and that the new money amounts apply to them. They said they would eventually be forced out.

[chicowoodduck]

Oh boy, just like trying to nail jello to the wall, I'm expecting the worst and hoping for the best. The whole process has been a wild ride and after spending about US200, the Royal Thai Embassy could still knock back my "A-O" visa application. I'm sure they will raise the threshhold for money in the bank and or retirement income, just have to set some limits on how much "financial pain" I'm willing to endure for the pupose of enjoying my retirement in the Land of Smiles. Stay tuned, more news at 11.

[chicowoodduck]

Yearly grind, daily grind, as long as one doesn't get the you know what caught in the grinder. I'm sure there must be more than one expat who has enjoyed some success at a particular immigration office versus another? Anyone into the caring is sharing mood?