Retiring in Thailand

Hello ,

I utilized Siam Legal for my 90 day visa from home in the USA before traveling to Thailand siamlegal.com , Very reputable service and trustworthy a little expensive but not excessive.

Best of Luck
Best Regards

- Other activities (Category “O”)  This is the catchall visa category and covers retirement, or at least it did.

I'm not the legal expert, but allow me a comment. Retirement visa's are for one year. They can be issued in your home country. Some people come to Thailand on their passport. For the US I believe that good for 30days. Thereafter one can get a 60 day extension. During this inter-rum period of 90 days one applies for the retirement visa, for one year. Off hand, at least in the US, I might be easier to get the retirement visit before you leave, and avoid some of the local complications.

For those of you legal beagles that like to jump down the throat of the slightest mistake - be kind, I bruise easy.

A good option, it seems from your home country you can apply for a 90 Day Non-Immigrant Visa - Type (O) Other or Retirement which can be then can be extended in country for each year. This option was never that clear or even seemingly readily available to anyone. Even so, you are vested in the expense of the application, airfare, banking arrangements, maybe a lease, etc. Then still be denied a longer stay.

Then the other option is the Non-Immigrant O-A Retirement/Long-Stay Visa. This seems the most straightforward but does require the medical examination, a Fingerprint 'No Record' FBI Identity Summary Check which takes three months, and the financials. On ThiaVisa, some claim this type of visa is often denied for who knows what. They don't need to explain.

And lastly, you start with a 30 day tourist visa and do through the hoops, applying for extensions until you can apply for a one year by year extension to stay based on retirement. A long and winding road. 

I get all this, for many years Thailand operated under a pretty loose and convoluted visa system. Who knew who got in, and who stayed, and who did what. Pay-to-Enter, Pay-to-Stay. Today, it's more developed, more in demand, and they can tier up the income and quality of people they want to enter the country. Maybe the confusion is in the transition. Maybe less interested in retirees.

Still in research, though for me in the US, South America is worth further investigation, like Lake Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico. Mexico also has a very clear and defined paths for retirement. It's not Thailand, however, I don't want to spending much time enjoying myself managing my stay in Thailand with immigration offices.

Hello,

Immigration Offices are inevitable but only annually after you get your retirement visa , I did the 90 day from my home country in USA  through www. siamlegal.com very professional, trust worthy and they know all the Ins and outs.

Once you arrive in Thailand 1 Year retirement visa is pretty straight forward obtain paper work from your embassy to show proof of income 65,000 Baht monthly or 800,000 Baht in a Thai Bank account or combined , Bring your stamped income paper work to Immigration fill there forms out and done.
Not sure what Immigration office you want to go to in Thailand, I utilized the one in               Nakhon Ratchasima very professional , English proficient and they will even assist you with paperwork.
I went there for two reasons there rated one of the best Immigration Offices in Thailand and my Wife is from that region , They were great !!

Best Of Luck
Best Regards

HKF
Your apparent concern over longterm or specialist care, Medicare and VA Health Care suggests to me that you may feel more secure in South America.  It is a very long flight from Thailand to anywhere in the US and not something one would want to do when feeling under the weather.

Visa procedures can sound overwhelming but if taken one step at a time they are really not that difficult, if you qualify.  Most problems arise when people try to find a workaround for something they don’t want to do or can’t do.

I have always been able to get my own visas except for a couple of work situations where I stipulated a visa and work permit as part of the agreement.   I have never needed an agent and have never been asked to pay under the table fees.  As long as you are politely following the rules no one has any leverage or reason to extort.

In my experience it is always better to get a proper visa before coming to Thailand rather than leaving things to chance on arrival.

I happened to be in town today so stopped by immigration to do my 90 day report which would have been due next week.  I took me longer to park the car as I was in and out in less that ten minutes and that was with the officer feeling chatty, wanting to show off his language skills, or perhaps test mine.;-)

I am in the planning stage and decided to move to Thailand about 16 years ago.  As I am approaching 50 years old I am putting things in place.

Have worked out where want to live - near Hua Hin - and have purchased a house for future retirement.  Thankfully I am in a financial position to do this'd retain other properties in UK which Ill provide me income in addition to my pension at later years.

Thailand has lots to explore, surrounding countries also and I love thai food and culture.

Have I done all research into later life medical needs - NO!  Have I checked all tax issues for future - NO! Why?  Because circumstances change frequently and cannot decide based on unknown future...  Does Thailand have excellent hospitals?  YES.  Does Thailand provide cheaper costs for living over Western countries - YES.  Will these change in future - HIGHLY UNLIKLEY ( yes cost of living will increase but so it well in western world as well) !

If it is a dream or need for a change don't jump in with both feet but doesn't mean don't ever do it!

I will keep people posted on my experience of purchasing when the final purchase takes place in October.  I can't wait to have my place in Thailand and to share with my gf.

People on ThaiVisa have been telling me about a NON-IMMIGRANT VISA (90 DAY ENTRY) for retirement. that can be extended year by year. This may have existed at one time, but I can not find this visa available at any Consulate. You will be directed to a Thai Embassy within the United States to apply for a O-A RETIREMENT VISA full financials. medical examination, and 'Clean Background Check done either by iCORI or a FBI Identity Summary with fingerprints, taking 10-16 weeks.


NON-IMMIGRANT VISA
(90 DAY ENTRY)
SINGLE ENTRY - $80

Business Travelers (Including Teachers) working in Thailand and requiring a work permit & Volunteers are restricted to a Single Entry Visa

(Please apply for a work permit or re-entry permit in Thailand)

Passport
2 Passport photos
Visa application
Documentation to support reason for travel:
B (Business) - Business invitation letter from employer stating nature of business and address in Thailand. Copy of Thailand business registration.
O (Other) - Marriage certificate and proof of spouse's Thai citizenship, Letter of invitation from volunteer organization in Thailand, proof of condo or home ownership.
ED (Education) - Acceptance letter from accredited educational institution in Thailand
Cash or Money Order made payable to Royal Thai Consulate General.

O-A RETIREMENT VISA
Only issued by Thai Embassy - Washington DC or the Los Angeles, Chicago or New York City Consulates.

why bother
the loops we must jump through gives the impression we are not wanted
neighboring countries make us much more welcome
the Philippines, for example, have a government body to take care of us
time and time again I've drank with old farts with lovely young Thai brides who only come here on holiday
they usually live in Vietnam and cross the border when a family visit is on the cards
food for thought

Dern thats alot.... Hospital overall are much cheaper here and at least the meds I take are cheaper here to. Now I was told this too late for me. But seems that Most of your belonging can be shipped here tax free or close to it. But ya need to have a retirement Visa when stuff arrives From start to finish took me 4 months to get it and my belongings arrived 2 months after I got here. I came here because I fell in love with this place when I was a serviceman her. And its cheap. for the price of a 1 room apartment in Houston I have a 2 bedroom house here.....  Maybe I.m lucky but I often go for walks at night here (much cooler)and I have never had trouble. I have on several occasions had strangers help me...
Anyhow if ya come learn a few customs and a few words. smile and remember were visitors here.

Hello,

Retirement Visa for Thailand is very easy , No hoops to jump through

It's a Personal preference

Hi
My intentions are also to live in Korat with my lovely Thai Fiance - we have a house very close to the Zoo.
We are spending all of Feb in Korat on another fact findin mission concerning Visa and bank accounts along with some renovation work on the house.
I found your article to be positive and informative - thanks

Regards

Leigh

Good to know — thanks


Leigh

That’s will be my local office so good news for me 👍

By the way, I just returned fro the states with a new retirement visa. For one I simply went to the police station of the district for my home, and sent that report to the LA Consulate. This is the second time I did that and did not have any problems. With both of my retirement visa's I did all of the leg, which is really not that bad. Plus I like my money in my pocket. In Thailand I do pay a service 1,000 baht a year to do my 90 day report. I'm simply tired of standing in line and the price is affordable to me. Just my prospective.

So do you still have to show 800000bht in bank.

Marriage Visa Yes.

A Retirement No ,  65,000.00 Baht per month or combination of your monthly  inxome and Bank account that equals the minimum of 65,000.00 Baht per month.

The Retirement Visa or as they label it extended stay is much easier to obtain , As for U.S. example trip to Bangkok U.S. Embassy for proof of income form notarized right there then a trip to Thai Immigration.
In my case I go to Immigration in Korat depending on what day you go the whole process done in 30 minutes or less ,1,000.00 Baht then you check in with local Immigration quarterly and renew annually.

Income OF 800K BAHT a year or SAVINGS in a Thai bank of 800k baht or the two added together, yearly income and amount in bank that's equal to 800k...   for the income you go to a consultant or embassy here and fill out a form stating your monthly income. They ask you to raise your right hand and do you swear the amount is correct.... you say  yes and they stamp it and put a seal on it and walla there ya go.....

In fact it is simpler to get the retirement  visas from within Thailand.  In US there is background check and so on.  This I was advised from the Thai consulate office in the US before coming over.  I followed their instructions getting the 90 day non-imm O visa and later extended for one year retirement visa.

In fact it is simpler to get the retirement  visas from within Thailand.  In US there is background check and so on.  This I was advised from the Thai consulate office in the US before coming over.  I followed their instructions getting the 90 day non-imm O visa and later extended for one year retirement visa.

Its really not much bother.  Now dealing with Uncle Sam, that can make my blood run cold.  I go maybe 3 times a year to immigration office located 15 minutes away.  But as they say "up to you."

Unless your doing a marriage Visa all this not necessary, Retirement Visa requirements 65,000.00 monthly income that simple.

Hello, I am thinking of retiring in thailand so can I get my NZ pension there in full some help on this would be much appreciated

I get my pension Direct-Deposited into my bank then just use my ATM Card to withdraw it.

HKF wrote:

A good option, it seems from your home country you can apply for a 90 Day Non-Immigrant Visa - Type (O) Other or Retirement which can be then can be extended in country for each year. This option was never that clear or even seemingly readily available to anyone. Even so, you are vested in the expense of the application, airfare, banking arrangements, maybe a lease, etc. Then still be denied a longer stay.

Then the other option is the Non-Immigrant O-A Retirement/Long-Stay Visa. This seems the most straightforward but does require the medical examination, a Fingerprint 'No Record' FBI Identity Summary Check which takes three months, and the financials. On ThiaVisa, some claim this type of visa is often denied for who knows what. They don't need to explain.

And lastly, you start with a 30 day tourist visa and do through the hoops, applying for extensions until you can apply for a one year by year extension to stay based on retirement. A long and winding road. 

I get all this, for many years Thailand operated under a pretty loose and convoluted visa system. Who knew who got in, and who stayed, and who did what. Pay-to-Enter, Pay-to-Stay. Today, it's more developed, more in demand, and they can tier up the income and quality of people they want to enter the country. Maybe the confusion is in the transition. Maybe less interested in retirees.

Still in research, though for me in the US, South America is worth further investigation, like Lake Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico. Mexico also has a very clear and defined paths for retirement. It's not Thailand, however, I don't want to spending much time enjoying myself managing my stay in Thailand with immigration offices.

u could add Panama too

Hello,

If I’m understanding you , Your saying your from the U.S. ?
Finger printing , FBI ???   
I’m American and never have I had to do finger printing , FBI checks etc...
If you want to retire in Thailand it’s pretty straight forward , Do a 90 Day Visa first time to Thailand, Then provide credentials show proof of monies in a bank in Thailand  60’ days prior to applying for retirement visa , Either 800, 000 Baht if single , 400,000 Baht if married to Thai National or do an Income Verfication form showing minimum of 65,000 Baht monthly income.
Three options that easy get a 1 year Retirement Visa Check in with local Immigration office every 90 days for 1 year , Then repeat the process again it’s that simple.
Unless your a Criminal or cannot produce the financial requirements your odds of being denied are non existent.

Best of luck in your Retirement Journey

Klingon 100% correct
The easy and in my opinion the right way.No hassle. I beleive in" kiss"
Keep it straight and simple

So is health insurance now mandatory for a visa?

Not at all. But I have insurance in my home country which covers me here for most illnesses.
Stroke,heart attack etc
I have accident insurance here through AAinsure Huahin teh best in the country as far as i am concerned
For eg  cancer,hip replacement etc need to go to South Africa for the opp etc
Have free chronic medicine for blood pressure etc which I collect in SA and bring in when i return
Dont ask how much I bring in as i may only bring in a three month supply.
I would really recommend health insurance or you could be up the creek without a  paddle or keep 2 million THB in an account hre just for medical.
Cheers

that means for a couple, need 2X 800000 in the bank right, or needs to apply separately?
Thx,
ffdish17

Apply separately

got it, each 800k 21k euro/year
omg that is 3600 euro/month enough for a couple to live very good anywhere in the world
it is just a comment

HKF wrote:

A good option, it seems from your home country you can apply for a 90 Day Non-Immigrant Visa - Type (O) Other or Retirement which can be then can be extended in country for each year. This option was never that clear or even seemingly readily available to anyone. Even so, you are vested in the expense of the application, airfare, banking arrangements, maybe a lease, etc. Then still be denied a longer stay..... Then the other option is the Non-Immigrant O-A Retirement/Long-Stay Visa.....  I don't want to spending much time enjoying myself managing my stay in Thailand with immigration offices.

Mr. HKF,
Sorry, but I think you have been misinformed. Getting a retirement visa in Thailand is very easy if you meet the requirements. I flew in visa-free for 30 days, signed a 6-mth lease on a condo, went to US Embassy for an income affidavit ($50), then went to Immigration to apply for 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa & 1-year O-A visa (both at same time, it took about 1 hr at Immigration), then 2 weeks later, a lady called for me to come pick up my passport (15 min at pick up counter, no waiting in line). It doesn't get any easier than that.

You are required to report in every 90 days unless you leave the country which I do often. So, I did only one 90-day report in the last 2 1/2 years and it took less than 1 hour at Immigration. You can pay an agent 1,000 to 1,500 THB to do your 90-day reports for you, so you don't have to go. I don't think you will find it any easier or cheaper than in Thailand. Good luck...

Cost of living is very low in Thailand than most places in the world  , So that money goes even twice as far in Thailand !!

we'll check that, but there is a an old saying that goes like that" u pay what u get"
And everything depends on standards and expectations
Regards,

Ffdish17 wrote:

we'll check that, but there is a an old saying that goes like that" u pay what u get"
And everything depends on standards and expectations
Regards,

I noticed by some of your posts, that you & your wife are Romanian but living in Canada for past 22 years and that you have been inquiring about moving & living in France, Panama and Thailand within the next few years. I haven't been to Panama, but I follow that forum and from what I read you have to use a Panamanian attorney to get a visa at a cost of a few thousand dollars if you intend to live there. You can always go visa-free for a few months, but will have to leave afterwards. Also, you may need to learn a little Spanish to get by...

With regards to Thailand, some things are inexpensive and some things are not. The yearly cost of a retirement visa is less than $100 USD and you can rent a place to live for as little as a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars per month. The smaller towns are cheaper to live in but they do not have everything westerners are accustomed, while Bangkok has everything that you will need. You can get by with just English here. So, your comment about "you pay for what you get" is true... I live very comfortably in a 47 story high-rise condo building in an upscale area near a Sky train station, near several upscale malls, hundreds of restaurants and everything I need within walking distance. The condo building I stay in has a state-of-the-art fitness center, 2 pools & coffee shop. So, you get what you pay for and it all depends on your budget. Good luck to you wherever you decide to go...

Hello Zeus,

Thank u for clarifications, very observant, your considerations are  decent and true,I know Panama and France. not yet Thailand, tough to decide , i know that Thailand is cheapest and the weather is good, from all this countries ,our main concern is the health system , quality and cost, language is not an issue, as we can learn.
But have some Thai friends and i  am familiar with couple of things.
And of course weather.Bangkok and Chiang Mai r very tempting, at least for a period.
I know there is not such a ting like  perfect place, otherwise would not move from here, bur our health is paramount.
So, anyway will spend  couple a weeks in Thailand , this winter so we can get the feeling,
Again, thx for help,
Regards,

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