There are two ways to start off the procedure to get retirement visa or as it is correctly called, an extension of stay for retirement and this requires you to have one of two types of visas, a Non immigrant O visa or a Non immigrant OA visa.
But why are there two types of visas and what is the difference?
An OA visa is actually the closest to an actual retirement visa as it is only given to someone who intends to retire in Thailand. This visa can only be obtained outside the country.
An non immigrant O visa can be issued for many reasons including retirement, marriage, accompanying a retired or working spouse or volunteering. It is also possible to change a tourist visa or visa exempt entry stamp into a non o visa and some immigration offices in Thailand.
Both types of visa are issued outside the country for a single entry of 90 days.
You should apply at your nearest immigration office to extend your visa for one year when your visa has less than 60 days before expiry. Don’t leave it to the last minute in case you need additional paperwork or the requirements change. Aim to apply to extend your visa no later than 30 days before it expires.
Before you can extend your visa, you will need to open a Thai bank account so that you can show a balance or monthly income. Click here to read our guide on opening a bank account in Thailand.
What is needed to extend a non immigrant O visa based on retirement in Thailand?
A monthly pension income of at least 65,000 baht per month transferred from your home country to a bank account in Thailand or 800,000 THB deposited in a Thai bank account for at least 60 days if this is your first extension. For subsequent extensions, the money needs to be in the bank for at least 90 days.
2 x passport photos
A completed ™ 7 form
1900 THB application fee
If you are not sure if you meet the financial requirements to extend your visa, please contact Key Visa for advice.
What is needed to extend a non immigrant OA visa in Thailand?
The requirements for extending a non OA visa in Thailand are slightly different and more complex than extending a non O visa.
A monthly pension income of at least 65,000 baht per month transferred from your home country to a bank account in Thailand or 800,000 THB deposited in a Thai bank account for at least 60 days if this is your first extension. For subsequent extensions, the money needs to be in the bank for at least 90 days.
A letter of verification issued from the country of his or her nationality or residence stating that the applicant has no criminal record.
A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535).
Health insurance, not less than 40,000 baht coverage for outpatient and 400,000 baht for inpatient medical fees.
2 x passport photos
A completed ™ 7 form
1900 THB application fee
If you are not sure whether you meet the financial or other requirements to extend your non immigrant OA visa then please contact Key Visa for advice.
