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The Retirement Visa, officially known as a Non-Immigrant OA-Long Stay Visa, allows foreign nationals aged 50 and above to live in Thailand for one year at a time. To apply for this visa from within Thailand, certain financial requirements must be met such as depositing 800,000 THB ($24,000) into a Thai bank account or providing proof of a monthly income or pension of at least 65,000 THB ($2,000). These requirements must also be met every year when renewing the visa. There is no work permitted on this visa, and the visa holder must also check-in every 90 days with the Thai Immigration Bureau.
Applying for or renewing a Retirement Visa in Chiang Mai, Thailand can be an intricate process. A lawyer can help in understanding the nuances of the visa application process, completing paperwork correctly, and meeting immigration rules and requirements. Legal help becomes particularly beneficial if there are any complexities such as prior criminal convictions, barriers in demonstrating financial independence, or misunderstandings or disputes related to the conditions of the visa.
The key aspects of local laws that pertain to the Retirement Visa in Thailand are related to the applicant's age, financial situation, and immigration status. In addition to the financial requirements mentioned above, the applicant must not have a criminal record in Thailand or their country of residence. They also need to have a Thai health insurance policy that covers 400,000 THB ($12,000) for inpatient care and 40,000 THB ($1,200) for outpatient care. Any failure to comply with these laws can result in visa cancellation and potential deportation.
1. Can I work while on a Retirement Visa in Thailand? No, it's not allowed to work in any capacity on a Non-Immigrant OA-Long Stay Visa in Thailand.
2. Can I renew my Retirement Visa while in Thailand? Yes, Retirement Visas can be renewed within Thailand, but the same financial and health insurance requirements must still be met.
3. Do I need to check-in with the Thai Immigration Bureau if I travel and return within the 90 days? No, if you leave and return to Thailand within the 90-day reporting period, the countdown resets and your next reporting will be 90 days from your reentry date.
4. Is the health insurance mandatory for the Retirement Visa? Yes, to apply for a Retirement Visa, you must have a valid Thai health insurance policy.
5. Can I convert a different type of visa onto a Retirement Visa while in Thailand? Yes, it is possible to convert certain types of visas to a Retirement Visa from within Thailand, but the specific rules and possibilities can be complex and are best discussed with a legal expert.
Governmental bodies that can be contacted for further queries include the Thai Immigration Bureau and the Embassy of Thailand. Local Thai law firms specializing in immigration law can provide more specific guidance and assistance.
If you need legal assistance with your Retirement Visa process, contact a local law firm specializing in immigration law. They can provide expertise tailored to your specific situation and make the process smoother and hassle-free.
