| Wondering why Thailand ranks among the top | | | | application. You would have to open a Thai bank |
| retirement destinations in the world? Let's count | | | | account in your own name. 2. Show a proof of |
| the reasons. | | | | THB 65,000 monthly incomec. Medical Certificate - |
| First, there is that friendly, welcoming local smile | | | | This is not required if the visa is applied for or |
| immediately assuring the foreigner that he is in a | | | | accomplished inside Thailand. d. Police Clearance - |
| good company. No wonder, Thailand is fondly | | | | This is not required if the visa is applied for or |
| called The Land of Smiles. | | | | accomplished inside Thailand |
| Second, the country's tropical sun seems to be | | | | Process |
| shining forever providing the Kingdom warmth | | | | You would have to obtain an initial visa in the |
| all-year round- a climate rather scarce in the | | | | form of a 90-day Non immigrant visa from the |
| West. | | | | Thai embassy overseas. This will be converted |
| Third, the aroma of delicious Thai food beckons | | | | into a One Year Retirement visa once you are in |
| even from a distance. It's healthy, delicious and | | | | Thailand and once you are ready with the financial |
| most of all, affordable. | | | | requirements as stated above. The conversion |
| Fourth, there are the pristine beaches of the | | | | which is a one-day process can be done 21 days |
| South, the beautiful hamlets of the north, the | | | | before the 90-day visa expires. |
| verdant hills and mountains up northeast and virgin | | | | In case you are in Thailand on a tourist visa and |
| forests around the country providing diverse | | | | you wish to proceed with the retirement visa |
| natural retirement locations complete with the | | | | application, you would have to convert your |
| amenities of a relaxed and easy living. | | | | current visa into a Non Immigrant 90 day visa. |
| Finally, the country has a superb public | | | | After which, the same normal procedure is |
| transportation system, world-class medical facilities | | | | followed. |
| and services and all the convenience of urban | | | | Important things to remember about Thai |
| living so you are not totally detached from the | | | | Retirement Visa |
| cosmopolitan lifestyle you are wont to. | | | | • The retirement visa holder is not allowed to |
| And there is that icing in the cake especially for | | | | work or generate income in Thailand. |
| single retirees; you may be able to find that | | | | • The retirement visa is valid for one year |
| elusive better half from the many lovely locals | | | | but is renewable as long as the applicant meets |
| who can become your lifelong companion. | | | | the requirements. The term of deposit for the |
| Requirements | | | | financial requirement of the visa to be renewed is |
| As a foreigner wishing to retire in Thailand long | | | | 3 months as opposed to 2 months for first time |
| term to enjoy all the good things it has to offer, | | | | application. |
| you would have to follow the immigration rules in | | | | • The retirement visa holder needs to report |
| order for you to be able to legally stay here. You | | | | his/her address at the immigration office every |
| would need a visa known as Non Immigrant O-A | | | | 90 days either by personally visiting the |
| visa. This visa can be obtained from Thai | | | | immigration office or by posted email (to be done |
| embassy in your home country or it can also be | | | | 7 days prior to the 90-day term). |
| accomplished inside the country. | | | | The best way to go over your retirement visa |
| Below are the requirements that you should be | | | | application is to enlist the services of Thai Visa |
| aware of when applying for a Thai retirement | | | | experts who can guide you through the process |
| visa:a. You need to be 50 years old or olderb. You | | | | and ensure the successful processing of your |
| need to satisfy the financial requirements through | | | | retirement visa. This way you will be spared the |
| any of the following means: 1. Deposit THB | | | | immigration hassle accompanying the procedure |
| 800,000 in a Thai Bank account - it should be in | | | | thus, allowing you a great start with your |
| the bank for three months prior to the visa | | | | retirement in Thailand. |