Can a 63-year-old UK citizen apply for a 90-day non-immigrant O Visa to move to Thailand to live with his girlfriend?

Case Summary

A 63-year-old UK citizen, who has been visiting his Thai girlfriend in Udon Thani Province multiple times a year for the past 17 years, is planning to relocate to Thailand. He is in the process of selling his property in the UK and is looking to apply for a 90-day non-immigrant O Visa from the UK. He is uncertain if he should apply on the basis of visiting a girlfriend or a friend. Upon securing the visa, his plan is to open a bank account in Thailand, season the required 800,000 THB, and apply for a one-year extension.

Baan Smile's Solution

According to Baan Smile, the individual cannot secure a Non O Visa on the basis of having a Thai girlfriend. However, he can apply for a Non O Visa as a retiree (age 50+) from his home country using the Evisa online application system. Once he arrives in Thailand, he can visit his local Thai Immigration office and inquire about their requirements for a one-year extension of stay as a retiree.

Alternatively, he can enter Thailand visa-exempt, receiving a 30-day stamp on arrival as Visa Exempt Entry. He can get a 30-day extension of stay at his local Thai Immigration office for 1900 Thai baht and inquire about their requirements for the Non O Visa as a retiree and the one-year extension of stay as retired.

How Baan Smile Can Assist

Baan Smile can guide this UK citizen through the process of relocating to Thailand, starting with applying for the right visa and understanding the necessary requirements. Our expertise in securing travel arrangements, procuring visas (including retirement visas), and handling other relocation procedures can ensure a seamless transition to living in Thailand. We can also help in setting up bank accounts and navigating through the Thai Immigration system for visa extensions, making sure he gets his application right the first time.