All the info I can find on the above is dated around 2009, it may or may not still be valid. Unfortunately, due to my location I cannot get to an embassy in the UK, to sit down and get the info from them.
Qualifying criteria for a Retirement Visa I am happy with. No problems there.
My understanding is that I cannot get a work permit on the above Visa. Feel free to correct me.
My question is. What are the rules / guidance for working outside Thailand, say the Middle East, where I am currently working ?
Working abroad won't be a problem with getting your retirement extension.
Financially, you'll need to show the minimum 65K a month funds (if going down the income route), but there's nothing to say about how those funds need to be earnt. They could come from a pension, stocks and shares, rental income or working. The key is not to work here without a permit.
Alternatively, you could go down the savings route - 800K in a Thai bank account - and as long as that has come from abroad, again you'll be OK.
The retirement extension does not lead to a work permit as you obviously wouldn't be "retired". However, a Non Imm B or O visa can be used to get a permit if you want. You'll get a year's extension every time and only have to report to Imm every 90 days just as you'll have to do with the retirement extension.
I'm not really up on the working aspect over here so hopefully others can correct me if I'm wrong.
The main thing about the retirement visa, other than income or savings, is that you're over 50. The extension is called retirement but you could still be working as long as it's not over here.
sand_dancer wrote:.........My question is. What are the rules / guidance for working outside Thailand, say the Middle East, where I am currently working ? ........
As long as you're not physically working in Thailand, or money remitted into Thailand by a second party you performed a service for while you were physically present here, you have nothing to worry about.
You can have a retirement visa here and work offshore all you want, as long as the above rules are adhered to. Just be sure YOU transfer any funds into Thailand yourself for services performed out of Thailand and not by the people you're working for. From account: You. To account: You. That way it just avoids any headaches if they should trace your incoming funds and perhaps think the work you are performing is here, and not there.
You also don't owe any Thai income tax under the above scenario.
Of course, this is my experience and practice for many years. I may be bending the 'proper' interpretation of the law but I don't think so. I'm sure if I am, others will speak up. Pete
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Lomuamart, the depth of your knowledge is truly outstanding ( I have been reading this Forum constantly )
One more question, if you would be so kind.
Is there any flexibility in the the 3 month reporting to Imm, if not. Can it be done by proxy ? I normally work 4 on 1 off, I can change this if neccesary ( but it suits me )
Lomuamart, the depth of your knowledge is truly outstanding ( I have been reading this Forum constantly )
One more question, if you would be so kind.
Is there any flexibility in the the 3 month reporting to Imm, if not. Can it be done by proxy ? I normally work 4 on 1 off, I can change this if necessary ( but it suits me )Thanks
Lomu's still cutting zzzz's at the moment so I'll chip in. The 90 day reporting can be done up to 7 days either side of the exact date. I understand it can now also be done by registered mail, but to the Bangkok Immigration HQ only.
I've seen secretaries walk into an immigration office many times with a stack of Korean or Japanese passports and do the 90 deal for all of them. This was for foreign factory executives and I'm sure the proxy arrangement had to be agreed to in advance between the factory and immigration. Don't think the same thing is available to ordinary individuals, perhaps with the exception if you were hospitalized here and couldn't make it. Pete
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Lomuamart, the depth of your knowledge is truly outstanding ( I have been reading this Forum constantly )
One more question, if you would be so kind.
Is there any flexibility in the the 3 month reporting to Imm, if not. Can it be done by proxy ? I normally work 4 on 1 off, I can change this if neccesary ( but it suits me )
Thanks
If you are working overseas 4 on 1 off why are you concerned about 90 day reporting?
You have to be in Thailand for 90 consecutive days before you have to report. If you are only here for one month, then you do not have to report and the next time you enter Thailand the 90 days starts again from that entry date.
That is why you requre a re-entry permit along with your "retirement" extension.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
lomuamart wrote:Working abroad won't be a problem with getting your retirement extension.
Financially, you'll need to show the minimum 65K a month funds (if going down the income route), but there's nothing to say about how those funds need to be earnt. They could come from a pension, stocks and shares, rental income or working. The key is not to work here without a permit.
Alternatively, you could go down the savings route - 800K in a Thai bank account - and as long as that has come from abroad, again you'll be OK.
The retirement extension does not lead to a work permit as you obviously wouldn't be "retired". However, a Non Imm B or O visa can be used to get a permit if you want. You'll get a year's extension every time and only have to report to Imm every 90 days just as you'll have to do with the retirement extension.
I'm not really up on the working aspect over here so hopefully others can correct me if I'm wrong.
The main thing about the retirement visa, other than income or savings, is that you're over 50. The extension is called retirement but you could still be working as long as it's not over here.
So does that mean, as long as I am over 50 and I am not working in Thailand but still gainly employed in the farang home country, I can still apply for the so called "Retirement" visa and be qualified to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days right?
Cheers,
wtgdnow
wtgdnow,
Correct. You'll need a Non Imm O visa to apply for an annual extension of stay based on retirement - as opposed to a retirement visa which is a Non Imm OA (long stay) and a different kettle of fish.
As long as your income is not earnt in Thailand it can come from any source, not necessarily a pension as that would generally put a person at an age of over 60+. That overseas income needs to be verified by your Embassy in BKK and you apply for the extension here in Thailand.
It's pretty easy to get as long as you qualify.
