TB Immigration Info Brief 040/19 – The Thai Visa (10) – The “Visa Support Letter” and the “Affidavit”.
You can use a “Proof of income” to prove the income requirement of an annual extension in whole or in part.
As “Proof of income”, Dutch citizens can use the “Visa Support Letter”. Belgians have the “Affidavit” available for this. Both meet the requirements of a “Proof of income” for immigration.
1. Visa Support Letter
www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/landen/thailand/wonen-en-werken/visumsteunsbrief
a. Since 22 May 2017, Dutch citizens can obtain a “Visa Support Letter” from their embassy to confirm their income.
b. This can be requested in 2 ways.
(1) In person at the consular section of the Dutch embassy.
Make an appointment via the online appointment system
https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Netherlands-Global-Online-Appointment_Zone1/AppScheduling/AppWelcome.aspx
You must bring:
– a valid Dutch identity document (passport or ID card)
· – a fully completed application form
· www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/documenten/publicaties/2017/05/11/aanformulier-visumsteunsbrief
· – documents proving the amount of your income
· – 50 euros in Thai Baht*
– If you apply for a consular certificate in the morning, you can collect it the same day between 14.00 and 15.00 pm. The statement can also be sent. In the latter case, you must supply a sufficiently stamped envelope with your name and address in block letters.
(2) Written by post.
Send your request to:
Netherlands embassy
Attn. Consular department
15 Soi Ton Son
Lumphini, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330
Written requests will be returned within 10 working days of receipt of the request.
You must send:
– copy of a valid Dutch identity document (passport or ID card)
· – the completed application form
· – relevant supporting documents
· – a self-addressed return envelope on which you affix the required stamp(s) yourself
· – the equivalent of 50 euros in Thai Baht* enclosed in cash or proof of bank transfer.
You can transfer the amount of 50 euros to:
Beneficiary name: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, concerns RSO-AZI
Beneficiary bank: ING Bank NV in Amsterdam
Bank account number: NL93INGB0705454029
BIC: INGBNL2A
* The amount in Thai Baht may vary due to exchange rate changes.
View the overview of the consular fees for the correct amount at the moment.
www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/landen/thailand/wonen-en-werken/consculaires
c. What are valid proofs?
Proof of your income includes the following documents:
· – pension (annual) overview
· – payslips and/or employer's annual statement
· – proof of payment and/or annual statement from the benefits agency
· – annual statement from the Tax and Customs Administration
– bank statements from your Dutch current account showing monthly deposits of income (a transfer from a savings account to a current account does not count as income)
d. Points of attention
· The documents submitted must be recent and original, with the exception of printed online pension forms and internet banking statements. After the embassy has checked everything, you will receive your original supporting documents. All amounts declared as income must be verifiable with the Dutch tax authorities. Income from abroad that is not known to the Dutch tax authorities can therefore not be declared. We would like to point out that incomplete applications will not be processed.
e. Validity period of the visa support letter
The visa support letter has no validity period in itself. It will be your immigration office that will determine how old the visa support letter can be.
g. Visa support letter application form
You can download the application form here
https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/documenten/publicaties/2017/05/11/aanvraagformulier-visumondersteuningsbrief
h. Q&A
In the Q&A you can read more frequently asked questions and answers about the visa support letter.
www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/documenten/publicaties/2017/05/11/qa-visumsteunsbrief
2. “Income Affidavit”
a. Belgians can still use the “Affidavit” to confirm their income. An “Affidavit” is an official statement that you make and then sign. The embassy will then legalize your signature as proof that it was you who made this statement. This means that you are and remain fully responsible for that statement at all times and can never fall back on the embassy because they would have signed it. After all, she only legalized your signature, but never confirmed that she agreed with the content or checked it.
I would therefore also like to warn that those who may see the opportunity to make false income here, in order to meet income requirements, must be well aware of any false statements (perjury) and especially the consequences thereof. Remember that immigration can always ask for additional proof of where those numbers come from (although that rarely happens).
b. You can obtain the “Income Affidavit” in two ways.
(1) In person at the embassy
This method is mandatory for those who are not registered at the embassy.
You go to the embassy in person (in the morning on working days between 0800-1145).
You bring:
– Completed and signed “Affidavit”.
– 800 Baht for the legalization (2019).
You can find the consular fees here https://thailand.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/content/download/files/2018_12_15_tarifs-tarieven.pdf
– Copy passport personal data.
You can collect the legalized document the next working day.
You can also have the document returned to an address. Also possible for those who are not registered. In that case, you must also enclose with the application:
– a return envelope with the address
– an amount of 40 Baht to return that cover with EMS.
(2) By post
The entire application/return process can be handled by post. This method is only available if you are registered at the embassy.
Normally these will be the same documents as for an application in person, but it is best to contact the embassy by email [email protected] to ask what needs to be sent, for the attention of whom and how payment can best be arranged.
c. The Affidavit.
As far as I know, there is no “Income Affidavit” available to download, but it can be requested by email at the embassy. Send an e-mail to [email protected] and clearly states that it concerns an “Income Affidavit” or “Affidavit Pension”, because there are of course other “Affidavits”.
On an “Affidavit” you will find the following text, which you must fill in where necessary (…..):
Affidavit (top center)
1. I, the undersigned,….., am a Belgian citizen and bearer of the Belgian passport Nr ….. , issued on ….. , at ….. , which expires on ….. .
2. I was born on ….. , at ….. . My present adress in Thailand….. .
3. My income is Eur ….. per month. (Aprox..... Baht)
4. Under penalty of perjury, I ….. , assume full and complete responsibility for the veracity of the claims herein.
sign…..
Date and place…..
d. Validity period
An “Affidavit” officially has a validity period of 6 months and that term will also suffice for most immigration offices. Always keep in mind that an immigration office can decide to use a different validity period. That will probably be less than 6 months. Inform yourself in good time.
Note: “Reactions are very welcome on the subject, but limit yourself here to the subject of this “TB Immigration Infobrief. If you have other questions, if you would like to see a topic covered, or if you have information for the readers, you can always send it to the editors.
Use only for this www.thailandblog.nl/contact/. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation”
Regards,
RonnyLatYa
I went to immigration in Nakhon Pathom on 12/04/2019 to apply for a retirement visa. I had an affidavit from the Belgian Embassy. However, I was told that due to the new law this is no longer accepted. I would have to put at least 65000 baht into a Thai account every month. I cannot do this, as I also have to make several monthly payments in Belgium. I then went to immigration in Bangkok itself and was told the same thing. When asked at the Belgian Embassy, they knew nothing about this. Very weird.
Regards,
Cornelius Rudi
Last month I went to Kanchanaburi for my year extension with an “Affidavit”.
Was accepted without any problems.
Maybe because I also attach a letter from the pension service (in English) and that this makes a difference. Don't know.
It's the first time I've heard it was rejected.
The bank amount of 800 Baht remains for you.
If not, then perhaps switch to the Non-immigrant “OA”.
https://www.thailandblog.nl/dossier/visum-thailand/immigratie-infobrief/tb-immigration-info-brief-039-19-het-thaise-visum-9-het-non-immigrant-o-a-visum/
Dear Cornelius Rudi.
Strange and certainly bad for you.
Were you able to solve this problem, and if so how exactly?
Greeting. George.
Hello Cornelis Rudi, that is annoying and can get people into trouble.
Interesting to hear how this ended or resolved?
Sjaakie
Another news, that the affidavit and/or letter of support is no longer accepted by Thai immigration. I too am in exactly the same boat as Cornelis Rudi and many more with us I may assume. The visa offices are already laughing their ass off and the corrupt immigration officials are already rubbing their hands…..
It does not say that the Affidavit will no longer be accepted by Thai immigration.
He talks about Nakhon Pathom and apparently he asked again in Bangkok.
I can confirm that it is still accepted in Kanchanaburi. You'll have to ask the local.
By the way, where do you read that the visa support letter is not accepted?
Hello, I have to go to immigration in NAN again at the beginning of July, for my year extension, I have already used the Affidavit certificate issued by the Belgian embassy each time. However, I recently read on this site that the Affidavit proof for Belgians was still valid and sufficient and now I read this again that it is not the case.. Is there anyone who can provide some clarity here, because in the long run people will really know no longer what to deliver, greetings Filip
Who says here that it is no longer accepted in NAN?
Maybe just contact NAN. Simple solution and you are sure.
I will definitely do it, I am currently in Belgium for another 3 weeks, make a call to Nan immigration, who are very friendly and helpful every year..
Dear RonnyLatYa,
Went to Aranyaprathet immigration office yesterday April 18, 2019 for 90 days report. During the visit I also asked about any changes in the procedures for my annual renewal in August. The employee told me that I had to ask my bank for a statement about deposits of at least 65000 Baht per month from March 2019. He also wanted the letter of support from the Dutch embassy. I told him that I have deposited on average more than 65.000 Baht per month and can submit this through the bank from August 2018. I can also submit my tax return in Thailand with an income sent to Thailand of more than 800.000 Baht for 2018. There the (friendly man), however, no message, nothing average, but at least 65.000 Baht from March 2019. My comment that March was already over and I can no longer rectify that led to a consultation with other employees, after which I was told that it would be from April agreed if I could also submit the support letter.
I looked at various internet sites and it appears that there is indeed an extension on the basis of retirement of at least 65.000 Baht per month and an average of 40.000 Baht per month for extension on the basis of marriage with a Thai wife.
I was (unfortunately) unable to find proof of income based on a tax return in Thailand. That would save me a lot of time, money and time as I would no longer need the letter of support.
I am still considering applying for an extension again based on my marriage to my Thai wife. This gives me more flexibility per month.
Greetings from Antoine
https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1076820-confirmed-here-is-exactly-what%E2%80%99s-needed-for-retirement-marriage-extensions-income-method-from-2019/
Have a look at 2.18 – right column – 1) A personnel income tax form together with payment slip.
Does not apply to “Retired”
By the way, for Retirement it was always “at least” 65 000 Baht and never “average”.
Only now your immigration office also expects to see those actual deposits on top of that visa support letter. Not in accordance with the regulations because it clearly states
– 2.18 – right column – OR 3) Income certification certified at embassy or consular.
– 2.22 – right column – OR 2) Income certification certified at embassy or consular.
In fact, these monthly deposits were made for applicants from countries that no longer wanted to issue Affidavit. This gave them the opportunity to meet the financial requirements through income.
Some immigration offices now want both, ie proof from the embassy and those deposits again. Doesn't make sense, because certain embassies don't give Affidavit so it completely misses its purpose.
But what can you do about it? I'm not afraid because every office makes its own rules.
Perhaps the solution is indeed to switch to a Thai Marriage. Everything is still the same there.
Hi Ronny.
For the sake of clarity, switching to a Thai Marriage does not include the requirement that the marriage must have lasted at least 3 years before this option can be used?
Regards, Shake
No, that is certainly not an official requirement.
Never heard of it anyway.
I do not use an income support statement or Affidavit, have a permanent minimum of 800.000 Thb in a Thai bank account, have an OA Visa that is renewed annually, but read and listen and ask questions for others.
In Rayong I asked the question regarding. the minimum income of 65.000 Thb every month in your Thai bank account in Thailand.
The answer was as Ronny says, that was an extra option for those whose Embassies no longer issue statements. to their income, e.g. USA, UK, Australia, etc.
The fact that this is now being done differently at other Immigration Offices is a disaster plan for some.
My advice has been for years, forget about all that hassle with Affidavit and Income Support Statement.
I know, unfortunately not everyone will be able to realize that, but still, if you can, get an amount of 800.000 Thb into a Thai bank account if you can, left, right or straight through the middle and leave it there for the entire year . You therefore always meet the new requirements, in short, at least 2 months 800 + at least 3 months 800 + at least 7 months 400.
Good luck to Cornelis Rudi and those who are or will still be dealing with this nasty setback and this problem. I hope that the Immigration Offices will recognize this misuse of the rules.
Sjaakie
Forget to mention that my advice, as stated in my earlier response, was and is from the start also the very emphatic advice of the Immigration Office in Rayong.
Sjaakie
Considering the reactions here, things are apparently going completely wrong...AND, if this becomes reality, there are 2 possibilities:
1) Those who don't get around to depositing 65.000.-Thb into their account each month can then pack their bags…unless the required deposit of 800.000.-Thb is on the account as prescribed.
2) the corrupt officials become scandalously rich “in no time” by doing their thing…the latter will probably enjoy special acclaim.
Time to think…Maybe pack up and leave T'land for what it is…
Yan
pfff, another negative statement and generalization again.
if you would like to pack your things, just do so, but don't always spoil the atmosphere here with your negative reactions.
Many rumors, 400 would be 500000 & 800 would be 1000000.
The reality is, unfortunately, that every Immigration office, even an officer, has their own interpretation of the rules and is allowed to apply them.
In Pattaya, the Letter of Income issued by the Austrian Consulate would still be valid for the Immigration office in Jomtien.
Here we go again.
Currently, the amounts are still 400 and 000 Baht.
As soon as that changes officially, it will only be a fact.
Until then, leave rumors where they belong. At the counters in Pattaya.
Dear people,
Reading this and the many responses that follow, I understand one thing that indicated what
is by RonnyLatYa is the right one.
I find this very important myself.
65000 Bath in monthly income(salary).
800.000 Bath in an account for the whole year.
If you don't have this and try it in a different way, you can expect problems.
I really wish everyone a good time in Thailand.
The problem remains that the rule is not applied everywhere (so be it).
Yours faithfully,
Erwin
Dear Erwin Fleur,
You write
“Bath 65000 in monthly income(salary).
800.000 Bath in an account for the whole year.
If you don't have this and try it in a different way, you can expect problems”
I don't have both, you forget there's anything like the combination method.
I just wanted to mention this.
Regards George
“Until then, let rumors where they belong. At the bar in Pattaya.”
One of the reasons why I left Pattaya after 15+ years and now live in Thonglor(Bangkok).
Nevertheless, I still regularly read the various Pattaya forums and Thai Visa.
Rumors sometimes become reality, and sometimes they don't.
It is better to be as well prepared as possible for any changes, without becoming paranoia of course.
In 98 they went to 400 000/800 000. Then I heard in Pattaya that it wouldn't take long before they went to 500/000. In recent years I myself heard 1000 000/800 000….
Well, if you say every day that it will rain tomorrow, you will one day be right. They usually say look jewel. I predicted it….
After about 15 years I also left Pattaya behind for Bangkok (Bankgkapi). In itself it was not an improvement, but it still lasted for more than 10 years. Now Latya (Kanchanaburi) and we'll see what the next few years bring but...moving doesn't help much in that area. The same rumors still arise in the same places and by the same people, only now they are also spread via social media...
Everyone must decide for himself what he wishes to believe or not.
My advice, better have a plan B and even C.
There used to be a "grandfathering", but it turns out that this is no longer the case for some nationalities.
Optimist or realist with a touch of pessimistic, everyone has their own choice.
“you forget there is anything like the combination method.”
We are lucky that we can still use this, 3 nationalities no longer.
Even now, 400000 of the 800 in a bank account do not arrive. If we
If yes, (illness, hospital) what are the consequences?
It is not stated in the regulations when you do arrive. However, it does state that when you arrive, the period of stay may be immediately revoked. Will depend on the circumstances.
I've written about that before
“– An Aliens qualifications does not meet criteria or conditions for consideration to permit to stay within the Kingdom as previously submitted due to changes of void there of what so ever”
You do not or no longer meet the conditions of the new rules to obtain or maintain a “retirement extension”.
Example: There is insufficient money on the application, or not long enough, or you have gone below 400 Baht, ..... These are all reasons why the extension can be refused or withdrawn.
https://www.thailandblog.nl/visumvraag/nieuwe-retirement-regels/
So 400000 must be permanently in your Thai bank account, can only be collected if one: changed extension option, permanently left Thailand, or possibly in the event of the death of your heirs.
The other 400000 must also remain untouched for 5 months out of 12.
– Change extension option.
Depends what you mean. In principle no, because if you are checked during the year, your annual extension can be withdrawn with immediate effect.
If you want to get rid of those annual extensions and switch from an annual extension to a visa with “Borderruns” in the future, you can of course collect that.
– Permanently leave Thailand.
Yes No problem. You can just pick it up.
– In the event of death by your heirs.
You need to clarify this because I don't immediately see the connection.
The other 400 Baht must remain in the bank account 000 months before the application and until 2 months after the grant. This may even increase to 3 months if an “Under consideration” stamp of 6 days is used.
I am surprised to read the responses here. Many of them are negative. This while the rules are clear. There's no doubt about that. In addition, an immigration officer can and may request additional information. This is also clearly stated in the visa file.
You can simply ask how immigration will check whether you meet the requirements. Then you always get an answer. Of course the Thai language is difficult, not only hearing and understanding, but also reading comprehension is difficult due to the characters used. Have someone here read a note written in Thai and ask what it says. Read it 6 times and still don't get it. That is often the result. This also applies to written legal texts. Usually difficult to understand.
So it is understandable that there are differences per office.
Even if Thai people travel to Europe with a Schengen visa, there is often a check at the airport. This while one has a visa.
A medical certificate is required for the OA visa. I have downloaded this and must be completed and signed by a doctor. My GP can't do this because he doesn't have the "tools" to diagnose these terrible diseases like elephantitis, tubercolosis, sifilus etc. Where in the Netherlands can you get this statement signed? In Thailand this costs 100-200 baht and nothing is really researched.
Your regular GP can, if he wants, view and use your file as a "tool" and if the relevant diseases do not yet appear in it, issue the statement, so this is strongly related to the flexibility of your GP.
Sjaakie