Answered6 years ago

At what stage must bank account funds be seasoned when applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

Visa Exempt Entry Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Thai Immigration Rules Bank Account Seasoning Expats in Thailand

Paulie *********

asked Jul 8, 2020

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If a potential retiree enters on visa exempt and goes the 3 month O/12 month O route, at what stage must the bank account be seasoned?

Answer summary

When applying for a Non-O visa based on retirement, if you enter Thailand on a visa exempt basis (30 or 60 days), you do not need to have the required 800K baht in your account seasoned prior to the application. The funds should be transferred to a Thai bank account in your name only. However, once you obtain the 90-day Non-O visa, you will need the funds seasoned for 2 months before applying for the yearly extension. After receiving the extension, the funds must remain in the account for an additional 3 months, and the balance should not fall below 400K baht for the remainder of the year.

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Tod *********

Okay, here is how it works.

IF you come in on a 30 day visa exempt entry or a 60 day tourist visa entry and want to apply for a 90 day in country Non-O visa at the immigration office based on being over 50 (retirement) there is NO requirement that the money be in the account any length of time. The only requirement is that the 800K baht be transferred in to a thai bank account in your name only from overseas.

It's AFTER you get the Non-O 90 day visa granted and will apply for the yearly extension that you will need to have the 800K baht seasoned in the account for 2 months before you apply, then it will have to stay in the account for 3 months after you get your extension and then after that the balance of the account cannot go below 400K baht the rest of the year

6 years ago

Paulie *********

Nick - doesn’t sound right; how can you open an account on a 30 day exempt visa and season it prior to applying for the 90 day O?

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Paulie ********

you can open a bank account on a 30 day visa exempt or a 60 day tourist visa IF that bank manager lets you do it. There's nothing in banking law that says you can't. It's totally a branch manager decision. If one bank won't let you open an account go to the next bank.

I get people writing all the time "we went to every bank but couldn't get an account" and when questioned it comes down to they tried 2 places and gave up. :(

6 years ago

Nick ************

@Paulie ********

that was my question too.

6 years ago

Nick ************

@Tod ********

once again your information contradicts what I have been told TODAY at immigration in Sakon Nakhon. The money must be in a Thai account to get the 90 day Non O Visa prior to the 1 year retirement visa. I showed proof of funds in UK account and it was no use at all.

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Nick ***********

i didn't say that you could show the money in an account in your country I said there is no proof that the money is seasoned <- in the thai bank account in your name only for any length of time. ONLY that it was transferred in from abroad.

The 2 month seasoning comes into play when you apply for the yearly extension

6 years ago

Paulie *********

Thanks - so basically get the 90 day, and make sure the money is deposited within the first 30 days..

6 years ago

Steve *********

It's always worth double checking with your local immigration office. I've heard of some variations on the "official" line.

6 years ago

Steve *********

(Another insult - and, i think, a light one)

6 years ago