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Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant O Retirement visa earlier if I plan to move to Thailand in November?
Non-Immigrant O VisaThailand Retirement VisaVisa Application TimingImmigration RulesThailand Expat Life
Jan 28, 2026
3 months ago
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROk, I have a dilemma. I take a large distribution from a retirement account annually in January, and plan to move to Thailand in November. To qualify for the Non-immigrant O Retirement, it is easier for me to qualify earlier in the year, rather than later. I always have the funds to qualify for the $800,000 bhts., but prefer to take the money from my retirement account until next year. My dream is to be able to apply in June or July this year. I would already have the funds needed for everything. Is it possible to apply for a visa that early, if my plan is to go November 1? How long do these Visas last once they are approved (not including the 90 days once there)?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Non-Immigrant O visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, so applying too early may require careful timing considering your November travel plans. It is recommended to apply about 6 weeks before your intended entry. You must also ensure that your funds (฿800,000) are in a Thai bank account prior to applying for the visa or extension.
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- Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Serviceto get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
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- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Barb ******
I too am looking into a move.. the Thai Visa site has a *chat* available -- I just used that this morning 🤷
Tony ********
Get the proper information about your visa. That’s what I did. Facebook is not the place for that information
Wannikea *********
It might be wise to consider when your extension would be and if that fits into your lifestyle/travel plans because it's going to be on the same date every year
Mike *************
Wannikea Wanblee Excellent point that's never mentioned. I timed my extension date to being just before I might want to head to Canada to visit each year (ie. NOT in the middle of the fkn winter! 🤣). That I'd be free to travel right after extending.
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Mike *************
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Wayne ********
The Visa itself in other words, the piece of paper that you get from the Thai Embassy via E Visa is only valid for 90 days from the time it is issued. So you must enter Thailand within that 90 day. Or the visa becomes invalid.
Max *******
You have to get a non O before getting a retirement visa, i actually got both and got fifteen months. I'm not sure if it's true or not.I've heard conflicting stories, but I hear you.You can only get a non O outside thailand. I just use an agent got both,seemed easier
Jim *******
Max Green Other way round but true. Non O visa 90 days and then extension 1 year (not a visa, an extension of stay) does give you 15 months altogether.
Agents do that well, some members here claim they managed it themselves. With repeated visits to their Immigration office.
Agents do that well, some members here claim they managed it themselves. With repeated visits to their Immigration office.
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Jim *******
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John **********
You can apply for the Non-O visa a maximum of 90 days before your travel date but it would be more sensible to apply 60 days or so before to give yourself a bit of a cushion
Tony **********
Funds remitted to Thailand in the 1st half of the year might be subject to tax depending on how many days you reside in Thailand AND the DTA with your home country. Hence, waiting until July 8th would avoid this risk
Sammy *********
Your first Non O Visa is for 6 months, then has be extended every year for periods of 12 months
Graeme ******
@Sammy ********
not true its for 90 daysSammy *********
Graeme Mort
My bad, you are correct, 3 months
My bad, you are correct, 3 months
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Sammy *********
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Tony **********
@Sammy ********
non-o is 3 monthsSammy *********
Tony Birnseth
Graeme Mort
My bad, you are correct, 3 months
Graeme Mort
My bad, you are correct, 3 months
Reply to
Sammy *********
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Jeremy ********
It’s a 1 year visa…Visa date to visa date
Once you open your bank acct put the ฿800k in there and act like it never existed
Use this acct for perpetuity everytime you go for an extension
Good luck
Once you open your bank acct put the ฿800k in there and act like it never existed
Use this acct for perpetuity everytime you go for an extension
Good luck
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJeremy Miller I am only talking about the O Visa. Not the extension.
Bob **********
Greg Gursey Apply about 6 weeks before you plan on coming but you’ll need to open a bank account and get your 800k in it at least two months before you extend
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Bob **********
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Graham ******
Jeremy Miller The Non-OA is valid for a year but not the Non-O which is valid for 90 days
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGraham Seal thank you. I will wait until August, just to be safe. I’ll make sure funds are in place by June. Thank you!
Jeremy ********
Greg Gursey 90 days
But still put the ฿800k into the bank acct got perpetuity and act like it never existed
But still put the ฿800k into the bank acct got perpetuity and act like it never existed
Reply to
Jeremy ********
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Brandon ************
A Non-O visa is valid for 90 days from the date is issued. So if you got the non-O visa in July, it would only let you enter Thailand until October.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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