Answered6 years ago

Can I apply for a Non-O visa based on retirement in Thailand without an agency?

Thai Visa Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Application Process Phuket Expat Expats in Thailand

Eric *******

asked Nov 5, 2020

1.4k

views

replies

likes

Hi guys, 

I'm living in Phuket and currently am on a ed visa expiring next year in April. I'll be 51 at that time. 

I'm planning on then go for a O visa + extension based on retirement (90 days O visa, followed by a 1 year extension based on retirement) as I already meet all the requirements. 

So do you guys know if I'll be able to apply for it  on my own within the country (here in Phuket) OR  if I'll have to do so through an agency ?

Thanks in advance for any advice or input.

Cheers

Answer summary

The user is currently on an education visa in Phuket and plans to switch to a Non-O visa based on retirement when their visa expires. They inquire about the possibility of applying for the Non-O visa independently or if an agency is required. Comments indicate that it is possible to apply for the visa while in Thailand, provided financial requirements are met, specifically showing 800,000 THB in a bank account. There's some discussion on potential rule changes and differing requirements for applicants from different countries.

12 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Steven *****

coming from Australia you don't have to show savings - only proof of high income. - all details will be on embassy website in your home country

6 years ago

Michael ********

But really who knows what the rules will be in six months, get money in bank by Febuary and check closer to the date

6 years ago

Stuart *********

You really don’t need an agent for any of this - as long as you can meet the financial requirements and are happy to fill in a few forms and copy a few pages from your passport and bank book etc.

6 years ago

Eric *******

@Stuart ********

, thx a lot for your answer and everyone else for their input.

I have absolutely no problems with the financial requirements, having the 800k in a Thai bank account already for several months now and even the 65k as a steady monthly income.

My only concern was whether or not one could apply for a Non-O visa within the country, as we can't hop across the border and come back "exempt" anymore (and for a long time ahead, I guess), in case anybody else had experienced this situation.

Checking directly with the immigration office now seemed to me quite irrelevant as we all know everything in this matter changes faster than the weather these days.

I guess I'll go and check with them around February and see what their suggestions are then.

Maybe I'll have to first apply for a 60 day covid extension, as you suggested, before applying for the Non-O itself later on.

Thanks again everyone,

Cheers

6 years ago

Stuart *********

@Eric ******

Agree it’s best to check closer to the time. You never know borders may be open by then (not holding my breath). Just remember if you’re applying in country for a non O the banked money needs to be shown as have come from abroad. Well under “normal” conditions it would.

6 years ago

Eric *******

@Stuart ********

, gotcha.

It's been transferred from abroad via Transferwise since the very beginning.

Good day.

6 years ago

Stuart *********

You (edited: possibly - see Bim’s comment above) will be able to apply for it in country if you meet the financial requirements. Obtaining a non O for retirement in country you’ll need to show funds of 800,000 thb in a bank in your name only that is able to be shown as transferred from overseas. Once you get the non O then after 45 days you can apply for the extension of stay. The 800K must remain in your account for 3 months and not go below 400k at any time. 2 months prior to your next extension you’ll have to top it up back to 800k. There is no requirement to show those funds you used to top up (if any) came from overseas.

6 years ago

Bim *******

I'm in a similar position since June. The answer I have been told is no unless your on a tourist visa or 30 exception.

6 years ago

Stuart *********

@Bim ******

they were the rules pre Covid, when it was possible to hop across the border and come back “exempt“. I suspect now if you ask your immigration office and are able to show correct funding things might be different. Each office to their own though so you’d have to ask (again).

6 years ago

Bim *******

@Stuart ********

that's the problem each office has there own rules. I was assured by immigration that they checked with their bosses in Bangkok and it's not possible. However I am hoping things may change.

6 years ago

Bim *******

@Stuart ********

hope so. I am going next week to apply to get stamped in until the end of January and they tell me it's no problem. I agree hope things change as the immigration offices get less busy.

6 years ago

Stuart *********

@Bim ******

now that many offices are allowing you to apply for a 60 day Covid extension (without the need for an embassy letter) that might be a way around their issue. Apply for that first and then try for the non O. Technically you’re not on a tourist visa or exempt but it’s a “brand new” type of extension of stay so that may work. As you say it’s office dependant so what works in one may not work in another.

6 years ago