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Can I apply for a Non-O Visa from a country other than my home country?
Non-O VisaThailand Visa ApplicationRetirement VisaExpats in ThailandVisa Rules and RegulationsImmigration to Thailand
Nov 9, 2025
6 months ago
Lauren *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi there, I know one should apply for a Non-O Visa before coming to Thailand to start the process towards retiring in Thailand.
I am confused about whether it has to be issued from your home country of citizenship or if it can be done from another country,
I see a number of comments saying you can do it from Vietnam for example.
We travel a lot and could quite possibly prefer to apply from another Thai Embassy other than New Zealand. I know the NZ embassy will say we must apply from them, but is it correct?
It is likely we will want to go from Europe/Turkey where we currently spend nearly six months a year, to Vietnam and apply for Non-O Visas there before going to Thailand towards the end of 2026 with the view towards achieving retirement status?
We would be heading to Hua Hin to set up accommodation and bank accounts etc. We have the funds to deposit the 800k baht each.
Ideally we’d prefer to manage the process ourselves or are we better to use an agent to make the process smoother and watertight?
Appreciate some advice.
Thank you
I am confused about whether it has to be issued from your home country of citizenship or if it can be done from another country,
I see a number of comments saying you can do it from Vietnam for example.
We travel a lot and could quite possibly prefer to apply from another Thai Embassy other than New Zealand. I know the NZ embassy will say we must apply from them, but is it correct?
It is likely we will want to go from Europe/Turkey where we currently spend nearly six months a year, to Vietnam and apply for Non-O Visas there before going to Thailand towards the end of 2026 with the view towards achieving retirement status?
We would be heading to Hua Hin to set up accommodation and bank accounts etc. We have the funds to deposit the 800k baht each.
Ideally we’d prefer to manage the process ourselves or are we better to use an agent to make the process smoother and watertight?
Appreciate some advice.
Thank you
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around applying for a Non-O Visa in Thailand before retirement. The user seeks clarification on whether they can apply at a Thai embassy in a country other than New Zealand, where they're citizens, mentioning Vietnam as a potential location. The community provides insights, confirming that applications can be made from any country where proof of residency is available, discusses the ease of the process without an agent, and highlights the importance of preparing the necessary documentation including recent photographs.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Helen *******
Hi
Does anyone know what size recent picture s are needed for a non-0 visa application
Does anyone know what size recent picture s are needed for a non-0 visa application
Tom ********
@Helen ******
Passport sizeReply to
Tom ********
Reply
Lynnette *******
You can apply from home country or a country you can show proof you are residing or staying in. Entry stamp, accommodation address.
Jim *******
@Lynnette ******
>>You can apply from home country or a country you can show proof you are residing or staying in. Must apply from the country of residence, more strict than "can apply".
A government issued ID, I live in Japan, Australian passport.
Has to be from where you reside, not a country you are visiting or travelling through.
And you have to stay there, within the jurisdiction of that particular Thai Embassy/Consulate until Non O - eVisa 90 days is approved. Might be 2 days, 7 day but not much longer. Mine was within 4 business days.
>>Entry stamp, accommodation address.
That is when you are already in Thai. Their stamps and Thai address. TM30, Certificate of Residence if it is needed (Opening a bank account, Thai driving license).
Nongnuch ********
@Lynnette ******
you don't need to be a resident in the country, to apply for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. You can be in any country as a tourist and apply through the E-visa online system of the Thai embassy in this country. . . . . residency is only needed for applications to a Non-Imm-O/A Visa and for a multi entry Tourist VisaWayne ********
@Nongnuch *******
she didn’t say that she said residing or staying in, which means if you are staying/residing at a hotel in Vietnam that is the address you would use.Nongnuch ********
@Wayne *******
contrary to your belief, this is what we were haggling about - wording that can easily be misinterpreted by newbies ! She only said "residing" in the first place. She later added "staying" to the textReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Nongnuch *******
I didn't say they had to be "a resident". I meant the country they are residing in at the time aka "staying". Perhaps using formal wording for "staying" is not how you'd phrase it. I've edited it.Nongnuch ********
@Lynnette ******
"staying" is not the same thing as "residing". Residing makes you a "resident" !Lynnette *******
@Nongnuch *******
people often apply from countries that are not their home country either because they are residing for months, working there, or staying there temporarily.Lynnette *******
@Nongnuch *******
no need for you to repeat this. Again. If you aren't happy it was edited for you then I suggest you scroll on by.Nongnuch ********
@Lynnette ******
I am very happy you took the time to correct the textLynnette *******
@Nongnuch *******
FFS. Screenshots to make you look so smart. Get over yourself.Nongnuch ********
@Lynnette ******
I often experience people changing the text and then claiming they never posted anything like. It is my hobby to catch people lying, that's why I always do a screenshot before I comment. I am the admin of a very well known and reputed visa advice group and this is just my way to do it (Frank Sinatra) . Michael Moore and ME have already caught the POS in the White House having uttered over 90,000 liesLynnette *******
@Nongnuch *******
no one lied. You didn't need to display a screenshot and say it was to catch people out for lying. I took on board yiylyr comment immediately and told you I'd edit what I said. We often use the word reside casually because people work overseas, temporarily spend time in other countries not just for holidays, and it covered all bases. There is far more totally incorrect advice given.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Stuart ***********
No need to use an agent. Extending the visa in Hua Hin took me about 30 minutes in the immigration office this year. It's one a4 form with about 15 questions (name, address, passport number, date arrived in Thailand etc). Ask questions here if unsure and you will be okay. Opening the bank account is the most difficult part, but with the non-o visa you should have no problems. Good luck.
Jan ******************
You can apply for a e-visa electronically through all embassies/consulates that allows foreigners to apply and you can apply based on funds in any bank.
***************************
Jair ******
Congratulations..this sounds like an exciting plan and Hua Hin is nice. What bank are you planning on using to deposit the funds? Have you researched the investment options for what returns (interest) you’ll get on your funds? I’ve found I can easily get 4% on my US fixed income investments (11-15 month CD), but returns in Thai banks are much lower. Like 1%.
Bob **********
A lot of people keep that much around in cash in case of an emergency
Lauren *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
Yes I think we’d just park the 800k each in a Thai Bank account and leave it alone knowing we could draw on it for a short term emergency if we needed to.Reply to
Lauren *******
Reply
Jan ******************
@Jair *****
During the first year, you’re required to maintain 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account. From the second year onwards, you may choose to switch to the income method and invest your funds as you like.Bob **********
@Jan *****************
the 800K is for 3 months after extension then it can drop to 400K for 7 months then is has to top up to 800k 2 months before the extensionJan ******************
@Bob *********
Yes, I didn’t go into the full story, but it’s correct that there’s a seven-month window for the 400K baht, whatever that might help with in terms of investments.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
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