Can I apply for a Non O visa in Chiang Mai while needing to withdraw funds?

Mar 14, 2023
2 years ago
Diem ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m currently in Thai Lan on 45 days exempt stamp (extended for another 30 days to April 12). I plan to apply for a Non O visa based on retirement in Chiang Mai. I can transfer 800k to Thai bank but may need to withdraw it in a month. I need more than 90 days to transfer another 800k and let it seasoned. My questions are

- Can I apply for a 1 year Multiple entry Non O in Chiang Mai? Are the requirements the same with the 90 day Non O? Does my fund need to be seasoned?

- If I apply for the 90 day non O, can I renew it for another 90 days before I do the one year extension? What are the requirements?

- Once I have the non O visa, do I need to leave and reenter Thailand to activate it?

Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about applying for a Non-O visa based on retirement while on a current exempt stamp in Thailand. Key points of concern include eligibility to transfer funds to a Thai bank, the type of visa obtainable (1-year or 90-day), the seasoning of funds, renewal processes, and whether leaving the country is necessary to activate the visa. Responses clarify that the Non-O visa requires the applicant to be over 50, funds must be seasoned for 2 months for a 1-year extension but not for the initial 90-day visa, and that one cannot renew a Non-O visa for another 90 days before seeking a 1-year extension.
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.
James ********
Who is the Retirement Visa for ?

What is the passport nation of the applicant?

What is the age of the applicant?

Is the person applying Married to Thai or have a Thai child?
Diem ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
the visa is for myself. I’m a US citizen. 53 years old. No I’m not marrying to a Thai or have a Thai child. Thank you
James ********
@Diem **********
thank you.
James ********
PLEASE note that there are requirements for keeping the funds for the retirement Visa and One year extension of stay in a Thai bank account in your name only... And is to not be taken out once you have the One year extension of stay stamp in your passport.
John **********
You have to be 50 years old to apply for a Non-O, commonly known as a retirement visa inside Thailand. It comes with zero entry so not multiple entry or even one, you need a re-entry permit if you wish to leave the country and later return. You transfer in 800k baht to a bank account in your name and once it's there you should be able to apply for the 90 day visa (a couple of places require this to be in place for 2 months before applying but most do not). When in the last 30 days of this visa you need to apply for a 12 month extension, this does require the money is in the account for 2 full months before you apply. So you would be wise to wait until you are able to the money in place before applying
Diem ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
thanks. I will probably wait until I can let my funds seasoned in the account for 2 months to start the process. I need to send a large sum so Thai for business (but need to withdraw in a month) so I was thinking to use that transfer to get the non O started to have something more long term. I have been in Chiang Mai for 6 months, bounced in and out on exempt stamps. On My last 30 days extension, the immigration agents passed my passport around, discussed for a long time before granted me my stamp. That was nerve wracking
Ellie *******
@Diem **********
, BTW, just FYI. Chiang Mai Office wouldn't require your funds to be transferred internationally for an initial in-country Non-O based on retirement visa application. (CM is one of a few offices that don't care about the source of your funds for an initial visa)
Diem ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
I’m sorry to bother you, but do I need to show proof my funds were transferred internationally for 1 year extension in Chiang Mai? Thank you
Ellie *******
@Diem **********
, no, there is no requirement of proof of funds source for a 1-year extension based on retirement.
Diem ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
great! Thank you so much for your quick response. Have a nice day 😃
Diem ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
good to know. Thank you
Ellie *******
In-country Non-O application is a big 2 steps procedure.

1. You first apply for an in-country initial Non-O visa based on retirement when you still have 15 WORKING days with your current stamp.

It will be an under-consideration period of 15 working days, then you will be stamped for 90 days with the initial visa. This 90-day stamp starts on the day of approval. For this application, you just need to have 800K in your Thai bank account.

2. When your first stamp remains 45 (calendar) days or less, you can apply for a 1-year extension based on being over 50 and 1-year only. For a 1-year extension, your funds have to be seasoned for 2 months as of the application date. This extension will be added (top-up) to your first 90 days.

Q- Can I apply for a 1 year Multiple entry Non O in Chiang Mai? Are the requirements the same with the 90 day Non O? Does my fund need to be seasoned?

-> No multiple entry visa is issued inside Thailand. You need to buy a re-entry permit (single or multiple re-entry) before you travel.

Q- If I apply for the 90 day non O, can I renew it for another 90 days before I do the one year extension? What are the requirements?

-> No, you cannot. Only 1-year extension application is possible.

Q- Once I have the non O visa, do I need to leave and reenter Thailand to activate it?

->No, you don't have to leave. You will be stamped for 90 days when your application is approved at the immigration office.

Go to the CM immigration office and get (or take pics of) the latest handout of requirements for both of initial visa and a 1-year extension ASAP. You have only 1 week to apply within your current stamp.
Ellie *******
@Pedro *********
, never heard any immigration office possess your passport during all under consideration period
Diem ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
thank you for your detailed response
Ellie *******
This is the general requirements list (URL for an initial visa by Immigration bureau HQ, the attached sheet is for an extension) that may give you a rough idea. But the CM office definitely has its own list.

*********************************************************************************************************
*******
/9.FOR-RETIREMENT-PURPOSES-50-YEARS-OLD-NON-O.pdf
Diem ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
Could you please clarify the “proof of insurance (non -OA only)”On the flyer ? Does that mean I don’t need proof of insurance when I do the 1 year extension from my 90 day non-O? Do I need proof of insurance for yearly extension after that? Thanks
Ellie *******
@Diem **********
, If you are applying for an in-country Non-O (<- without A) retirement visa, you don't need one. This is a requirement when you apply for a 1-year extension based on being over 50 when your enter on a Non-OA visa that is only available in your home country or country where you have legal residence.
Diem ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
got it. Thank you so much.
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