This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I apply for a Non-O Visa in Thailand if I am not yet retired?

Jul 6, 2025
8 days ago
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello - I am thinking if applying for a Non O Visa so that I can open a bank account in Thailand for future operations. Can this Visa be issued if not yet retired.

Thank you
648
views
4
likes
16
all likes
9
replies
0
images
8
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can apply for a Non O Visa in Thailand even if you are not retired, as long as you meet the age requirement of being over 50. The requirement does not mandate that you must be retired, but it may depend on the policies of the Thai embassy in your home country. Some banks in Thailand might require proof of retirement or steady income to open an account, but experiences vary.
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.
Rok ********
As long as you are over 50 … biggest benefit known to me being 50+ (but even this has been eroded with the advent of the DTV visa)
Andy ************
There is no criteria for the visa which states you must be retired. The criteria is "over 50". There are zero checks carried out to see if you are still working, so go for it!
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ***********
Thank you Andy
David **********
@Andy ***********
true for the initial visa. However the bank wanted proof of retirement/no income before opening the account (at least in our case)
Andy ************
@David *********
Never heard of that. Try another bank. I've got three accounts in Thailand, not once have I had to show any proof of retirement
Thomas *******
I did it in November 2024 and May 2025 for the sole reason of opening a bank account even though I wasn't staying 90 days. It takes the stress away from trying to accomplish it within the first 90 days of your "real" non-o as some places still aren't up to speed with the 90 day non-o evisa. US passport if that helps.
Nongnuch ********
it depends on the Royal Thai embassy of your home country if they require you to be "actually retired", or if they are willing accept your application based on you being over 50 years old. Some embassies do, some others don't. For example the Thai embassy in Vienna, Austria, for the Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa wants to see that you actually are receiving a pension. If you don't, they force you to apply for the Non-Imm-O/A visa instead
Peter ****************
@Nongnuch *******
Absolutely right. I admit for me it was almost 8 years ago, but the Thai Embassy in the Netherlands refused my non imm. O because I did not have a pension yet.
Graham ******
Yes if you are over 50 and meet the financial requirements
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else