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Can I apply for a retirement Non-O visa directly in Thailand without first getting a 90-day visa?

Jun 26, 2025
14 hours ago
Roberto ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will be coming to Thailand with either a TR 60 day visa or just a 60 day exemption if the TR expires.

My question is since I already have a Thai bank account and will season it for two months, can I just do the the retirement non-o 1 year visa at immigration or do I need to do two steps?

Get the 90 day non-o visa here or there, then have to get the 1 year extension. Seems that I can just skip the 90 day visa. Thanks

My brain hurts!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the process of obtaining a retirement Non-O visa while in Thailand on a TR 60-day visa or a visa exemption. Community responses clarify that it is advisable to enter Thailand on a 60-day exemption and then apply for a 90-day Non-O visa in-country, before subsequently applying for a one-year extension. There are discussions regarding the requirement of health insurance based on the type of visa applied for, noting that a Non-O does not require health insurance.
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.
Jesper *******
Since u already have thai bank acct .....simple steps come to thailand on a 60days exempt apply for 90days nonO inside thailand with more than 15days left on the stamp ....run down to less den 30days and apply for 1yr extensions
Klaus ********
As I understand it: come with 60 day visa excempt and go further from that one does not need health insurance for the in country NON O and it´s extension. Whereas arriving on an NON O single and getting 1 year extension requires approved health insurance?
Stuart *********
@Klaus *******
Not correct. The Non O whether applied for prior to coming or in country does not require health insurance.

A Non OA visa (only available in your home country or legal residence) requires health insurance and so would extensions from it.
Pete *******
Get the 90 day Non O based on retirement from your home country embassy instead of the 60 day tourist visa. Then, once in country, you only have to worry about applying for the 12 month extension of stay.
Graham ******
Why not get your Non-O before you travel to get 90 days on arrival then start planning for the 12 month extension?
Hieb *******
@Graham *****
Maybe he is looking to maximize his time in Thailand. It would make sense to enter visa exempt for 60 days, apply for 30 day extension and then change to Non-O once on the 30 day extension.
Stuart *********
As you already have the bank account come over and enter visa exempt. Put 800k in your bank account. When you have 30 days or less on your stamp (but more than 21) apply for an in country Non O for 2,000 baht. That’ll give you a 90 day visa.

When that’s running down apply for the 1 year extension.

You can’t get a 1 year visa off the bat. You have to convert to a Non O first.
Roberto ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
thanks. Knew wouldn’t be simple one step.
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