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Can I apply for a Retirement Visa from my home country?
Retirement VisaNon-O VisaThai Visa ApplicationImmigrationBank Account RequirementsTravel InsuranceThai Embassy ProceduresThailand Visa for Indians
Apr 7, 2025
a year ago
Bertie *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI was informed that I can process my Retirement Visa from my home Country, has anyone done this? Have knowledge on this?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, processing a Retirement Visa from your home country is feasible and often recommended. You can apply for the 90-day Non-O Visa which allows you to enter Thailand. To obtain this visa, you need to provide proof of having at least 800,000 THB (or equivalent) in your bank account. Once in Thailand, you can extend your stay by applying for a one-year extension based on retirement. It is advisable to check the specific requirements with the Thai Embassy in your country and consider using an agent to help with the bank account setup and visa extension process.
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Nongnuch ********
@Bertie ********
As a resident of Dubai and being over 50 years old, you will be able to apply for the 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa by the E-Visa online system with the Royal Thai Embassy Dubai as the processing Thai authority.*** you need a financial proof, you said you would be able to show a minimum of equivalent 800,000 THB in your bank account in Dubai.
So YES, you would fulfill the financial requirement for the application to the initial 90-days Non-O Visa
*** when you enter Thailand on this visa, you will get stamped in for a 90-days stay permit.
As soon as you can, get your accommodation TM30 registration, visit Immigration and ask them for the “certificate of residence”. Get a Thai mobile phone number.
Then open a Thai bank account either by yourself, or let an agent help you with this service. It should not cost much more than 5000-7000 THB.
***using an agent saves you from running around trying to open a bank account by yourself – some branches will still give you problems, even on a Non-Imm-O visa, and some will try to sell you unnecessary insurances as a side product.
***you can apply for the “1-year Extension of the Stay Permit based on Retirement” (which some people wrongly call “retirement visa”) on Immigration, as soon as the 800,000 THB have seasoned in your Thai bank account for 2 months, and you can show the “bank letter of guarantee” which confirms this.
***it all is doable within the 90-days stay permit an entry on a Non-Imm-O Visa will grant you. All you need is getting your ducks in a row and get things done properly. Every Immigration has slightly different rules on the requirements to an application for the “one-year Extension”, so you should pick up their list of requirements in their office in the first week after arrival.
***alternatively use an agency for peace of mind, for the service of opening the Thai bank account and taking care of your Extension application
Good Luck and a good time in Thailand
Bertie *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you everyone for taking out time and sharing such useful information with me.
I am an Indian National and Resident of Dubai, UAE.
I will visit the Thai Embassy in Dubai and get more details.
One thing is for sure that I will be there with a Travel Insurance with validity of 6 months or more.
Question: will the Travel Insurance work?
I’m confused about the procedure to open a Bank account in Thailand though I can show Baht 800,000/- in UAE account but can only transfer to Thailand once I have an account there which can be done after I have a Non O Visa.
Another question: Once I have Non O Visa, do I have to stay in Thailand for minimum 90 days or maximum 90 days?
I am an Indian National and Resident of Dubai, UAE.
I will visit the Thai Embassy in Dubai and get more details.
One thing is for sure that I will be there with a Travel Insurance with validity of 6 months or more.
Question: will the Travel Insurance work?
I’m confused about the procedure to open a Bank account in Thailand though I can show Baht 800,000/- in UAE account but can only transfer to Thailand once I have an account there which can be done after I have a Non O Visa.
Another question: Once I have Non O Visa, do I have to stay in Thailand for minimum 90 days or maximum 90 days?
Garrett ***********
Easiest to apply for the retirement visa in your home country. You have to show the equivalent of 800k baht in a bank account in your home currency. Youll get a 90 day Non-O, then when you arrive in Thailand you can apply for a 1 year extension.
Frangipani *******
@Garrett **********
Wrong. The 800,000B comes in when you apply for an extension in Country.Stuart *********
@Frangipani ******
You need the equivalent of 800k in a bank (any bank, doesn’t need to be a Thai bank) in order to apply for the visa. Not a good look telling a moderator of this site that they’re wrong.
When applying for an extension of the visa you need the 800k in a Thai bank two months prior to applying.
Ian *********
@Frangipani ******
800k is actually a requirement to get the non imm O in your home country!Reply to
Ian *********
Reply
Phil ******
@Bertie ********
yes for sure. Look hereon the Thai Embassy/Consulate eVisa website then go here.
************************
Fiona *********
You can only apply for your home country now. Non o 90 days visa and then when you're here get an agent to help with a bank account. All changed back in February 👍
Chris *******
Stuart *********
@Fiona ********
Nothing changed in February. There are numerous visa types that people refer to as “retirement” visas. The type Non OA and Non OX can only be applied for in your home country. A Non O, LTR etc can be applied for in country.
The fact that you just went through the process of applying for one of those types of visas is irrelevant as no one knows which you applied for.
The OP didn’t mention bank accounts so I have no idea why you piped up with that in your answer.
Frangipani *******
@Fiona ********
No need to get an agent for a bank account if you already have the Non O.Frangipani *******
@Fiona ********
fair enough, things changed as of 17 February but I just opened another bank account last week. It does of course depend on each branch manager.Fiona *********
@Frangipani ******
up until February it was easy, but since then I've personally heard of people having problems opening one. So I'm not talking nonsense. I live in Pattaya and hear so many stories good and bad.Lynnette *******
@Fiona ********
you've heard stories. . But facts are better. If he gets his non O based on retirement in his home country he can open a bank account when he arrives.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Fiona ********
If he already has a Non-O he wouldnt need an agent to open an account..Fiona *********
@Garrett **********
maybe he will maybe he won't. But that wasn't the question he was asking 👍 rules are changing all the time.Garrett ***********
@Fiona ********
So then why open your mouth if "that wasn't the question he was asking?"Fiona *********
@Garrett **********
I was referring to your comment 👍 and as I've just done my retirement visa I'd say I know what I'm talking about. Keep smilingGarrett ***********
@Fiona ********
But I was responding to your comment, obviously. And you just doing your retirement visa has nothing to do with him opening a bank account. Are you all there?
Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Bill **********
My choice would be to wait until I'm in country, then do it. That said, it is still important to determine the issues and rules based upon your home country.
Jimmy **********
@Bill *********
I tried this the last time I was in Thailand. Couldn't get a bank account. Went to Immigration office and she told me to go back home and do it on line. Which I have done. It was still difficult to get a bank account, multiply days trying, but I got it done. Someone on here told me to pay for the insurance they offer and the process goes much quicker.Reply to
Jimmy **********
Reply
Chris *******
Yes its the easiest way to get the 90 day non-o to get the process started.
Paul ********
What is your home country?
Judy *******
Check on the Thai website in your home country. They all vary
Reply to
Judy *******
Reply
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