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Can I apply for a retirement visa from my home country and what are the requirements?

Sep 11, 2025
3 days ago
Zalif *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone,

I have heard so much conflicting advice that I’ve decided to ask here.

I wanted to apply, here in my home country, for a retirement visa but I’ve been told that it’s not possible anymore.

1. I have a healthy Monthly income from military and civilian source. But im being told that proof of monthly income is no longer accepted for a retirement visa?

2. I want to figure out if it’s possible to get a visa that doesn’t require border runs.

3. Do I apply for one type of visa and then change to something else once in Thailand?

I know that these questions might seem foolish to some, but after so many conflicting answers, my brain is going to explode. 🤯
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the complexities surrounding the application process for a retirement visa in Thailand, highlighting conflicting information on income proof, types of visas available, and the possibility of transitioning visa types upon arrival. Community members clarified that a Non-O retirement visa can still be obtained from the home country using income proof, but that extensions in Thailand may require different documentation such as a substantial bank balance or insurance coverage. They also recommended consulting with agents in Thailand for assistance with visa requirements.
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.
Lonnie ********
I have the 1-year non-OA visa and the application process was relatively straightforward.

For the mandatory health insurance, I recommend purchasing from a Thai agent/insurer to avoid any issues with meeting the requirements and the proof of insurance documentation.

When I arrived in Chiang Mai, the immigration officer requested proof, and I showed the complete Thai/English policy plus the receipt page with a red "PAID" stamp. Make sure to tell your insurance agent that the policy must meet non-OA visa requirements, as there are specific minimum coverage amounts that need to be met.
Nongnuch ********
there couldn't be a better explanation than the one Brandon gave you. You can apply for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa in the E-visa system in the U.S.A., using your original income documents. Once issued the visa, enter Thailand on it, and open a Thai bank account as soon as possible. Transfer a minimum of 800,000 THB into your account. Then as soon as the money has "seasoned" for 2 months, you can apply for the yearly "12-months extension of temporary stay permit based on being over 50/retirement" on Immigration, and repeat this application every year
Brandon ************
You're mixing up information. You can get the 90-day non-O visa from the Thai embassy showing proof of monthly income, no problem.

But once you get to Thailand, for your first extension, the ONLY thing that the immigration office will accept is embassy certified income (not available to US citizens) or poof of 800,000 in your Thai bank account.

You could get the 1-year non-OA visa if you're willing to purchase the mandatory insurance and fulfill all the other requirements (health check, background check, etc).

If your income is high enough, you could potentially get an LTR Wealthy Pensioner 10-year visa.

Or you could use an agent in Thailand to bypass the money requirement altogether.
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