Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after arriving on a 30-day visa-exempt entry?

Apr 19, 2022
3 years ago
Pavel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Apologies in advance if this has been discussed/answered before. Is it possible to apply for a retirement visa after arriving on visa-exempt 30-day visit (possibly extended once in Thailand?) Does it matter when the required funds (THB800@K) were transferred into Thailand as long as they've been in the account for over 3 months? Or do they need to be transferred specifically for the purpose of & in conjunction with the visa application?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can apply for an in-country Non-O retirement visa after entering Thailand on a visa-exempt 30-day entry. You have the option to extend your stay for another 30 days while you prepare your visa application. Regarding funds, they should be transferred internationally for your initial application, but they don’t need to be in your Thai bank account for a specific period before applying; however, the funds must have been in your account for at least 2 months prior for the 1-year extension. Always check with your local immigration office for the most current 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.
Ellie *******
It is possible for you to apply for in-country Non-O based on the retirement once you enter on Visa-exempt. If you need more time, 30days tourism extension would be available. But if those 30+30 days are enough for you or not depends on how fast you can sort things out for your visa to apply for it while you still have 15days or more remaining with your stamp.

Your funds have to be transferred internationally for your initial in-country Non-O application, but it doesn't have to be in your Thai bank account for a specific number of days. You can apply for it when you get your money transferred technically.

2months of aging of funds prior to the application day is the requirement for a 1-year extension, not the initial visa.

This is the 'general' requirements list for Non-O retirement in-country. You need to get the latest handout from your local immigration office once you are in Thailand because detailed requirements are immigration-office-specific.

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/9.FOR-RETIREMENT-PURPOSES-50-YEARS-OLD-NON-O.pdf
Pavel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
thank you. A follow up question on timing of that transfer. I don't fully understand the explanation on the leaflet you provided. Do they mean to say the date of the transfer must be the same as the application or merely that the letter from the bank should be dated the same day. Can't one make the transfer a few days or weeks before the actual application?

What if the application is not approved or does it always get approved - can you transfer the money back?

Last question - I assume condo/house owners do not need to submit a copy of the rental agreement?
Tod *********
@Pavel **********
if you own your own condo you show the chanote <- title deed that has your name on it, (the blue ownership book will not have your name in it)
Ellie *******
@Pavel **********
What do you mean "condo/house owners do not need to submit a copy of the rental agreement" ?

Your landlord has to submit TM30 for you and you need a TM30 receipt.
Ellie *******
@Pavel **********
Funds (banked money) for initial in-country Non-O visa application transfer date doesn't matter as long as you have funds and a letter from the bank on your application date. For example, It can be transferred years before.

It's your money, if your application is not approved, you can do whatever you want with your money.
Colleen *********
@Ellie ******
ok thanks yes I was looking at a form I downloaded. Excellent thanks
Colleen *********
@Ellie ******
so that form is if u apply in Australia right??
Ellie *******
@Colleen ********
No, it is for you to apply for a Non-O visa based on retirement in Thailand
Colleen *********
@Ellie ******
just on that form point 8 requires an address for 3months but I'm not sure how that works if I go on a tourist visa cause it wouldn't quite be 3 months by the time I was applying
Ellie *******
@Colleen ********
That is what you need to figure out when you check with your local immigration office where you are going to apply for a visa. As I mentioned in my first comment, actual requirements are immigration-office-specific.

That sheet is the general information from the main Immigration bureau site.
Pavel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ellie *******
@Pavel **********
I mean you need to check with your LOCAL immigration office for detail.
Ellie *******
@Stuart ********
right. edited already
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