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

Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand before the last 30 days of my visa-exempt entry?

Retirement Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Visa Requirements Non-O Visa Expat Guidance

Aug 28, 2025

8 months ago

Christine *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am currently in a 60 day visa exempt entry. I am going to apply for a retirement visa. The 800k has been in my account since April, so that is fine. Everywhere that I read says I must go and apply for the  retirement visa in the last 30 days of the date on my stamp to allow for sufficient time. My question is, can I go even earlier than that? Like 2 weeks after arrival? Or must I be at least 30 days into my stay before they will process the application?

1,754

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual currently holds a 60-day visa exempt entry and wishes to know if they can apply for a retirement visa (Non-O) earlier than 30 days into their stay. According to responses, there are no fixed rules prohibiting early applications for the retirement visa as long as the conditions are met, including having 15-21 days remaining on the current stamp. Therefore, they may apply shortly after arrival if they meet these criteria.

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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Tod *********

Sorry people, I deleted some of the off topic comments.

This post is about getting the initial 90 day non-o Visa based on being over 50 (retirement) inside the country at the immigration office where they live.

While it is true, not every office does issue in country non-immigrant visas, most do.

You need to have the minimum required days that your application goes under review at that specific office left on your current stamp either a free entry stamp or a tourist visa entry stamp to apply for this Visa.

Most offices require 15 days or more left on the stamp some offices Chiang Mai require 15 business days or more which equals out to about 21 calendar days give or take.

You need those days on your current stamp because while your application is under review you are still here on your existing stamp.

8 months ago

Malcolm *****

@Tod ********

you’re a legend Tod! I don’t know where people would be with out you and getting so much misinformation and plain BS.

Also big shout out to

@Ellie ******

also

🙏🙏 🙏

8 months ago

Reply to

Malcolm *****

Ellie *******

You seem to be mixing some information. What you are referring to is the conditions for applying for a 1-year extension after obtaining an in-country visa for a 90-day initial stamp.

For an initial in-country visa application, there is no condition about maximum remaining days with your current stamp, while there is one about minimum remaining days, 15 days or 21 days, depending on the local immigration office.

You can apply for an in-country visa even on the next day you arrive, as long as you meet the requirements.

8 months ago

Christine *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

if my husband is going to be my dependant, do you know the timeline for when he can apply, with me doing this for the first time? I will do my application in Chiang Mai and he will do his from outside the country

8 months ago

John **********

@Christine ********

most likely will depend where your husband will apply, no nearby countries seem to issue a dependant visa where the primary person is on retirement, others seem to want the primary person to be on a Non-OA visa. Timing may also be an issue, as in he may have more success once you are on an extension of stay rather than a visa

8 months ago

Christine *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thank you so much

8 months ago

Reply to

Christine *********

Bob **********

@Christine ********

Not to many embassies issue a dependent or trailing spouse visa anymore

8 months ago

Ellie *******

@Christine ********

, there is no specific timeline for it, as long as the main applicant is on the correct visa/extension. BUT I don't think there is an embassy/consulate that would issue a Non-O visa for a dependent of a Non-O retirement holder.

8 months ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

Christine *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

thank you. That answers my question

8 months ago

Reply to

Christine *********

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate