Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while being visa-exempt, and how does the 90-day non-O visa work?

Question

***Apologies for hijacking a previous post and many thanks for exceptional advice provided by the group***

I just arrived BKK visa-exempt with the intention of applying for a retirement visa once I’m eligible by age (in a few weeks) but my vocation means periodic travel outside Thailand (could easily be every 90 days if necessary).

I (thought I) read that it may be possible (and much easier) to obtain a 90 day retirement visa then exit, return and repeat. Is this available and a better option for me, removing the financial and administration necessities of a ‘long term‘ retirement visa  and the re-entry permit applications each time I leave?

Also can I get my first one of those visa types now that I’m already here and where would I find the requirements (note - I don’t have a state pension or statements, just savings and investments)?

Finally, would this get snagged eventually as a ‘repeat retirement returnee’ meaning at some point I need to get the long term retirement visa?

TIA 🇹🇭✌️

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is currently in Thailand on a visa-exempt entry and is looking to apply for a retirement visa as soon as they reach the required age. They are concerned about their vocation necessitating periodic travel and whether it's feasible to obtain a 90-day retirement visa followed by repeated exits and entries without the long-term financial obligations. They inquire about applying for the visa while already in Thailand and express uncertainty about maintaining the visa status over time. Community members clarify that proof of funds is mandatory for both the non-O visa and retirement options, and provide guidance on requirements and options available while residing in Thailand.

Mikki ******** · Answer

Thank you fellas for the clarification, looks like first job is walking the banks to get an account opened so I can transfer funds in 🙏

Tod ********* · Answer

Unfortunately (for you 😕 ) you aren't gonna get away from showing proof of funds IF you're getting that 90 day non-O inside the country or even at a thai consulate in a nearby country.

You'd either need a letter from your embassy stating you get a minimum of 65K baht a month in income <- NOT available for UK, US, or Aussies) OR you'd need to bank 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name.

Now whether you can or can't get that visa in your country before you wing your way here will be up to the requirements posted on the website of the thai embassy you're applying for.

Ellie ******* · Answer

For retirement options, you can refer to the attachment as a very summarised comparison. Three from the left are popular options in this group.

Also, Multiple entry Non-O immigrant based on pensioner visa is available at only some embassies, not everywhere. This visa is valid for 1 year, giving you 90 days on every entry. But most likely you need to apply this in your home country. Check them about this.

Another option might be METV, which is valid for 6 months, 60 days every entry.

If you are in Thailand, maybe the <Non-O acquired inside Thailand option in the attached picture+following 1-year extension+re-entry permit for each stamp> might be reasonable.

As in the attachment, you can apply for Non-O retirement in Thailand if you meet the requirements. Those requirements are immigration office-specific,  go to your local immigration office to get the handout of requirements. You may be able to check the website of your local immigration office.

Here is general information for in-country Non-O retirement.

[url redacted]

Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while being visa-exempt, and how does the 90-day non-O visa work?

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