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Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while I'm in Italy?

Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Expat Life in Thailand Visa Requirements for Expats Thai Embassy in Italy

Jun 30, 2025

10 months ago

Tracy *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all. Without going to one’s home country, can I get retirement visa outside Thailand?  Currently in Italy but heading to Thailand next month. 

Can meet requirements for bank but everything on here says it’s almost impossible to open account. Have a lease also. Would I go to US embassy here or Thai to apply for non-O?

Just to complicate, I will have 3 kids who will attend school and adult son for whom I have guardianship. 

Thanks for advice.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

You can apply for a Non-O retirement visa from Italy without returning to your home country. It is necessary to prove that you are not currently in Thailand. Many embassies allow foreigners to apply for visas online while temporarily residing in their area. However, you must demonstrate residency in Italy to qualify for the Non-O visa. The application process can vary in terms of time, and it’s advisable to check with the specific Thai embassy for details. Additionally, an account opening service might help navigate banking 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.

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Sacha *************

In many countries you need to demonstrate residency to apply for the non O visa (e.g. I couldn't get it in Greece). I got mine from Thai embassy in Taiwan.

10 months ago

Phil ******

@Tracy ****************

you can do anywhere including inside Thailand

10 months ago

Frank **********

Why would you go to the American Embassy to apply for a visa to Thailand?

10 months ago

Tracy *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank *********

well I know you can apply for the non-O in your home country, but I am not there and won’t be before I get to Thailand

10 months ago

Peter ****************

@Tracy ****************

In y'r home country you would also use Thai Embassy/Thai wdbsite.

10 months ago

Reply to

Peter ****************

Priya **********

Best to have an agent who will help you to open the account and tell you the process.

10 months ago

Tony **********

@Priya *********

waste of money

10 months ago

Reply to

Tony **********

John **********

You can get a 90 day Non-O Retirement visa in Italy only if you are a legal resident of Italy, take a look at the website for the Thai embassy in Italy. How old is your adult son, normally they cease to be a dependent at age 20 as far as Thailand is concerned.

10 months ago

Jan ******************

@John *********

As i read the website in Rome, you’re allowed to apply in Italy on a regular visa as a Schengen visa. Only the regular group of nationalities (Africans etc) requires additional documentation and processing time. (Don’t know if you meant anything else by "legal resident"?)

10 months ago

John **********

@Jan *****************

if you look specifically under the Non-O Retirement option it says this... "Copy of a permit of stay or other evidence to prove that the applicant is legally residing in Italy / Cyprus / Albania / San Marino (only for non-Italian / Cypriots / Albanian / Sammarinese passport holders)

10 months ago

Jan ******************

@John *********

Ok, thank you.

10 months ago

Reply to

Jan ******************

Wannikea *********

Only the OA requires applying in your home country. The O can't be acquired almost everywhere including Thailand. Some embassies restrict who can apply for the O visa.

10 months ago

Jan ******************

Most embassies allow foreigners to apply for visas online through the e-visa portal while they temporarily stay in their area. Definitely the best option to apply for a Non O visa outside Thailand and you can use your home bank account to qualify.

Processing time for a visa varies and you should check the website or contact the relevant embassy regarding this.

The website says up to 14 days processing time during high season.

10 months ago

Tony **********

No requirement to be in home country when you apply. But do need to show that you're not in Thailand (entry stamp to other country, hotel invoice, etc).

10 months ago

Reply to

Tony **********

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Can you apply for a retirement visa in Thailand from a country other than your home country?

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