Can I apply for a retirement visa while already in Thailand or do I need to leave and apply from abroad?

Question

Hi we are already in Thailand, can we get a retirement visa are we going to have to leave, apply for a visa then return? We are British but we did not come from the Uk we were living in the Middle East so came from there with all our belongings so we don’t really have a ‘home’ country to apply from so to speak as we have not lived in the UK for over 7 years. I don’t want to use an agent. Thanks for any advice

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is in Thailand and is inquiring about obtaining a retirement visa. Key discussions in the comments suggest that it is difficult to open a Thai bank account without a Non-O visa or a long-stay permit. Several commenters recommend that the user should leave Thailand to apply for the Non-O visa from another country before returning to open a bank account and apply for the retirement extension. There is also advice on considering using an agent for assistance, as it can simplify the process.

Simon ******* · Answer

You could of applied  online for a none O visa before  you arrived in Thailand  this would of allowed  you to open a bank account  in Thailand and get a 1 year extension. The only way you can fo it now is to pay an agent

Walrus ******* · Answer

I came here the same used a reputable agent and still here

Tracey ************ · Answer

We are thinking of doing this too, we are still in the UK at the moment but wondered what is best 90 day non immigrant visa to get to start with please if anyone has any advice ? Do you need to show funds upon application too ?

We may go for retirement or possibly business so don’t really want to decide yet unless we have to ! Any advice welcome, thank you 🙏

Mark ********* · Answer

Use an agent they will take care of everything unless you like long queues and headaches

Jesper ******* · Answer

The main problem will be opening a bank acct for both of you...agents can do a full package bank acct+90days+1yr if you decide to use one......if not you need to leave and apply for a 90days nonO retirement outside of thailand (with overseas funds) and once approved come back into thailand and open thai bank acct bamkin 800k and apply for 1yr extension

Todd ********* · Answer

Use an agent. Whether you ‘want to’ or not. Solves the problem easily

Rini ********* · Answer

I try it last time and wend to a agent absolute not possible. Do it in your home country

Jan ****************** · Answer

It is impossible to open a bank account on your own without having a Non O visa or a long-stay permit. However, it is still possible to arrange it through an agent, such as the owners of this site. The price is currently around 60,000 baht for a bank account, a 90-day Non-O visa, and a one-year extension of stay. Alternatively, do as John suggests.

John ********** · Answer

You can but it requires you have a Thai bank account. If you are here on a tourist visa or a visa exempt stamp it will be very difficult to open one. So unless you already have a bank account it would be easier to exit to a nearby country and apply there for a Non-O visa based on being over 50. Once you have the visa return to Thailand, open a bank account, place the required funds in the account and when the funds have been in place for 2 full calendar months apply for a 12 month extension of stay based on retirement

Can I apply for a retirement visa while already in Thailand or do I need to leave and apply from abroad?

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