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 while already in Thailand or do I need to leave and apply from abroad?

Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Application Process Bank Account Requirements Expat Life in Thailand

Sep 15, 2025

8 months ago

Ally *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

1,818

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

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.

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

Simon *******

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

7 months ago

Walrus *******

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

7 months ago

Tracey ************

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 🙏

7 months ago

Stuart ***********

@Tracey ***********

if you are over 50 apply for a retirement visa online via the Thai Embassy. If you get the non-OA you need a criminal check and mandatory insurance from a restricted list of companies, so most people choose the non-O visa. For the non-O you need to show evidence of 800,000 baht each (about £19,000) in your account and be willing to transfer it to Thailand soon after arrival in Thailand. Whatever you do, don't come to Thailand without a visa as it's impossible to open a bank account in Thailand without paying an agent about 60,000 baht these days (it used to be possible). Good luck.

7 months ago

Tracey ************

@Stuart **********

thank you for your help and advice 😊

7 months ago

Reply to

Tracey ************

Mark *********

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

7 months ago

Jesper *******

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

8 months ago

Todd *********

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

8 months ago

Eric **********

@Todd ********

💯

8 months ago

Reply to

Eric **********

Rini *********

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

8 months ago

Rini *********

I did it and want to pay almost everything what they ask , anywhere not possible ! I was very angry

7 months ago

Andreas *********

@Rini ********

you went to the wrong agents. Listen to Jan's advice and visit the owners of this group (Thai Visa Cente in Bangkok) They can do it for you for 60,000 THB up

7 months ago

Reply to

Andreas *********

Graham ******

@Rini ********

You don't need to be "home" to get Visas

7 months ago

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

@Rini ********

Some agents as the owners of this site is still manage to handle the process for you.

8 months ago

Reply to

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

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.

8 months ago

John **********

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

8 months ago

Ally *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thank you this is very helpful

8 months ago

Reply to

Ally *********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group