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Can I change a tourist visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
ThailandVisa RegulationsTourist VisaRetirement VisaBank AccountFinancial RequirementsImmigrationExpat Life
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, it is possible to change a tourist visa to a retirement visa in Thailand, provided you meet the financial requirements, which typically include having 800,000 baht deposited in a Thai bank account. However, regulations have changed, and currently, it is difficult to open a bank account on a tourist visa. Some users noted that assistance from an agent may be necessary, and it is crucial to have your financial proof ready when applying. Additionally, it is important to have at least 15 days remaining on your current visa when submitting your application.
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
David ********
I opened my account in bangkok bank last April.
Gilles ******
It s Not a tourist Visa WTF 😭
Stephen ********
You can not open a bank account on a tourist visa.
My friend is on a tourist visa and is having major problems trying to get a retirement visa, just saying.
My friend is on a tourist visa and is having major problems trying to get a retirement visa, just saying.
Jay *******
They should change retirement visa to 40...I have more than enough $ but too young...and yes I could get DTV etc but then I have to train mt or do language school etc when I just want to retire and relax lol
David **********
Go on down to soi Nana and give one of the girls
*****
0 baht to open a bank account for you.Phil ******
Yes but have you really got a tourist visa or stamped in Visa?
Luigi ***********
Thai Immigration regulations are like a dog chasing its tail. Today is like this, tomorrow is another day and we'll see.
Jude ****************
Mai dai
Art *******
He came; he stayed.
Another western immigrant.
Another western immigrant.
Chris ***********
Basically, if you act now......it's possible
Barry ***************
Ask your wife 🤣
Chris *********
An agent can do for you Yes
THAI ******************************
We can assist with bank account opening on your tourist visa as long as your intent is to transition to retirement.
If you would like to use our services to convert from TR to NON-O retirement visa then please contact our team via LINE:
If you would like to use our services to convert from TR to NON-O retirement visa then please contact our team via LINE:
**********************
Rhonda ********
@THAI *****************************
, is this a legit site? Nothing like getting there/having no $$ in the bank!😒Brandon ************
@Rhonda *******
yes it's legit. You can find their business along with reviews online. They also have a physical office in BangkokRhonda ********
@Brandon ***********
, ty. Cause I am ret-to-gooo!🏃🏾♀️Reply to
Rhonda ********
Reply
Jesper *******
If u already have 800k in a thai bank acct you can convert your tourist visa to a 90days nonO retirement visa at immigration office in thailand .....u need to have more than 15days left on your current stamp to apply
Tank *****
This thread used to be for genuine help by reasonably knowledgeable people. Now it’s just sarcastic retards
Sam *********
@Tank ****
or useless unhelpful comments like mine and yours.Tank *****
@Sam ********
this was meant to be helpful. The retards just missed it.Sam *********
@Tank ****
. Oh yo yea ya, I hear thee. We try and try, and still... Loose lipz, dripz s#i+. Full confession: I'm a newbie. 1 visit 3½ wkx last Feb., started "the big move" 18JUN. I’ve found many Thai.fBk.Grp.xPat answers helpful and like life, see the "stupid is as stupid does" duds... (note: not dudes or dudettes, duds; i.e., training rounds and explosives lasting milliseconds are more useful) ...I mostly moved away from. Not too surpising, but disappointing to see "they" are able to use airport moving platforms with 'nuff dexterity to hold up passport for someone to stamp. Peace n "Party on, Wayne"Reply to
Sam *********
Reply
Brook ********
@Tank ****
this thread, or this group?Tank *****
@Brook *******
bothReply to
Tank *****
Reply
Marty *********
@Tank ****
Tanks a lot.Reply to
Marty *********
Reply
Greta *****
Sure. Just cross over the word "Tourist" and write down "Retirement" instead
Paul *******
No. You need proof of money in a Thai bank. But on a tourist visa you cannot open a bank account.
Max *************
@Paul ******
I guess you didnt understand the question.The answer is actually yes.Anna *********
@Paul ******
he may have opened a bank account years agoMario *********
@Anna ********
june 2023Bernard ************
@Mario ********
les lois ont changé, même les comptes dont le numéro de téléphone qui ne correspond pas et le numéro de passeport qui à changé ont été bloquéGraham ******
@Bernard ***********
no law change, just bank policy changesReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Mario *********
@Paul ******
I opened a bankaccount with my girlfriend and a tourist visa.Gregor **********
@Mario ********
The banking rules have changed since February 2025. No more account opening on touristic entriesBernard ************
@Mario ********
à quelle date ?Mario *********
@Bernard ***********
juin 2023Max *************
@Mario ********
Now it's 2025,and some regulations have changed lately.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Dave ********
@Paul ******
he is switching to a non o. You then have 3 months to open the account. Why be so unhelpful?!Paul *******
@Dave *******
My understanding is you cannot switch until you have a bank account but you cannot open a bank account on a tourist visa.Gregor **********
@Dave *******
there is only one agent in Bangkok who claims they can still open a Thai bank account for people who entered on a touristic entry. The downside is, they only do it if you buy their complete package: the "change of visa type" to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, and the subsequent 12-months extension of the stay permit. Their price is 55,000 THBGregor **********
@Dave *******
you cannot "switch" from a touristic entry to a Non-O visa without already having a Thai bank account and already holding 800,000 THB in it. As you can't open a Thai bank account on a touristic entry anymore, the answer is NO, you can'tAnna *********
@Gregor *********
not if he already has a bank accountGregor **********
@Anna ********
that's what I saidAnna *********
@Gregor *********
my mistake 😊Dave ********
@Gregor *********
you can in fact apply for a non-o inside Thailand. Which gives you 90 days the 800k is for the 1 year extensionGregor **********
@Dave *******
I know all that. And you are still in the wrong. In order to be able to apply for the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O visa inside Thailand, by the "change of visa type" from a touristic entry, you need the 800,000 TH already parked in your Thai bank account on the day you apply for the"change". It means - you already need to have a Thai bank account. If you do not have one, you are in a CATCH22 situation. No Non-O visa, no bank account opening. The banking rules have changed since February 2025. No more account opening on touristic entriesMarianne ********
@Dave *******
if applying in Thailand, the 800k in Thai bank is also required for the actual visa, not just the extension.Reply to
Marianne ********
Reply
Bob **********
@Dave *******
you only have one month to open and get the 800k seasoned for two months unless it’s an office like Jomtien where the money needs seasoning before the non-oReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Lucas **********
No , you're a tourist forever....
Frangipani *******
@Lucas *********
is there a reason for trying to be a smart ass when people are genuinely looking for advice?Dan **********
@Frangipani ******
he’s an idiot … probably AustralianLucas **********
@Frangipani ******
shhh Karen..Frangipani *******
@Lucas *********
You truly are!!!Reply to
Frangipani *******
Reply
Gustavo *********
@Lucas *********
And you a alien 👽 in the kingdom 🤣Lucas **********
@Gustavo ********
no shitReply to
Lucas **********
Reply
Stuart ***********
Yes, if you have (or can open) a Thai bank account to deposit the required 800,000 baht.
Sasha ***********
@Stuart **********
Can you spend this money? Can you ever remove it?Stuart ***********
@Sasha **********
2 or 3 months after you get your extension you can spend 400,000, but it must return to 800,000 2 or 3 months before your next extension. If you decide to leave Thailand you can withdraw it all.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
La'Vita *********
@Stuart **********
$24,668.52 USDStuart ***********
@La'Vita ********
I have no idea how much it is in that currency, I live in Thailand and I am from England. Maybe list every currency in the world?Octo *******
@Stuart **********
Still bitter about that little breakup in 1783? 😆Stuart ***********
@Octo ******
I'm old, but not that old!Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Jack *******
Stuart *********
Yes. Providing you meet the financial requirements to do so. State where you’re applying at and some may be able to give you specifics of what’s needed.
Reply to
Stuart *********
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