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Can I convert a 45-day visa exemption to a 90-day Non-O visa for retirement purposes?

Non-O Visa 90-day Visa Visa Requirements Retirement Visa Thailand Immigration Process Visa Extension Process

Dec 28, 2022

3 years ago

Stéfan ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello,

Is it possible to get a 45-day visa exemption transferred to a 90-day Non O based on retirement? If so, other than being over 50 years of age, what are the requirements, and how long does this process take?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, it is possible to convert a 45-day visa exemption to a 90-day Non-O visa based on retirement. The process involves three steps: 1) Apply for the 90-day Non-O visa for 2,000 baht; 2) Wait for the review period, collect your visa and new stamp; 3) Apply for a one-year extension for 1,900 baht after waiting 2 months. Additionally, it's recommended to have a Thai bank account and ensure you have at least 15-21 days remaining on your current visa before starting the conversion process. The entire process may take about three months.

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Tod *********

takes about 3 months to get all the way thru from start to finish. That's applying for the Non-O visa waiting the review period, waiting the 2 months for you to have 30 days or less left on that new 90 day stamp and then applying for the year extension.

3 years ago

Tod *********

Nope, they do not hold your passport during the 90 day Non-O application process. You need so many days left on your stamp (based on office) to apply for the 90 day Non-O, you apply, get a receipt that has a "return for results date" and you go back on that date.

Bangkok and most places require 15 days or more left on your stamp, Chiang Mai requires 21 days left on your stamp

AND

the only caveat is you cannot leave the country while you are waiting for the Non-O to be approved. You have to be on the same stamp when you go for the results as you do when you applied

3 years ago

Stéfan ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Great! Last question: could I leave once having obtained the 90-visa while waiting for the one-year extension? Assuming that I get a reentry permit?

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Stéfan *******

correct (y) once you get that 90 day Non-O IF you need to leave before you apply for the year you would need to get a re-entry permit (and be back before that 90 day stamp ran out)

Keep in mind that re-entry permit will only be valid until that 90 day stamp runs out. Once you get the year extension you'd buy a new re-entry permit (single or multiple) and it would be good for the whole year

3 years ago

Stéfan ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

awesome! Thank you for all the effort. You seriously rock!

3 years ago

Reply to

Stéfan ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Hello Tod, thanks for the detailed answer. I had a follow up question: does immigration keep my passport during the application process for the initial 90-day visa?

3 years ago

Reply to

Stéfan ********

Graham ******

Do you have a Thai bank account yet, if not get one ASAP

3 years ago

Stéfan ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

thanks... That's done.

3 years ago

Reply to

Stéfan ********

Tod *********

it is possible,

you will be doing it in three steps,

1 - you apply for the 90 day non-o visa for 2000baht,

2 - you wait the under review period, go back and get the new Non-O visa and new 90 day stamp inked in,

then you wait 2 months

3 - you apply for the year extension for 1900baht <- they issue that the same day.

Best thing you can do is go to your immigration office and get the hand out both for the 90 day Non-O visa and then the year extension 2 months later

Depending on the immigration office you need a minimum of 15 and 21 days left on your current 45 day entry stamp or the 30 day extension from it to do the conversion (to get thru the under review period)

3 years ago

Mike ********

Thanks

@T**

. I just checked for Bangkok immigration, they require 15 days. Are these 15 calendar days or 15 government office working days?

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Mike *******

you need 15 days or more left on your current stamp <- that's just calendar days because it goes under review for 14 days and then you go back to get the Non-Imm visa and new 90 day stamp inked in

3 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Stéfan ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thank you

3 years ago

Reply to

Stéfan ********

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