Ask question

Can I convert a visa exempt entry to a Non-O visa for retirement, volunteering, or education in Thailand?

Visa Conversion Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Volunteer Visa Education Visa Visa Exempt Entry Thailand Immigration Expat Visa Advice

Mar 30, 2021

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Question: can I convert a visa exempt entry to a non-O based on retirement or based on Volunteer or on Education?

Please, only answer if you're sure. Thanks

1,201

views

1

likes

31

all likes

17

replies

0

images

9

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can convert a visa exempt entry to a Non-O visa for retirement or education, but it is easier to do so with a Tourist Visa. Many expats suggest obtaining a Tourist Visa first, as it allows you to convert to a Non-O for retirement within Thailand, providing more flexibility for financial transactions like opening bank accounts. While some participants report successfully converting without an agent, assistance from visa agencies is also common and can expedite the process. It's advisable to check directly with the immigration office, as procedures may vary by location.

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.

Shayne **********

Depends on location and legitimacy.

Like

Reply

David *********

Anything is possible if you want to spend the money. A Visa agency can do but it could cost you around 30,000 BHT. Go to Immigration and ask. Do not rely on people who may or not know what all requirements are. The biggest hurdle in doing yourself is meeting the financial obligations.

Like

Reply

Frédéric ******************

You can change your non-visa status for a non-O visa. It is mentioned on the immigration website.

Like

Reply

George *************

Yes, you can do without an agent, at least for the retirement extension. You don't say where in Thailand you will do this. Here are instructions for doing so in Phuket. You can expect other offices to be similar but not identical.

******************************************************

Your question really needs to be asked of the immigration office you plan to use.

Like

Reply

Jack ******

I'm also from US, entered on visa exempt last March and converted to 90 day non-o in September and then got retirement 1 year extension in December. No agent needed. All the info you need is in the archived posts here.

Like

Reply

Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yep. Can't even leave it to a charity. That's why they keep that ridiculous policy... 25k from every dead farang

Like

Reply

Jack ******

My bank (Krungsri) seems legit, but they tell me that my wife would have to get an attorney to get the money out. They don't allow you to name a beneficiary up front.

Like

Reply

Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I don't think the retirement visa is a choice I'll make.. I don't relish dying and leaving 25 grand in a thai bank... It will quickly disappear in some strangers pocket

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stan *******

Reply

Will ************

I agree get a Tourist visa and convert to non o retirement in country. This gives you time to open bank accounts , move your money etc.

Like

Reply

Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alastair *****

I'm in Mexico. I'm American. I don't want to return to USA and wait in a hotel for three weeks just to get a visa... So, if they give me a hard time, I'm thinking the COE will be simple, and I'm already Phizer vaccinated, so I shouldn't have issues.. Seems is only lose 15 days with COE, as opposed to a visa.... And you know, they may still be giving vivid extensions two months from now

Like

Reply

Alastair ******

Yes 👍🏼 I also was in a foreign country, so applying for TR was a hassle. I have entered on Visa Exemption, and will be changing to an Ed Visa in due course. I have been told I should have no issues in doing this...I’ll let you know if I hit any major hurdles!

Like

Reply

Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

30+15 for quarantine + can extend exempt 30 extra days. Thsts 75 days for exempt and 90 for the visa... A 15 day difference. You aren't given extra days for quarantine when you get a TR visa. And I'm in a foreign country, not my own, so getting a visa is a big hassle. Am I correct?

Like

Reply

Will ************

no worries but visa exempt gives you 45 +30 days. Tourist visa gives you 60 +30 days and you avoid the agents.

Like

Reply

Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Will ***********

I didn't ask about a tourist visa, but thanks.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stan *******

Reply

David *******

Yes, through an agent, but it’s better if you get a Tourist Visa. You could convert that to a Non O ‘for Retirement’ yourself, and agents prefer if you have one rather than a Visa Exempt as well. For the other 2 visas yes if you pay an agent enough. Around 50k

Like

Reply

David *******

I won’t bother replying to any of your questions again. Bye.

Like

Reply

Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I didn't ask about a tourist visa. I have reasons for wanting exempt

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stan *******

Reply

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.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

How can I convert a tourist visa to a non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

79 comments

4 months ago

Can I apply for a Non-O visa while on a visa exemption in Thailand?

11 comments

6 months ago

Can I get a Non-O visa after arriving in Thailand on a tourist visa or visa exemption, and extend it for retirement purposes?

3 comments

a year ago

Can I apply for a Non-O retirement extension in Thailand after entering on a tourist visa?

1 comments

2 years ago

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

12 comments

2 years ago

Can I convert a 45-day visa exemption to a Non-Immigrant O visa for retirement and then apply for an extension?

18 comments

2 years ago

Can I convert my Visa Exempt status to a Non-O visa while in Thailand?

10 comments

2 years ago

Can I convert a visa on arrival or tourist visa to a Non-O visa while in Thailand, especially for retirement?

9 comments

2 years ago

Can I enter Thailand visa exempt and then switch to a retirement visa based on marriage?

13 comments

3 years ago

Can I apply for a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand while on a Visa Exempt?

41 comments

3 years ago

How can I change a Non-Immigrant O Visa to a Non-Immigrant Retirement Visa in Thailand?

46 comments

3 years ago

How can I convert my visa exempt entry into a retirement visa in Thailand?

7 comments

3 years ago

Can I change from a 30-day visa exemption to a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

4 comments

3 years ago

Can I change to a Non-O visa if I entered Thailand on a visa exemption?

22 comments

4 years ago

Can I convert a visa exempt entry to a Non-O retirement visa at Chiang Mai Immigration?

4 comments

4 years ago

Can you change a visa exempt status to a Non O visa while in Thailand, or should you apply for a 60-day tourist visa first?

6 comments

4 years ago

Can you convert a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand?

11 comments

4 years ago

What do I need to change an exemption visa to a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand?

27 comments

4 years ago

Can I convert my visa exempt entry to a Non-OA retirement visa in Thailand?

7 comments

4 years ago

Can we convert a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

3 comments

4 years ago

Can I convert a 60-day tourist visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?

10 comments

4 years ago

Can I convert my NON-O retirement visa to an O-X visa while in Thailand?

16 comments

4 years ago

Can I Convert a Visa-Exempt Entry to a Non-O Visa Based on Retirement in Thailand?

2 comments

5 years ago

Can I convert a tourist visa to a Non-Imm O visa for retirement extension while in Thailand?

0 comments

6 years ago

Can you switch from a 30-day exemption or tourist visa directly to a retirement visa in Thailand?

13 comments

6 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.