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Can I convert a visa exemption into a retirement extension of stay in Thailand?

Visa Exemption Non-O Visa Extension of Stay Retirement Visa Income Proof Immigration Procedures Thai Bank Account Khon Kaen Immigration

Nov 9, 2025

6 months ago

Kay ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys,

After I have small problems with my permit of stay, I like to get next time (Feb. 2026) an extension of stay​based on retired.

I have a german passwort and live in Germany.

The problem is, I can not ask for any Visa in Germany, because my small village is not in there system. Try a lot.

2024 I make 2 NON-O, so it was possible and easy to do online.

2025 I try many time, not possible anymore. Try different browser, Linux Windows and so on....

Question now, can I come with Visa exemtion and confert it to extension of stay based on retired. Of course if I can show all nessesary proof.

Immigration for me is Khon Kaen.

For my proof of income , like to get a guarantee letter from german embassi, prefer Chiang Mai or pattaya, enjoy to travel.

If not possible Bangkok. My income is high enough. No Mix of income need.

Happy to hear your thought.

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks advice on transitioning from a visa exemption to a retirement extension for their stay in Thailand. They explain difficulties in obtaining their visa from Germany and inquire if a visa exemption could be converted to a Non-O visa based on retirement. Community responses clarify that direct conversion is not possible and suggest visiting Thailand visa-free, then applying for a Non-O visa in-country. Requirements include having the necessary proof of income and possibly setting up a Thai bank account.

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Alex ****

Just come to Thailand - you don’t need any visa to visit Thailand at the moment if you have a German passport!

Once you’re in Thailand - any visa agent will get you a retirement visa and a Thai bank account.

Expect to spend 1,000 Euro or more - but you will get 15 months retirement visa.

You can extend your retirement visa next year for free if you deposit 800,000 Baht into your Thai bank account.

Thousands of people do that every year!

I did exactly that too!

6 months ago

Mark **********

one way is - come to thailand visa-free 60 days, take trip to laos or cambodia, then apply for non-o there

6 months ago

Andrew *********

Do you have a Thai bank account.

6 months ago

Kay ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andrew ********

have a Thai Bank acount , but to much account get clossed , not like to put a lot of money in the Account

6 months ago

Gregor **********

@Kay *******

you might need this account, because since recently, some Immigration offices have started to require a few transfers from abroad from applicants who use the embassy income affidavit. You need to ask your Immigration office what their current policy is

6 months ago

Kay ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Gregor *********

I use my bankaccount regulär, just not like to fill up to 800.000฿

But money come from wise, need to sort this maybe also out.

6 months ago

Reply to

Kay ********

Ellie *******

@Andrew ********

, if OP can get an affidavit from his embassy in Thailand, he doesn't have to have a bank account in Thailand.

6 months ago

Gregor **********

@Ellie ******

some Immigrations have changed their policies against applicants who use the income affidavits of their embassies. They now additionally require that the applicant has a Thai bank account, and can show a few transfers having come into it from abroad . . . . . The OP should URGENTLY ask "his" Immigration if they require a Thai bank account, additional to the embassy affidavit

6 months ago

Reply to

Gregor **********

Ellie *******

Q. can I come with Visa exemtion and confert it to extension of stay based on retired?

-> No. You cannot apply for an extension based on retirement directly to your visa-exempt entry.

First, you need to apply for an initial in-country Non-O visa based on retirement for 90 days. Then apply for a 1-year extension based on the same reason when your Non-O stamp is remaining for 30 days or less. This initial visa and the first extension have to be applied to the same immigration office.

As you said, if you can get an affidavit from your embassy in Thailand, it's possible to apply for an in-country initial Non-O based on retirement. Check with your local immigration office for detailed requirements with timeline once you arrive there.

office

6 months ago

Kay ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

Thanks, help a lot.

The Initial extension based on retirement start to count , at the moment I get the stamp in my passport or after my visa exemtion days (at moment 60 days ) count out

6 months ago

Reply to

Kay ********

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Can I travel to Thailand without a visa and later apply for a retirement visa?

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