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Can I enter Thailand on a visitor visa while waiting for my retirement visa approval?

Retirement Visa Thai Visa Rules Bank Account Requirements Visitors Visa NON-O Visa Visa Application Process

Sep 15, 2025

a day ago

Debra ********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good day

An enquiry please as i am not sure and cant find the answer anywhere.

My husband and i will be coming on a retirement Visa and understand the 800000 must be in a bank account for 2 months. What i want to know is this.... How is the money reflected in bank account if we cannot open an account whilst being in our home country and also whilst waiting for the retirememt Visa, can we come on a visitors visa whilst waiting for it to be approved?

TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about the process of applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, specifically regarding the requirement to have 800,000 Baht in a bank account for two months and whether they can enter Thailand on a visitor visa while waiting for their retirement visa approval. Responses clarify that the couple should apply for a 90-day non-O visa in their home country, show the necessary financial documentation, then open a bank account in Thailand upon arrival to meet the financial requirement before applying for the one-year extension.

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.

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Steve *********

As with most things in TL, dont expect everything on day 1....It takes time and patient little steps.

8 hours ago

Jesper *******

You apply for the visa at home with home funds and wait for approval.....after approval travel to thailand and open bank acct with that visa .....bank in 800k and apply for extension

a day ago

Nigel **************

Thai Visa Centre,ask for Grace

a day ago

Brandon ************

I'm not sure I understand what you are asking.

First, you apply for the 90-day non-O visa from the Thai embassy in your home country. You show the amount of money that your embassy requires in your home bank account to meet the requirements.

Then, you travel to Thailand. Use your non-O visa to open a bank ASAP and transfer the money into the account. The money must bein your account for 2 full months when you apply for the 1-year extension.

You will both need your own visa, and you will both need your own bank account with 800,000 baht.

a day ago

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Brandon ************

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