This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Can I enter Thailand with a tourist visa and later apply for a retirement visa?
Tourist VisaRetirement VisaNon-Immigrant O VisaVisa RequirementsVisa ExtensionsLong-term Stay in ThailandThailand Immigration Rules
Aug 29, 2022
4 years ago
Jeffrey ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi I am coming to Thailand sometime in October and l want to stay for 6 months can l arrive with a tourist visa then apply for a retirement visa when I get there
Yours sincerely Jeffrey
Coming from England
Yours sincerely Jeffrey
Coming from England
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can arrive in Thailand on a tourist visa and later apply for a retirement visa. Initially, a single-entry tourist visa provides 60 days, with a possible extension for an additional 30 days. After that, you can convert to a Non-Immigrant O visa, which can grant you an extra 90 days, provided you meet the necessary requirements. For longer stays, consider getting a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for up to 9 months with proper planning.
90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Serviceto get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- 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 90 Day Reporting Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Alan ********
Thats what I did after a couple of extensions and a change to non-O
Robert *******
Single Entry Tourist Visa gives 60 days, once the extension is an extra 30 days, than conversion to Non Immigrant O gives an extra 90 days, yes easy to do if you can meet the requirements.
Heinz ***********
Yes you can. And with the Non-Immi-O you could apply for a 1 year permit.
Ade ******
Easier to get an OA in UK before leaving
James ********
IF you are ONLY planning on staying 6 months... suggest you get the METV multiple entry tourist visa. With planning it can get you up to 9 months stay in Thailand with a couple simple land border bounces.
Jeffrey ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
thanks but l am not a trailing spouseJames ********
@Jeffrey **********
look at the other categoriesReply to
James ********
Reply
16 comments
2 years ago
8 comments
2 years ago
19 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
3 years ago
20 comments
3 years ago
12 comments
3 years ago
56 comments
4 years ago
15 comments
4 years ago
6 comments
4 years ago
20 comments
4 years ago
6 comments
4 years ago
35 comments
4 years ago
6 comments
4 years ago
14 comments
5 years ago
2 comments
5 years ago
3 comments
5 years ago
10 comments
5 years ago
46 comments
6 years ago
3 comments
6 years ago
13 comments
8 years ago
6 comments
8 years ago
15 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
9 years ago
11 comments
9 years ago
34 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask: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.