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Can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa without a Non-O or a Thai bank account?
Thailand Retirement VisaNon-O VisaVisa Application ProcessThai Bank Account RequirementsExpat VisaTourist Visa to Retirement Visa Transition
Dec 17, 2025
4 months ago
Marta ************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi guys,
Is it possible to get a retirement visa while currently in the country on a tourist visa, without having a Non-O or a Thai bank account? Is the only option in this case unfortunately to leave the country and apply for the Non-O abroad?
Is it possible to get a retirement visa while currently in the country on a tourist visa, without having a Non-O or a Thai bank account? Is the only option in this case unfortunately to leave the country and apply for the Non-O abroad?
TLDR : Answer Summary
It is generally not possible to obtain a retirement visa (Non-O visa) while in Thailand on a tourist visa without having a Non-O visa or a Thai bank account. The usual procedure requires individuals to apply for the Non-O visa from outside Thailand. Some comments suggest that hiring an agent may facilitate the process, but this can be costly, with estimates ranging from 45,000 to 60,000 baht. There are also significant banking restrictions, as a Thai bank account is necessary to process the retirement visa, which you cannot open as a tourist.
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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Ant ***********
Yes - but you will pay a high price
Ian *********
i hear there is a agent in pattaya who will do it all a lot cheaper than most but cant remember name
Nicky *******
Get a agent to do everything for you ,Easy
Ron *******
Initially I tried to start my retirement visa process while in Thailand. I figured it would be easier. I was also told it would be easier. I finally gave up and applied for the non o when I got back home. Then came back and did my extension.
Pete *******
Possible only via an agent. Expect to pay 45-60k.
Nigel **************
Ask for Grace
Timothy **********
@Nigel *************
call Grace!Nigel **************
Reply to
Nigel **************
Reply
Aly *******
Easy with an agent
Michael **********
No to get a thai bank account you need a non o visa and to get a retirement visa you need a thai bank account
Marta ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *********
So does that mean that when applying for a retirement visa while already in the country, you cannot prove funds held in a foreign bank account? So the only option is to prove that I have funds in a Thai bank account?Jim *******
@Marta ***********
Agent, Thai Visa Center, 54,000 THB.Michael **********
@Marta ***********
yes in a thai bankGraham ******
@Marta ***********
correct unless your Embassy still provides the income affidavitReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Brandon ************
One of the requirements to get a non-O visa inside of Thailand (if your immigration office offers these) is that you must already have the money in a Thai bank account to show. If you don't have a Thai bank account, you cannot get one as a tourist. So your option is to leave Thailand and apply for a non-O visa from a Thai embassy, or to pay a lot of money to an agent to who will help you open a bank account and convert your tourist entry to a non-O visa. This will probably cost like 50,000 baht.
Graham ******
@Brandon ***********
the Non-O can be obtained in country if the applicant is lucky enough to have a passport from one of the countries whose Embassy still does the income affidavitMohammad *****************
@Brandon ***********
it would be great help if you know any relabel agency who do this non-o to retirement visa while staying in thailand 🙏Brandon ************
@Mohammad ****************
If that's what you are interested in doing, the best thing would be to make a brand new post stating where you are in Thailand and what you are looking for an agent to do, for example "Looking for an agent to convert to non-O visa from tourist visa in Bangkok, including opening a bank account" Something like that
Though the place with the most agents, and will therefore be the cheapest because of competition, would be Pattaya.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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