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Can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand without a tourist visa?

Visa types Retirement visa Non-O visa Visa exemption Visa application process Bank account requirements Immigration agents Thailand expat visa policy

May 18, 2025

a year ago

Endre ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I arrive in Thailand without visa can visa agency help me with the retirement visa or must I have a tourist visa when I arrive

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TLDR : Answer Summary

You can apply for a Non-O retirement visa upon arrival in Thailand without a tourist visa, but you generally need to enter the country on a visa-exempt basis or with a tourist visa. Some visa agencies can assist you in changing your visa type from a visa exemption entry to a Non-O visa, but it may be more practical to apply for a Non-O visa before traveling. Additionally, having a bank account in Thailand can present challenges if you enter without a visa. It's recommended to prepare necessary documents and consult with an immigration agent for specific procedures.

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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a year ago

John **********

Do yourself a favour and get the 90 day Non-O visa before you travel to Thailand. You can then easily get the 12 month extension yourself as long as you can meet the requirements.

a year ago

Elías ********

If you're from a visa exempt country, you can enter without a visa. If your country isn't on the visa exemption list, then you need to get an old fashioned tourist visa at a Thai Embassy abroad to enter Thailand. Some countries aren't elegible for visa exemption, but can get a visa on arrival, but that's only valid for 15 days and can't be extended inside the Kingdom.

a year ago

Walrus *******

Just come in on a normal 30 day visa get it extended. Go to Bangkok bank speak to the about opening an account But have your documents ready. Probably then have to get an agent who will sort out for you

a year ago

Elías ********

@Walrus ******

visa exemption is currently 60 days, not 30.

a year ago

Walrus *******

@Elías *******

they are on about reducing it to 30 days if have not already done.

a year ago

Elías ********

@Walrus ******

they haven't, it was just a bluff. No official announcement about a possible date.

a year ago

Reply to

Elías ********

Mark *********

@THAI *****************************

a year ago

Andy *******

Yes

a year ago

Mark ********

@Annie **************

a year ago

Roland **********

If you have the opportunity, apply for a Non-O retired 90 days before you travel to Thailand if that works for you. It will becomes easier for you! to apply for a one year extension in Thailand.

And also cheaper! using an agent becomes more expensive😅😅

a year ago

Nongnuch ********

@Endre *******

your only problem would be, that you cannot open the required bank account on a touristic entry. You need to find an agent who has a deal with Immigration and a Thai bank, to allow you to apply for the "change of visa type" from a visa-exempt entry to a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa, in the absence of a Thai bank account in your name. Some agents then will use the 2000.- THB fee receipt from Immigration to open a bank account in your name.

a year ago

Jan ******************

You can apply for a Non O visa based on retirement in country on a TM.87 for visa exemption. You’ll need minimum 15-21 days left on your current stamp. The requirements are the same for both entries.

a year ago

Reply to

Jan ******************

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Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa while I'm in Thailand on a tourist visa?

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