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

May 18, 2025
a day 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
If you arrive in Thailand without a visa, it is possible to apply for a retirement-based Non-O visa within the country if you meet certain conditions, such as having at least 15-21 days left on your current visa stamp. However, it can be challenging without a tourist visa, as you may need a local bank account to fulfill the requirements for the retirement visa application. Many users suggest applying for the Non-O visa before traveling to avoid complications and additional costs associated with using an agent in Thailand.
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.
Thierry *******
30,000 baths minimum
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.
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.
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
Elías ********
@Walrus ******
visa exemption is currently 60 days, not 30.
Walrus *******
@Elías *******
they are on about reducing it to 30 days if have not already done.
Elías ********
@Walrus ******
they haven't, it was just a bluff. No official announcement about a possible date.
Andy *******
Yes
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😅😅
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.
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.
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