Can I return to Thailand on a 30 day visa exempt and apply for a Non-O retirement visa?

Tourist Visa Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Extension Visa Regulations Thailand

Jul 30, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello All, I have been on a 60 day Tourist Visa that I will extend for another 30 days nest week. In September I intend to visit Vietnam for a month then return to Thailand to start the Non O retirement visa process. I have already deposited 800,000 Baht into my account here. Can I come back into Thailand with the 30 day visa exempt and then apply for the non O or do I have to apply for another 60 day Tourist Visa if that is even possible a second time. Thank you!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires whether they can return to Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption after extending their current 60-day tourist visa and subsequently apply for a Non-O retirement visa. They have already deposited the required funds in a Thai bank account. Comments provide advice on the necessity of a concrete address for the Non-O visa application.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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James ********

2 years ago

Ellie *******

As you have your funds in a Thai bank account already, it depends on how fast you can arrange your new address if 30 days (and maybe +30 days tourism extension) is enough or not. You would be required a concrete address for an in-country Non-O visa based on retirement and following extension applications.

2 years ago

Martyn **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Also Ellie I have an address now I used to open the bank account.

2 years ago

Martyn **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Ellie, I thought I was unable to apply now because I could not leave Thailand for 3 months. So even though I will be leaving Thailand Sept 2 to October 1 I should apply now before I leave? I have a lease on a condo starting October 1st in Chiang Mai. Thank you for any suggestions.

2 years ago

Martyn **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you again for that detailed plan. That seems my best course of action. Much appreciated.

2 years ago

Ellie *******

@Martyn *********

, You can apply for an in-country Non-O visa now if you want. You can leave Thailand and back if you apply for a re-entry permit as well. So Technically, it'd be possible if you travel with your plan.

You are in Chiang Mai, so the sample schedule would be:

1. Apply for 30 days tourism extension on 1 Aug.

2. Apply for in-country Non-O on 1 Aug - you will get an "under consideration" period on your receipt (not on your passport) for 15 working days

3. You go back to the Immigration office on 23 Aug to get in-country Non-O based on retirement for 90 days in your passport. Gives you until 21 Nov

4. You apply for a re-entry permit (single) on 23 Aug AFTER you get a Non-O stamp

5. You travel abroad 1 Sep - 1 Oct. Enter Thailand on re-entry permit, stamped until 21 Nov again.

6. after middle Oct apply for 1-year extension based on retirement

What you'd better check with the Immigration officer when you apply for 30 days tourism extension to make sure the schedule above is workable are :

a) Ask If IO would contact you during the first Non-O (90days), then make sure it's okay with them that you are out of Thailand on those schedules

b) If you can apply Non-O with your tourism extension application (which can save you one trip to the CM office and 1 day from your schedule)

When you want to apply in-country Non-O is up to you and your preferences.

2 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

@Billy ******

, you got unclear information then. No, the insurance requirement is only for Non-OA (1-year multiple visa from embassy/consulate in your home country) and extensions following. Not for Non-O in-country and extensions after.

2 years ago

Ellie *******

If you have a contract of the place to live and also your travel itinerary allows, another option would be applying for in-country Non-O visa retirement immediately now when you apply for 30 days tourism extension.

2 years ago

Ellie *******

remember, even if you are flying in from Vietnam, you may need an onward ticket when you board airlines for visa-exempt entry to Thailand without a valid visa.

2 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

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Can I apply for a retirement visa (Non-O) in Thailand after arriving on the 30-day visa exemption?

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