Answered2 years ago
Can I use a 90-day tourist visa to apply for a retirement extension in Thailand?
hello, I have a question about the process to get a retirement extension. I have been living here since 2016 on retirement extensions, but have been helping a new guy, who now has had two agencies tell him he needs an education visa which three months down the road can then be turned into a retirement extension. problem is they both want a total of +- 60K baht.
it is still possible to get a 90 day tourist visa (from outside the country, online), then request an extension? are the visa agencies just not offering this because they can charge more for the education visa route? or has this avenue been closed?
also, my friend also was turned down by two banks yesterday for an account, are there still banks who will open an account for a new person with a residency certificate?
so, the questions:
1. can you still go the 90 day tourist visa route to get a retirement extension?
2. will banks still open accounts, and you just need to find the one that will?
thanks for your input!
it is still possible to get a 90 day tourist visa (from outside the country, online), then request an extension? are the visa agencies just not offering this because they can charge more for the education visa route? or has this avenue been closed?
also, my friend also was turned down by two banks yesterday for an account, are there still banks who will open an account for a new person with a residency certificate?
so, the questions:
1. can you still go the 90 day tourist visa route to get a retirement extension?
2. will banks still open accounts, and you just need to find the one that will?
thanks for your input!
Answer summary
This discussion addresses the feasibility of obtaining a retirement extension in Thailand after acquiring a 90-day tourist visa, and the challenges faced in opening a bank account without a long-term visa. Community members provide insights into visa types, bank requirements, and the potential pitfalls of using agencies versus direct applications.
37 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Frank *****
OPMy bad, he has 90 day OA visa, not tourist visa.
John **********
@Frank ****
no such thing as a 90 day OA visa, that's the 12 month visa. Don't you mean a 90 day Non-O visa? With that, a residence certificate from immigration and apply telephone registered in his own name he should be able to open a bank account in his own name. He might still need to try and number of bank branches though
อรรจนา **********
You can extend your tourist visa for about 30 days.
And I can help you open a bank account in Thailand.
And I can help you open a bank account in Thailand.
Eddie **********
Cost abt
Without you put any mony in. They fix it al
But….. all illegal and then you have to use same agent every year…
Not a good way to do it….
*****
bath to open bank and get a non o then 1 yearWithout you put any mony in. They fix it al
But….. all illegal and then you have to use same agent every year…
Not a good way to do it….
Frank *****
OP@Eddie *********
100% agree.Frank *****
OP@Eddie *********
using an agency to pretend you have the required funds is shady. My friend has plenty, just struggling through the morass. It will all get sorted.Eddie **********
Problem are bank. Can not open bank on a tourist visa.
If you have a bank with 800 you can go from tourist to a non o, and then a extensions 1 year retierment.
Don’t go for a non o a..
Then you need to buy
Expensive health Insurrance…
May be use agent to open bank.
Rest you can do by your self ( you need to be here abt 2-3 month
If you have a bank with 800 you can go from tourist to a non o, and then a extensions 1 year retierment.
Don’t go for a non o a..
Then you need to buy
Expensive health Insurrance…
May be use agent to open bank.
Rest you can do by your self ( you need to be here abt 2-3 month
Anna *********
He needs to get a O or OA ( i can't remember which is better) visa from his home or other country which will give him 90 days He should then be able to open a bank account Deposit the required funds 800KThb within the first 30 days so it is seasoned Then go and apply for extension for retirement -No need for agent Good luck
Frank *****
OP@Anna ********
my friend has 90 day visa and was declined at two banks yesterday.Nongnuch ********
@Frank ****
did he have a 90-days single entry Non-Imm-O visaclass? On this visaclass he can open a Thai bank account. He needs a Thai mobile number, a "certificate of residence" from Immigration and some cash to deposit. Best to have a Thai accompany him for translating, or use an agent. . . . . 90 days . . it can't be anything. As there is - despite your earlier remark - nothing such as 90-days tourist visa.Frank *****
OP@Nongnuch *******
thank you, this is best answer! He's given up and paying an agency, lol. They will smooth the way.
Graham ******
@Frank ****
did he have a residence certificate from Immigration?
Brandon ************
@Anna ********
the non-O is the 90 day visaAnna *********
Thank you I remembered after I posted 😀
John *********
Why would you get an education visa when you want a retirement visa? Just go to immigration and get your retirement visa. It’s there waiting for you to take it. I am flying out to Australia today because I want to go to Canada.
Frank *****
OP@John ********
two different visa agencies are telling him this, surprised me. He entered country on 60 day waiver, then the visa he'd applied for was sent. He has res cert, phone, and was turned away by 2 banks so far. I love Thailand! Never a dull moment!Graham ******
@John ********
Because the agent giving the advice gets a better return this way ;)John *********
@Graham *****
deceptive.John **********
A tourist visa is a 60 day visa that can be extended by a further 30 days, a visa exempt entry is currently similar. Both can be converted to a 90 day Non-O visa at most immigration offices but you need a minimum of 800k in a Thai bank transferred from overseas and between 15 and 21 days left on your current stamp in order to apply. It is still possible to open a bank account on a tourist visa but it's not easy and can require visiting many branches of different banks until you find one that will accommodate you. It may be easier just to take a trip to a nearby country and apply for the 90 day Non-O visa there, once you have this it's much easier to open a bank account
Albert ********
@John *********
if I meet the $65,000 TB per month requirement, how long do I need to to show that income level in deposits, not for a renewal. For the purpose of obtaining a non O or OA Retirement visa, I don’t remember which it is if applying inside of Thailand. I had an agent tell me apply for non O in U.S. and travel there and they’d do the rest.Albert ********
I am assuming you’ve never had a stroke that leaves your hand wobbling. I do practice printing my name. It is not something that is just managed. Months of therapy had no impact.
John **********
@Albert *******
you can't use the 65k baht per month to apply for a Non-O visa inside Thailand. You can show the equivalent in your home country bank to apply for a Non-O visa inside your home country before you travel to Thailand, but you would still need to show 800k baht in a Thai bank to get your 1st 12 month extension inside Thailand. During that 12 period you could transfer 65k baht (which you can spend) each and every month for a full 12 months prior to applying for your 2nd extension and use that option then. As to problems filling out forms, they're not extensive so I'm sure you would manage, mostly you just need to be able to write your name, address and passport number along with a couple of datesNongnuch ********
@Albert *******
Your US embassy doesn't issue any "income affidavuts". So for a first 15 months stay on a Non-O visa and the 1-year Extension, an agent would have to first open a Thai bank account for you, then they need to front your 800,000 THB deposit in your Thai bank account (which is bribery except if you can use your own funds!) You can expect from up to 32,000 THB for such a service (I have already seen agencies asking for 72,000 THB)Albert ********
@Nongnuch *******
it’s not that I can’t meet the requirements it’s that I have a disability. I guess you skimmed over that partNongnuch ********
@Albert *******
it's up to you if you chose to pay an agent to bribe Immigration, because you cannot fulfill the requirements by yourself. Be aware that it is not easy to get out of the Agent's "hamster wheel" in the years followingAlbert ********
I expected to pay a good bit because it is all stuff I really would want done right and frankly, just have someone else do it. I have an impairment with my dominant hand and I’m not to good at filling in forms any longer. It is a rather difficult task and my 6 year old granddaughter writes more legible
Albert ********
@Nongnuch *******
So if I’ve been given a quote for $800 USD I should jump on it? He said he’d do all of those things you mentioned and set me up with a real estate agent to look at condos.
Michael *******
@John *********
which countries allow you to obtain an O-A retirement visa if you are non -resident, citizen or work permit holder, I know Singapore doesn’t….normally they want you to go to your home country……John **********
@Michael ******
a Non-O can be obtained in most countries or even inside Thailand but a Non-OA only in your home countryMichael *******
@John *********
makes sense 👍
Stuart ***********
He can get a non O visa based on retirement inside Thailand if he meets the requirements. He needs to open a bank account in Thailand first and this is virtually impossible without a long term visa these days.
Ask the agency to open a bank account for him. The rest he can do himself at immigration.
Ask the agency to open a bank account for him. The rest he can do himself at immigration.
Wayne *********
Got more hope of bank account with a Non O visa than a tourist visa these days, even then still may need to try a few banks.
Wayne *********
You can not extend a tourist visa more than one time.
Are you confused with the 90 day Non O visa which can keep being extended.
Tourist visa are 60 days plus 30 extension. I have not heard of a 90 day tourist visa.
Are you confused with the 90 day Non O visa which can keep being extended.
Tourist visa are 60 days plus 30 extension. I have not heard of a 90 day tourist visa.
Frank *****
OP@Wayne ********
yes, 90 day non o, stand corrected.Albert ********
@Wayne ********
I thought it’s a visa exempt status, different lengths of time depending on origin of touristAlbert ********
There are exemptions for certain visas from certain countries is all I was trying to say. It’s not definitively 60 for every single person.
Wayne *********
@Albert *******
even exempt depending on passport is only 60 days and can extend once only each entryActivity
13 joined13
people
Related
25Can I open a bank account in Thailand using a Yellow 'Tabien baan' book without a residence certificate?
1.9k19113mo
How do the new rules affect those currently on a 30-day visa in Thailand?
3.1k27323mo
What are the recent changes to visa policies and which countries are easier for obtaining the DTV visa?
629155mo
Can I frequently visit Thailand for short stays on a tourist visa as a US airline pilot?
11.5k8914510mo
How can I choose the right agency for obtaining my retirement visa in Thailand?
5.5k31911y
Can I rent a condo in Bangkok on a 90-day tourist visa, or do I need a longer visa?
10k91791y
Can I change a tourist visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
9.3k641331y
How can I resolve an issue with my Non O visa labeled for business instead of retirement in Thailand?
2.7k23231y
What is the best approach for securing housing in Thailand on a tourist visa while applying for the DTV?
1.2k1022y
What are the tourist visa requirements for Thailand and how safe is the country for travelers?
1.8k11192y
What do I need to know about getting an English teaching job in Thailand with a tourist visa?
2k15133y
Can I stay in Thailand for 90 days with a 60-day tourist visa and a 30-day extension?
2.1k2133y
What is the best visa option for semi-retirement in Thailand while working remotely?
7.6k61823y
What Visa Options Are Available for Long-Term Stay in Thailand?
4.8k39453y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a 90-day visa while planning to apply for a retirement visa?
2.5k2564y
Should I get a re-entry permit at the airport or an immigration office in Bangkok?
2.9k22265y
Is it possible to apply for a 60-day Covid Extension before my Tourist Visa expires on December 23rd?
1.5k1365y
How can I open a bank account in Thailand as a tourist without a work permit?
12k1071055y
What are the current quarantine rules for tourists arriving in Thailand with a 40-day tourist visa?
7.4k57886y
What is the experience of expats with the Thai Elite Visa, especially in light of recent price changes and potential lockdowns?
7.4k68596y
Can I obtain a 3-month tourist visa for Thailand while in Vietnam?
737367y
Can I extend my 30-day stamp in Thailand without leaving the country?
3k28168y
Do I need to report my stay to immigration while on a 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
2.3k2369y
How can I extend my stay in Thailand with a tourist visa after holding an Ed Visa?
975729y
Are immigration officers still checking for 20,000 THB cash upon entry in Thailand?
4.6k41339y
Resources
Need help with 90-day reporting?
Trusted service that gets people to a real agent fast