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Can you switch from a visa-exempt entry to a retirement visa while in Thailand?
Retirement VisaVisa ExemptionNon-O VisaBank Account RequirementsVisa Application ProcessThai Immigration Rules
Feb 14, 2026
2 months ago
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERLots of messages about people going from visa exempt tourist entry- straight to retirement visa, whilst in Thaiiand.
Is that really an option? How is that possible please?
Is it really an option to do that route? Or better to do the route from outside Thailand via Non ‘O’ 90 day entry online application?
Its a bit confusing reading people that people came on a tourist visa exempt and got retirement whilst feet on the ground in Thailand.
Is that really an option? How is that possible please?
Is it really an option to do that route? Or better to do the route from outside Thailand via Non ‘O’ 90 day entry online application?
Its a bit confusing reading people that people came on a tourist visa exempt and got retirement whilst feet on the ground in Thailand.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the possibility of transitioning from a visa-exempt entry to a retirement visa (Non-O) while remaining in Thailand. Many expats advise that it can be complicated to do so because opening a Thai bank account on a tourist visa is challenging, often leading to the recommendation of obtaining a Non-O visa from outside Thailand before arriving. While some claim it is still possible to change visa types within Thailand using an agent, the consensus suggests it's more straightforward to secure the appropriate visa beforehand to avoid administrative issues.
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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Greg ***********
For an in-country "change of visa type" from the tourist visa or visa-exempt entry to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa, you need an already existing Thai bank account with 800,000 THB minimum already sitting in it on the day you apply on Immigration for the "change". Unless your embassy in Bangkok still issues an income affidavit over a minimum of monthly 65,000 THB – then you won’t need the bank account to apply for the “change”.
The problem is: on touristic entries, you cannot get a Thai bank account opened any more (unless you are willing to fork out a large sum of money (up from 60,000 THB!) to agents who are willing and able to get around the law)
That’s why it is recommended to arrive on a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa you acquired outside of Thailand, as on this visa you can easily get a bank account opened, and will be able to apply for the “Retirement Extension of the Stay Permit” as soon as the deposit has seasoned in your account for 2 months
The problem is: on touristic entries, you cannot get a Thai bank account opened any more (unless you are willing to fork out a large sum of money (up from 60,000 THB!) to agents who are willing and able to get around the law)
That’s why it is recommended to arrive on a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa you acquired outside of Thailand, as on this visa you can easily get a bank account opened, and will be able to apply for the “Retirement Extension of the Stay Permit” as soon as the deposit has seasoned in your account for 2 months
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Alexander Thank you.
So it is still ‘possible’ to do it, from visa exempt- to in country change to non ‘o’ using an agent.
Im not saying I will do it, just confirming if thats possible.
So it is still ‘possible’ to do it, from visa exempt- to in country change to non ‘o’ using an agent.
Im not saying I will do it, just confirming if thats possible.
Greg ***********
PurpleOtter5805 YES it is still possible, however only a handful of agents will do it, with prices up from 60,000 THB thru 90,000 THB
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Alexander Thank you.
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PurpleO********
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Jake *****
I got non-o retirement via TR visa 90 days from visa exemption 90 days without leaving Thailand. (THIS CASE OF Korean national)
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERJake Lee TR visa is where please? Was this recent?
Jake *****
PurpleOtter5805 8 yrs ago, your regional immigration office. if you apply for Non-O, they will issue TR first
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Jake *****
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David ********
I arrive march 2nd.Agency getting non o visa then retirement set up with bank account and driving licence.
Paul *******
You can use an agent to convert exemption to O visa but they strongly recommend get the O visa outside Thailand. It's possible but not easy.
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERPaul Jones Thank you
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PurpleO********
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Simon **********
Yes, it’s possible and easier than doing it abroad.
Marianne ********
Simon Robinson Very much disagree.
It is far easier to get the Non-O before you come to Thailand.
Especially if you do not have a Thai bank account already.
It is far easier to get the Non-O before you come to Thailand.
Especially if you do not have a Thai bank account already.
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERMarianne Holmen Have you done it from inside Thailand? I guess you must have to be able to disagree.
What made it difficult for you to do from inside Thailand ?
What made it difficult for you to do from inside Thailand ?
Marianne ********
PurpleOtter5805 I have done it both ways for my Non-O based on marriage.
In Bangkok it was a chore partially because of the amount of people there. We had to go multiple times because they kept saying we were missing some papers. And sent me to the copy shop more than once. 😅
Some of it partially my fault.
Having said that, I am a woman married to a Thai man and do not need to show any bank documents either way.
But the online application required less documents to support the claim that we were married.
In Bangkok it was a chore partially because of the amount of people there. We had to go multiple times because they kept saying we were missing some papers. And sent me to the copy shop more than once. 😅
Some of it partially my fault.
Having said that, I am a woman married to a Thai man and do not need to show any bank documents either way.
But the online application required less documents to support the claim that we were married.
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERMarianne Holmen Thank you for expanding. Appreciated.
Simon **********
Marianne so not visa based on retirement….
Marianne ********
Simon Robinson Which mostly required the same documents outside of the ones related to the marriage, and different sums for the financial requirements.
Steve *******
PurpleOtter5805 The only difficulty doing it inside Thailand is not having a Thai bank account
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERSteve Greir ythank you, thats what I imagine too.
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PurpleO********
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Simon **********
Marianne Holmen again, purely based on my own personal experience
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Simon **********
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PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERSimon Robinson See, this is where the confusion is, can you explain a little please, why would it be possible, and even ‘easier’ doing it in Thailand?
Thank you if you can explain a little.
Thank you if you can explain a little.
Simon **********
PurpleOtter5805 I can only comment based upon my own personal experience, and of my friends. You arrive on visa exemption. Apply for a Non immigrant O in country, then apply for the extension based on retirement. In reality O and Extension is done in one application. You get 15 months and no requirement for insurance, although I would highly recommend getting that in any case.
John **********
@Simon *********
so you used an agent as that's the only way you get 15 months. For those that don't want to use an agent, and don't already have a Thai bank account, it is much easier to get the 90 day Non-O visa before travelling to ThailandSimon **********
@John *********
do you know what the lottery numbers are going to be too? I have lived here in Thailand for ten years, but obviously not to your criteria.
Steve *******
Simon Robinson It's fine doing it in Thailand if you already have a Thai bank but virtually impossible if you don't unless you pay an agent.
Stuart ***********
When did you do this and did you use an agent, if so how much did the agent charge you?
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERSimon Robinson Thank you for expanding, seems yes, its still an option, thank you for clarifying. Im not looking to ‘dodge’ any rules or find loop holes, I have plenty to deposit, the finance part is no problem, I don’t need agents to deposit anything. Im just trying to get clear facts on the options, especially as im a 20yr expat, British, living in a non english speaking country in Europe, with Permanent residency.
Not a problem, but occasionally can make things more long winded.
(Hopefully not)
Not a problem, but occasionally can make things more long winded.
(Hopefully not)
Stuart ***********
You will regret it, you will likely end up having to leave Thailand or pay a lot of money to an agent to correct your mistake, but it's up to you. You were warned.
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Stuart ***********
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Alan *****
Can you get a non O visa from your home country Or is it a non OA visa. It the insurance thing I’m concerned about
Ant ***********
Alan Bow
Get a Non-O single entry from the Thai Embassy in home country - minimal requirements
Non-OA requires insurance and other checks
Get a Non-O single entry from the Thai Embassy in home country - minimal requirements
Non-OA requires insurance and other checks
Joaquin ***********
I´m not sure 100%, but I think not all Thai consulates in all countries allow Non-O VISA applications for pensioners, only Non O-A .
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERJoaquin Rodriguez ah, oh, that may explain alot. Good point to bring up.
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PurpleO********
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PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnt W Tailor Thank you
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PurpleO********
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Stuart *********
You can get a Non O from your home country or one of the surrounding countries around Asia. Many embassies will issue Non O’s to non residents of that country but you’d need to check where you intend to apply.
Woody *********
Alan Bow you can do either on web.
Alan *****
Woody Windsor do I need insurance for the non O visa
Ant ***********
Alan Bow
No
No
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Ant ***********
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Stuart ***********
Definitely get the 90 day Non-O before coming to Thailand, unless you already have a Thai bank account.
You will get people that reply and tell you it's possible by coming here visa exempt, but you will regret that decision.
It used to be possible to enter without a visa, but that changed over a year ago, when the Thai authorities clamped down on opening bank accounts without long term visas.
People that say you can do it are either out of date, or don't understand as they used an agent. Good luck.
You will get people that reply and tell you it's possible by coming here visa exempt, but you will regret that decision.
It used to be possible to enter without a visa, but that changed over a year ago, when the Thai authorities clamped down on opening bank accounts without long term visas.
People that say you can do it are either out of date, or don't understand as they used an agent. Good luck.
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERStuart Chiverton Thank you
Alan *****
Stuart Chiverton if you already have a Thai bank account. What’s the best visa. To get. To apply for a retirement visa. I’m from the uk
Stuart ***********
I would still recommend getting the 90 day non-O Alan. It means you are entering Thailand with the correct visa and you therefore do not need to have a return or onward flight booked. It also means you have one less trip to the immigration office as you have already done the hard work getting the non-O. Everything should be straightforward for you, extending your stay for 12 months once inside Thailand is very simple, it's one a4 form with about 15 simple questions (name, passport number, date arrived in Thailand, address etc) and few photocopies, a couple of passport photos, proof of where you live and proof from your Thai bank that you have 800,000 baht deposited for 2 months with a letter + bank book updated. It costs 1,900 baht and you walk out a few minutes later with a 12 month stamp. You can then repeat the extension process every 12 months.
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERStuart Chiverton some good points, valid reasons to consider doing it the route from outside Thailand
Thank you, for engaging in this topic.
Thank you, for engaging in this topic.
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PurpleO********
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Sebastian ********
This was how I did it 10 years ago when it was much easier to open a bank account. Now, next to impossible unless you want the horrific charges of an agent!
It is much better to do it from outside then when you go to open a bank account, you are then showing a long term visa.
It is much better to do it from outside then when you go to open a bank account, you are then showing a long term visa.
Bill *********
Sebastian Barrow Visa agent charges are not horrific, they're quite reasonable and saved me so much time and effort.
Michael ***********
Sebastian Barrow yes and no perhaps? Because if applying for a an o retirement visa from outside of thailsnd then insurance becomes mandatory.
Sebastian ********
Michael Spigarolo no it does not! Only if applying for Non-OA.
Applying for Non-O for retirement does not involve medical insurance. That is something you can do here for peace of mind with a better deal to suit you.
Applying for Non-O for retirement does not involve medical insurance. That is something you can do here for peace of mind with a better deal to suit you.
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Sebastian ********
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PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERSebastian Barrow Thank you
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PurpleO********
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Stuart *********
It certainly is an option you go from visa exempt or tourist visa to a in country Non O based on being over 50.
Except these days it’s almost impossible to open a bank account with no visa or a tourist visa. It can be done with the help of an agent perhaps but rare.
Getting the non O from outside the country and entering with that makes the bank account opening way easier.
If you are from a country that still issues income affidavits then that may not be an issue.
Except these days it’s almost impossible to open a bank account with no visa or a tourist visa. It can be done with the help of an agent perhaps but rare.
Getting the non O from outside the country and entering with that makes the bank account opening way easier.
If you are from a country that still issues income affidavits then that may not be an issue.
Stuart *********
Yes. The stumbling block to this approach is the Thai bank account. If you already have one then not an issue.
Up until about a year ago it was entirely possible and arguably the easier way to go. But now not so.
Up until about a year ago it was entirely possible and arguably the easier way to go. But now not so.
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
apology for next question, entering visa exempt gives 60 days.How can one, open a bank account to deposit 800k, and have it in there long enough to qualify for a visa application?
It means somehow in first days of entering, somehow opening an account, then its still only going to have been deposited there for maybe 40-50 days isn’t it?
Stuart *********
If you’re lucky enough to be able to open a bank account on a visa exempt or tourist visa there is no seasoning requirement for the funds (other than 1 day - except if you use the Jomtien office). The seasoning is for the extension.
So in theory, come over with an exempt entry or tourist visa, get a bank account. Transfer 800k and apply for a in country Non O. That would give you 90 days and when that’s winding down you apply for the year extension with the funds being seasoned for two months prior.
Sounds easy. It used to be. As stated earlier if you don’t already have a Thai bank account it could be akin to hitting your head against a brick wall.
So in theory, come over with an exempt entry or tourist visa, get a bank account. Transfer 800k and apply for a in country Non O. That would give you 90 days and when that’s winding down you apply for the year extension with the funds being seasoned for two months prior.
Sounds easy. It used to be. As stated earlier if you don’t already have a Thai bank account it could be akin to hitting your head against a brick wall.
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
aha,In country non o?
I didn’t realise that was even possible, now it gets even more confusing, or misunderstanding.
So tourist to in country non o, no need seasoning,
So visa exempt 60 days (+30 if want to extend)
Then in country non ‘0’ no seasoning required-
Then have 90 days non o to season funds for the extension.
Got it.
That sounds logical.
Interesting option. The only blocking point is the thai bank account?
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PurpleO********
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Marianne ********
PurpleOtter5805 Apply for a extension of stay on your visa exemption. 30 more days.
PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTERMarianne Holmen Thanks, yeah I was guessing would need to do that.
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PurpleO********
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PurpleO********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
Thank youReply to
PurpleO********
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