Answered3 years ago

Do both spouses need 80,000 baht in a Thai bank account for the OA visa?

OA Visa Thai Bank Account Requirements Retire in Thailand Visa for Married Couples Non-O Visa

Michelle *********

asked May 1, 2023

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Thank you for allowing me to join your group!

My husband and I are planning on retiring to Thailand in the next couple of years.

I have been unable to ascertain whether the OA visa requires BOTH of us to have 80,000 baht each in a Thai bank or not....any assistance from other married couples living in Thailand would be greatly appreciated!  TIA

Answer summary

A couple retiring in Thailand is inquiring about the financial requirements for the OA visa. It appears that only one spouse needs to meet the 800,000 baht requirement in a Thai bank account for the OA visa, while the other can apply for a 90-day Non-O visa as a trailing spouse. One comment also mentions that having a Thai bank account is not mandatory for obtaining the OA visa.

9 repliesnewest first

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Keith *******

In my opinion an OA does not require a Thai bank account, I do not have a Thai bank and I have an OA visa

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Keith ******

to GET an OA visa in your country before you come here you are correct the proof of funds can be shown in a bank in your country.

BUT

once you get the 2 years you can stay ON an OA visa here by maxing the visa out if you're going to apply for an in country yearly extension you either bank the 800K in funds or you have transferred in the 65k every month for the previous 12 months. (if your embassy here doesn't issue the income affidavit notary)

OR

You go back to your country and buy a new OA and repeat the process.

3 years ago

Tod *********

GO to the website of the thai consulate/embassy you're going to get the OA visa from and read the requirements.

Most sites state that ONE person meets the financial requirements of 800K baht to get the year-long, multi-entry OA visa and their spouse gets a 90 day single Non-O visa based on trailing spouse.

Then once you're in thailand you go to your immigration office and find out the requirements so they can get a matching extension of stay until the OA year entry stamp of their spouse.

So to re-cap ONE person meets the requirements and applies for the year/multi OA visa and one person applies for the 90 day/single O visa based on being their spouse.

3 years ago

Michelle *********

@Tod ********

thank you Tod! I appreciate your explaining it. I am quite relieved that wewont have to tie up that amount of money to qualify.

3 years ago

David ********

@Michelle ********

you wrote 80,000 baht - the actual amount you need in a Thai bank is 800,000 baht.

3 years ago

Michelle *********

@Ellie ******

excellent, even better! Thanks Ellie!

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Michelle ********

, and check again the requirements at the Thai embassy/consulate where you are applying. Mostly, they allow your funds in your home country for Non-OA visa, you don't have to be in a Thai bank account.

3 years ago

Michelle *********

@David *******

yes thanks it was a typo 😉

3 years ago